This CD is the third solo album for soprano Danielle de Niese.
The “Beauty of the Baroque” brings us an album of favorite arias from the English, German, and Italian traditions, accompanied by the leading European Baroque orchestra, The English Concert under Harry Bicket.
Favorite arias including Handel’s “Ombra mai fu” and highlights from Bach Cantatas are contrasted with solo songs by Purcell and Dowland, much loved Italian arias and sacred works.
Since her earlier successes in the operas of Mozart, Danielle de Niese has become most closely associated with the music of the Baroque.
The New York Times commented:
“A voice seductive enough to woo gods as well as mortals.” Ms. de Niese’s “sweet, gleaming soprano”, “phenomenal musicality” and “sharply comic, yet utterly moving” acting, combined with youth and physical presence, have brought her to the edge of a spectacular career.
Here is a video from “Beauty of the Baroque”:
Here is Danielle de Niese as Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare: