Dunedin Consort/Butt (Linn) presents a fascinating collection of Handel’s youthful yet intricately composed cantatas, created during his time in Italy. British soprano Nardus Williams shines in this debut recording, showcasing her remarkable talent.
In an interview with Erica Jeal, it becomes evident that Handel’s early experiences in Rome were transformative. While his youthful works may not be the most recognized today, they lay the groundwork for the complex and compelling characters that would come to define his later operas. The Dunedin Consort, under the direction of John Butt, breathes life into three of these cantatas, offering a compelling interpretation.
Williams’s performance in “Ero e Leandro” is particularly poignant; she embodies Hero’s deep sorrow as she confronts the body of her drowned lover. Her voice captures an intense urgency, teetering on the brink yet remaining beautifully controlled. In “Tra le Fiamme,” Handel introduces a vibrant palette, reflecting Daedalus and Icarus through lively accompaniments that evoke the flickering of moths and Icarus’s dramatic descent.
Another standout piece is “Armida Abbandonata,” where Williams vividly portrays the struggles of a conflicted heroine. The recording concludes with the breathtaking closing aria from “Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno,” showcasing Williams’s heart-stoppingly beautiful voice.
This album not only highlights the early genius of Handel but also positions Nardus Williams as a formidable soprano on the classical music scene.
