MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Vivaldi: Opera and Oratorio arias

"Magdalena Kozená has almost become the Barack Obama of mezzo-sopranos. With that mesmerising voice, that magnetic personality, everybody wants a piece of her, after the Handel recital last year she raids the Baroque pleasure dome again, with 15 Vivaldi opera arias, largely unfamiliar, sung naturally in Italian." The Times, 5th June 2009 ***

"Kozená is a technically assured singer who can give Bartoli a run for her money in a virtuoso martial aria such as "Armatae face" from Juditha Triumphans.... Highlights of the recital include the enchantingly wry and playful "Cara sorte" from La verità in cimento and "Gelido in ogni venta" from Farnace , which recycles material from The Four Seasons ." Daily Telegraph, 1st July 2009 ****

Magdalena Kožená is one of the most well respected contemporary singers. She is in demand as a guest at leading world operas and concert stages. Following her avidly received Handel album Kožená's return collaboration with the VBO and maestro Andrea Marcon will rejoice her fans and make her new ones.

Kožená's own selection of Vivaldi opera and oratorio arias emphasizes the gentler moods she is acclaimed for (Sol da te), but also shows off fierce Vivaldi virtuosity (Nel profondo)

The suggestive Gelido in ogni vena is based on The Four Seasons' "Winter" movement