These performances feature some voices that have gone on to bigger things, most notably Sandrine Piau, whose contributions to five numbers, particularly “Presso un fiume tranquillo” and “O come sei gentile, caro augellino” (from the Sixth and Seventh Books of Madrigals, respectively), make them highlights of this generally appealing collection. Tenor Mark Padmore also participates gracefully in the two duets “Mentre vaga Angioletta” and “Zefiro torna, e di soavi accenti”. But the stand-out item, the famous Combattimento, is not as well done. Narrator Nicolas Rivenq sings beautifully, but the tenor and soprano, as Tancredi and Clorinda, leave something to be desired in terms of sheer tonal attractiveness. Christie’s direction, moreover, though certainly vivacious, lacks the programatic vividness and sheer guts of the reference recording listed above. So while this is good, you can certainly do better in the main work, even if there’s much to enjoy in the remaining selection of nine shorter pieces. Excellent sonics and mid-price may tip the balance in favor of this reissue, and if so you probably won’t be disappointed.
