Reviews

"...her interpretation [is] fervent, committed, but intensely natural...some melting mezza voce...production values are superb, with excellent surround sound and Brian Large’s atmospheric visuals...once again, even the booklet notes are good." (Gramophone)

"A real work of art from Opus Arte." (Klassieke Zaken)

"...it’s an emotional edginess that makes Bartoli's performance of the cantata Arianna a Naxos so remarkable, an artist running to embrace danger you might say...The concert begins with Harnoncourt leading his own Vienna Concentus Music through a compelling... performance of Haydn's Oxford Symphony. As ever, it's orchestral balance and the carefully judged dynamics that make a Harnoncourt performance so gripping. The hushed introduction to the opening movement is as tightly coiled as a spring, before it's ambushed by the whole orchestra. It's a delight to watch Harnoncourt working with his own players..." (International Record Review)

"We already have a Decca recording of Arianna a Naxos by Cecilia Bartoli with András Schiff, but this splendidly sung version with string accompaniment is even more telling, even though the orchestral transcription was not Haydn's own. Moreover the performance is especially vivid in the singer's visual presence, while Harnoncourt accompanies with great sensitivity." (The Penguin Guide)

Extra features

'Styriarte: Portrait of a Festival' - Short film on the renowned music festival founded by Harnoncourt in his home town of Graz.'In Rehearsal' - Cecilia Bartoli and Nikolaus Harnoncourt discuss the music of Haydn, and work on performances in rehearsal.