Paer, F.: Sofonisba

This opera contains some very listenable music, more than pleasant without being up to the quality of the very best of Paer's contemporaries in opera composition. It is given a stunning performance on this cd with not only Jennifer Larmore (who I think is one of the great mezzos) but also Rebecca Evans and Paul Nilon turning in stellar performances. The orchestra, chorus and conducting are also all first rate. This is a set which will repay many relistenings. It is indeed one of Opera Rara's best studio performances and is much superior to most of the obscure live performances which provide the bulk of obscure opera recordings.There are two sources of dismay, however. First, why in the world did Opera Rara decide to record this opera? Paer's principal strength and reputation was in opera semi-seria while opera seria, of which this is an example, was very much on its way out. Notably, contempory opinion did not rate this opera very highly, so it is a real puzzle why this was chosen when there is so much music by Paer and also by very many other almost forgotten composers of the period which on the surface would seem more worthy of revival. That lack of being a first class composition is the major shortcoming of the set. Furthermore, if one is going to all this effort, why only record the "highlights?" I find it hard to believe that there is a significant saving in cost from only recording and issuing one disk's worth of music. That said, however, this is probably as good a performance as this opera can get; it is a worthwhile disk -- and there aren't other Paer operas to buy instead.The cd comes with a typically luxuriant Opera Rara booklet -- containing the full libreto, not just what was recorded, and a lengthy essay by Jeffrey Commons. As usual, also, there is a lack of information about the performers, though there are pictures of them -- and of those who first took the roles in 1805.

You have to love Opera Rara and Jennifer Larmore for pumping out these oldies-but-goodies, year after year. Nicely edited onto one CD and with Larmore on almost every band, this is a lovely quick listen to the voice that is creme brulee for the ears. All the better that Sofonisba survives the opera, saved in the end from a Socratic suicide by a switch in potions. And we thought that "the vessel with the pestle has the pellet with the poison, but the chalice with the palace has the brew that is true," was original with Danny Kaye!

This opera is so exquistely composed with ravishing melodies, sensual plat, that utterly capitivates. It hank my lucky stars that I have discovered Paer and his music, especially Sofonsiba. Please get to know this composer . Would that I could buy this music for you so that you will demand more of it. I stake my essence on the greatness of Paer. Truly, you shall thank me.