Jakub Orlinski/Michal Biel – If Music [LP]

If music… showcases star countertenor Jakub Jzef Orliski in 17 songs and arias by three composers of the Baroque era: Purcell, Handel and Fux. Perhaps unexpectedly, he is partnered not by an ensemble of period instruments but by a pianist – his long-standing colleague Micha Biel. “On this album we have combined arias and songs that inspire and speak to us, ” says Jakub Jzef Orliski. “I love thinking of albums as pages out of my diary. They are a statement of where I am as an artist.” As Micha Biel, who draws on all the possibilities of a Steinway grand piano, freely admits: “If music… is not an answer to the question of how to perform these masterpieces with historical authenticity.” He sees each aria or song as “a carefully considered transcription that reveals it’s appeal transcending instrumentation”.

Tracks
1 Oedipus, Z. 583: No. 2, Song. “Music for a While”
2 Come, Ye Sons of Art Away, Z. 323: No. 5, Ritornello. “Strike the Viol”
3 King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 3: Cold Song. “What Power Art Thou?”
4 Pausanius, Z. 585: Song. “Sweeter Than Roses”
5 Bonduca, Z. 574, Act 5: Solo. “O, Lead Me”
6 If Music Be the Food of Love, Z. 379 (Third Version)
7 Serse, HWV 40, Act 1: Largo. “Ombra Mai Fu” (Serse)
8 Rodelinda, Regina De’ Longobardi, HWV 19, Act 3: Aria. “Un Zeffiro Spir” (Rodelinda)
9 Rinaldo, HWV 7, Act 2: Aria. “Siam Prossimi Al Porto” (Eustazio)
10 Partenope, HWV 27, Act 2: Aria. “Furibondo Spira Il Vento” (Arsace)
11 Semele, HWV 58, Act 2: Aria. “Where’er You Walk” (Jupiter)