An expected discovery but a pale result ...

Decidedly, Handel did not only lucky to drive, at least lately. A few months after Germanico attributed very doubtfully, almost imposture since the assumption of Handelian paternity is highly questionable (even if the interpretation is quite exciting), here is a real novelty, but this time, it is the interpretation that can be reported.

Il pastor fido is not the best known work of composer from Halle. Composed in 1712 it is based on a libretto by Giacomo Rossi, inspired by the famous poem of Guarini which also inspire the faithful Shepherd Rameau's work may be more significant. But this opera in three acts from 1712 is a charming work, despite his failure at the time (it was hard not to disappoint after the shock Rinaldo!), And while the heavily reworked version of 1734 was a much bigger success (one record exists McGegan Hungaroton, not as one might fear the disappointing thanks to Paul Esswood but expected a bit more bite anyway).
The 1712 version, so is his side played here for the first time. But Harmonia Mundi has entrusted this difficult task in the resurrection of a strong Italian influence opera, also rich in orchestral parts, and sometimes a little obvious dramatic continuity, a young British ensemble, La Nuova Musica, which temperament is very pale to inhabit these pages is expected with many more colors, embossed, proposed that the result here. Pass grade, so for the musician David Bates, young countertenor spent maybe somewhat hastily to musical direction. The soloists are not without responsibility in this very gray table, and if Lucy Crowe, decidedly always convincing, still pulls out of the game, the rest of the plateau ensemble sounds like a pale and smooth way, no real leadership or dramatic intent, just the opposite of what is expected of an opera ...

Not to be too severe, we must recognize the difficulty of such registration, ambitious, for such young musicians. But the task of Harmonia Mundi as any label would protect them, entrusting them with shorter pieces can be and let them ripen, before taking this type of partition. And despite the quality of the product, sound recording, the libretto, musical failure is also shared by a publisher who lacked discernment.