Painting a bigger picture of Cavalli's talents

Sergio Vartolo leds his Mediterraneo Concento and soloists present a hard to beat collection of Cavalli's arias and duets

Composer: Cavalli
Repertoire: Arias and duets
Artists: Soloists; Mediterraneo Concento/Sergio Vartolo
Rating: 4/5 
Genre: Opera 
Label: Naxos 8.557746

Sergio Vartolo hits the nail on the head in his extensive notes to this recording. He explains that his condensed selection from Cavalli’s work presents a ‘meaningful picture’ of the composer’s talents and the early development of opera. There’s no want of colour in Vartolo’s picture, thanks to the excellent Gloria Banditelli as Dido, and strong solo singing throughout. Even at full price this album would be hard to beat.