Description:

La Clemenza di Tito can be rather bloodless, but in this instance an elegant, vocally impeccable cast makes up for much of the lack of drama in John Pritchard’s conducting. Werner Hollweg’s pingy tenor cuts through the orchestra brilliantly, and he uses his voice very well. Teresa Cahill and Anne Howells are an attractive-sounding pair as the young lovers, and Robert Lloyd is typically strong as Publio. The honors here go to Yvonne Minton’s anguished, beautifully accurate Sesto, capturing an often undervalued mezzo in one of her best roles. Janet Baker is Vitella, bringing fire and passion to her melodramatic utterances and immaculate singing to a very challenging role. The sound is excellent.

OD 11255-2