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Label Challenge Classics |
UPC 0608917287523 |
Catalogue number CC 72875 |
Release date 12 March 2021 |
"Sergio Foresti highlights the versatility both of Boschi’s musicianship and his own technique, through this selection of operatic arias by ten composers altogether....Overall, this release provides a valuable insight into the abilities of, respectively, a historic and a contemporary singer."
Music Web International, 31-1-2022Sergio Foresti (1968) is a virtuoso Italian baritone. He first graduated in both opera singing and piano at the conservatory of Modena (Italy) and a decade later also in vocal chamber music in Florence (Italy). From the start of his career, he explored several musical styles in depth. In polyphonic music, for about 15 years he took the bass part in many concerts and recordings of renaissance madrigals with Concerto Italiano. He even worked with the Italian medieval group LaReverdie.
As a soloist he performed sacred music from the early nineties on. His debut in opera in 1998 was as Alcandro in Vivaldi’s L’Olimpiade. Since then he worked with important conductors like René Jacobs, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Fabio Biondi, and Jordi Savall. He performed on many stages all over Europe.
In 2012 Sergio Foresti moved from Rome to Berlin. He decided to study all over again the belcanto style of singing, which came to life with the invention of opera around 1600. He focused on technical qualities, such as the even placement of the voice, legato singing, flexibility of the voice, and ornamentations like trills. He looked for technical and stylistic insights in the old treatises. He realized that the early recordings of great singers of the past are a treasure trove of examples of how the belcanto principles can be put into practice. He came to the conclusion that music above all is created to move the soul, and that this is the approach he wants to follow.
From this deepened understanding of belcanto, he restudied his operatic and chamber music repertoire. Always working from the music score, he looks for meaningful ways to express the harmony between text and music. While maintaining a strong link to baroque music, he performed in operas of Mozart, Rossini, and Donizetti. In 2018 he released a collection of Italian cantatas of Antonio Caldara with Ensemble Stile Galante. This collection of arias for Giuseppe Maria Boschi is the realisation of and old dream, in collaboration with the fantastic Abchordis Ensemble under Andrea Buccarella.
Sergio Foresti highlights the versatility both of Boschi’s musicianship and his own technique, through this selection of operatic arias by ten composers altogether....Overall, this release provides a valuable insight into the abilities of, respectively, a historic and a contemporary singer.
Music Web International, 31-1-2022
The selection [of arias]... have as a common denominator both the high musical quality and the vocal demands. Foresti's interpretation has two virtues, technically it is almost flawless (especially in coloraturas) and faithfully expresses the text and the affection of each of the very different roles he plays. A highly interesting recording.
Ritmo, 03-1-2022
The pleasure with which I listened to this recital is closely related to the singing of Sergio Foresti..... Another positive point is the varied composition with lyrical and contemplative moments, attractively dosed between the vocal and instrumental fireworks..... Bravo!
Opus Klassiek, 15-12-2021
....rarely heard repertoire....real gems...
Opera Magazine, 01-12-2021
He sings it extremely well and there aren't a lot of singers who can handle the vocal challenges and the dramatic ones as well. In addition, his diction and projection of the different characters is very sharp and detailed. The Abchordis Ensemble conducted by Andrea Buccarella offers colorful, forceful support. It's clear that all enjoyed creating this together. The sound is warm and crisp with enough space around Foresti's voice.
American Record Guide, 01-9-2021
Sergio Foresti impressively portrays the imperious warrior, the vengeful father or the longing lover. With his robust and very flexible baritone voices, he effortlessly creates cascading coloratura as well as quieter, elegiac passages with great stylistic confidence, stage presence and drama. It's just amazing how - theatrical in the best sense of the word - Foresti gives his characters credibility. The Abchordis Ensemble, led by harpsichordist Andrea Buccarella, is also really letting itslef go and knows how to fill its part with rich contrasts and differentiation. With its unbridled temperament and passion, this is the ideal partner for the confident Sergio Foresti. A musical rollercoaster of emotions!
Toccata, 07-8-2021
Foresti sounds energetic, lively. His voice is firm and clear. Its color is mixed with strength and delicacy. He creates unique and often contrasting interpretations. At times it is moving, then again noble, and then it is blunt. His voice has a rich expressive palette and his interpretations are emotional and well thought out at the same time. This is an example of baroque virtuosity at the highest level.
Presto, 13-7-2021
Sergio Foresti and Abchordis Ensemble's intelligent selection navigates a course through contrasting instrumentations, keys, moods and composers.
Gramophone, 01-7-2021
Foresti strides majestically across his register, dispatching ringing top notes; in passages of coloratura, he's as reckless as a racing driver.
BBC Music Magazine, 01-7-2021