Nicola Porpora: Alto Giove, Derek Lee Ragin

Nicola Porpora: Alto Giove, from the opera Polifemo. Derek Lee Ragin, countertenor (final vocal ornamentation by Ewa Mallas-Godlewska).

Alto Giove, è tua grazia,
è tuo vanto il gran dono
di vita immortale
che il tuo cenno sovrano mi fa.

Almighty Jupiter, your grace
and your fame are the great gift
of immortality
that you give me a sovereign gesture.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Porpora
• Alto
• Giove
• Derrek
• Lee
• Ragin
• countertenor
• contretenor
• castrato
• Baroque
• opera
• Polifemo

[germanicoingermania]

Thank you for this Porpora aria. I'd like to ask you if you prefer this version or the one sung by Jaroussky which you also posted. As much as I like this, I must say I prefer Jaroussky. Thank you for so many wonderful arias!

[sfkcbf]

This artist's recording of Alto Giove works better than the more demanding arias(requiring vocal agility, focus, and breath control) in the Farinelli film. I do like the soprano ornamentation at the end (the manner in which I play it on the piano). Most newer countertenors have advanced technique, and Jaroussky is quite good. For this "pathetic" (emotional) aria, however, I would have preferred the richer voice of the earlier countertenor Paul Esswood. Also, Paul had excellent musical taste.

[cuicuimusic]

Wonderful, but I seriously doubt Maria's voice was used only the very end though... just listen to 2:57 it's clearly Maria, 3:07 as well. Or at least a mix of both voices. 3:37 as well.

[sfkcbf]

You might be correct for 2:57,3:07, or 3:34; however, all these sections are well within Derek's vocal range; there would be no need to substitute a soprano. Also, I have listened to several recordings of Derek, and I have heard his voice sound like this before. The final ornamentation at 4:10, however, changes not only in range but, at least to me, discernably in timbre. I guess we would have to find and ask the Sony recording engineers.

[kosoglazaya1]

обожаю эту арию из Фаринелли!Невероятный голос !Хочется плакать!Такая грусть,такая беспомощность и такая сила!но я очень люблю,когда  поет Филипп Жарусски!

[MIMIFORSAGE]

I heard Derek Lee Ragin perform this haunting aria at Kenyon College in Ohio. I thought it was just about the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. I was able to have a nice conversation with him, & he is a joy to meet & such a gracious person. I've met many musicians after concerts, & he is absolutely the most charming ..

[alconcerto]

Beautiful, out of this world piece.

[gitzolinick]

thank you

[brychar66]

Majesty in sound - and with a glimpse of the beloved & immortal Antinous at the close.

[treblechoir99]

Rewarding voice. wonderful SFKcbf.

[cuicuimusic]

i meant 3:34, not 3:37 :)