Aris Christofellis, sopranist. Vivaldi: L'Olimpiade

Singing falsetto soprano is very difficult and unusual. Although the resulting sound can be rather constrained and hard-edged, the male timbre and clean sound contrasts greatly with the sound of a females voice. The sound of sopranist Aris Christofellis is an acquired taste; however, his precise and agile technique is astonishing in this aria with its rapid notes, leaps, and long gymnastic lines. Vivaldi obviously wrote it to show off the astonishing castrato voice.
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) : Siam navi allonde algenti, from LOlimpiade.

Siam navi allonde algenti
lasciate in abbandono
impetuosi venti I nostri affreti sono,
ogni diletto e scoglio,
tutta la vita un mar.
Ben qual nocchiero in noi
veglia ragion ma poi
pur dalondoso orgoglio
si lascia trasportar.

We are like ships on the silver waves,
drifting out of control;
like capricious winds are our affections,
every pleasure is a rock,
the whole of life a sea.
Like a steersman, reason
keeps good watch over us, but then
on the swell of pride
we let ourselves be carried away.
(for further information on male sopranos and altos, see http://www.malesopranos.com )

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Aris
• Christofellis
• Sopranist
• Countertenor
• Contratenor
• Vivaldi
• Baroque
• Opera
• L'Olimpiade

[lmspr]

Wow! His coloratura is so clean and so incredibly fast. He makes it all seem so easy, as if he never needed to take a breath. The voice takes a while to get used to, but the coloratura is absolutely amazing!!

[sfkcbf]

Yes, you are right. I have hoped to hear of more recent sopranists to equal Aris; however, I have heard none. The great technical difficulties Aris had to conquer understandably result in an unusual tone and difficulty with enunciation; however, his male throat and beath capacity permit him to sing in a manner closer to that of a Baroque castrato than most women are able to because of their natural sound and lesser breath capacity. His vocal agility is amazing.

[lalagonegaga]

For some inexplicable reason, this recording works for me like a time machine. It's odd, I know, but somehow, when I listen to it, I have the impression that I am hearing a direct broadcast from an 18th century opera house with one of the castrati superstars performing. I know it's irrational, this guy's voice is not even that good, but I think it is just the peculiarity that gives it its charm. Like there's a slight error in the transmission from three centuries ago. :)

[Dacookstar]

Creepy? More like gorgeous.

[greggreg03]

@2010wieliczka The legato technique is much more perfect than Bartoli's. Especially that B. absolutely lacks it. :)

[greggreg03]

@aryah47 I am here for the same reason.

[2010wieliczka]

3:43- Pace of the sea before the storm...

[Sunflowers159]

As a singer myself I know how difficult it is to do those runs and interval leaps and how much breath it needs. I admire him. Lovely voice too - if rather hard-edged.

[Falstaff85]

@aryah47 It was indeed!

[aryah47]

@Falstaff85 TTC's How to Listen to and Understand Opera, w Greenberg as the lecturer by any chance? That brought me here too, to find out who's that amazing singer!

[2010wieliczka]

@lmspr It is close to 100 notes in 9 seconds. Cecylia Bartoli can it too :) I think voice of Cecylia is natural and in liryc arias is much more better than "falsetto", but in this aria voice should be like wind on the sea- sharp, prickly. It is quite good, I cant imagine sublime voice of Dariusz Paradowski in such fast music- it is not necessary at this point.

[TheEternaut]

@singingtruth76 Thanks a lot for the explanation my friend!

[singingtruth76]

@TheEternaut

There's no doubt that this aria is from Olimpiade. Motezuma is a Vivaldi's Opera which was belived lost up to a few years ago when an incomplete manuscript missing the first act was found. Shortly afterward it was recorded by Alan Curtis. "Siam navi all'onde algenti" was written by VIvaldi specifically for the famous castrato Marianino Nicolini, one of the best singers who worked with Vivaldi ever.

[singingtruth76]

@lalagonegaga

I totally understand what you mean as Christofellis' voice has the very same power on me. I believe Christofellis' voice is somehow totally beyond our times. But most importantly I do believe that what you say is the perfect demonstration of what outstanding artistic sensitivity, amazing talent and greast musical intelligence actually mean!