Album: Max Emanuel Cencic, Handel: Mezzo-Soprano Opera Arias (Virgin Classics)

The resurgence of interest in countertenor singing continues apace, with Michael Maniaci's recent album of Mozart arias for male soprano followed here by Max Emanuel Cencic's anthology of Handel arias for mezzo-soprano, performed to period settings provided by the baroque ensemble I Barocchisti.

Cencic possesses a poise and flexibility of tone which bestows a calm nobility even during the more animated passages of "Salda Quercia, in Erta Balza" from Arianna In Creta; while "Pena Tiranna" from Amadigi Di Gaula and "Ombra Cara" from Radamisto are occupied with a courtly grace.

Download this: Salda Quercia, in Erta Balza; Pena Tiranna; Non Tardate Fauni Ancora