Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Marko Letonja
ABC 481 0776
Here are some firsts. Emma Matthews reveals that this recording is the first recording of her singing Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute), and Susanna (The Marriage of Figaro). She also reveals that the notion of recording came about many years ago (2008).
Clearly, Emma Matthews is one of this country’s finest stars of the operatic stage, both within Australia and internationally. This recording of operatic and concert arias is a real delight, with its sumptuous orchestral accompaniment being equally matched by superbly delicious vocal artistry by Matthews.
Some lesser known operatic arias that Matthews brings out from the shadows are Lieve sono al par del vento (I am as fickle as the breeze) from Il sogno di Scipione, and Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben (Rest gently, my dear one) from Zaide, and these balance the well known arias from The Magic Flute, the Queen of the Night aria with its powerful coloratura, and the contrasted, reflective aria Ach, ich fuhls (Alas, I feel it), as well as Susanna’s aria, Dove sono from The Marriage of Figaro.
The four concert arias (KV 418, 272, 538, 217) rarely get a hearing now, but they display extremes of vocal range, demanding changes in dynamic and emotional setting, with Matthews executing them with ease and agility.
Matthews singing on this Mozart Arias CD is pure seduction of the ears!