Andromeda Liberata (Serenata Veneziana)

". . . the tuneful Venetian serenade's premiere recording adds to our appreciation of high-end Baroque entertainment, especially in this vibrant performance by a fine cast of singers and the Venetian Baroque Orchestra . . ."
Record Review / Bradley Bambarger, Star Ledger (Newark) / 02 November 2004

". . . one of the most spellbindingly gorgeous outpourings committed to disc this year."
Record Review / Steve Smith, Time Out (New York) / 25 November 2004

Andrea Marcon directs with an infectiously joyous brio . . . I enjoyed this set enormously: do try it.
Record Review / Richard Lawrence, Gramophone (London) / 01 January 2005

"Under the impeccable direction of Andrea Marcon the Serenata is given exceptional advocacy by successful late-baroque specialists, the Venice Baroque Orchestra. Their imaginative performance exudes refinement and controlled power. These new-generation Vivaldi specialists certainly deserve their position as one of the world's most outstanding period instrument ensembles."
Record Review / Michael Cookson, Classical Music Web / 01 February 2005

The singers are, in fact, a terrific lot, both fluent and dramatic . . . the spotlight here is stolen by the Venice Baroque, whose splendid ensemble and sprightly sound are delightful and astounding by turns. It is not only the virtuosic precision of their playing and the appropriately studied yet natural way they apply legato and détaché; under Andrea Marcon's expert leadership, the orchestra plays with a thrilling sense of timing and direction. Marcon excels.
Record Review / Drew Minter, Opera News (New York) / 01 March 2005

It is Simone Kermes, suddenly everywhere as the new queen of baroque opera, who dominates things here. Her keenly focussed voice and sure dramatic instincts draw the title character into something like real human personality, while musically she copes brilliantly with the widest range of mood and degrees of virtuosity her role entails . . . In all, this is an attractive performance, not likely to be challenged soon . . .
Record Review / Barker, American Record Guide / 01 April 2005

". . . the performances are as authentic and stylish as one could wish for . . . ¿Andromeda liberata¿ is quite a find, and this premiere recording is not likely to be bettered anytime soon, if at all."
Record Review / Raymond Tuttle, Classical Net / 01 June 2005

I would be delighted to discover the "Vivaldi" serenata "Andromeda liberata" in my Christmas stocking: Simone Kermes, Anna Bonitatibus and Max Emmanuel Cencic provide thrilling and sensuous dramatic singing; Andrea Marcon and the Venice Baroque Orchestra obviously have a great time playing the music. The sense of fun and adventure that pervades this wonderful recording makes the exaggerated attribution to Vivaldi seem harmless.
Record Review / David Vickers, Gramophone (London) / 01 December 2005