Andrew Radley’s first solo recording: ‘Conversazioni I’

Andrew Radley’s first solo recording, ‘Conversazioni I” has just been released on Avie Records, and together with harpsichordist Julian Perkins and the period instrument ensemble Sounds Baroque, they present the first in a series of recordings of Sunday musical gatherings (‘conversazioni’) at the court of the Venetian cardinal and great patron of music Pietro Ottoboni (1667 – 1740). The disc features cantatas and keyboard sonatas of five of Ottoboni’s famous protégés: Albinoni, Caldara, Handel, Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti.

REVIEWS:

“There’s a seductive tonal warmth to [Radley’s] voice. The countertenor does let loose the cutting edge necessary to project the dramatic angst of Handel’s Mi palpita il cor. He also interacts as a fully engaged chamber musician with Sounds Baroque… It’s heartening to discover yet another group of young musicians, fuelled by intellectual curiosity and a corporate commitment to excellence, with enterprise and genuine flair. Roll on Conversazioni II.” – Andrew Stewart, Classic FM

“Andrew Radley demonstrates tender story-telling skills during the soft Camminando lei pian piano… In gentle arias Radley’s singing has affectionate intimacy and delicacy (such as Caldara’s lovely last aria, Parto mio ben costante). I look forward to Volume 2.” – David Vickers, Gramophone

“Countertenor Andrew Radley is both swoonsome and stately, depending on the material: the somewhat melancholy progress of Albinoni’s Senza il core del mio bene, for instance, befitting a love plaint of such wretched torment, while a more playful involvement suits Handel’s Vedendo Amor, with its tortuous tale of mythic enslavement by Cupid.” – Andy Gill, The Independent

To find out more and to purchase this recording, click here.