Porpora / Handel Duel - Porpora And Hand

Despite the rivalry between the operatic companies leaded by Haendel and Porpora in London (1734-1737), much has to be said about the real nature of the connection between the two composers. Both the musicians were considered outstandingly original for their aesthetic choices. Both admired each other's music. The few whirlwind years of their defiance in Great Britain produced memorable scores: among them, 'Ariodante' by Haendel and 'Polifemo' by Porpora, performed with simultaneous runs in the city theaters. This CD tries to capture the soul of such a complicated intellectual relationship, presenting significant examples of the composers' style and outlining the borders of the mutual esteem between two giants in the history of music. On her debut solo album, the young talented mezzosoprano Giuseppina Bridelli performs with effortless bravery the difficult pages written for some of the most famous singers of the 18th century: between them, a version with original variations of Haendel's 'Scherza infida'.