Real Compania Opera de Camara, Juan Bautista Otero - Nicola Porpora - Orlando (2006)

Porpora's Orlando really stands out among the slew of recently released performances of baroque operas. Not only is the opera delightful in its entirety, and novel for being one of the few recorded examples by a master of the genre, but there is some very fresh talent performing here. Most listeners will probably not be familiar with the music of Porpora, but one can safely assume that a liking of Handel's style will ensure the same with regard to Porpora's. It is easy to notice how similar they are.
The entire cast is excellent, the countertenor Robert Expert being in fact remarkable. The opening scene "Ombre amene" provides an excellent vehicle in which Mr. Expert is able to showcase a decidedly full warm tone (reminiscent of Nathalie Stutzmann) and pleasantly sonorous upper tessitura. In my opinion his performance alone is worth the price of this release. However all three singers excel in their roles and perform first rate ornamentation and cadenzas. J.B. Otero directs the Real Compania Opera de Camara with panache. His pacing and dramatic variation during the recitatives maintain interest, even when Porpora's music might not seem at its most inspired. Although even then, everything about this recording is just beautiful and immensely satisfying.