December 02, 2004
Arensky: Raffaello
New Releases
Arensky's one-act opera Raffaello (DE 3319)
This unusual little gem is a one-act opera composed by Anton Arensky for a special festive occasion in Moscow in 1894. Based on a legend which tells the story of the controversial love affair between Renaissance painter Raphael and his model and mistress La Fornarina, it resolves a potential crisis by demonstrating musically that great art conquers all.
This is accomplished in a lush romantic score in which Arensky composed the lead role of Raphael for the female mezzo-soprano voice. Marina Domashenko, our great Russian mezzo soprano, makes a compelling Raphael and is supported by a distinguished cast: Tatiana Pavlovskaya as La Fornarina, Alexander Vinogradov as the Cardinal, Vsevolod Grivnov as a street singer, and the superlative Philharmonia of Russia led by Constantine Orbelian. The generous CD also includes Domashenko's rendition of Zarema's aria from Arensky's "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai" and six additional songs by Arensky. This unfamiliar repertoire cries out for more recognition of this composer's great gifts — his memorable melody and sumptuous orchestration, and ability to express great feeling in small forms. He was a worthy companion to Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.