Poro, re delle Indie, HWV 28
(a.k.a.
Poro, re dell'Indie
,
Poro
, or
Porus
), a
Handel
opera seria of 1731, was a great success at the beginning, and modern scholars have pronounced it one of the finest Handelian operas. The work is performed from time to time, in the original Italian or in German translation, but recordings have been sparse. The opera constructs a romantic plot around the clash between Alexander the Great and the Indian king Porus, who interestingly is attested only in Greek sources, not Indian ones. Also interesting is that the libretto by
Pietro Metastasio
was originally called Alessandro nell'Indie, but
's opera shifts the central role to Porus, perhaps because the famed castrato
Senesino
was set to perform the part. Here, the role of Poro is ably handled by countertenor
Christopher Lowrey
. However, a notable feature of the opera, and perhaps one that made this the second-most-popular of
Metastasio
's libretti behind only the ubiquitous Artaserse (Artaxerxes) is the large collection of strong vocal roles, giving several singers the chance to shine. The opera seria pitfall of a series of set pieces is avoided, and the drama unfolds naturally. The role of Poro is balanced that of Alessandro himself, for tenor voice, and here,
Marco Angioloni
, one of a new breed of singer-directors, is very strong. Hear also
Giuseppina Bridelli
as Poro's sister Erissena, a rich, compelling contralto. In his role as director of the ensemble
Il Groviglio Angioloni
, he favors a substantial ensemble (ten violins) capable of rough, rather percussive attacks. With an English opera, an Italian ensemble, and an international cast of singers, this release marks a step out for the
Château de Versailles
label, which generally emphasizes French Baroque repertory. The music is, however, a fine choice and beautifully brought off. ~ James Manheim