The opera ‘La Calisto’ by Venetian composer Francesco Cavalli (1602–1676) blends mythology, comedy, and tragedy. In the new recording led by Sébastien Daucé, bass Alex Rosen sings Jupiter, the father of the gods, who seeks to seduce the nymph Calisto. But Calisto has sworn chastity to the goddess Diana and rejects him. Jupiter then takes on Diana’s form and wins Calisto’s heart – a game of confusion that drives the plot.
The title role of Calisto is sung by Lauranne Oliva with an expressive soprano. Countertenor Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian portrays the shepherd Endimione, who suffers under Diana’s cruel love games. Comic relief comes from the aging nymph Linfea, sung by tenor Zachary Wilder. Anna Bonitatibus is heard as Jupiter’s jealous wife Juno, who turns Calisto into a bear – as the constellation Ursa Major, she finds her place in the sky.
Conductor Sébastien Daucé has created his own version of the opera, which underscores the turbulent plot with a colorful orchestral lineup. The Ensemble Correspondances plays with pinpoint precision and infectious freshness. The album is released on harmonia mundi.
Source: www.ndr.de
