Aris Christofellis, sopranist. Vivaldi: L'Olimpiade video

Singing falsetto soprano is very difficult and unusual. Although the resulting sound can be rather constrained and hard-edged, the male timbre and clean sound contrasts greatly with the sound of a females voice. The sound of sopranist Aris Christofellis is an acquired taste; however, his precise and agile technique is astonishing in this aria with its rapid notes, leaps, and long gymnastic lines. Vivaldi obviously wrote it to show off the astonishing castrato voice. Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) : Siam navi allonde algenti, from LOlimpiade. Siam navi allonde algenti lasciate in abbandono impetuosi venti I nostri affreti sono, ogni diletto e scoglio, tutta la vita un mar. Ben qual nocchiero in noi veglia ragion ma poi pur dalondoso orgoglio si lascia trasportar. We are like ships on the silver waves, drifting out of control; like capricious winds are our affections, every pleasure is a rock, the whole of life a sea. Like a steersman, reason keeps good watch over us, but then on the swell of pride we let ourselves be carried away. (for further information on male sopranos and altos, see www.malesopranos.com )