Out of print.
In his time Niccolo Jommelli was as famous and important a composer as Handel or Gluck. The reasons for his neglect in the XXth Century have nothing to do with his considerable ability as an opera composer. Even at the time Rossini was working in Naples and composing his own Armida for the Teatro San Carlo, Jommelli's was still regarded as a gem, and it certainly is: it is a compelling, inspired and magnificently orchestrated score, one that demands to be known. This recording was made by the French record stores FNAC some 12 years ago, it was a very expensive project, and every care was taken to do it full justice. The soprano Ewa Malas-Godlewska gives a terrific performance as the sorceress Armida, and the rest of the cast includes now famous names like Veronique Gens, Patricia Petibon and Gilles Ragon, they all are splendid, as are Christoph Rousset and his orchestra Les Talens Lyriques. It's good to have back this recording in the catalogue, and if you missed it when first issued make sure you get it this time. It is an important opera well served by a marvelous recording. ~ J. Echenique
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