Presto Editor's Choice
December 2018

Gramophone Magazine
April 2019
Editor's Choice

Xavier Sabata (countertenor)

Vespres d’Arnadi, Dani Espasa

Bononcini, G B: L'Abdolomino: Preludio. Presto
Bononcini, G B: Euleo festeggiante nel ritorno d'Alessandro Magno dall'Indie: Aria "Da tuoi lumi fulminato"
Handel: Poro, re dell'Indie, HWV 28: Aria "Se possono tanto due luci vezzose"
Handel: Alessandro, HWV 21: Aria"Vano amore"
Pescetti: Alessandro nell'Indie: Aria "Serbati a grande imprese"
Steffani: Il Zelo di Leonato
Draghi, A: La Vittoria della fortezza
Mancini, F: Alessandro il grande in Sidone: Aria "Spirti fieri alla vendetta"
Bononcini, G B: Euleo festeggiante nel ritorno d'Alessandro Magno dall'Indie: Aria "Chiare faci al di cui lume"
Vinci, Leonardo: Alessandro nell'Indie: Aria "Serbati a grande imprese"
Mancini, F: Alessandro il grande in Sidone
Leo: Alessandro in Persia: Aria "Dirti, ben mio, vorrei"
Porpora: Poro: Aria "Destrier ch'all'armi usato"

The irresistible and warm voice of counter-tenor Xavier Sabata never ends to bewitch us in his new medley of jubilant baroque arias. Alexander The Great inspired him the theme his new album: Porpora, Händel, Bononcini and many other composers were seduced by this character who mingled the strength of the Emperor and the sensibility of a man.

Xavier Sabata focuses on that multifaceted feeling that keeps nourishing music, especially baroque opera. With the Spanish conductor Dani Espasa and his ensemble Vespres d’Arnadí, the singer performs a tailor-made programme: the new exciting chapter of a unique voice and a fascinating artist.

"Sabata sings this complex programme with his customary elegance and flair. His dark, warm alto has always sounded good in slower arias, where the long lines flow with ease and his breath control is exemplary…His coloratura, always placed at the service of characterisation or drama, can be spectacular…A wonderfully accomplished recital, and highly recommended." - Gramophone Magazine, April 2019.