Six Cello Suites

A world-famous court composer during his lifetime, Agostino Steffani (1654-1728) exercised a significant influence on the likes of Handel, J.S. Bach and Telemann, his music nevertheless falling into neglect after his death. Thanks to conductor and Baroque specialist Thomas Hengelbrock, Steffani's musically rich and emotionally intense fifth opera Niobe, regina di Tebe, revived in 2008, is heard here in The Royal Opera's acclaimed 2010 production. With a 'delectable' and 'seductive' performance from Veronique Gens as the proud queen punished for defying the gods, supported by male soprano Jacek Laszczkowski, who 'thrills with his astonishing power at the top of the voice... [giving] an exciting approximation of what the castrato could do' (Independent), this recording ushers Steffani's forgotten masterpiece to the wider public. Lukas Hemleb's production is tasteful and elegant, and graced with some imaginative coups de theatre. Thomas Henegelbrock conducts the expert Balthazar Neumann Ensemble, and there is first-class singing from a cast of period stylists... (The Daily Telegraph)