ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI (1660-1725): Griselda.

Description: There are two other recordings of this, Scarlatti's last opera (1721): a period instrument one from 2003 by René Jacobs for Harmonia Mundi (out of print as a stand-alone release) and a 1970 Italian radio pirate on Opera d'Oro - also with Freni. Those of you who like a tenor in a castrato role get the famous Ernst Haefliger here (and the baritone Mollet in another castrato/alto role); it's in stereo, there are two lute players credited along with a continuo group of harpsichord, cello and double bass and, last but hardly least, you get a very underrated conductor who was adventurous in repertoire interests and just happens to also be one of the 20th century's most famous avant-garde composers! At the ridiculously low price, what's not to like? 3 CDs. No libretto. Mirella Freni, Eugenia Ratti (sopranos), Pierre Mollet (baritone), Ernst Haefliger (tenor), Hannover Solistenvereinigung (chorus), Hannover Radio Orchestra; Bruno Maderna (rec. Sept. 27, 1960).