ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741): Ottone in Villa, RV 729.

Description: This was Vivaldi's very first opera, premiered in Vicenza in 1713. Apparently a low-budget production, it uses only a pair of oboes and recorders along with strings although it does have elements prefiguring the composer's mature style including a "storm-at-sea" and an "echo" aria. We might point out that a full-price version of this with printed libretto and translation will be coming next month in Naïve's Vivaldi opera series. 2 CDs. Libretto and notes on enclosed CD-ROM. Maria Laura Martorana (soprano), Tuva Semmingsen (mezzo), Florin Cezar Ouatu (countertenor), Luca Dordolo (tenor), L'Arte dell'Arco; Federico Guglielmo.