Philippe Jaroussky's sublime album, Carestini: A Castrato's Story, is a masterpiece of classical music that showcases the French countertenor's incredible vocal prowess. Released in 2007 to critical acclaim, this 12-track album is a testament to Jaroussky's technical skill and artistic expression. With a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, the album takes the listener on a journey through a selection of arias associated with the renowned castrato Giovanni Carestini, a singer whose supremacy was rivalled only by that of Farinelli during his career.
Featuring works by esteemed composers such as Handel, Porpora, and Gluck, Carestini: A Castrato's Story is a treasure trove of operatic delights. Jaroussky's voice is characterised by its perfection, effortlessly navigating complex coloratura and demonstrating incredible dynamic control. His tone is beautiful, and his high notes are sweet and captivating, setting him apart from his peers.
Accompanied by the esteemed Le Concert d'Astrée, conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm, Jaroussky's performance is nothing short of breathtaking. The album has been widely praised, with many considering it one of the best classical albums of 2007. Carestini: A Castrato's Story is a must-listen for fans of classical music and opera, and a testament to Philippe Jaroussky's status as one of the leading countertenors of his generation. Available on Warner Classics, this album is an essential addition to any classical music collection.