IESTYN DAVIES: YOUR TUNEFUL VOICE (Vivat, through Southbound)
Verdict: The eternally tuneful Handel inspires English countertenor to the loftiest heights.
Stars: 5/5
Those unmoved by the current taste for flamboyant and frenetic countertenors should get to know Iestyn Davies. On DVD, the Englishman is a smooth Unulfo in the Metropolitan Opera's recent production of Handel's Rodelinda; just last year, he mellifluously graced a number of major choral CD releases, including Bach's St John Passion and Handel's Belshazzar.
Both are top-notch performances from beginning to end but, nevertheless, you may find yourself sneaking back for repeat samplings of Davies' inspired contributions.
The singer's new Handel collection comes with a perfect title, Your Tuneful Voice, taken from Athamas' aria in Semele.