Search - Cesti, Scarlatti, Jommelli :: Cantate Aspettate / Recit & Air

Requiem for a wounded warrior

Dr. Peter J. Glidden | Gli Angeli, California | 07/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disk was released as a commemorative of the artist's tragic death from AIDS in 1988 and contained what one must call "bootleg" recordings of Ledroit's concert appearances. Well, they somehow cleared this with the estate (don't ask me how) and the disk is now for sale! Henri Ledroit was the most compelling, charismatic voice in the business. He wasn't actually the best singer of his counter-tenor day, but his voice has an ineffable melancholy that touches from beyond the grave. The recording features some rarities, a Cesti cantata and a Jomelli aria, of varying degrees of success. Ledroit had his good days and his not so good days, and we get a little of both. Vivaldi's Stabat Mater is deeply felt, his Handel and Scarlatti a shade less so, but are musts for the serious Ledroit fan. I also recommend buying the disk for the booklet that comes with, giving us a truly informative and touching portrait of the artist."