Making a Comeback: Vivaldi's 'L'Oracolo in Messenia'
THE INTRO
THE HIT SINGLE: "Son qual nave"
For pure, vocal fireworks, it's hard to beat "Son qual nave," an aria for the oracle Trasimede midway through Act Two. It's in a familiar "da capo" form and, though it's hard to believe after hearing the opening section, mezzo-soprano Julia Lezhneva really does ratchet the virtuosity up a notch the second time around.
THE B SIDE: "La mia cara speranza"
Immediately following Trasimede's tour de force, Elmira (mezzo-soprano Romina Basso) sings the contrasting, and deeply poignant aria "La mia cara speranza" ("My Dear Hopes").
