Nicola Porpora

1686 - 1768

Think opera and a few names spring to mind. Verdi perhaps, Wagner almost certainly, possibly Bellini or Donizetti? Going back a bit in time you might think of some of Handel’s exquisitely woven arias too.

In his time Handel was recognised as one of two great composers of opera. His rival, every bit his equal in their day, is now largely overlooked and his work tends to be performed infrequently.

Nicolo Porpora was born in Naples and travelled the courts of Europe composing and producing operas. The key roles tended to be for castrati, young men who had been castrated to preserve their voices for their art.

These days the roles are taken by counter tenors, a rare voice but those that have succeeded have been exceptional. Think Andreas Scholl, Philippe Jaroussky, or James Bowman.

Porpora’s arias are beautifully, delicately crafted. They have sense of absolute precision about them. Not so much the vocal fireworks that would excite sopranos in the 19th century. But the dramatic tension that he summons holds the attention and captivates.

The aria that follows is from Arianna in Nasso, Act 1 "Nume che reggi 'l mare"