L'Alessandro amante

"Recommended: Xavier Sabata explain that Alexander the Great is possibly the most popular figure in opera and there are no fewer than sixty-five works just based on Pietro Metastasio's libretto to Alessandro nell'Indie (Alexander in India). Sabata's album is a sung portrait of this great historical figure as seen from the individual styles and perspectives of eight different opera composers ... Throughout Sabata consistently produces his outstanding countertenor voice which has radiance and a bright decisive tone with surprising warmth ... The playing of Vespres d'Arnadí is exemplary, ranging from the fierce resolution to utmost sensitivity. Espasa ensures that the reserves of freshness and vitality don't come at the expense of control and the overall effect is praiseworthy ... Baroque lovers can obtain this striking and rewarding album from countertenor Xavier Sabata with confidence".

Read review

"Editors choices - December 2018: There's huge stylistic variety across this selection of baroque depictions of Alexander the Great, from the swaggering coloratura fireworks of Handel's 'Vano amore' and Francesco Mancini's 'Spirti fieri' to the gentle lyricism of Davide Pescetti's 'Serbati a grande imprese' and the sparse textures of Bononcini's curiously austere 'Chiare faci'. Sabata is firm-toned and florid in equal measure, and the Barcelona-based Vespres d'Arnadí yield nothing to Il Pomo d'Oro for snap and spring".

Read review

"Editor's choice: Sabata sings this complex programme with his customary elegance and flair. His dark, warm alto has always sounded good in slower arias, where the long lines flow with ease and his breath control is exemplary ... His coloratura, always placed at the service of characterisation or drama, can be spectacular ... A wonderfully accomplished recital, and highly recommended".