I have a new CD on my machine and, even though I wasn’t going to post a blog today, I couldn’t help letting you all know, if you don’t already, about an amazing new voice on the operatic scene. The young Australian countertenor is, well, frankly, sensational and his debut album is just out where he has recorded an amazing set of Baroque operatic arias written for the phenomenal castrato soprano Farinelli. David Hansen is a true soprano falsettist and his coloratura technique is peerless.
I’m playing this CD every day but if you don’t believe me about this guy, take a look at this video clip recorded this July in Folville, wherever that is. Bravo!
Meanwhile, I’m getting into gear for the imminent publication (in October 2013) of my novel, Stephen Dearsley’s Summer Of Love, the story of a young fogey living in Brighton in 1967 who has a lot to learn when the flowering hippie counter culture changes him and the world around him.
You can already pre-order the book from the publishers, Ward Wood Publishing:
http://wardwoodpublishing.co.uk/titles-fiction-colin-bell-stephen-dearsleys-summer-of-love.htm
…or from Book Depository:
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Stephen-Dearsleys-Summer-Love-Colin-Bell/9781908742070
…or from Amazon:
Oh dear! I didn't like it. There are some counter tenors who I quite like – Andreas Scholl, David Daniels amongst others – but this guy tries too hard for my liking. (I can't help thinking his shiny jacket out me off, so I also tried it without watching.)
He has a bit of a growl that I don't like – so does Renee Fleming, but she manages to get away with it. He's not quite ethereal enough for my liking.
Mind you, anybody who isn't a mezzo has to try extra hard for me.
It's a lot to do with personal taste, Claudio. This was an encore after a full recital. The voice is phenomenal, no denying that. He can do ethereal actually but this aria wasn't about that. I like Scholl and Daniels too but the new generation of countertenors, like Hansen and Cencic seem to have a virtuosic techniques unmatched by any of their predecessors. I think his voice is thrilling.
It's sad that Claudia didn't "like" David Hansen's incredible singing. I will pray for her. Tom Frey
I agree with you Tom, I'm sure Claudio (not Claudia) will appreciate your prayers. I think David Hansen is absolutely thrilling. Thanks for the comment.
This cd is so stunningly beautiful that I am sure it will many prizes next year as best male vocal recital, best baroque vocal recital disc, male voice of the year etc. I anticipated this album so much after seeing a clip on youtube of David Hansen performing the role of Ottone In Antonio Vivaldi's Griselda at the Pinchgut opera in Australia. And what a joyful reward it is. I drive some mpeople crazy playing this over and over again, something that has not happened since I heard Simonme Kermes's cds for the first time. In soccer terms, champion league trophy in vocal baroque, or vocal classical, period. SUPERB!
More of David here:
http://oddpavarottiblog.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/countertenor-cd-of-the-year-rivals-by-david-hansen/
I can not imagine that one could not see and hear that this Man is second to none! His soul is in his eyes as well as his voice! I think when one closes their eyes and imagines a beautiful voice, that this is what they would hear!