Hallett

Il y a quarante ans, Steven Smith trouve par hasard un exemplaire annoté d'un livre pour enfants de la célèbre écrivaine Edith Twyford. Mademoiselle Iles, professeure d'anglais de Steven, est convaincue que l'ouvrage contient un code secret. Mais alors qu'elle s'apprête à faire des révélations au jeune homme, elle disparaît. Bien plus tard, Steven, tout juste sorti de prison, mène l'enquête.

This is an interesting pre-authentic performance of Handel's odd masterpiece, an opera that has not done well on CD. Years ago, a severely cut, peculiarly cast Sutherland/Bonynge set appeared on London (Decca); this current performance, which has been around for a long time (and is available on other labels as well), dates from 1959. The orchestra is reduced, harpsichord is prominent, embellishments are added to the vocal line, and in general, aside from a slight heaviness in approach, there is little to be ashamed of. Some arias are cut or cut in half, but the spirit of Handel is present–and besides that, fans of either Sutherland or Janet Baker, both caught here so early in their careers that they were not even vaguely famous, will have to hear them. And they impress: Baker sounds far lighter than she later did but exhibits the same wonderful musicality and impeccable diction, and Sutherland's fresh voice, flawless technique, and yes, fine enunciation of the text are delightful.