Carnevale 1729 CD review – Ann Hallenberg dazzles

Ann Hallenberg (mezzo-soprano), Il pomo d’oro/Montanari
(Pentatone) (2 CDs)The Venetian carnival season was an orgy in several ways, with theatres competing frantically to present famous singers in new operas, and endless rivalries and scandals. This amazing collection of showstopping hits from a single season, 1729 – almost all world premiere recordings – features unknown composers Orlandini and Giacomelli alongside the slightly better known Leo, Vinci and Porpora, while Albin