"Naxos’s project of recording the major works of Simon Mayr is an extremely important event, introducing to most of us a composer of genuine individuality and importance. Arianna in Nasso is described as a “cantata in one act,” and really is almost an un-staged opera. This is attractive, engaging, and dramatic music, with a real face to it. Anyone who responds to vocal music of the late-18th and early-19th centuries will find this a wonderful discovery. Conductor Hauk has made a specialty of Mayr ... and he has absorbed the essence of the composer and conducts with absolute conviction and a sure knowledge of how to pace the music. His chorus ... sing in tune and with real involvement in the score and the text ...the orchestra ... plays together and goes beyond mere note-reading. Both soloists here are good, with the strongest praise going to soprano Horak. Hers is ...an attractive lyric soprano with freedom on top and agility throughout. She sings with imagination, and conveys Ariadne’s happiness at the conclusion with a glowing tone. Tenor Allen also displays quite remarkable agility in the work’s coloratura writing...This performance will provide much pleasure, and I anticipate returning frequently to Arianna in Nasso. Highly recommended." 

 

Henry Fogel - Fanfare - March/April 2013