Various Composers - Divine Impresario. Nicolini on Stage (Randall Scotting)

Information

1. Riccardo Broschi - Idaspe: Mostro crudel, che fai?
2. Francesco Gasparini - Ambleto: Porto Piagato in Petto
3. George Frideric Handel - Rinaldo, HWV 7a (1711 Version): Sinfonia
4. George Frideric Handel - Rinaldo, HWV 7a: Cara Sposa
5. Nicola Porpora - Siface: Spiegami il tuo desio
6. George Frideric Handel - Amadigi, HWV 11: Oh notte! - Notte amica
7. Nicola Porpora - Siface: Come nave in mezzo all'onda
8. Francesco Gasparini - Antioco: Per te bell'idol mio
9. Francesco Mancini - Idaspe Fedele: È vano ogni pensiero
10. George Frideric Handel - Rinaldo, HWV 7a (1711 Version): Venti turbini
11. Attilio Ariosti - Tito manilo: Nò, non piangete nò
12. Francesco Gasparini - Tomiri: Sì, t'indendo o core amante
13. Francesco Gasparini - Antioco: Questo conforto
14. Giovanni Antonio Giaj - Mitridate: Pensa se ancor
15. George Frideric Handel - Amadigi, HWV 11: Crudel tu non farai

Randall Scotting, countertenor

Mary Bevan, soprano

Academy of Ancient Music

Laurence Cummings, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Signum Records

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Divine Impresario showcases countertenor Randall Scotting in a tribute to the celebrated castrato Nicolò Grimaldi, known as “Nicolini,” accompanied by the Academy of Ancient Music under Laurence Cummings. The album features arias and duets composed for Nicolini by Handel, Porpora, Gasparini, Mancini, Giaj, Broschi, and Ariosti, reflecting his prominent career across Italy and London. Many works are presented in newly prepared performing editions derived from early sources. With contributions from soprano Mary Bevan, the recording illuminates Nicolini’s artistry as a singer, actor, and collaborator, offering insight into the repertoire that shaped early 18th-century opera.

Randall Scotting is an American countertenor celebrated for his virtuosic vocal technique, expressive stage presence, and wide-ranging repertoire. Trained at the Juilliard School, the Royal College of Music in London, and as a Fulbright Scholar at the Liszt Academy, he earned a PhD in 18th-century Italian operas by underrepresented composers. Scotting has appeared at major opera houses including the Royal Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, and Staatsoper Hamburg, and with leading ensembles such as the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and Boston Baroque. Known for roles in Handel, Britten, and Gluck operas, he has also explored contemporary works, art song, and cabaret. His acclaimed recordings on Signum Classics, including The Crown, Lovesick, and Infinite Refrain, have earned widespread critical praise for their artistry, stylistic intelligence, and vocal beauty.