Jonathan Cohen, back at Les Violons du Roy this weekend to present Alcina by Händel in concert version, is here the conductor of the first recital of the 41-year-old English countertenor Tim Mead. The richness of the vocal pool in this area now requires calibrating the timbres within this category. Facing Philippe Jaroussky, with a very clear voice, or Andreas Scholl, whose interpretation of Nisi Dominus by Vivaldi (Decca) is a reference, Mead is a more “autumn” countertenor, with a more bronze and rounder tone than a more trumpeting Scholl. Cohen plays it to highlight a very luminous orchestral sound. The understanding of the two musicians is therefore ideal, and the “Cum dederit dilectis suis” is a moment of grace. The program juxtaposes the Nisi Dominus THE Salve Regina RV 618 and two secular cantatas, including the famous “Cessate, omai cessate”. The timbre’s lack of brass doesn’t make Tim Mead the most compelling of vindictive protagonists, but Arcangelo’s work is superlative.
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