Homemade Songs

John Blow's 'Venus and Adonis' is a work of intense beauty. Rene Jacobs leading the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and a distinguished roster of soloists, Jacobs brings in a flawless performance. Composed as an entertainment for King Charles II, the work was first performed in circa 1683. The story is an elaboration of the Greek-Roman tragedy of Venus and Adonis. Using episodic gestures, Blow's music, thought to be way too progressive in its day, is indeed imaginative and well suited for the dramatic content. In one instant the music can be sparse yet effective, dense, yet utterly simple. Supreme performances by Rosemary Joshua as Venus, Gerald Finley as Adonis, and counter tenor Robin Blaze as Cupid make this recording highly desirable.Rene Jacobs excels in this opera genre, and his commitment to the material is apparent. Since the surge of interest in early Baroque opera hit the scene, many performers have attempted to label themselves "experts" in the field. Rene Jacobs truly is, and listeners should take ample advantage of any recording he is involved with.