Hi there,
I have decided to compare two singers' interpretations of the role of Cherubino for my A Level Performance Investigation but am having difficulty choosing which recordings to use (I need at least two, three if possible). I'm really unsure where to start, I would have liked to use a countertenor recording if possible but can't find any, does anyone know if one exists? Can anyone think of two/three recordings which are different enough to get 2,500 words out of?! I'm focussing on Non So Piu Cosa Son and Voi Che Sapete.
Thanks in advance!

First of all I'm not a teacher and my A levels were mumble years ago and I didn't take music.

Having said that here's something to get you started: Cherubino is what is known as a trouser role and would always have been sung by a woman. ( At least that's what I understand - there may well be a counter tenor recording and if you find one please post a link) Google it and see what you come up with. I would also have a look on Youtube and see what is there. Cecilia Bartolli is a reasonably well know mezzo who may have recorded the arias and there will be others (I'm not really interested in opera)

No doubt someone more knowledgeable than I will come on line soon and will be able to add to this.

Val

Cherubino was indeed always a "trouser-role" (a woman playing a boy/man), even in the premiere in 1786. He is still very much a boy in puberty, and therefore you would not want a fully grown man in it

The most remarkable/best recordings (just my taste of course) are the 1981 London Philharmonic under Solti with Frederica von Stade as Cherubino and the 1992 Metropolitan Opera under Levine with Anne-Sophie von Otter. For a complete contrast, you might also want to have a listen to the 1959 recording with Moffo, Schwarzkopf (not so keen on her though, but she's not Cherubino ) and Fiorenza Cossotto (one of my favourite singers of all time).

I sadly don't know of any recordings with a countertenor as Cherubino, but I have seen a performance some years ago in Potsdam with a counter, so I am quite sure you will maybe find something on youtube, since the trend seemingly goes into that direction (although I am not particularly keen on it for that special role) ....

You tube is a very useful research tool for seeking out historical and more contemporary recordings. Cherubino as everyone has said is a "trouser role" more over Mozart scored it for Soprano, so what would be more of interest would be to look at the more Alto like mezzos and the more Soprano like Mezzos approach to the arias. Don't forget the set ensembles too, they contain some of the most interesting music for Cherubino, and his relationship with Suzanna and the Countess is vital to the plot.

Just a few ideas. As for a Counter tenor playing the part, I know many, and they do no feel it is their thing.