Tamerlano Blog 6 (16 Feb 2010)

The day starts with an interview followed by a long production call covering a lot of the elaborate recitatives in preparation for the evening’s continuo call. For this call we are joined for the first time by our continuo group from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. The excellent Rob Howarth (harpsichord), who has played for me extensively in Salzburg, Munich, Florence, Paris, Amsterdam and numerous other places over the last ten years, is partnered by Dai Miller and Bill Carter on archlute and chitarrone. Jonathan Manson is a fluent cellist and Chi-Chi Nwanoku (well known not only as a virtuoso double-bass but also as a much sought-after Radio 3 presenter) adds the occasional spot of 16? colour! This work is intensive and requires quick reactions from everyone for this the Handel opera with the most recitatives! We work late until 10.00pm and still haven’t got to the end of Act 2. The rest is for another day.