Farinelli was the greatest castrato singer of the 18th century, his magnetic stage presence and extraordinary vocal technique packing theaters across Europe. Here, virtuoso mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, famous for bringing lesser-known music to vivid life, digs deep into the archives for some of the most exhilarating and heartfelt arias written by the many composers who queued up to write for Farinelli. Bartoli’s whirlwind tour of the Baroque stage takes in Giacomelli, Broschi, and Caldara, although more than half of this recording is devoted to the castrato’s teacher Porpora, whose explosive “Come nave in ria tempesta” and exquisite “Alto Giove” show both sides of the castrato’s unique artistry. With exceptional orchestral Farinelli playing from Il Giardino Armonico, Bartoli brilliantly channels Farinelli’s fiery vocal genius.