Claudio Monteverdi – L’incoronazione di Poppea – “Pur ti miro, pur ti godo” – Arleen Auger & Della Jones

This is a completely wrong performance of the ending to Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea” which, in the best sense of the words, is a work about completely immoral people who never do deserve our affection. The final duet, in a way, is the wrong ending word, as the seriously cold-hearted lovers celebrate their love which has concurred all, including all the more or less good people around them.

And yet, the performance in question is exceptional with both Arleen Auger and Della Jones are refreshingly clear-voiced and in balance with each other, so I think that some of the lack in dramatics can be forgiven. Enjoy :)!