tIRANNO

“Exquisite… A model of what a recital album can be.” Gramophone

“Exquisite […].  Lindsey’s performance is a dramatic tour de force […] All this compelling music, so vitally performed by Lindsey as she ranges fearlessly from raging outburst to intimate confession, exploring countless shades of colour and dynamic along the way, and all so perfectly accompanied by Arcangelo, is a model of what a recital album can be.” Gramophone, Editor’s Choice

"The variety here is remarkable. Just listen to the astonishingly blanched tone Lindsey finds for ‘Addio Roma’ from L'incoronazione di Poppea is remarkable, Monteverdi's bare textures speaking volumes." Classical Explorer

“Mezzo–soprano Kate Lindsey is a force of nature […] One cannot overpraise Lindsey’s ability to characterize strongly while retaining beauty of tone when the music calls for such. For lovers of vocal artistry, Tiranno is a must.” SFCV

“A stunning, multi-faceted disc from distinguished mezzo.” Limelight

“In this world premiere recording the mezzo-soprano once again surprises with new hues - gloomy, overcast, enraptured, ranting, raving, somnambulistic...” Operalounge

"Every embellishment, every stylistic refinement is deliberately employed and never serves an end in itself, but always serves to flesh out the text. The result is a psychodrama." NDR Kultur

Corruption? Betrayal? Persecution? Tyranny?

Strikingly familiar topics in the 21st century and yet themes which weave a common thread through the captivating new album of 17th century works from Kate Lindsey, Arcangelo and Jonathan Cohen.

Kate’s third solo album is her second with the excellent British ensemble after their acclaimed Arianna (2020) and shows the palpable artistic synergy between soloist and ensemble.

Tiranno takes the infamous historical figure Nero as its central character, his life of untethered privilege providing rich inspiration for this compelling programme. Music by Scarlatti, Handel and Monteverdi - including world première recordings of cantatas by Alessandro Scarlatti and Bartolomeo Monari - mirror the chronological events of Nero’s life, offering different perspectives on his disturbing mistreatment of those closest to him. With guest appearances from tenor Andrew Staples and soprano Nardus Williams, each in duets with Lindsey, we hear the different voices of Nero’s entourage. From his mother Agrippina’s conniving exploits in order to get her son to the throne, to Nero’s various wives (Poppea and Octavia), to all the enablers surrounding him, Nero became a dangerous force to all who encountered him. Lindsey once again creates a strong and vivid narrative for her latest recording project, this time bringing to life a hostile environment in which abuse of power is the norm and no-one is truly innocent.

For Lindsey, the UK-based, American artist - the project was an intense experience. She comments: “Over these past months of deep unrest and uncertainty in the world, I’ve been ruminating on the idea of power - both how power can be corrupted into perverse and narcissistic personal aims, and also how it can be used towards truth, wisdom and benevolence. We built this disc to reflect the life of Nero and the perspectives of a few figures who were closest to him… that is, before he had them killed. Featuring two previously unrecorded cantatas, Tiranno takes us on a journey into the psyche of the man himself and those who met their death in the heat of his wrath."

Kate Lindsey performed the role of Nero in Vienna at the Staatsoper in 2021 in the world premiere new production of L’incoronazione di Poppea conducted by Pablo Heras-Casado.

Tiranno was recorded at St. Jude’s Church, Hampstead, London and is accompanied by music videos by documentary maker Olly Lambert. Album photography by Giles Duley.