“ARIE ANTICHE.” Alfredo Kraus, tenor; Jose Torsedillas,...

“ARIE ANTICHE.” Alfredo Kraus, tenor; Jose Torsedillas, piano. Nimbus NI-5102 (compact disc). Not since the halcyon days of the legendary Tito Schipa has this territory found such a stylistically masterful explorer. Kraus’ dry, pointed tenor imparts such confident musical values, such refinement of attack, such technical sophistication that even such overworked 18th Century chestnuts as Scarlatti’s “Le violette” and Giordani’s “Caro mio ben” glow with the thrill of discovery. Despite a somewhat recessive piano accompaniment, substantial material, from Gluck’s “Orfeo” and Handel’s “Serse,” reclaims its dignity.