Plácido Domingo ~ The Verdi Tenor [Enhanced]

On this CD:

1. Rigoletto, opera La donna è mobile
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Piero Cappuccilli, Nicolai Ghiaurov
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini

2. Aida, opera Se quel guerrier io fossi!...Celeste Aida
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi

Conducted by Claudio Abbado

3. Il Trovatore, opera Di quella pira
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Walter Gullino, Rosalind Plowright
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini

4. Un ballo in maschera, opera Forse la soglia attinse...Ma se m'è forza perderti
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

5. Alzira, opera Un Inca...ecesso orribile...Dio della guerra
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi

Conducted by Valery Gergiev

6. Ernani, opera Mercè, diletti amici...Come rugiada al cespite
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini

7. Luisa Miller, opera Oh! fede negar potessi...Quando le sere al placido
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden
Conducted by Lorin Maazel

8. Otello, opera Esultate! L'orgoglio musulmano
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi

Conducted by Myung-Whun Chung

9. Otello, opera Dio! mi potevi scagliar tutti i mali
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi

Conducted by Myung-Whun Chung

10. I due Foscari, opera Dal piu remoto esilio...Odio solo, ed odio atroce
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi

Conducted by Myung-Whun Chung

11. Macbeth, opera O figli, o figli miei!...Ah, la paterna mano
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

12. Don Carlo, opera Fontainebleau! Foret immense et solitaire!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

13. Rigoletto, opera Ella mi fu rapita!...Par me veder le lagrime
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini

14. La Traviata, opera Lunge da lei...De' miei bollenti spiriti
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Munich Bavarian State Orchestra
Conducted by Carlos Kleiber

Tracks:

La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
Carmen Bizet: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
Luisa Miller: O! fede negar potessi .. Quando le sere al placido
La Traviata: Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti
Martha: M'appari
Giordano: Amor ti vieta
L'Africaine: Mi batte il cuor .. O paradiso
La Favorita: Favorita del re . . . Spirto gentil
Werther: 'Pourquoi me reveiller'
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem Schein'
Les Contes d'Hoffmann: O Dieu! De quelle ivresse
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Pagliacci: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Aida: Se quel guerrier .. Celeste Aida
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
Turandot: Nessun dorma

Customer Reviews:

The End of the Big Voice?.......2007-04-16

This CD, which is truly fine overall, reminds me of Marilyn Horne's lament that we have probably seen the end of the big voice and it makes me sad. I agree with the reviewer who refers to "microphonies". And more justice could be done to Bjorling's voice with a better transfer. But at some point, music becomes a matter of taste and I prefers singers who have the instrument and the support and the training, whether formal or not, to just let fly and take a chance on making a mistake. Domingo can be wonderful and so can his musicianship but he tends to be so stiff. I have to wonder at the virulence and asperity with which some people go after Pavarotti. It's true that late in his career he made some questionable recordings but the answer to that is simple: don't buy them. At his best, he belongs for all time in the top echelon of tenors. I love this CD and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great (big) voices.

Fla Gator Lady.......2007-01-12

Highly recommend this CD with these beloved arias of the greatest tenors in opera. I have owned this CD for a couple of years and purchased another for a friend who always requests that I play it ... perfect for listening in the car, dinner, bridge games, relaxation ... just so perfect. You won't be disappointed in this one.

20 Great Tenor Arias.......2007-01-09

A great disc,combination of the greatest tenors of the 20th century and some of the most beautiful music ever written in any century,a must addition to any opera lovers collection.

Plesantly surprised..........2006-01-14

I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.

First it is a great buy. A booklet with pictures of each tenor, a small bio, the year recorded and TRANSLATIONS of each aria are provided. This is really nice. It seems more & more that translations are being left out. Being a former opera singer, I may know most of the words, but sometimes it's just nice to read along (sometimes it's just nice to listen too).

Being on the Decca label, there is admittedly quite a few Pavarotti selections. Out of 20 selections, he has 6 of them. But I love Pavarotti, so this is no problem for me. These are all early recordings & his voice is magnificent! Being a singer, I still marvel at his ability to sing "All'armi!" on a high D and still say the 2nd syllable "mi" on such a note! WOW. There is also of course his very sweet, impassioned and lyrical turn as Rodolfo in "La Boheme" as well as the lesser known (although I still have it on casette) "La Favorita" which has a particularly high tessitura.

Also featured are a young Plácido Domingo singing a VERY nice "Flower song/ La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Carmen. He usually sounds too pushed for me on the top notes (as one might expect from a Pavarotti fan, I like free top notes) but in this recording he is pretty darn fabulous. He also sings an aria from "Tales of Hoffman/Les Contes d'Hoffman" and I have always felt that he, like Neil Schicoff, were well suited to this role.

Lamentably there are only one selection each from Carreras, Correlli, Monaco, Aragall & Kollo. Especial kudos to the young recording they feature for Aragall. He had a very free and nice high tenor well suited to Verdi. Of course as his career went forward with the natural darkening of his voice and the "heavier" roles, he did start to develop a wobble. But this recording is before that. His top, his phrasing are all beautifully done in his featured aria from "La Traviata."
Mario del Monaco's "E lucevan le stelle" is hauntingly beautiful and has such a wonderful pianissimo in it that it makes you just want to gasp for beauty's sake. I now know every tenor I've heard sing this aria was trying to emulate what he did.

This is a great CD because it does bring together on one CD some of the greatest singers of the 20th/21st century. Bergonzi, di Stefano, Björling, in addition to the previously mentioned artists is quite an impressive collection. I'm sure there's only one of each for Carreras, Aragall (I believe they are formerly EMI/Angel artists) and perhaps some of the others because they are "imported" from another label. There's so much Pavarotti on this CD because he IS a Decca artist.

A highly recommended CD, affordable, not the usually obscure and unpolished artists that are sometimes found on compilations. Plus acutal linear notes and translations. Nicely done, Decca!!!

Absolutely Agree About Corelli.......2005-05-27

Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did! As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!

Ave Maria - Christmas with Placido Domingo and the Vienna Choir Boys

Average customer rating:

Ave Maria-Christmas with Placido Domingo and the Vienna Boys Choir

Ave Maria - Christmas with Placido Domingo and the Vienna Choir Boys
Georges Bizet , Joseph Leopold Eybler , Jean-Baptiste [baritone/composer] Faure , Cesar Franck , Charles Gounod , George Frideric Handel , Johann Franz von Herbeck , Wilhelm Kienzl , Martin Luther , Franz Schubert , John Francis Wade , Wiener Philharmoniker , Wiener Sängerknaben , Johann Sonnleitner , Plácido Domingo , Vienna Choir Boys , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas with the Vienna Boys Choir
Sacred Songs
Christmas with Pavarotti
Christmastime in Vienna
Christmas in Vienna

ASIN: B000003EUC
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pueri Concinite
Adeste Fideles
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Der Evangelimann: Selig Sind, Die Verfolgung Leiden (Lied Des Evangelimann, 2. Akt)
Xerxes: Largo (Ombra Mai Fu - Welch Schattig Grun) Arie Des Xesxes, 1. Akt)
Omnes De Saba Venient (Graduale)
Ave Maria
Crucifix (Vous Qui Pleurez)
Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei (Intermezzo)
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott)

Customer Reviews:

Ave Maria-Christmas with Placido Domingo and the Vienna Boys Choir.......2007-03-08

Excellent! I purchased this as a gift for a friend who loves Placido Domingo and she was very pleased. There is no other who compares to him. (our opinion)

Average customer rating:

Domingo is caught at his youthful best, but the conducting is second-rate
Terrific!
Si Puo Si Puo
A sound buy
A Very Good Pagliacci

Leoncavallo: Pagliacci

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana / Herbert von Karajan
Leoncavallo: Pagliacci
Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani
Verdi: Il Trovatore

ASIN: B000009NJ2
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

Pagliacci: Prologue: Introduction
Pagliacci: Prologue: Si Puo? Si puo? (Tonio)
Pagliacci: Act I: Eh! Son Qua! Son Qua! (Canio, Beppe)
Pagliacci: Act I: Mi Accordan Di Parlar? (Canio)
Pagliacci: Act I: Via Di Li (Canio, Tonio, Beppe)
Pagliacci: Act I: Un Tal Gioco, Credetemi (Canio, Nedda)
Pagliacci: Act I: I Zampognari! (Canio)
Pagliacci: Act I: Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo! (Nedda)
Pagliacci: Act I: Stridono Lassu - Ballatella (Nedda)
Pagliacci: Act I: Sei La! Credea Che Te ne Fossi Andato (Nedda, Tonio)
Pagliacci: Act I: Nedda! - Silvio (Silvio, Nedda, Tonio)
Pagliacci: Act I: E Allor Perche (Silvio, Nedda)
Pagliacci: Act I: Cammina Adagio (Tonio, Silvio, Nedda, Canio, Beppe)
Pagliacci: Act I: Recitar! (Canio)
Pagliacci: Intermezzo
Pagliacci: Act II: Ohe! .. Ohe! (Tonio, Beppe, Silvio, Nedda)
Pagliacci: Act II: Pagliaccio, Mio Marito (Colombina)
Pagliacci: Act II: O Colombina (Arlecchino)
Pagliacci: Act II: Di Fare Il Segno Convenuto (Colombina, Taddeo, Arlecchino)
Pagliacci: Act II: A Stanotte (Colombina-Nedda, Pagliaccio-Canio, Taddeo-Tonio)
Pagliacci: Act II: No, Pagliacchio Non Son (Canio, Silvio)
Pagliacci: Act II: Ebben, Se Mi Giudichi (Nedda, Canio, Silvio, Beppe, Tonio)

Customer Reviews:

Domingo is caught at his youthful best, but the conducting is second-rate.......2007-02-22

I can see that every other reviewer here has praised this Pagliacci without reservation. I certainly share that feeling so far as Domingo goes. He made a contemporary Cavelleria rusticana that displayed his total involvement in verismo style, and over the years he has returned to the role of Canio often. His voice is glemaing and passionate, his intensity undeniable. If that were all a complete opera recording needs this would easily be a great recording. But despite the fine cast, Caballe isn't earthy enough or strong enough in her chest tones to make Nedda feel completely right fro her (Callas gave a lesson is how the role should be sung), and the veteran Met conductor Nello Santi offers little excitment or passion. It's too bad that James Levine and Renata Scotto, who helped make the Cavalleria reccording such a huge success, didn't come back for this Pagliacci.

Terrific!.......2006-10-08

I'm one of those casual fans of opera, one who appreciates it and needs to listen to it when in certain moods.

Well, Pagliacci is my personal fave after having seen it performed in Raleigh. This cd captures the spirit of the event that had me enthralled. The London Orchestra does a bang up job here, there are no complaints-- great sound quality, the voices soar. Just pop this puppy in and let'er do its work on you.

If you're like me and have just under a dozen opera cds in your collection, consider adding this.

Si Puo Si Puo .......2005-07-19

I would say this is a fine CD that I recommend to any
person who likes Opera. The singers are fabulous. The
quality of the recording is superb and the price is
reasonable.

A sound buy.......2003-12-17

My Mom just got a CD Player installed in her car and since she's an opera fan, I thought I would break in the new player by getting her this inexpensive gift. Of course I had heard Vesti la giubba before and I've heard Fleming do the soprano aria, but I really didn't know the story abd hadn't really heard any of the opera before.

Well, my Mom loved this CD! So I got her a good present. I listened to it myself while in the car with her and I couldn't believe how good it really was! The last scene is really where the greatness of this CD lies. Domingo is fabulous! And his scene partner, Caballé, does him worlds of justice; as does Milnes. Domingo has this fiery fury towards Nedda for lying to him this whole time. I really wonder if this was not a staged performance -- with interaction and acting and everything. I feel like maybe there was an audience. There is just such a raw drama. This is the stuff excellent operas are made of!

Montserrat is a world class actress. She shows in that last scene Nedda's nervousness and forced composure. As I remember this is my mind, I can't believe I was listening to another language. That's how real this was! And the chorus is involved to! I mean, I really felt that I was listening to a live performance! And the price is right too.

Now, I have yet to hear the Pavarotti/Freni or the Bjorling versions, but I can't imagine they'd be much better.

This is a sound buy. I highly recommend it.

A Very Good Pagliacci.......2003-12-13

This is a very fine recording of Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci." There aren't too many negatives to note concerning it, but there are enough to merit a four-star rating instead of a five.

For a brief synopsis: Leoncavallo wrote this one act opera about clowns and the real story behind the stories they perform, as the previous reviewer mentioned, in contrast to the mindblowing success of Mascagni's one acter, "Cavalleria Rusticana." For those who aren't too familiar with opera, these two are easily two of the most famous one act operas, and are frequently performed together in place of a full length opera with intermissions representing the end and beginning of the new opera as opposed to the new act.

There are several themes to this opera, which I'll lightly touch on. Canio (Domingo) is the jealous husband of Nedda (Caballe), who is secretly admired by Canio's fellow on-stage deformed clown, Tonio (Milnes). Trouble ensues.

Domingo and Milnes are and were very famous for their tenor/baritone combination in many operas, and show that excellence in this recording of Pagliacci. Milnes' Prologue is outstanding, his high notes ringing clearly yet with soft power. Throughout, he shows versatility and power, yet enough softness when dealing with Nedda for the part (apparently not enough, though..). Domingo's voice is perfect for this role, his "Vesti la giubba" (recently made famous in that annoying car commercial) is outstanding. I've had the privilege to see him on stage on several occasions, and his acting is incredible, as opposed to say, a Pavarotti---he carries that over here as well, you can feel him getting into the role (he even does the crying at the end of "Vesti). The repeated "il nome" is more screamed than sung by Domingo, which was an interesting touch, I thought, denoting the rage of a betrayed husband instead of the refined calmness. Caballe is an above average Nedda, but not perfect. Her aria is sung well, and her duet with Silvio (McDaniel), Nedda's secret lover, is beautiful. The chorus is another slight disappointment---they are often times weak and even mispronounce words on several occasions (one would think that if they had been louder, no one would have noticed), but they get the job done.

Physically, this is a pretty nice set. At $10.99, this is easily a bargain---look at any other operas and you'll be paying upwards of $45 for three cd's, here you are paying less than a third of that for one. It comes in an attractive case, with, as I mentioned, just the one CD. Again, the price is very good, you get a little over 75 minutes of music (very clear, by the way) on one CD for $11, whereas you might pay $18 for another with, say, 50 minutes. The enclosed booklet isn't too shabby---it's got the complete libretto with English translation in a nice typeface on glossy paper, and isn't some libretto that has been copied on from another piece of paper. It provides a summary in several languages, but no introduction or other commentary.

Tracks:

Nessun Dorma!
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!.. Celeste Aida
Ch'Ella Mi Creda Libero E Lontano
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Quando Le Sere Al Placido
Bimba Dagli Occhi
Addio, Fiorito Asi
Ingemisco
Amor Ti Vieta
Sincero Amor
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini-O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
Apri La Tua Finestra!
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
Sole E Amore
Von Der Jugend
Di Quella Pira

Tracks:

Te Quiero, Morena-Jota
La Roca Fria Del Calvario (Romanze)
Por El Humo Se Sabe Donde Esta El Fuego
Granada
Andalucia
Serenata Tapatia
Adoro
Siempre En Mi Corazon
Malaguena
Dulcinea
The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
In Pace
Maria
Perhaps Love
Love Came For Me
A Love Until The End Of Time

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Recording.......2007-03-09

This was a great buy for me. The power and accuracy of Placido's voice are demonstrated well. Two CD's and 34 songs--just can't beat that for the price.

A must for a Placido fan.......2005-04-23

If you've continously listened to this master of tenors and said "wow, I like it, I want to listen even more of him", then raise it to 5 stars, which is the rating I personally give the CD; HOWEVER, if you've only heard him once or not at all, you might want to wait a while and get to know him and other tenors better. Why? Well, disc 1 is the "classical" disc, with arias from famous operas and choral pieces by Puccini and the like, but disc 2, the "modern" or "popular" disc, contains music that will leave you a bit puzzled, since it's is not for everyone; a lot of people have never heard zarzuela or tunes by Manzanero or Lecuona. In short, this disc is better suited for fans of Placido or people who want to know him better, if not, it still is a top choice, and this way you just might fall in love with him (well, his singing, not him literally).

Great for what it is.......2005-01-13

I agree with the previous poster that this does not contain his great dramatic stuff like otello/wagner, but the collection is a beautiful one. There are some great recordings here, and his crossover stuff(maria, Dulcinea, impossible dream) is very interesting. His opera is of course impecable and brilliant. Finally we get to hear Domingo's high C in Di Quella Pira, and its a good one. The zarzuela or spanish operetta type songs and are wonderful.

I found this to be beautiful and exhilirating to listen to.

Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo.......2005-01-03

I grew up with Placido Domingo. Not in the sense of being boyhood friends, but rather in the sense that he was part of my "Golden Age" at the Metropolitan Opera. Of the "Three Tenors" (more Marketing hype than useful grouping of three fine singers) Domingo was the most dramatic - the "heaviest" of the three. His repertoire extended well beyond the lyric - and that's why this collection is not all the "essential" Domingo, but rather offers an interesting look at the lighter, more lyric side of Placido Domingo. You won't find Lohengrin or Otello here, but you will find many of the more lyric tenor arias from Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti - to name a few.

There is an "edge" to Domingo's voice that perhaps accounts for his ability to transition successfully into the heavier repertory. I find that tonal quality particularly noticeable in this collection - and sometimes too pronounced. On the other hand, there are a few wonderful surprises. His "Una furtiva lagrima" from L'elisir d'amore is a stand out. Its rare you here a tenor with this much power sing the role. The duet "Bima dagli occhi" from Madama Butterfly with Renata Scotto, again casts Pinkerton with a quality tenor not often found in the opera house any more. I loved the selection from Gianni Schicchi - when is the last time you found Rinuccio cast with this size tenor voice - and the Italian tenor's aria from Rosenkavalier is a treasure from a recording currently out of print. And then there is one of Domingo's signature roles - Jack Rance in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West. No one sings Rance better than Domingo - and the excerpt from the complete recording finds Domingo at his very best.

Disk two is devoted to song - popular and classical. There is a fair amount of tripe - too much cross over (as in who needs to hear Domingo sing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha - Broadway is not Mr. Domingo's genre). But there are some wonderful cuts as well - "Granada" is a Domingo encore specialty, and I was particularly struck by the song "In Pace" from the motion picture Hamlet - I never saw the film and was truly taken aback at how beautiful a song this is, and Domingo's voice soars.

I found the sound of these CD's a bit "tinny". Perhaps its the analogue to digital conversion, but I was disappointed in the overall sound. The album is badly mistitled "The Essential Placido Domingo". Certainly this is some of the essential Domingo - and some very wonderful examples of the lyric Domingo - but there is clearly a volume two to come - the dramatic Placido Domingo. But why wait - buy this fine collection, and then feast on some of the complete recordings such as Otello or Lohengrin.

Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!.......2005-01-01

Why wait to see if this reviewer enjoyed Sony's latest offering: I did, and so will you. Hats off to Sony for getting it right with this two CD, 34-song bonanza of Placido Domingo singing -- well, as the name implies -- the essentials, from opera to Broadway to Hollywood, in a mix that keeps its distance while holding it all together in a package that breeds enough familiarity to make even the most harsh tenor critic purr. The more clasical offerings are on the first CD and the more sentimental are on disc two. Interestingly, I found side two more seductive and subdued in tone, and enjoyed listening to Mr. Domingo's interpretation of such popular favorites as "Maria" from "West Side Story", "Dulcinea" from "Man From LaMancha" and a couple duets with John Denver (Perhaps Love) and Maureen McGovern (A Love Without End). The songs selected for side two actually did set a thematic tone. Readers of my reviews know that I place a high value on a CDs overall ability to present what is offered in a bundle that sets and keeps a mood. I usually ask two questions: is it consistent once the mood is set; and does it keep the listener in that mood throughout once established? Here, well, here, I break from tradition and profess some confusion. The mood on disc one is not thematic but ecclectic -- from solo's to duets, from live recordings to studio, from one orchestra to the next, from upbeat to mellow. Technically, while there is some difference in the overall sound quality while switching from one setting to another, it is something you would have to listen for to catch, and becaue of this doesn't amount to a serious flaw as presented. What saves disc one from my usual "tenor blahs" is Mr. Domingo's exceptional voice and the selection of songs chosen -- which, while altering between one mood and another, are all familiar enough that we listen with knowing ease to what we expect. This isn't the kind of CD you put on while holding a conversation with anyone, but rather one you would put on, close your eyes and listen to for its sheer technical achievement -- or more precisely for Mr. Domingo's talent. The voice is clear and strong and passinate and reflects Mr. Domingo's control of his range and interpretive skills. Listen to Verdi's "Ingemisco" with The London Symphony and Leonard Bernstein; Puccini's "Bimba Dagli Occhi" with Renata Scoto (he sings a couple meodies with Scoto) and Umberto Giordino's "Amor ti Vieta" from Fedora to get an idea of what I am referring to here. It took me a couple sessions with each side to settle down and appreciate what was offered. Hopefully this review will get you ready and you will enjoy it from the start. PJW

Average customer rating:

Expected More
Mixed Work
Bravo for "Sacred Songs" by Placido Domingo

Sacred Songs
Placido Domingo
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ave Maria - Christmas with Placido Domingo and the Vienna Choir Boys
Por Amor
Very Best of
Forbidden Love
Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time

ASIN: B00006GEKH
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

Mascagni: Ave Maria
Rustichelli: Kyrie
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Alvarez: Plegaria
Bach/Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Mille cherubini in coro
Gounod: Sanctus
Bach: Bist du bei mir
Handel: Frondi tenere e belle...Ombra mai fu
Rossini: Domine Deus
Gounod: Repentir
Rodgers & Hammerstein: Climb Ev'ry Mountain
Placido Domingo, Jr.: Ave Maria
Wagner: Der Engel (Wesendonck Lieder)
Mendelssohn: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts (Elijah)
Tosti: Preghiera

Customer Reviews:

Expected More.......2007-02-20

I like very much Placido Domingo, and the album is good, however not as good as I expected. I felt some enthusiasm is missing.

Mixed Work.......2002-12-22

Of the great living tenors, Placido Domingo commands the most respect among musicians for his voice, musicality, breadth of repertoire, and professionalism. The CD purchasing public, however are more excited by Andrea Bocelli and Luigi Pavarotti. Sacred Songs is an attempt to win over some of their market share.

16 songs are contained on the disc that would admittedly be better but less alliteratively titled Inspirational Songs; Richard Rogers's Climb Every Mountain, one of the highlights, is hardly church music. Along with a healthy supply of beautifully sung classics by Franck, Gounod and the like are a handful of curiosities. The inclusion of an Ave Maria by Domingo's middle son Placido Domingo Jr, with Luisa Domingo on harp is an enjoyable bit of musical nepotism. Schubert's well-known Lullaby is merged with his ballet music from Rosemunde and the whole given a new text and backing by women's choir; likewise Mascagani's instrumental Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana becomes a duet between Domingo and the pop soprano Sissel. Domingo's sheer musicality saves the former, but the latter is less fortunate, as Sissel's thin singing and pious recitation spoil an otherwise gorgeous composition. (Admittedly, Sissel fares much better in her second duet on the CD.) Also somewhat aesthetically questionable is Paolo Rustichelli's Kyrie, with the composer accompanying on piano, guitar, and synthesizers. The real low point on the disc occurs in Gounod's Sanctus, where a lovely climax is destroyed by the sloppy ensemble of the Coro Sinfonicao di Milano Giuseppe Verdi.

Whether Sacred Songs will convert the unbelievers is questionable, and it may even alienate some of Domingo's more dogmatic followers with its hint of crossover.

Curiously, the previous reviewer mentions the inclusion of Schubert's Ave Maria, which Domingo sung for the victims of the September 11 attack. This is actually NOT included in my CD, nor is it mentioned in the amazon.com list above; the CD notes do refer to Domingo's performance of the work, but the only Ave Maria's on the disc are by Mascagani, Gounod, and Domingo's son.

Bravo for "Sacred Songs" by Placido Domingo.......2002-12-17

Placido Domingo presents a beautiful new collection of sacred songs which includes old favorites like "Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Franck, and wonderful new additions like the melodious "Ave Maria" composed by his son, Placido Domingo, Jr., featuring Luisa Domingo on the harp. The recording, from the Auditorium Milano in Milano in February, 2002, is clear and vibrant. Program notes by Harvey Sachs are outstanding and indicate that the songs included cover a period of 300 years. They are sung easily by Mr. Domingo in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Latin. Sensitive and moving orchestral accompaniment is under the direction of conductor Marcello Viotti, who says, "Musicians must communicate everything they have in their souls, and what makes Placido so special is his very, very rich soul: he gives so much, gives of his fullness." My favorite compositions on the recording are the robust "Domine Deus" by Rossini, and the humble "Repentir" by Gounod, which drives you to your knees. Full text of all the songs with English translation is presented, along with color pictures of Mr. Domingo at work on the two duets with his collaborating Norwegian soprano, Sissel. Also included is the inspiring "Ave Maria" by Schubert, sung by Mr. Domingo at the New York memorial service for the September 11 disaster victims. The songs are summarized best by Mr. Domingo: "Over the years, sacred music has always been close to me...every piece of music we hear [on the recording] is a miracle, therefore sacred." I recently heard Mr. Domingo in person at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (singing the lead in Mozart's "Idomeneo"), and can assure you this "world's greatest tenor" is still in wonderful and wondrous form. The new "Sacred Songs" is a must for those who love classical sacred music, a recording which to me makes the soul soar.

Average customer rating:

great
Disappointing Fischer-D: exciting Placido D
Looks great on paper but doesn't work
A beautiful recording
Some people are tired about the "American" way to see Wagner

Wagner: Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Der fliegende Holländer / Weikl, Studer, Domingo, Sotin, Seiffert; Sinopoli
Tannhäuser / Domingo, Studer, Baltsa, Salminen, A. Schmidt; Sinopoli
Wagner: Lohengrin
Wagner: Die fliegende Holländer
Wagner: Tristan und Isolde [Includes Bonus DVD]

ASIN: B000001G64
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Prelude
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Da Zu Dir Der Heiland Kam
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Verweilt! Ein Wort! (Walther, Eva, Magdalene, David)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: David! Was Stehst? (David, Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Mein Herr! Der Singer Meisterschlag (David Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: So Bleibt Mir Einzig Der Meister-Lohn! (Walther, David)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Seid Meiner Treue Wohl Versehen (Beckmesser, Walther, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Das Schone Fest, Johannistag
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Verzeiht, Wielleicht Schon Ginget Ihr Zu Weit (Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Am Stillen Herd (Walther, Sachs, Beckmesser)

Tracks:

Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One (Continued): Fanget An! (Beckmesser, Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act One: Seid Ihr Nun Fertig? (Beckmesser, Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Johannistag! Johannistag! (David, Magdalene, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Lass Sehn, Ob Meister Sachs Zu Haus? (Eva, Magdalene, Sachs, David)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Was Duftet Doch Der Flieder (Fliedermonolog) (Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Gut'n Abend, Meister! (Eva, Sachs, Magdalene)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Da Ist Er! (Eva, Magdalene, Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Geliebter, Spare Den Zorn (Eva, Magdalene, Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Uble Dinge, Die Ich Da Merk (Sachs, Walther, Eva)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Jerum! Jerum! (Sachs, Beckmesser, Walther, Eva)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Freund Sachs! So Hort Doch Nur Ein Wort! (Beckmesser, Walther, Eva, Sachs)

Tracks:

Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Twp (Continued): Den Tag Seh'Ich Erscheinen (Beckmesser, Sachs, David)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Two: Zum Teufel Mit Dir, Verdammter Kerl! (Prugelszene) (David, Magdalene, Beckmesser, Walther, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Prelude
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Gleich, Meister! Hier - Am Jordan Sankt Johannes Stand (Davis, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Wahn! Wahn! Uberall Wahn! (Wahnmonolog) (Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Gruss Gott, Mein Junker! (Sachs, Walther)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Morgenlich Leuchtend (Walther, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Ein Werbelied! Von Sachs! (Beckmesser, Sachs)

Tracks:

Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Das Gedicht ... Hier Liess Ich's (Sachs, Beckmesser)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Gruess Gott, Mein Evchen ! (Sachs, Eva)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Weilten Die Sterne Im Lieblichen Tanz? (Walther, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Hat Man Mit Dem Schuhwerk Nicht Seine Not ! (Sachs, Eva)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Ein Kind Ward Hier Geboren (Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Selig, Wie Die Sonne [Quintett] (Eva, Magdalene, Walther, David, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: [Zwischespiel:Interlude] - Sankt Krispin, Lobet Ihn!
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: [Tanz der Lehrbuben:Dance Of The Apprentices] Ihr Tanzt? (David)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: [Aufzug der Meister:Entry Of The Masters] - Silentium
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Wacht Auf! Es Nahet Gen Den Tag
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Euch Macht Ihr's Leicht ! (Sachs, Beckmesser)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Morgen Leuchtend Im Rosigen Schein (Beckmesser, Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Morgenlicht Leuchtend Im Rosigen Schein {Preislied:Prize Song] (Walther, Sachs, Eva)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Verachtet Mir Die Meister Nicht! (Sachs)
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Act Three: Ehrt eure deutschen Meister

Amazon.com

Some singers want to record everything in the repertory, suitable or unsuitable to their voices. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was one of those singers, and the breadth of his recordings is astonishing. While his artistry is undoubted, his instrument lacks the depth to successfully essay the wise cobbler-poet Hans Sachs. Like Fischer-Dieskau, Placido Domingo also finds himself in unusual Wagnerian territory in this recording, and on the whole is not so successful as he was later with Tannhäuser and Lohengrin due to his initial difficulties with German diction. However, the biggest flaw in this recording is the substandard chorus work--a disaster for any opera so dependent on large choruses as Die Meistersinger. This recording is ideal for die hard fans of Fischer-Dieskau and Domingo, but far less than perfect if it is the only Meistersinger in one's collection. --Christian C. Rix

Customer Reviews:

great.......2007-01-04

I say "five star" and "great" because I have the vinil edition. I am quite upset, because it has been shhipped to me on November 21st and I didn't receive it yet.

Disappointing Fischer-D: exciting Placido D.......2005-08-17

Through the 60's and early 70's the dearth of new recordings of Die Meistersinger was often put down to "waiting for Fischer-Dieskau". Admittedly there had been two great recordings in the early days of LP - Knappertsbusch and especially Kempe. Karajan came along and didn't add a lot except modern stereo sound. There was the odd pirated version of Karajan's Bayreuth performance with Schwarzkopf as Eva - the most insufferably prim and arch Eva ever! But it seemed that the great man was reluctant to take on the part everyone thought he had been borne to play.

Finally, though, it happened. And it seemed he was right. His performance of Sachs was, in the event, something of a disappointment. There's some beautiful singing certainly (the Fliedermonolog for example), but at other times there is a tendency to bark. As one would expect from DFD, the text is pointed, lifted, emphasised, clarified - too much so a lot of the time, for it is at the expense of the lyrical musical line. But the real disappointment is that time after time he misses those emotional KO punches that litter the score. The ironies of his Act 2 scene with Eva and the sudden blossoming when he reminds her just how lovely she is: the moment when he remembers his wife and children (whatever did happen to them?): the slightly grudging respect for the composition of a true meisterlied ("Now that's what I call an abgesang"): the burst of anger he can't control that leads to Eva's overwhelming outburst, "O Sachs, mein Freund": the controlled resignation as he names Walther's preislied: the humbled pride as the Midsummer crowd sings his own glorious hymn to the Reformation back to him ("Euch macht ihr's leicht"). All these seem to slip past without a hint of a tear rising, at least to my eyes.

Domingo, on the other hand, was the great surprise of the set on the positive side. This was his first essay in Wagner singing on disc and it was a revelation. Yes, his German accent was even dodgier in those days than it has subsequently become. But the pouring forth of the sort of bel canto line that Wagner always said he wanted but has so seldom received was and is a revelation. In this of all Wagner's tenor parts, with Trial Song, two versions of the Prize Song and countless other soaring lyrical lines, the benefits of Domingo's Italianate sound are legion. And his voice was absolutely at its prime; ringing at the top, tender and smooth as silk at mf or quieter, and with that baritonal touch that distinguishes the best of heldentenors.

Ligendza was a stalwart at Bayreuth through the early 70's - perhaps a bit overparted as Brunnhilde, but a very fine Isolde with Carlos Kleiber (occasionally available as an alternative to his DGG set with Margaret Price). Eva suits her even better. She is sensitive to all the swift changes of mood, the petulance and the passions of a teenager and rises to true heights in "O Sachs, mein Freund". There have been smoother lead-ins to the Quintet, but that's a small blemish on a substantial reading of the part.

As for Jochum's conducting, perhaps he was brought down a bit by his protagonist, because he can be better than this. He seems a little kapellmeisterish here - sound, worthy, but never rising to the heights of a Kempe or, especially, a Kubelik.

Disappointing on the Fischer-Dieskau front, then, exciting for Domingo's Walther, interesting for Ligendza's Eva, but not a first choice for this most human of Wagner operas.

Looks great on paper but doesn't work.......2005-03-09

In the late 60's Rafael Kubelik conducted a studio recording of Die Meistersinger. However, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau wanted to release a recording of this opera on DGG so he prevented the Kubelik recording from being released. It wasn't released until the 90's. Fischer-Dieskau's recording, conducted by Eugen Jochum, was released in the 70's. And it wasn't worth it. This recording looks great on paper but it simply doesn't work. Jochum's earlier recording of this opera was one of the best. But this time he seems to have lost his spark. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is potentially a great Hans Sachs. He is one of the best lieder singers of all time, and in his youth he was also a wonderful Wagner singer (try his 1956 Amfortas). Later his interpretations became very intellectual and lost the emotion and passion. Sometimes this worked well but not on this recording. Sure he can sing, unlike Otto Wiener who for some reason was a famous Sachs in the 50's and 60's. Placido Domingo has later become a very good Wagner singer, especially his Parsifal is excellent. When this Meistersinger was recorded, he didn't have much Wagner experience though. He has always been a good singer but this is one of the worst performances I have heard from him. Catarina Ligenza's Eva is overshadowed by Christa Ludwig's Magdalene, the best performance on this recording. The last nail in the coffin is the dry sound of the recording.

A beautiful recording.......2004-10-08

There are so many factors involved in a successful production of Die Meistersinger - let alone their subjective projections - that a `definitive' recording is extremely difficult, perhaps even - considering the practical constraints of a recording production - impossible to produce. Foregoing a detailed analysis of this recording's particular strengths and weaknesses, I feel it is fair to state that it certainly does merit a special recommendation on the strength of two very elemental factors; Domingo's presence and Jochum's conducting and overall direction.

Certainly Domingo's command of the German language here is not on the same level as that of a native singer's, or even comparable with someone trained in this particular type of singing from an early stage of his career. But neither does it sound in any way exotic; one merely gets occasionally the impression of a slight hesitance or awkwardness. Overall this is a very minor complaint if one considers what the listener will receive in exchange - one of the most beautiful Walther tones ever recorded, superb musicianship and a vivid portrayal of the character that comes through so very lively and engagingly in every single scene. Going through the list of Walther's performers in past recordings, and listening to their singing, the comparison is unavoidably to be drown that however great singers and dedicated performers they may have been, certainly none of them was anywhere near Domingo's overall class as a tenor. This is I believe something that lies beyond subjective interpretation - given the sheer beauty of his sound and the totally committed and engaging presence that he brings in this characterization, Domingo is beyond the reach of any other Walther interpreter in the stereo recording era ( to say the least ).

Jochum's conducting also greatly contributes to an engrossing listening experience - well paced, finely balanced, an altogether excellent orchestral sound that makes listening this recording a pleasurable experience, even for the completely uninitiated into the Wagner world. Certainly Die Meistersinger is much, much more than Walther and orchestra and many listeners will surely feel the desire to look around for different interpretations and approaches, especially in the characterization of Sachs and perhaps in search of a more girlish sounding Eva. For an introduction to Die Meistersinger though, this recording's wonderful beauty of sound certainly recommends itself - and it is hard to imagine any opera fan who would not find some joy in listening to Domingo's amazing voice.

Some people are tired about the "American" way to see Wagner.......2003-10-17

This recording is absolutely german, with the entonation, the spirit and military like sound. The soloist are well prepared, and Fischer-Dieskau is an excelent Sachs, despite of what our american partner von Pittsburg said. I seems like american people feels more delighted with the Levine recording, i think that's because they have that little fat man conducting "their first national opera", the MET. Everybody have to remember that Wagner was german and also, he was a fanatic nationalist and all his efforst were focused to create a "total art" that reflects the "german spirit"... we can hear that spirit here, and it's all we need to know to be sure this is a supreme interpretation of the only Operistic Comedy Wagner ever made.
P.D.: About the problem with the "german" speak of Domingo; it is supposed that Walther is a foreigner knight, from Francony, and the time is the plot is settled in the XVI century, with a germany divided in several states and countries, with different rulers and several language variations. We don't know if Jochum realized about that, but if you know our story you'll find the "Domingo problem" a good detail.

Average customer rating:

A Christmas celebration for Classical Music Lovers only
This may be a good album; the marketing ploy is shameless
Touch of angle, touch of heart

#1 Christmas Album
Placido Domingo , Luciano Pavarotti , Kiri te Kanawa , Franz Gruber , Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky , and Joan Sutherland
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas Adagios
The Three Tenors Christmas
O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca)
Ultimate Classical Christmas Album of All Time
A Gala Christmas in Vienna

ASIN: B00005Q6LG
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) - Luciano Pavarotti/London Voices
Silent Night (Stille Nacht) - The Bach Choir/Sir David Willcocks
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Once In Royal David's City - Robin Barter/David Briggs/The Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
Ding Dong! Merrily On High - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
Joy To The World - Joan Sutherland
Good King Wenceslas - Simon Keenlyside/Richard Suart/Stephen Cleobury/The Choir Of St John's College, Cambridge...
Wiegenlied (Brahms' Lullaby) - Renata Tebaldi
In Dulce Jubilo - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Sir David Willcocks
Christmas Oratorio: Pastoral Sinfonia - Stuttgarter Kammerorchester/Karl Munchinger
Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Chicago Symphony Chorus And Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti
Ave Maria - Kiri Te Kanawa
L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell - St Anthony Singers
Mille Cherubini In Coro - Luciano Pavarotti
See Amid The Winter's Snow - Simon Preston/The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Sir David Willcocks
What Child Is This? - Anthony Way/Tom Finucane/John Scott
The First Nowell - David Briggs/The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
O Tannenbaum - Leontyne Price
While Shepherds Watched - Simon Preston/The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Sir David Willcocks
Away In A Manger - Anthony Way/The Choir Of St Paul's Cathedral/John Scott
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - John Scott/James Blades/David Corkhill

Tracks:

Deck The Hall - Joan Sutherland/The Ambrosian Singers
The Holly And The Ivy - Jonathan Lamb/Christopher Hughes/Simon Haynes/Roland Robertson/The Choir Of King's College...
Panis Angelicus - Luciano Pavarotti/Wandsworth Boys Choir
In The Bleak Midwinter - Anthony Way/The Choir Of St Paul's Cathedral
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - John Scott/James Blades/David Corkhill
German Dance No.3, K.605: Sleigh Ride - Wiener Mozart Ensemble/Willi Boskovsky
The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Joan Sutherland/The Ambrosian Singers
Shepherds In The Fields Abiding - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Sir David Willcocks
Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle - Renata Tebaldi
I Saw Three Ships - Mark Tinkler/William Kendall/The Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge/George Guest
O Holy Night - Leontyne Price
O Little Town Of Bethlehem - David Briggs/The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
Gesu Bambino - Luciano Pavarotti/Wandsworth Boys' Choir
Rocking - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge/Sir David Willcocks
The Virgin's Slumber Song - Joan Sutherland
Child In A Manger - The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College, Cambridge/John Rutter
Hosanna In Excelsis - Placido Domingo/James Lancelot/Winchester Cathedral Choir
The Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Snowflakes - Members Of The Finchley Children's Music Group
White Christmas - Kiri Te Kanawa/London Voices
The Skaters' Waltz - National Philharmonic Orchestra/Douglas Gamley
Mary's Boy Child - Kiri Te Kanawa/London Voices

Customer Reviews:

A Christmas celebration for Classical Music Lovers only.......2002-11-06

The cover of this 2 disc set features half a dozen of the great voices of our time: Pavarotti, Domingo, Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Leontyne Price. However, selections by these soloists comprise only 2/5 of the set, the rest being choral and orchestral works.

Nor are these fabulous voices given equal representation. Pavarotti and my personal favorite, Joan Sutherland, have four songs apiece; Price and Kanawa have three apiece; Renata Tebaldi two and only one for Placido Domingo.

However, this is basically a very good collection. The first disc is a bit on the solemn side, while the second is brighter. Pavarotti leads off the entire collection with "Adeste Fideles" and returns later on the first disc with "Mille Cherubini in Coro". His renditions of "Panis Angelicus" and "Gesu Bambino" help grace the second CD.

Joan Sutherland brightens the first disc with her "Joy To The World" and then sets the lighter mood of the second disc with "Deck The Halls" and later returns with a sprightly "Twelve Days of Christmas". She also gives us the beautiful and tender "Virgin Slumber Song". Leontyne Price gives us Schubert's "Ave Maria", "O Tannenbaum" and "O Holy Night". Kiri Te Kanawa gives us Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria", surprises us with "White Christmas" (a very beautiful & unique interpretation), and winds up the entire set with "Mary's Boy Child". Renata Tebaldi's contributions are Brahms' "Lullaby" and "Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle". Placido Domingo's sole appearance is with the dynamic "Hosanna in Excelsis" from Lloyd Weber's Requiem.

It is a splendid feast of vocal performances. However, the choral and orchestral selections have weak spots. I was especially disappointed in the Chicago Symphony & Chorus rendition of "For Unto Us a Child Is Born", and also thought that a good rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus would've worked better. The orchestral selections did have bright spots such as "Sleigh Ride" (Mozart's, not Leroy Anderson's), Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Snowflakes" from the Nutcracker, and the "Skater's Waltz".

All in all, this is a collection which belongs in your Christmas Classical collection, but can't be considered an absolute essential.

This may be a good album; the marketing ploy is shameless.......2001-11-15

I have not listened specifically to this edition, but I can tell you with near absolute certainty that this is a classic example of marketing at its most shameless. This is nothing more than a reissue of "The Greatest Christmas Show on Earth", but with a different title! (Something similar was done back in 1963, when the Harry Simeone Chorale's ever-popular 1958 LP, "Sing We Now of Christmas", was retitled and re-released as "The Little Drummer Boy"--its current CD title--, but at least the advertising there seemed slightly more honest.)

Everything on "The #1 Christmas Album" is exactly the same as on "The Greatest Christmas Show on Earth", right down to the order of the musical selections on the album. Only the cover design is different. Decca/London apparently believes that it can fool its customers into thinking that they are buying another album if they simply change the title. Of course, the album itself is reasonably good, though not on the level of most of my favorite Christmas albums, not even the now-deleted RCA Victor "Christmas Treasures", a collection culled from RCA Victor's Living Stereo series. The offense lies in the marketing gimmick,something I have never seen in all my years of avid CD buying. This is worse than all those "collections" which just rehash old material--at least each collection is a newly organized album.

Touch of angle, touch of heart.......2001-11-14

If you enjoy opera or choir, this is a must collection. The Choir of King's College probably knows the secret how to make the listener flying among thousands of Christmas candles. Pavarotti's opening is so mighty that remind people, this year, to be courageous and to believe (not limited from religious sense but the humanity perspective.) And his Mill Cherubini and Panis Angelicus can vibrate one's tear from the heart, reflecting to the tragedy and the war in 2001. As for the sopranos, this collection is a Jewel. Joan Sutherland's Deck The Hall and The Twelve Days of Christmas bring out the merry atmosphere of the season and cheer one's mood to celebrate. Also her Virgin's Slumber Song has so much beauty and grace . Kanawa's Ave Maria is so dramatic performed that perfectly drawn out the human's longing for love and protection. All the orchestra also have done a splendid job. The arrangement is perfect there is no dull moment from the beginning to the end.

Average customer rating:

A work unlike any other in 1000 years of music history
Great mass!

Misa Tango

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Soul of Tango
Martinez: Soprano Songs and Arias
Misa Criolla
Rodrigo y Gabriela (with Bonus DVD)

ASIN: B00004YZ31
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Misa Tango: 1. Kyrie: Andante - Ana Maria Martinez/Placido Domingo/Hector Ulises Passarella
Misa Tango: 2. Gloria - Ana Maria Martinez/Placido Domingo/Hector Ulises Passarella
Misa Tango: 3. Credo: Tempo Di Milonga - Condombe - Ana Maria Martinez/Placido Domingo/Hector Ulises Passarella
Misa Tango: 4. Sanctus: Lento Flessibile - Moderato (Allegretto) - Ana Maria Martinez/Placido Domingo/Hector Ulises Passarella
Misa Tango: 5. Agnus Dei: Andante - Ana Maria Martinez/Placido Domingo/Hector Ulises Passarella
Tangosain - Luis Bacalov
Adios Nonino (Tango Rapsodia) - Luis Bacalov
Libertango - Luis Bacalov

Amazon.com

One day someone was bound to do it, but it could have been totally daft; praise be, this tango Mass is a total success. Conceived by composer Luis Bacalov, an Argentinean Jew who lives in Rome, it welds what might be considered disparate elements--operatic solo voices and clubland instruments from Buenos Aires--into an entirely satisfying unity. Verdi is the first thought that comes to mind as the chorus begins the Kyrie, and the Gloria that follows it has strong echoes of Bernstein, hotly pursued--as a solo violin swings into tango rhythm--by Piazzolla. And it's appropriate that the last two tracks should be Bacalov's own arrangements of two Piazzolla classics, "Adios Nonino" and the immortal "Libertango." Bacalov himself officiates brilliantly at the piano; the tenor is none other than Plácido Domingo, in sweetly mellifluous voice. Myung-Whun Chung and the choir and orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia provide the musical foundations, on which Hector Ulises Passarella weaves gracefully angular patterns on his bandoneon. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

A work unlike any other in 1000 years of music history.......2001-10-18

I would like to
congratulate first of all
the composer, Mr. Bacalov;
soprano Martinez, Mr. Domingo
and Mr. Chung and his orchestra
for a job well done. This mass
in a tango style is like nothng else
ever written before. Is an uplifting
life affirming work, but yet full
of the nostalgia of tango. The work
is based on the Latin ordinary of the
Catholic mass(Even though Mr.Bacalov is
of Jewish faith)is written in Spanish.
The Gloria is marked as "Tempo di Milonga"
is a very nostalgic movement, yet full of
joyful parts. The credo is also a joyful section
which contains a very pronounced percussion
section. The other works can be are arregements
of works by Astor Piazzola arrenged by Mr. Bacalov
for full orchestra are very nostalgic and sensual
pieces. Mr.Pasarella, does a wonderful work on
the bandoneon(an accordion like instrument popular
in Argentinian tango).Thank you all one more time
for a work well done.

Great mass!.......2000-11-22

This is a great Mass work. It is good that Mr. Domingo and the people from Deutsche Grammophon recorded this work from Bacalov. Placido Domingo is great at always finding and recording new genders of music. I believe this is the first time this work is recorded. His recent recording of Albéniz "Merlin" (Decca London) is also a first. He is accompanied on both works by Ms.Ana Maria Martinez who in my oppinion has one of the best young voices today. She sings beautifully on both works. Her vocal range and musicality is one of the best my ears have listen to. I saw her live singing with Andrea Bocelli and she brought tears to my eyes. What a voice!! I will definetly buy more copies of Misa Tango to give to my friends this holiday season.

Nessun dorma ~ The Art of the Tenor / Dominigo, Pavarotti, Carreras, Wunderlich, Bergonzi...

Average customer rating:

Nessun dorma ~ The Art of the Tenor / Dominigo, Pavarotti, Carreras, Wunderlich, Bergonzi...
Claudio Monteverdi , George Frideric Handel , Jean-Philippe Rameau , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gioachino Rossini , Gaetano Donizetti , Giuseppe Verdi , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Jacques Offenbach , Georges Bizet , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Ruggero Leoncavallo , Giacomo Puccini , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , London Symphony Orchestra , Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra , Metropolitan Opera Orchestra , Orchestre National de France , Dresden Staatskapelle , Marc Minkowski , Claudio Abbado , James Levine , Carlo Maria Giulini , Seiji Ozawa , Herbert von Karajan , Richard Croft , Jean-Paul Fouchécourt , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , English Baroque Soloists , Luciano Pavarotti , Les Musiciens de Louvre , José Carreras , Plácido Domingo , Eugen Jochum , Fritz Wunderlich , Karl Böhm , and Christoph Prégardien
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004THBZ
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

L'Orfeo: 'Rosa Del Ciel' - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Ariodante: 'Tu Vivi, E Punito' - Richard Croft
Hippolyte Et Aricie: 'Ah! Faut-Il, En Un Jour, Perdre Tout Ce Que J'Aime?' - Jean-Paul Fouchecourt
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: 'Wenn Der Freude Tranen Fliessen' - Fritz Wunderlich
Don Giovanni: 'Dalla Sua Pace' - Christoph Pregardien
Die Zauberflote: 'Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon' - Fritz Wunderlich
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: 'Ecco, Ridente In Cielo' - Luigi Alva
L'Italiana In Algeri: 'Oh, Come Il Cor Di Giubilo' - Frank Lopardo
L'elisir D'amore: 'Una Furtiva Lagrima' - Luciano Pavarotti
Rigoletto: 'La Donna E Mobile' - Luciano Pavarotti
Aida: 'Se Quel Guerrier'... 'Celeste Aida' - Placido Domingo
La Traviata: 'Lunge De Lai'... 'De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti' - Luciano Pavarotti
L'Africaine' 'Pays Merveilleux'... 'O Paradis' - Placido Domingo
Les Contes D'Hoffmann: 'Il Etait Une Fois A La Cour D'Eisenach' - Placido Domingo
Carmen: 'La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee' - Jose Carreras
Eugene Onegin: 'Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis' - Neil Shicoff
Pagliacci: 'Recitar!'... 'Vesti La Giubba' - Carlo Bergonzi
Tosca: 'E Lucevan Le Stelle' - Jose Carreras
Turandot: 'Nessun Dorma' - Placido Domingo

Amazon.com

Who would have guessed that 10 years after it became the theme tune for the 1990 Football World Cup, "Nessun Dorma" would still be doing good business? And if tenors show no sign of going out of vogue, this DG production with 19 arias from 12 great tenors will help to keep the ball rolling. Yes, the Three Tenors are here--Domingo, Pavarotti, and Carreras--but so are figures such as Fritz Wunderlich and Carlo Bergonzi. And how marvelous to see that most intelligently musical British tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson opening the CD. But that's not all. Lurking in the digital depths is interactive CD-ROM material that lets you play the music on your PC while studying the score, make your own interpretations in MIDI format, edit the score to your own liking, and make high-quality printouts. There is extensive information on each piece, including all words and translations (you can choose English, French, German, or Spanish) and brief biographies of the performers. This all comes with a comprehensive Help file. The cover is strangely modest about the multimedia element--to get all this added value for no more than the price of a normal audio CD seems extraordinary. --Keith Clarke

Average customer rating:

Christmas' Greatest Voices
Placido Domingo , Leontyne Price , and Mario Lanza
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003FY7
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Adeste Fideles - Pldo Domingo, The Vienna Choir Boys
I Saw Three Ships - The Vienna Choir Boys
Angels We Have Heard on High - Robert Shaw Chorale
Ave Maria - Mario Lanza
Ride on, King Jesus - Leonard DePaur, Leontyne Price,
Silent Night - Robert Shaw
We Three Kings - Robert Shaw
O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) - Hermann Prey, The Vienna Choir Boys
Deck the Halls - Uwe Christian Harrer, Uwe Christian Harrer, Uwe Christian Harrer, The Vienna Choir Boys
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Jeff Alexander, Mario Lanza, Henri Ren,
First Nowell - Giorgio Tozzi
O Holy Night - Philadelphia Singers, Benita Valente
Evening Prayer - Norman Luboff Choir, The New Symphony Orchestra of London, The New Symphony Orchestra of London, Leopold Stokowski
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen - Robert Shaw
Ave Maria - Marian Anderson, Robert Russell Bennett
Panis Angelicus - Pldo Domingo, Helmuth Froschauer, The Vienna Choir Boys, Vienna Symphony Orchestra
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Mario Lanza, Henri Ren His Orchestra
Happy Christmas - Canadian Brass,
Hallelujah Chorus - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Music Review:

Recommended Music:

Musique Francaise pour quintette de cuivres et harmonie

Music: The Best of Earl Thomas Conley, Vol. 1

Stargate Atlantis [Soundtrack]

ROK DOG

Thanks For The Memory...Great American Songbook IV

Red Letter Days [Import]

Rosa E Vinho [Import]

Music for Oboe and Strings

(Reach Up for the) Sunrise [CD-single] [Import]

Tangos del Sur: Astor Piazzolla, Vol. 1 [Enhanced]

Platinum & Gold Collection [Original recording remastered]

Tribute to the Blues Brothers

Live Trout: Recorded at the Tampa Blues Fest March 2000