Pure Opera

On this CD:

1. Carmen, opéra-comique in 4 acts Toreador March
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra / Sofia National Opera Orchestra / Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov, Roberto Paternostro, Rouslan Raichev, Georgi Robev, Hans-Martin Schneidt, Janos Sandor

2. Nabucco, opera (Nabucodonosor) Va, pensiero, sull' ali dorate
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra / Sofia National Opera Orchestra / Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov, Roberto Paternostro, Rouslan Raichev, Georgi Robev, Hans-Martin Schneidt

3. Rigoletto, opera La donna è mobile
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra / Sofia National Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti, Gertrud von Ottenthal
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

4. La Traviata, opera Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

5. La forza del destino, opera Il santo nome
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

6. La forza del destino, opera Rataplan
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

7. Don Carlo, opera Sire! Sogetta è a voi
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

8. Aida, opera Gloria all'Egitto (Triumphal March)
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

9. Thais, opera Meditation
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra / Sofia National Opera Orchestra / Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov, Roberto Paternostro, Rouslan Raichev, Georgi Robev, Hans-Martin Schneidt, Janos Sandor

10. Carmen, opéra-comique in 4 acts Votre toste
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

11. Les Pêcheurs de perles, opera in 3 acts Au fond du temple saint
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra / Sofia National Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti, Gertrud von Ottenthal
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

12. Guillaume Tell (William Tell), opera Soldiers' Dance
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Performed by Bavarian State Opera Orchestra / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Marco Chingari, Roumen Doikov, Denes Gulyas, Laszlo Kote, Bruno Lazzaretti
Conducted by Janos Ferencsik, Boris Hinchev, Andras Korodi, Ivan Marinov

Tracks:

Die zauberflote: der holle rache
die musikdose
Like A Bird
lakme: ou va la jeune hindoue?
Serenata Mexicano
la perle du bresil: charmant oiseau
pavlovich biassy
die fledermaus - la chauve-souris: Adele's Laughing Son - Air d'adele - 'mein herr marquis'
Valentine's Aria (Ere I leave my native land)
Jewel Song (O Heavenly Jewels)
salut, demeure chaste et pure (Emotions Strange)
Final Trio (My Heart Is Overcome With Terror)

Customer Reviews:

reviving an old memory.......2007-06-08

This is a recording of an old vinyl which was in my collection. It was good to see that it was available, on CD, just as I remembered it sounding
Thanks.

So BAD she's GOOD .......2007-04-21

This is the most remarkable singing in all of recorded history. So BAD she's GOOD, Florence Foster Jenkins bankrolled herself into mini-stardom selling out her invitation-only once-a-year recitals until she became so legendary, she sold out Carnegie Hall to an audience snickering into their handkerchiefs. These recordings showcase that as BAD as Jenkins is, she gets WORSE . . . brilliantly so! With sensitive and serious accompaniment, Jenkins' voice is like a cross between a clucking chicken and a squeak toy played by Rusty Hinge. Each tune reveals a new vocal weakness (at best) or a deeper absurdity (at very best); these selections are a Punk miracle of self-delusion. I am grateful to all the brave reviewers who gave 5 stars 'cause they're right in its essential laughter factor; if you have a funny bone you cannot NOT laugh while listening to this lady sing!

my ears and belly hurt.......2007-04-11

My ears hurt from this absolutely abominable performance, and my belly from laughing.

A must for all music lovers.......2007-01-05

I first heard this album (LP) about 20 years ago on the radio. I recently recalled it and did a search on Amazon and to my amazement it and other titles were available. I purchased this disc for my wife's Christmas present 2006. We both cannot stop laughing every time we listen to it. I highly recommend this disc to anyone who loves the classics and has a hidden desire/dream that one day they too will be discovered and perform in large concert halls to utter amazement of the audience. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Florence's voice caused my dog to shake in fear........2007-01-02

This woman's voice was so bad that my dog started to shake in fear...then he ran and hid in my parent's room. I gave my friend the cd as a Christmas present and she said it ruined her Christmas. I, on the other hand, have never laughed so hard at someone's lack of musical ability! I've never heard anyone sound so horrible! Now, I don't want to give her all the credit..because when I heard Thomas Burns sing I FELL TO THE GROUND AND LAUGHED UNTIL I CRIED! I guess that's why I am giving it 5 stars. Anything that can make me laugh until I cry is worth its weight in gold!!!

The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias

Average customer rating:

Great to hear the Great Tenor
A childhood memory
Great collection.

The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Match Point
Italian Songs: The Digital Recordings
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
Great Caruso
The Very Best Of Maria Callas

ASIN: B000003EOH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Rigoletto: Questa o quella
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
L'africana: O paradiso
La Juive: Rachel, quand du Seigneur
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi; Celeste Aida
Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
La Favorita: Romanza: Spirto gentil, ne' sogni miei
La forza del destino: O tu che in seno agli angeli
Otello: Ora e per sempre addio
Les pecheurs de perles: Je crois entendre encore
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
Faust: Salut, demeure chaste et pure
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
Serse: Ombra mai fu (Largo)
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira

Amazon.com

There's a plethora of single-disc Caruso collections, but this one's the preferred choice for opera fans who treasure this golden- voiced epitome of Golden Age singing. It's a Greatest Hits collection to beat all Greatest Hits collections. Selections span Caruso's career, from the lyric effusions of 1906-7 to the darker-voiced later recordings, including one of his last records, the 1920 La Juive aria, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," which he invests with a heartbreaking poignancy that hasn't been bettered. Caruso shines brightest in the Italian repertory, capturing the pathos of Vesti la Giubba, the insouciance of the Duke's Rigoletto arias, and the hero's dilemma in Celeste Aida, among much else. But everything here is wonderful--great music, great singing. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Great to hear the Great Tenor.......2007-04-11

I am impressed how well these almost 100 year old recordings have been transfered to CD. Of course they aren't perfect but considering their age it is still a miracle. It is nice to hear Caruso in his prime and not on a scratchy vinyl. I would recommend this to any lover of Caruso's singing.

A childhood memory.......2006-05-28

I do not really know Opera. I am writing this review because I remember hearing Caruso's voice coming from a seventy- eight on an old Victor gramophone in my paternal grandparents house. The power and lyric quality of the voice struck me so strongly especially in 'Pagliacci'. The phrase has been with me, and comes back occasionally through all the years.
Caruso was then, and I believe still is considered at the very top of operatic singers. And it is a remarkable experience to hear so many years later , and in a stronger and clearer way sounds which one heard long ago in childhood, and have for years only lived in the mind.

Great collection........2000-11-04

This CD is an older RCA release, but still one of the best! A great introduction to Caruso.

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Average customer rating:

Excellent older music
A Golden Voice!
Heaven
The Ultimate Tenor Anthology
The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jussi Björling Rediscovered
The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
The Very Best of Franco Corelli
Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias

ASIN: B00000J911
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

Aida: Se quel guerriero io fossi; Celete Aida
Manon Lescaut - Donna non vida mai
Rigoletto - La Donna ? mobile
Rigoletto - Ella mi fu rapita; Parmi veder le lagrime
Cavalleria Rusticana - Siciliana: O Lola - Frederick Schauwecker
Faust - Salut, demeure chaste et pure - Robert Merrill
Pagliacci - Vesti la guibba
La Boh?me - Che gelida manini - Licia Albanese
Prince Igor - Vladimir's Recitative and Cavatina
Andrea Cher - Come un bel di di maggio
Martha - M'apparutt'amor
L'elisir d'amore - Una furtiva lagrima
Eugene Onegin - F, f (Lensky's aria)
Turandot - Nessun Dorma
Tosca - Recondita armonia
Tosca - E lucevan le stelle
Tosca - O dolci mani
The Trout (Die Forelle)
An Silvia: Was ist Silvia?
Stchen D. 957/4

Tracks:

The Pearl Fishers - Au fond du temple saint
Tosca - Mario, Mario, Mario!
Don Carlo - lo l'ho perduta!; Dio, che nell'alma infondere
Manon Lescaut - Oh, sar pila!; Tu, tu, amore? Tu?
La Boh - In un coup Mimtu pitorni
La Forza Del Destina - Solenne in quest'ora
Aida - La fatal pietra; O terra addio
Turandot - Signore, escaolta!; Non piangere, Li
Otello - Oh! monstruosa colpa!; Si, pel ciel marmorea giuro!
A Dream
Turandot - Nessun Dorma
Zeignung, Op 10, No. 1/Dedica

Amazon.com

Surely Björling was one of the greatest tenors of his or any other time, not only for the clarion ring, the purity, and the melting lyricism of his voice, but for his effortless lightness, impeccable intonation, endless breath control, and natural phrasing and line, enhanced by old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive scoops and slides. On this generous two-disc set, he is heard in a huge selection of arias and some duets with distinguished colleagues; most of them were recorded separately, and a few are excerpted from complete opera recordings--unfortunately not very skillfully, stopping abruptly in mid-phrase if not mid-note. No matter; the miraculous thing is that Björling, whether singing an entire role or a single aria, can instantly create a character and bring him to vibrant life. He sings everything in the original keys--his high B-flats, B's, and C's are thrilling--and almost everything in the original language, including a few songs by Schubert, Strauss, and Grieg. Recorded live in recital, they are delightful--only one is too operatic. Among his partners, soprano Zinka Milanov and baritone Robert Merrill stand out. This recording presents an incomparable artist at his incomparable best. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Excellent older music.......2007-04-05

He is obviously one of the best of his time and puts to shame some of the newer singers. You get alot for your money on this CD too. I highly recommend it for a Sunday morning to enjoy your coffee, newspaper, and scones :}

A Golden Voice!.......2006-07-31

In opera circles everyone knows about Jussi Bjorling. But, I am writing this for the many people who never heard of him. He died in 1960 at the age of 49 so he hasn't been around for 46 years. Thus, the younger generation have only heard of Pavarotti, Domingo, Correras and some newer fellows. Believe me, the sweet, honeyed, golden voice of Bjorling will impress you. His voice..his "instrument".....is...is....what can I say, it's "beautiful". If you haven't heard him before you have an enormous treat ahead of you! If you love the beautiful sound of a "trained" voice, you'll love this guy! Enjoy!
(Some guy below is comparing Bjorling to DeStefano and Corelli and some others and was critical of Bjorling. The guy who wrote that must be suffering from hearing loss! ALL the tenors he mentioned are/were great artists. DON'T BELIEVE HIM...BELIEVE ME! :o) Email:boland7214@aol.

Heaven.......2004-12-13

I used to buy two separate CDs for people I was introducing to Bjoerling - the Pearl Fishers one, and the one with the Nessun dorma on it... So I was delighted when this 2 CD set came out.

To me, NO other tenor I've ever heard matches Bjoerling. His voice is one of the few that reduce me to tears just trying to EXPLAIN it to people. I've loved classical music since childhood but was never able to get into opera until I heard Jussi ... all the tenors alive today - feh, sorry, but to me they just sound like guys taking deep breaths and singing loud, not like "the voice of God" ...

The Ultimate Tenor Anthology.......2003-10-26

For anyone who has for some reason fallen in love with some other tenor voice, the discovery of Jussi Bjoerlings voice may be heartbreaking. This is not a tenor who can only sing superbly in lyric opera or only in dramatic opera, or only in song and lieder. This singer can sing whatever he wants and more; he does it equally brilliant whatever to the vocal demands may be. That, more than anything makes him absolutely unique in the record history.
In the opening selection of this compilation; "Celeste Aida", this essentially lyric voice demonstrates for every heroic and dramatic tenor how to sing dramatic opera. It is a sheer singing lesson. In the strenuous recitative, he does not shout or use other non-musical effects, but shows that true dramatic expression is characterized by tonal intensiy and not by volume, although he had plenty enough of that. The beautiful and incredibly free flow of lyric tones in the Pearlfishers duet, the Faust cavatina and in the gorgeous "Che gelida manina" is absolutely exemplary. Yet, who could replicate the beauty of those effortless high C`s? I cannot think of anyone.
The only thing that could better this and give the set 5 stars in the book, is a compilation of the same selections, transferred from the original tapes and not excessively remastered as on this occasion. The sound is at times overly bright and the voice sounds thin and even sharp. But the singing is so far unmatched.

The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard.......2003-07-27

This tenor is a tiny patch if compare to Corelli or Del Monaco, not to even mention Pavarotti. His high notes are strain to the max and he sounds like he's singing in half falsetto.
A total disappointment. I recommend Gigli and Del Monaco instead.

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo
This is really the best.
If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD.
Rare And Great Domingo Classics
A real Bobby Dazzler

Very Best of
Placido Domingo
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
Bravo Domingo
The Very Best of Franco Corelli
Perhaps Love
The Domingo Songbook

ASIN: B000083GOJ
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Ill Mio Tesoro
Un'aura Amorosa
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
La Ci Darem La Mano
Vani Sono I Lamenti...Svegliatevi Nel Core
Pays Merveilleux...O Paradis
Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre...Salut ! Demeure Chaste Et Pure (Faust, Act III)
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere (Le Cid, Act III)
None But The Lonley Heart
Lensky's Aria
Donna, Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescauy Act, II)
Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce
Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca, Act III)
Ch'ella Mi Creda (La Fanciulla Del West, Act III)
Dai Campi, Dai Prati (Mefistofele, Act I)
Virgini Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito
O Sink Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
Was Am Besten Er Kann...Hoho! Hohei!

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Su, Profetessa...Di Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Su, Cacciator...Fontainebleau!...
Niun Mi Tema
Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n
Sckenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol
Gern Hab'ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
O Vaterland...Da Geh'ich Zu Maxim
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz
Mi Aldea
Cancion Del Sembrador
No Puede Ser
Serenata
Copillas De Belen
Coplas Del Pastor Enamorado
En Aranjues Con Tu Amor
Jealousy Tango
La Golondina

Amazon.com

Placido Domingo is a phenomenon, and every aspect of his artistry is on display in this 2-CD compilation, which includes arias from his signature roles in Italian, French, German, and Russian operas, and songs from Viennese and Spanish operettas. The original recordings range from the early 1970s to the present and show that though over the years his bright golden voice has taken on a darker, more burnished glow, it has retained the melting lyricism, the heroic ring, the thrilling top notes, and the focused intensity that make it instantly recognizable. (Comparing the Verdi arias included here with their counterparts of later vintage in the all-Verdi set The Tenor Arias bears this out.) The program demonstrates his stylistic and expressive versatility and his ability to instantly establish character and mood, from Lenski's sorrow (in Eugene Onegin), Cavaradossi's heart-rending despair (in Tosca), Otello's shattering agony, to Tristan's passion, Siegfried's exuberance, Faust's ardor (first in French by Gounod, then in Italian by Boito). In three Mozart arias, Domingo spins endless, perfectly shaped phrases with incredible breath control, then adds an oddity: the famous duet between Zerlina and Don Giovanni, a role he has not performed. Five Viennese operetta songs, one of which he also conducts, are delightful; there is a smile of pleasure in his voice, but not a hint of kitsch. By contrast, Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" is spoiled by an orchestration that is pure Hollywood. In the final Spanish group, he is on home ground and incomparable. This is a glorious record, a must for all lovers of great singing. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo.......2007-07-04

Placido Domingo, of course, is one of the finest tenors of the latter part of the 20th century. This 2 CD set well captures his talent, showing the range of his singing. We hear cuts from Puccini and Verdi to Tchaikovsky and Wagner to Strauss and Handel. And even a traditional Spanish sung and some operetta thrown in for good measure!

This is a wonderful introduction to his artistry, and shows that he can sing well across a variety of styles and eras. Let's sample some cuts:

"Il mio Tesoro" (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) is a difficult aria to sing well. And Domingo is up to the challenge. He displays a smooth and rich voice. His is one of those distinctive tenor voices, like Tucker's or Pavarotti's, that is quickly recognizable. This is, as noted, a challenging piece and Domingo handles it well, showing off considerable vocal agility in the process.

From the same opera, "La ci darem la mano," a sweet duet with, in this instance, soprano Susan Graham. This seductive work is sung well by both parties and is a ravishing version.

From Puccini's "Tosca," "Recondita armonia." At the close, his voice rises above orchestra and chorus. Overall, well and richly sung.

And now for something very different. . . The "Forging Scene" from Siegfried. One may not think of Domingo as a heldentenor, but he does a serviceable job here. His voice sometimes appears a bit light, but, overall, he does estimable work. He catches Siegfried's spirit as he forges the shattered remains of his father's sword, "Nothung." When he sings the name of his sword at the close, with the leitmotif ringing out from the orchestra, it is an affecting moment.

Then, "Celeste Aida" (from Verdi's opera). A stentorian voice well deployed to meet the challenges of this wonderful aria. Some tenors scoop as they move from those lower to the higher notes; Domingo's voice is well controlled here. The final high note is well hit.

Strauss (Junior's) "Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n" is a romp! A fun piece and well sung by Domingo. He demonstrates, as before, excellent vocal agility.

Lehar's "O Vaterland" is also fun. It is a sprightly tune sprightly sung.

Finally, he ends the second CD with a traditional Spanish tune--"La Golondrina." He does not overpower this work with operatic technique. He sings it well and affectingly.

So, all in all, if one wants a good introduction to Placido Domingo's vocal oeuvre, this is a very strong starting point.

This is really the best........2007-05-16

I have many of Mr. Domingo's recordings but I really love this one. He seems to get better with age. Some of the songs are on some of my other recordings but they seem new and fresh on this CD. I really think this is the best of Placido Domingo.

If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD........2005-04-06

Placido Domingo has been around for so long, it is easy to take this great artist for granted. I totally agree with the previous reviews of this album; I can also say that I had the opportunity to hear him live in concert on April 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and his voice is still stunning. His opening aria that night was the prayer from El Cid, "O Souverain," which he dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II. This piece is the 8th selection on CD 1, and is from a 1997 live recording. His thrilling finish blew me away when I listened to it the first time, and and the crowd on the recording reacts the same way the Mississippi audience did when we heard him. That aria alone is worth the price of this CD set.

Rare And Great Domingo Classics.......2005-03-08

EMI's "The Very Best Of" series is a wonderful way for the opera lover/novice or even connoisseur in training to get acquainted with the great singers of opera in the 20th century. It is possible that in a few years, the great singers of today (from the 90's up to now and further into the future) will grace the album covers of The Very Best Of...The Very Best Of Renee Fleming, The Very Best Of Salvatore Licitra, etc. This is not exactly the best of Domingo. It is more of a collection of rare and wonderfully expressive arias from operas that range all over the map- Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Massenet. Now, here's the reason why so many people adore Domingo, myself included - Domingo is a Renaissance Opera Tenor. He has sung almost every tenor role in the opera universe. Even if he is, to some, the "tenor who sang with Pavoratti in the three tenors" he proves he's the strongest of the bunch, the most dedicated, the most prolific and most artistic. Domingo has a beautiful voice, with secure high register and dark, masculine middle chest voice and exciting dramatic electricity! He's sung more than 50 operas, in addition operetta and Spanish Zarzuela (the Spanish equivalent to musicals or operetta which is where he got started and his parents sung in Zarzuela) and he has also recorded Spanish mainstream love songs for Latin audiences. A winner of Grammies, an actor in movies about operas that he starred in (Tosca, La Traviata, Otello) and the most active tenor on tv broadcasts, he is just incredible and powerful.
He is a great force in opera.

Even in his old age, he does'nt seem to be slowing down or call it quits. Recent performances (2000-2005) include Eugene Onegin, the lead in Queen of Spades, Rasputin in Debra Dratell's Nicolas and Alexandra, Idomeneo and his next role Parsifal. He is the singular tenor who mastered every repertoire- Mozart (Don Ottavio, Tamino...unfortunately Domingo as Don Giovanni is a miscast because he is too noble and romantic and GOOD to be a bad guy)..to Puccini heros (Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Dick Johnson in Fanciualla Del West, Rodolfo in Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot) Verdi heroes (Radames in Aida, Don Carlos, Stiffelio, etc) to the French repertoire...Gounod (Faust, Romeo) Meyerbeer heroes, Massenet hero (Des Grieux, Le Cid) and Saint Saens (Samson) the list goes on and on. When this man dies, an era will die with him. His legend will live on because he will leave behind dozens of albums, movies and memories......

A real Bobby Dazzler.......2004-02-19

Fans of Mr. Domingo would be lucky to find a selection of music that more profoundly explores and exhibits the diversity of his vocal ability and interpretation than is offered on these two discs. Delicious displays of Mozart, ringing renditions of the most challenging high Italian roles, powerfully rounded accounts of some of the heavy German/Russian repetoir, and some noticably nostalgic songs from the light Spannish tradition provide an impressive catalogue of the great man's rich, focussed, technically impecable and singularly beguiling vocal talent. Those who are yet to form an opinion on any particular genre of the operatic spectrum would do well to start here, so eclectic is this album. Also, you might be reassured to know that, should you become an admirer of P.D.'s talent as a result of listening to this compilation, (it is difficult to resist), you will have no trouble finding other recordings by him. A record-breaker with more than 110 roles to his repetoir (40 is a respected total for an opera singer), he is the most recorded tenor in history, leaving more than 80 complete accounts to date of operas in the Italian, French, German and Russian traditions.

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

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Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
ProductGroup: Music
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Favourite Welsh Choirs
Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics
Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs
Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome
Traditional Songs of Wales

ASIN: B0009SOFXG
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

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Ceccato The Tempo Turtle Almost Spoils La Traviata
Beverly Sills in her definitive Violetta
Great Highlights Album

Verdi: La Traviata (Highlights)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of Beverly Sills

ASIN: B00005NPK0
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Prelude
Libiamo, Ne' Lieti Calci
Che E Cio?
Un Di, Felice
E Strano! E Strano!...
Ah, Fors'E Lui...
Follie! Follie!
Sempre Libera
De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
Pure Siccome Un Angelo... Non Sapete Quale Affeto... Dite Alla Giovine
Di Provenza Il Mar
Teneste La Promessa...
Addio Del Passato
Parigi, O Cara

Customer Reviews:

Ceccato The Tempo Turtle Almost Spoils La Traviata.......2005-08-22

This is a good bargain if you're searching for a taste of Traviata.
The cast is very good with Beverly Sills as Violetta, Nicolai Gedda as Alfredo, and Rolando Panarei as Germont.
Beverly Sills handles the demanding technical passages of act 1 and act 2 very well though her singing is not as dazzling or spectacular as Joan Sutherland's but that has more to do with the conductor's intermittant sluggish tempos which drain the sparkle,intensity, and flow out of some of the arias.
Where Sills triumphs over Sutherland is in the dramatic department as we experience a more sensitive and revealing portrait of the tragic Violetta which truly reaches the listener's heart.
Nicolai Gedda is fabulous as Alfredo producing heroic beautiful tone,elegant phrasing, and convincing sensitive characterization and Rolando Panarei makes an imposing Germont with that rich full bodied baritone pulling thru the vocal tightropes with ease meanwhile producing a compelling and colorful portrait of the old man.
The packaging is not generous as their is no text translation but a track by track summary that is extremely skimpy in its details but you do get a little biography on Sills and Gedda as well as a few details about the composer Giuseppe Verdi.
The extracts that were selected for this release are well chosen though the final aria "Prendi quest'e L'immagine" is not present which is a notable flaw as listener's should be able to hear the final moments of La Traviata when Violetta dies.
Oh well, what can you do except complement this release with another highlights cd or just break down and get the complete opera which is actually the best choice since it is one of Giuseppe Verdi's greatest compositions and he is the king of all opera.
Enjoy!
I hope this review was helpful to you and happy opera hunting.

Further Quality Listening:Complete Traviata's=Cotrubas,Milnes,
Domingo,Kleiber on DG + Callas,Di Stefano, Giulini live on ancient mono Emi but worth it+ Sutherland,Bergonzi,Pritchard on Decca.
IL Trovatore with Bjorling,Milanov,Warren,Cellini on Rca,
Rigoletto with Pavarotti,Sutherland,Milnes on Decca,
Aida with Domingo,Caballe,Muti on Emi, La Boheme with Domingo,Caballe,Solti on STEREO Rca or with Bjorling,De los Angeles,Beecham on MONO Emi if you don't mind the inferior sonics.

Beverly Sills in her definitive Violetta.......2004-06-08

Giuseppe Verdi's LA TRAVIATA is given the lush treatment in this sparkling highlights album starring Beverly Sills and Nicolai Gedda, under the baton of Aldo Ceccato and the Royal Philharmonic.

Beverly Sills made sure that LA TRAVIATA and the role of consumptive courtesan Violetta Valery was a constant in her performing repertoire. She sang the role countless times in her glittering career. She's especially fetching with Violetta's petulant "Follie! Follie" and her death scene in "Parigi o cara" is like attending a master-class.

Nicolai Gedda makes for a thrilling Alfredo, proving his mettle with "De' miei bollenti spiriti", and his sparkling duet with Sills in "Sempre libera".

For Beverly Sills and TRAVIATA admirers, this CD is hard to beat.

Great Highlights Album.......2003-05-29

This disc features Highlights from one of the best available recording of La Traviata, and features Beverly Sills, Nicolai Gedda and Rolando Panerai.

Beverly Sills is a lovely Violetta. Here she sings with passion and grace. This is a performace heavy vocalization, and her acting sometimes stands out above the music which some may object to. She is at her best with "Addio del passato", her dying song. Nicolai Gedda sings with his usual strong voice. Rolando Panerai is the greatest addition to the opera, and the most stunning Germont on recording. His duet with Beverly Sills is splendid, and his "Di Provenza il Mar" takes the music of Verdi to the heights it deserves to attain. As he beckons his son to return home, his voice ranges from sadness to passion to near desperation. There could be no better Germont.

The highlights album is perfect for anyone who likes to listen to "La Traviata" casually without following along with the entire story. Every important song appears on the album, and the only song that is missed is the chorus of partygoers in Act 2.

A person would have no regrets if they owned this highlights disc, or even the full recording of "La Traviata" with Sills, Gedda and Panerai.

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Gwlad! Gwlad!
Pleasantly surprised
So Welsh!
Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD
Nostalgia for Wales

Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of My Welsh Home

ASIN: B00004XRY8
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Land Of My Father (Welsh National Anthem)
On The Seashore
David Of The White Rock
Men Of Harlech
My Little Welsh Home
A Pure Heart
Lullaby
Little Saucepan
The Shepherd Of Aberdovey
CWM Rhondda
Myfanwy
Cymru Fach
All Through The Night
Sunset Poem (Eli Jenkins' Prayer)
We'll Keep A Welcome
'Twas Thou Who Gave
Thanks To The Lord
Palm Sunday
Hyfrydol
Hiraeth (Longing)
Land Of My Fathers (Full Version)

Amazon.com

Bryn Terfel is the most recent in a long line of great Welsh singers (and certainly one of the greatest)--a people who proverbially are "born with music in the blood and poetry in the soul." Here, he sings the songs of his native Wales: hymns, folksongs, art songs, tender lullabies, yearning songs of love and homesickness, and heroic, defiant patriotic songs--including the Welsh National Anthem, which opens and closes the program. Terfel's voice, flowing out effortlessly like a golden stream, is phenomenal for its incomparable beauty, its range of dynamics, its inflection, and its intensity; his expressiveness is simpler and more natural than usual, and seems really to come straight from his soul. In honor of another great Welsh tradition, two splendid male choirs accompany him; in the fine orchestra, the English horn and harp soloists are particularly striking. The only false note on this heartwarming disc is the lush, garish orchestration, which runs counter to the ingenuous spirit of the songs and often almost resembles a soundtrack. The prime example is the lovely lullaby that's popular in English as "All Through the Night." Terfel sings it with wonderful simplicity; the orchestration is out of a grade-B movie. No wonder, therefore, that the more magical moments are those in which Terfel sings alone with a cappella chorus, harps, or piano; especially in the quiet, inward songs. The accompanying booklet is done beautifully, with stunning photographs of the Welsh countryside, a brief account of Welsh history and music, and texts in both Welsh and English. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Gwlad! Gwlad!.......2007-06-03

I saw Bryn Terfel sing Mozart at Lyric Opera in Chicago--unforgettable stage presence and energy, but I was more taken with his performances of English songs I'd heard on the radio. On this disc the full range of his musical talent is on display, alternately belting out nationalist songs, then singing hymns and traditional pieces with amazing tenderness. There are moments where the arrangements are a bit cheesy but the choirs are fantastic and Terfel is in fabulous voice throughout. Being a DG production the sonics are warm and natural. Overall, a beautiful addition to Terfel's wide ranging discography.

Pleasantly surprised.......2007-05-12

I only bought this CD because I wanted a good recording of Cvm Rhondda. Well I got that and much more. Myfanwy is just wonderful. I didn't know who Bryn Terfel was, but now I'm a fan.

So Welsh!.......2006-11-10

An absolutely delightful CD just full of the most wonderful melodic welsh songs and hymns, and what can you say about Bryn's voice other than 'fabulous', rich and vibrant - rather like smooth, dark chocolate. What a wonderful Christmas gift this CD would be for someone who has exquisite taste in music.

Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD.......2005-07-24

Bryn Terfel picked songs that meant a lot to him growing up in Wales, and also which represent the Welsh spirit. I really enjoy listening to this CD, and know you will, too! Simply beautiful and stirring melodies, sound food for both ear and soul.

Nostalgia for Wales.......2004-05-15

Bryn Terfel, with his magnificent baritone, sings a wonderful selection of songs that makes me wish that I was Welsh. My husband was born in Wales and this is a wonderful way for our children to know more of their heritage by listening to the Welsh language as it is sung and following the words in Welsh, then reading the translation. This CD is definitely a favorite.

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UNA VOZ PRIVILEGIADA CAIDA DEL CIELO
a voice with potential really beautiful I love your voice
disappointed
Please look to the excellent mezzos for the best music money can buy.
Sarah Brightman's mini-me!!!!!

La Diva
Katherine Jenkins
Manufacturer: Decca
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Premiere
Living a Dream (Eng)
Second Nature
Living a Dream
Serenade

ASIN: B0007RTB88
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Time To Say Goodbye
Caruso
Va Pensiero
House Of No Regret
O Sole Mio
En Aranjez Con Tu Amor
Seguidilla
Song To The Moon
Calon Lan
Hymn To The Fallen
Laudate Dominum
You'll Never Walk Alone

Customer Reviews:

UNA VOZ PRIVILEGIADA CAIDA DEL CIELO.......2007-06-23

Si los dioses tuvieran el deseo de cantar sin duda utilizarian una voz como la de Katherine; que disco tan maravilloso y exquisito; uno de los mejores discos clasicos que he escuchado, piezas tan grandiosas como TIME TO SAY GOODBYE (mi favorita del disco), desde excelentes valses como VA PENSIERO (soberbia) y SEGUEDILLA (me transpota a la epoca de los elfos), preciosas baladas como la trascendental EN ARANJUEZ CON TU AMOR (la mas preciosa del disco), la melancolica CARUSO y la tradicional y encantadora O SOLE MIO (la cual Elvis Presley grabara con el nombre IT'S NOW OR NEVER en los 60's, pero la version de Katherine es una muy digna competidora); impresionantemente solemne es HYMN TO THE FALLEN (dedicada a los soldados que dieron su vida en la segunda guerra mundial), brillantes himnos sacros como LAUDATE DOMINUM, muy bonitas melodias suaves en ingles como HOUSE OF NO REGRETS, SONG TO THE MOON (recuerda mucho a Enya) y CALON LAN (puro clasisismo barroco) y para cerrar con broche de oro la popularisima YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE (de la cual Ray conniff hizo una magnifica version en los 60's) que en la voz de Kathy es sencillamente gloriosa; una maravillosa e impactante orquestacion, destacando los conocimientos que la diva tiene del italiano, español e Inglés; un disco IDEAL para todo amante de la musica clasica y una forma excelente en que se pueden iniciar los principiantes de este género.

a voice with potential really beautiful I love your voice.......2007-05-19

I brought your ablums and I listen to them all over again, I love your voice so beautiful charming,and alot of people havent heard of you and dont like you, your a beautiful girl katherine jenkins, and I am sure you are best friends with charlotte church,the rock singer,I hope if you hear about church going back to opera, you might go back with her to do an ablumn,but you have got much more class because I know she went into a alot of bad stuff,but it would be good to meet you, because your voice is just abolsetly beautful,i wish that you could see the pope because he is a wonderful man, thankyou.

disappointed.......2007-02-24

I paid for this item but never received it! A month and a half later I'm still waiting! Can anyone help?

Please look to the excellent mezzos for the best music money can buy........2006-05-31

Over the past ten years, I have been asked to listen to albums of what the public has been misled to believe is classical vocal music (such as this one) because those who have purchased the albums have thought I would appreciate them as I am a singer. This album and the others by this singer are not opera, nor are they classical. This singer is pop. I have held my tongue and waited for this trend of popera to pass, but it isn't and I'm vexed at the comparison of singers such as Ms. Jenkins to legitimate voices.

If you are looking for some truly exceptional music by singers who have actually been on stage in an opera outside of grad school, try Stephanie Blythe, Vivica Genaux, Susan Graham, Jennifer Larmore, Ewa Podles and more I'm certainly forgetting. This CD is misleading many people about what opera really is. Ms. Jenkins would never sing the role of Carmen on stage, and should not be recording it.

Sarah Brightman's mini-me!!!!!.......2005-11-09

What a bad record!
If she chooses to record Sarah Brightman's repertoire over and over again, she should get herself some comparable pipes.
Her embarrassing performance of "Nessun Dorma" on the Live8 DVD are proof of a major lack of talent.

If you want the original rather than the copy cat, buy any Sarah Brightman album.

Average customer rating:

Domingo, Freni, Ghiurov, Success!
A Faust That Soars

Charles Gounod: Faust (Highlights)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gounod: Faust (Highlights)

ASIN: B000002S0Y
Release Date: 1989-06-06

Tracks:

Act II - 'Vin ou bi'
Act II - 'O sainte m?daille...Avant de quitter ces lieux...Le veau d'or est toujours debout' (Mephistopheles)
Act II - 'Nous nous retrouvons mes amis! ...Ainsi que la brise legere...Ne permettrez-vous pas, ma belle demoiselle' (Mephistopheles, Faust, Marguerite)
Act III - 'Quel trouble inconnu me ptre!..Salut! demeure chaste et pure' (Faust)
Act III - 'Je voudrais bien savoir...Il etait un roi de Thule...Ah!...Je ris' (Marguerite)
Act III - 'Il se fait tard!.. Adi ( Marguerite, Faust)
Act IV - 'Seigneur, daignez permettre...Souviens-toi du passe...Quand du Seigneur' (Mephistopheles, Marguerite)
Act IV - 'Glorie immortelle de nos aieux'
Act IV - 'Vous qui faitl'endormie (Mephistopheles )
Act V - 'Alerte, alerte...Anges purs, anges radieux...Christ est ressuscite' (Mephistopheles, Marguerite, Faust) )

Customer Reviews:

Domingo, Freni, Ghiurov, Success!.......2005-08-09

Faust has never sounded more lush and dramatic than in the hands of these seasoned singers. Placido Domingo as Faust is appropriately conflicted, emotional and romantic. He gets into character from his first scene as he curses God for his futile existence and old age and to his last scene when he is dragged to Hell. Mirella Freni is in fine voice as Marguerite, truly her performance is the greatest of all possible Marguerites on record or stage. She's got a full lyric voice that soars with passionate intensity (the Church scene and the last scene in which she tries to save Faust from damnation and she's sent to Heaven). Her husband (or soon to be husband depending on the time of this recording) bass Nicolai Ghiurov, a great Russian bass, is on fire as the Devil, with all the darkness and power in his vocal performance alone. George Petre, a famed French conductor leads a primarily French orchestra with singers who are absolutely brilliant in their mastery of the French text. This cd offers only highlights (not the full-length recording available on Amazon.com as well). Here are the Waltz, the Calf Song, Marguerite's ornate "Jewel Aria" the Church Scene complete with demonic chorus, and the outstanding Final Trio (Ange Pure Ange Radieux)which I feel could somehow be better but is not all that bad. A great highlights CD.

A Faust That Soars.......2005-03-17

This recording of Gounod's Faust made in the late 70's, stars Placido Domingo, Mirella Freni and Nicolai Ghiuarov, a powerful trio which is reason enough in itself to seek this album for purchase. Opera fanatics, such as myself, are never content with one recording of one opera, when they can indulge in a variety of singers and styles of conducting. I own this recording and the one with Hadley, Gasdia and Samuel Ramey. Now, while I think this is a great Faust, it is only second best to the recording with Hadley/Gasdia/Ramey, mainly because the real spirit of the work, active in the orchestration and especially in the bass voice of Samuel Ramey, is more true to Charles Gounod's vision. This one, though, holds its own, mainly through the dramatic prowess and rich vocals of tenor Placido Domingo, soprano Mirella Freni and her husband bass Nicolai Ghiurov. Pretre, who is French, is also enjoying his slow pace of conducting, probably slowing down what ought to be faster so as to focus on the lush lyric beauty of the French style of the lead singers who have mastered the French technique down to a "T". Superb, top-notch performances by all three lead singers is what makes this album so attractive. These are only highlights from the full length album. In this album, we find the opening chorus, the Waltz and the scene in which Faust meets Marguerite in person for the first time, the Devil's "Calf Song", Marguerite's "Jewel Song", the Church Scene in which Marguerite prays while the Devil and demons mock her, and the awesome Trio Finale "Ange Pure, Ange Radieux".

For Gounod, Faust proved a masterpiece and the one opera that would become a standard repertoire for most opera companies at that time and now. The Met opened in the 1880's with Faust. It's the tragic tale of a pathetic elderly scholar/scientist who longs for eternal life and youth and romance. When the Devil tempts him with a vision of the beautiful village girl Marguerite, and offers him youth and good looks, he makes a deal with the Devil, offering up his soul. The plan takes effect when Marguerite, seduced by jewelry and materialistic things, is seduced by Faust. She eventually becomes pregnant with his baby. At the end of the opera, Faust is dragged to Hell while Marguerite is saved and ascends to Heaven. Faust, written by the German writer Goethe, figured in a lot of Romantic Era 19th century music. Berlioz composed La Damnation De Faust and Boito wrote "Mephistophele", while the "diabolically radical" composer Franz Liszt enjoyed composing themes on Faust and symphonic poems about it.

Magdalena Kozená - Le belle immagini (Mozart, Gluck, Myslivecek)

Average customer rating:

Kozêna, una cantante en alza
A Beautiful CD!!-Magdalena Kozena sings like an angel!!
Beutiful singing
Much to enjoy with an eye to the future
A charming and extremely well-sung recital

Magdalena Kozená - Le belle immagini (Mozart, Gluck, Myslivecek)
Magdalena Kozená , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Josef Myslivecek , Michel Swierczewski , and Prague Philharmonia
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005RCD8
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

Mozart: La Clemnza di Tito: Atto I, Scene 8: N. 9 Aria
Gluck: Paride ed Elena: Atto II, Scena 3: Aria
Myslivecek: Abramo ed Isacco: Atto II, Scena 2: N. 8 Recitativo ed Aria
Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro: Atto II, Scena 3: N. 12 Arietta
Myslivecek: Atto II, Scena 13: Aria
Mozart: Idomeneo: Atto I, Scena 10: Recitativo
Gluck: Paride ed Elena: Atto I, Scena 1: Aria
Mozart: Lucio Silla: Atto I, Scena 2 Recitativo
Mozart: La finta giardiniera: Atto III, Scena 6: No. 26 Aria
Myslivecek: L'Olimpiade: Atto I, Scena 7: Recitativo ed Aria
Gluck: La clemenza di Tito: Atto II: Aria
Myslivecek: L'Olimpiade: Atto II, Scena 3: Aria
Mozart: La clemenza di Tito: Atto II, Scena 9: No. 19 Rondo

Amazon.com

Mozart and Gluck may make natural bedfellows for a program of arias, but Josef Myslivecek is not a name that would jump to most minds to join them. Czech mezzo Magdalena Kozená may be about to change that. In his time (1737-1781), the Czech composer was up there with the greats after his studies in Italy. He couldn't have a more persuasive champion than Kozená, who sets out to show why Myslivecek was counted among the country's 10 most successful composers. The young Kozená's mantelpiece is already crowded with competition trophies, including a 2001 Gramophone Award for her CD of eastern European love songs with Graham Johnson. Her voice is one to cherish. Her repertoire on this disc is not just a patriotic Czech waving the flag for her fellow countryman. Try any one of the four Myslivecek arias on this disc, and it is clear that he can easily hold his head high among this exalted company. This is a stimulating recital disc to play again and again. It is also a bouquet for the young players of the Prague Philharmonia under Michel Swierczewski. --Keith Clarke

Customer Reviews:

Kozêna, una cantante en alza.......2004-03-27

En este recital, Magdalena Kozêna (una de las cantantes mas de moda de los ultimos años) repasa las principales paginas para mezzo de las óperas de Mozart, Gluck, y su compatriota, el checo Myslivecek.
Nadie va a descubir ahora los talentos de Mozart y Gluck para la composicion de operas, pero si cabe apuntar la excelente calidad de las arias aqui incluidas del casi desconocido Myslivecek, y por tanto, hay que agradecer a quien se haya atrevido a incluirle junto a los dos grandes por autonomasia.
La voz de la mezzosoprano Magdalena Kozêna, casi sopranil, con agudos bellos y generosos, aunque no exenta de graves, se adapta a la perfeccion a todas estas paginas, a las que agrega unas variaciones de gran riqueza en todos los da capos. Quiza Kozêna sea actualmente la mejor cantante para afrontar este repertorio, tras el cambio a la cuerda sopranil de Cecilia Bartoli.
Redondea el disco una orquesta sutil y muy correcta bajo una direccion atenta y experimentada, asi como un sonido de primera calidad. Un disco que merece la pena escuchar.

A Beautiful CD!!-Magdalena Kozena sings like an angel!!.......2003-12-12

I purchased this CD a year ago from Streetside Records.
This CD is unbelievably amazing!! Magdalena Kozena is the most beautiful Czech mezzo-soprano in the world. Her voice is very lovely and she sings like an angel!! The fifth selection from this CD is one of my favorites!! It reminds me of Mozart. You should get this CD very soon, if you are a Kozena fan, just like myself. It's the best!!

Beutiful singing.......2002-04-13

This is a must have disc because of Magdalena Kozenás beutiful calm but strong voice. She must be a passionate girl with that kind of singing... lots of emotions but not theatralic by no way as some other more famous mezzo sopranos/sopranos often sing... a bit hysterical/theatralic.

This is an upcoming superstar with a little more practise and one or two more (routine) years (she is only 28-29) and its a disc you put on for pure enjoy and pleasure on and on.

Bartoli my be first choice for many about Gluck and Mozart but Magdalena has something else that you sholdnt miss.

I dont go in here about all numbers choosen and so and so but..

... this girl is going to be a (more) celebrated singer and I would be happy if she comes back to Drottningholm,Stockholm,Sweden again.

Sound is excellent and conducting too. Maybe its a bit too fast here and there and its not Wienna, Berliner and so on but this orchestra gives a more than good support to Magsalena.

Give this girl a chance and listen to her strong AND at the same time very soft voice that is very special and beutiful.

A MUST disc.

Much to enjoy with an eye to the future.......2002-04-07

Magdalena Kozena first attracted attention in a CD of Bach arias (which DG has not released in the US), followed by a critically acclaimed disc of Czech art songs and a recording of Italian cantatas by Handel. Her first solo operatic disc, like that of many of her contemporaries, is dedicated to the lyric mezzo roles of Mozart and Gluck. Kozena brings to this mix Josef Myslivecek, a Czech composer who seems to have fallen into the great 18th-century musicological chasm (i.e. not Mozart, not Haydn), despite compositional success on the operatic scenes of both Italy and Portugal, as well as a working relationship with the young Mozart (the oratorio selection from Abramo ed Isacco was once attributed to the young Mozart). Throughout Ms. Kozena brings to the music an instrument infused with alternatively mecurial and plaintive tonal qualities, youthful vitality and expressive spontaneity, coupled with emotional commitment, eloquent musicianship, and a vocal personality well suited to the requirements of 18th-century opera seria.

A charming and extremely well-sung recital.......2002-02-07

After winning much plaudits (as well as a Gramophone award) for her excellent recital of Czech songs, the young and beautiful mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kozena has managed to surpass herself with her latest release, "Le belle immagini", which contains 13 tracks of operatic arias by Mozart, Gluck and Myslivecek, a Czech composer of opera seria who was much admired by Mozart.

Kozena is described as a mezzo-soprano, although her timbre is distinctly sopranoish and her top register is radiant and free. Her voice is intrinsically very beautiful and it is basked in a sort of healthy glow (which is here enhanced by the clear and warm recorded sound). Her way of vocal production is unforced and free of contrived effects. Blessed with an excellent coloratura facility, her singing of the florid passages is long-breathed, liquid and wonderfully smooth (no aspirates) and she's able to bind the ornaments firmly into the vocal line. She's also very sensitive in her handling of recitatives (very important in this repertoire) and her embellishments (such as those in "Se mai senti spirarti sul volto") are always tasteful. Above all, she is very musical and her performances are vocally stylish and emotionally true and she receives wonderful and spirited support from the Prague Philharmonia under the direction of Michel Swierczewski.

By singing this kind of music, Kozena is now in direct competition with Cecilia Bartoli. While the Czech singer may not bring a similar degree of vibrancy and tension into the music, and that there's room for improvement in her Italian enunciation, hers is a more natural, sensuous and tonally ingratiating kind of performance, which I find no less involving.

This is a fascinating album which vocal lovers can't afford to miss. I'd urge everyone not to overlook this excellent and well-planned new release from DG. Those Myslivecek items, though unfamiliar to most people, are not mere curiosities as they are the work of a composer who, from this evidence, did seem to possess much musical and dramatic gift.

Do give it a try, and be prepared to be bewitched!

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