La Cenerentola

On this CD:

1. La cenerentola (Cinderella), opera
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Performed by Anatoly Orfenov, Yevgeny Belov
Conducted by Onissim Bron

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

Tracks:

Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No.1 In D major, Op.6: 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No.1 In D major, Op.6: 2. Adagio
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No.1 In D major, Op.6: 3. Rondo. Allegro spirituoso
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No.2 In B Minor, Op.7 'La Campanella': 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No.2 In B Minor, Op.7 'La Campanella': 2. Adagio
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No.2 In B Minor, Op.7 'La Campanella': 3. Rondo

Tracks:

Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 3 In E Major: 1. Introduzione. Andantino - Allegro marziale
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 3 In E Major: 2. Adagio. Cantabile spianato
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 3 In E Major: 3. Polacca. Andantino vivace
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 4 In D Minor: 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 4 In D Minor: 2. Adagio flebile con sentimento - attacca
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 4 In D Minor: 3. Rondo galante. Andantino gaio

Tracks:

Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 5 In A Minor: 1. Allegro maestoso
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 5 In A Minor: 2. Andante, un poco sostenuto
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 5 In A Minor: 3. Finale: Rondo. Andantino quasi Allegretto
La primavera. Sonata For Violin And Orchestra In A Major: Andante sostenuto - Larghetto - Variazione - Allegro moderato - Tema - Variazioni I-IV - Finale
Maestosa sonata sentimentale: Introduzione. Maestoso - Recitativo - Allegro agitato - Tema. Larghetto cantabile - Variazioni I-IV - Coda

Tracks:

Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In E Minor, Op. post. (No. 6): 1. Risoluto
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In E Minor, Op. post. (No. 6): 2. Adagio
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In E Minor, Op. post. (No. 6): 3. Rondo ossia Polonese
Sonata con variazioni: Introduzione (Adagio) - Tema (Andante moderato) - Variazioni I & II (L'istesso tempo) - Variazioni III & IV (Piu mosso) - Variazione V (Tempo I) - Coda (Presto)
Non piu mesta accanto al fuoco: Introduzione (Adagio cantabile) - Tema (Moderato) - Variazioni I-IV - Finale (Allegro - Tempo del Tema - Piu presto)
Le streghe, Op. 8: Introduzione (Maestoso - Larghetto) - Tema (Andante) - Variazioni I-III - Finale (Allegretto)

Tracks:

24 Capricci per violino solo, Op. 1: Introduzione. Adagio - Larghetto - Andantino Variato - Variazioni I-III - Finale
24 Capricci per violino solo, Op. 1: Larghetto Cantabile - Recitativo (Con Grande Espressione) - Tema. Andantino - Variazioni I-III - Coda
24 Capricci per violino solo, Op. 1: Allegro Vivace
24 Capricci per violino solo, Op. 1: Introduzione (Cappricio) - Tema. Variazioni I-VII
24 Capricci per violino solo, Op. 1: Adagio - Allegro Molto
24 Capricci per violino solo, Op. 1: Tema. Andante Sostenuto. Variazioni I-VI

Tracks:

24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Andante In E Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Moderato In B Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Sostenuto - Presto - Sostenuto In E Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Maestoso In C Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Agitato In A Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Lento In G Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Posato In A Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Maestoso In E Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Allegretto In E Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Vivace In G Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Andante - Presto - Tempo I In C Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Allegro In A Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Allegro In B Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Moderato In E Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Posato In E Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Presto In G Minor
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Sostenuto - Andante In E Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Corrente - Allegro In C Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Lento - Allegro Assai In E Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Allegretto In D Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Amoroso - Presto In A Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Marcato In F Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Posato In E Flat Major
24 Capricci Per Violino Solo Op. 1: Tema. Quasi Presto - Variazioni - Finale In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2007-05-12

I really enjoy this CD set very much. Accardo is phenomenal in playing violin. I listen to thisevery morning and sometimes while I am cooking.

Accardo Is As Great As The Greats! A True Virtuoso of Paganini! Epic Performances!.......2005-10-13

Nicolo Paganini is primarily a virtuoso composer who did not compose anything other than for the violin in the early 19th century. He was a true prodigy of the instrument whose ferocious and innovative style of playing frightened many of the credulent folk into thinking he was the devil. With the increasing popularity of the waltz, he along with other romantics such as Beethoven completely revolutionized the concept of violin concertos that were still then mostly in the antiquated Roccoco menuet formulas of Mozart and Haydn. The caprices are more technical excercises for this new revolutionary style and are the cornerstones of all Romantic traditions of violin including the Romantic German and, to a much lesser extent, the Polish/Klezmer tradition of Joseph Joachim.

Salvatore Accardo is an accomplished violinist who performed many times with the most reputable groups such as I Musici di Roma and the English Chamber Orchestra. He was a long-time mentor of Anne-Sofie Mutter who performed with Karajan. Despite working often with various Baroque styles, Salvatore Accardo is primarily a specialist at Paganini and the Italian Romantic period and this is the main reason this recording is one of the best you can obtain for Paganini. Charles Dutoit is also an accomplished orchestral conductor and generally works very well with Rossini whose light romantic style in his operatic overtures have overlaps with the style in Paganini's contemporary symphonic arrangements for his violin concerti. Accardo and Dutoit were therefore a perfect match in performing Paganini and this ablum is a great example along with their other collaborations for the composer available on single CD. The music is light and joyful in its interpretation while many others tend to be heavy and sluggish. Accardo's performance is filled with vitality as he has complete mastery over the instrument and feels at ease in his performance without ever faltering. His performance brings out the fluidity and full range of Paganini's style very well. Salvatore Accardo's performance of the caprices is also legendary in which he performs all of the most difficult pieces briliantly without effort: they are truly divine in every respect!

Although it's extremely difficult to make a judgment call between these three undisputed virtuosos of the violin and Paganini, Perlman and Heifetz would not be my first choices because they are not really masters of the Italian Romantic style as that of the German/Polish/Klezmer traditions. However technical the differences might be, they do make a significant difference and so I prefer Accardo for Paganini as he is simply the foremost expert with this composer and the Italian Romantic style which Heifetz and Perlman are not. This album is a great buy where you can get all of Paganini's passionate violin concerti and caprices at a good price. There are really few if any performances equal to this one on the market other than those of Perlman and Heifetz. Such other performances, even by child prodigies, are simply beneath them in every respect to the point that they actually sound amateurish in comparison. No matter which of the three you choose, you can't really go wrong with any of them but I would really look no further than them as everything else is far beneath their legendary talents. Enjoy!

What a man! What a Violin! What an Artist!.......2002-04-06

Salvatore Accardo has played magnificently! I am not a classical music critic; I don't know what it really means to be a great violinist, but I certainly enjoy listening to every song in this 6 cd set. I am fifteen years old, but Paganini's music has a great impact on me. My mother bought me this album for Christmas, and I couldn't have received a more wonderful collection of music. I tend to have a preference for the first recording I ever hear of certain songs, and I have heard several of these songs performed by different artists. Let me tell you, these recordings are fantastic. My favorites are the 21st Caprice, the second movement of the 6th concerto, and the entire 4th concerto. Accardo's tone is rich and robust, and the orchestra behind him compliments him perfectly.
Utterly Satisfied,
Bobby

P.S. The title for my review was what Franz Liszt (classical pianist and composer) exclaimed when he heard Paganini perform.:)

Definitive Recordings of Paganini's Violin Music.......2001-10-16

Salvatore Accardo performs Paganini's scores with much elegant grace and warmth. Deutsche Grammophon has successfully assembled all of Accardo's recordings of Paganini's music. Undoubtedly, the highlights are Accardo's riveting accounts of Paganini's violin concerti. Charles Dutoit and the London Philharmonic Orchestra give splendid, warm performances of their own, without overwhelming Accardo's playing. Yet Accardo also shines in Paganini's solo works, such as the Caprices. This is absolutely an essential set of CDs for those who are unfamiliar with Paganini's music. Is it a surprise that these performances are still regarded as definitive in classical CD guides issued by Grammophone and Penguin?

Magnificent for collectors.......2001-02-01

This is a really masterpiece for collector. For the people that love the "virtuoso-violin", this is yours. If you are a fanatic of Paganini's music like me, this is your collection, because you will find the Maestosa sonata sentimentale, the Duo Merveille, "God save the King", in a perfect interpretation, only by Accardo, that are very difficult to find. The 6 Concertos, are amazing, if it is your first time hearing Paganini, you will find absolutely incredible, and remember, is only one violin performing those sounds. Double-Stops, Harmonics, Double-Harmonics, and the most colorful bowing performance. Paganini is very romantic and sentimental, the six, second movements are a jewel in your collection. I recomend you that adquire this for your personal collection, the case is beautiful, and the sound is powerful, like the recorders of the Deutsche Grammophon, Accardo plays Paganini transmiting to the listener the feeling of his performance. The 24 Caprices are interesting, and Accardo plays very clear, if you are playing the caprices, this is a good guide, please try to listen the sound of Accardo, you could find many tips in his performance. If you like the music in general, these concertos will give you a different vision and nature of the power of a violin with the London Philarmonic Orchesta. PROs - Excelent Violinist (Accardo), Excelent Presentation (CDs, book and case),Excelent Recorder, each CD has a number, the people take your time making this CD - Each Piece has a good explanation CONs - No are biography of Salvadore Accardo.

Average customer rating:

The Incomparable Bartoli Offers Great Interpreting
Very good singing!
Worthy Introduction to Mme. Bartoli
beautiful singing except for the last aria
A fun compilation of arias and songs!

Cecilia Bartoli - A Portrait
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gioachino Rossini , Giulio Caccini , Guiseppe Giordani , Alessandro Parisotti , Ion Marin , Christopher Hogwood , Riccardo Chailly , György Fischer , Lesley Schatzberger , Cecilia Bartoli , and The Academy of Ancient Music
Manufacturer: Decca
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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Bartoli, Cecilia | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs
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Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski
Cecilia Bartoli - Live in Italy / Jean-Yves Thibaudet

ASIN: B000004288
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

La Clemenza di Tito: Parto, parto, ma tu ben mio
Cosi fan tutte: Temerari!...Come scoglio
Cosi fan tutte: In uomini, in soldati
Le nozze di Figaro: Voi che sapete
Le nozze di Figaro: Giunse alfin il momento...Deh vieni
Don Giovanni: Batti, batti, o bel Masetto
Ch'io mi scordi di te?
Se tu m'ami
Caro mio ben
Amarilli
D528: La pastorella
D510: Vedi quanto adoro ancora ingrato!
Belta crudele
Semiramide: Bel raggio lusinghier
Maometto II: Giusto ciel, in tal periglio
La Cenerentola: Nacqui all'affanno... Non pita

Customer Reviews:

The Incomparable Bartoli Offers Great Interpreting.......2007-04-11

Cecilia Bartoli is nearly unparalleled in her talent. The great mezzo-soprano is widely and rightly regarded as the great operatic voice of this generation, and this record will do nothing to change that opinion.

We hear Mozart, Schubert, Rossini, and more, sung with the voice of a angel on one hand, and with power and majesty on the other. She interprets with skill and finesse, and her knowledge of the music helps to inform her performances.

For anyone who's been wanting an introduction to opera, or to Cecilia Bartoli, buying this CD is a great way to start.

Very good singing!.......2007-03-21

Cecilia Bartoli has a wonderfully rich, textured mezzo voice. This CD shows her skills to good effect. Some illustrative cuts. . . .

"Voi che sapete" from Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" is richly sung. She displays a lush mezzo voice. This aria is smoothly sung; a very nice version. Her sumptuous voice interprets this piece nicely. A very satisfying version.

From "Don Giovanni," we have "Batti batti, o bel Masetto." Her rich voice does justice to this piece. There is also a nice characterization in play. Poignantly sung.

Rossini's "Belta Crudele" is smoothly sung; her rich voice does well by this piece. An effecting version. She notes of Rossini that he is "a composer to whom I feel particularly close, and in whose coloratura writing I have found a new and different expressive mode."

She takes a crack at Rossini's "Bel raggio lusinghier," normally sung by sopranos. And this does not disappoint. This work, sung by a mezzo, provides an interesting interpretation. She demonstrates agility in her technique; she shows good ornamentation. There is even a decent trill in this work, something that some current coloratura sopranos would long to equal, from my listening.

The final cut on the CD is from Rossini's "La Cenerentola," "Nacqui all'affano. . .Non piu mesta." Very well done. Her coloratura technique is rock solid. A trill during this cut would fill many sopranos with envy. She clearly shows a good coloratura sensibility. This is great stuff!

This is a good introduction to the range of skills possessed by Bartoli. A nice CD indeed.

Worthy Introduction to Mme. Bartoli.......2006-06-18

'Cecilia Bartoli, A Portrait' featuring the very same mezzo-soprano, Cecilia Bartoli is, after reviewing about a half dozen of her other albums, the best introduction to her art. It is not my favorite. Oddly enough, this is her album of French songs, which I prefer to her many collections of Italian pieces. But, this collection, at a very nice 76 minutes and change does a very good job of selecting operatic pieces with good choral and orchesteral backings.

I am not an experienced music or voice critic, but to my ear, compared to the likes of Anne Sophie Von Otter and Renee Fleming, Mme. Bartoli is a pleasantly different take on the operatic genre. She is not quite as powerful as Maria Callas, but then, who is?

beautiful singing except for the last aria.......2004-12-12

I'm not a fan of cecilia bartoli, however I find this
compilation enjoyable.
I love bartoli's rendition of sussana's "deh vieni non tardar" which is normally sung by sopranos.
the other mozart arias, the rossini arias and the songs
for voice and piano are also very good.
I can't stand bartoli's rendition of "naqui allaffanno...non piu mesta". she sings it in such an exaggerate manner, in "non piu mesta" she sounds like a strangled parrot!

A fun compilation of arias and songs!.......2000-05-22

"A Portrait" is a collage of recordings from Ms. Bartoli's career. The highlight for me (from the many enjoyable numbers) is her "Bel raggio lusinghier" from "Semiramide." I highly recommend this fine CD.

Average customer rating:

What an incredible disc
Rossini tenors
Exceptional Tenor!
Worth a listen
Impressed, but not moved...

Juan Diego Florez ~ Rossini Arias
Gioachino Rossini , Riccardo Chailly , Juan Diego Florez , and Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro di Milano Giuseppe Verdi
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

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ASIN: B00005UT5H
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Tracks:

Ah Dov'e, Dov'e El Cimento
Che Ascolto!
Cessa Di Piu Resistere
Vieni Fra Queste Braccia
Concedi, Amor Pietoso
Terra Amica
Oh Fiamma Soave
Si, Ritrovarla Io Giuro

Amazon.com

This disc by the rising young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez is a winner. He has a light lyric tenor of quality, stunning coloratura technique, and a real feeling for the Rossini style. He shines in these bravura arias, scattering high Cs and Ds with abandon. There aren't many tenors these days who can fearlessly negotiate the perils of arias like "Cessa di piu resistere" from The Barber of Seville with such aplomb. Nor are there many who can capture both the pathos and the fevered intensity of "Oh fiamma souave" from La donna del lago. Even those who might wish for a warmer, sweeter sound in the bel canto repertory than Flórez's brighter, more brilliant tones should welcome this auspicious solo debut. He's helped by the sure hand of Riccardo Chailly at the helm, ensuring stylistically sympathetic performances. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

What an incredible disc.......2006-03-04

This was my first Juan Diego Florez CD and I was just amazed for what I heard the very first time. Such an elegance while singing, bright and powerfull performance and above all a full respect for what rossini wrote. This is a masterpice and every single collector should have it. Juan Diego Florez sing as no one can: he is the number one. These selection of Rossini arias are among the most difficul ones for the tenor voice and Florez is able to sort them with no apparent effort. By the way if you have not yet bought his last disc, and if you have some affection for Latin America, go for it. That disc, "Sentimiento Latino" is full of the most representative songs from Latin America and Florez manages to master them all as no one has done before. What a great artist.

Rossini tenors.......2005-08-26

At last a real Rossini tenor, as rare as hens teeth! Mr Florez has all the right vocal technique and a stunnning head tone to produce the high, light tenor sound needed for these impossible to sing Rossini arias. I hope he continues to sing roles suited for his fabulous voice and avoids the heavy Verdi and Puccini roles. Juan Diego Florez is the real deal.

Exceptional Tenor!.......2005-01-30

Theo made a very good point when describing Juan Diego Florez. He indeed is all the talents of these legendary tenors combined, along with the exemplary skills of the old school of Italian music. Sure, he doesn't possess the warmth of a Domingo or a Gigli, but what would you expect of a Rossinian tenor? Heavy voice that goes up up up? That is quite uncommon for such a beautiful voice of this timbre. Now if there were indeed a tenor with a dark voice who could tackle such material and do just about anything that the operatic repertoire requires of him, yet maintain a limber quality about his voice when tackling the challenging bel canto repertoire, then we would have Callas reincarnated in the tenor voice (LOL!!). But truly, this is a gem of a recital. No other tenor nowadays can perform such challenging material without resorting to unconventional means of singing. He truly revived the real bel canto voice--fresh, light, yet invigorating in drama. Drama, I say, is exemplified here not through the typical verismo style we are acquainted to nowadays. It is rather inflicted upon the soul in the traditional bel canto manner--through embellishments and dramatic singing without sobs or such and so. He does it with grace. His florid lines will astound, amaze, and astonish you. His high notes are chesty yet beautiful. Take my word for it, this is a tenor you will be very sorry to miss if you don't sample the many delicacies he has to offer.

Worth a listen .......2004-10-10

As you may have determined from the other reviews of this CD, Juan Diego Florez is a controversial artist. With a high tessitura, athletic vocal agility, and penetrating vibrato, Mr. Florez's voice might find more fans in Europe than in the US (where the dramatic arias of Verdi, Puccini and Wagner are more popular than the jaw-dropping vocal fireworks that made Rossini famous). For opera fans who were introduced to Rossini's difficult and now rarely-heard music in the 1980s through such great artists as the Mexican tenor Francisco Araiza (e.g., through the opera film 'La Cenerentola' by Jean Pierre Ponnelle), Florez may be a shock. Mr. Araiza's voice was deeper, darker, and more 'masculine' than Florez's voice yet possessed the same amazing agility and range. However, Juan Diego Florez is worthy of praise and recognition. He has an 'easy top' much like Pavarotti, and high notes that avoid the bone-grating 'slide' up to the high Cs and Db's that other tenors have used in Rossini operas. Being young (barely 30), Mr. Florez will have time to grow into his powerful voice. We should all hope that his talent will be recognized by a wider audience and lead to new, more authentic recordings of Rossini's rare and difficult operas such as Semiramide, Tancredi, and Ermione.

Impressed, but not moved..........2003-06-20

I am sorry, but I only feel I can give this cd three stars. Juan Diego Florez pulls off some very diffcult roulades. His voice is definitely more beautiful in some ways than many of the tenore di grazia's to come before him. However, every note of the arias seems to sound the same. Maybe it is only my personal preference, but I have always enjoyed a bit more text painting. Although he has a solid technique, I think this cd set leaves me completely unsatisfied emotionally and I must admit that I do not particularly care for the shrillness of the high notes. I am impressed, but not moved. I recommend buying this cd just to hear a tenor that may be the best of the young tenors that are out there today(technically). However, I like to be reeled in emotionally and really feel connected to the text due to the singer's interpretive skill. Florez does this for me at no point. The singing is not effortless by any stretch of the imagination, but seems to show that a great deal of hard work was put into attaining the high level of technical achievement. Hopefully, he will continue to improve and blow me away with his next album release.

Rossini - La Cenerentola / Bartoli, Dara, Matteuzzi, Corbelli, Pertusi, Chailly

Average customer rating:

Almost perfect!
Rossini would be proud
Cecilia Bartoli's Cenerentola
Rossini's Comic, Romantic Masterpiece
Singers sound bigger than orchestra

Rossini - La Cenerentola / Bartoli, Dara, Matteuzzi, Corbelli, Pertusi, Chailly
Gioachino Rossini , Riccardo Chailly , Cecilia Bartoli , William Matteuzzi , Michele Pertusi , and Gloria Banditelli
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rossini - Guillaume Tell / Bacquier, Caballé, Gedda, Mesplé, Kovacs, Howell, RPO, Gardelli

ASIN: B00000421G
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

La Cenerentola: Sinfonia
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - No, no, no: non v'e
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Una volta c'era un re
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Un tantin di carita
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - O figlie amabili
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Date lor mezzo scudo
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Miei rampolli femminini
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Sappiate che fra poco
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Tutto e deserto
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Una volta cera... Un soave non so che
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Non so che dir
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Scegli la sposa... Come un'ape
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Allegrissimamente
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Signore, una parola
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Si, tutto cangera
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - La del ciel nell'arcano profondo
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Ma bravo, bravo, bravo
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Ora sono da voi
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Conciossiacosacche
La Cenerentola: Act 1 - Noi Don Magnifico

Tracks:

La Cenerentola: Finale 1 - Zitto, zitto: piano, piano
La Cenerentola: Finale 1 - Principino, dove siete?
La Cenerentola: Finale 1 - Venga, inoltri, avanzi il pie
La Cenerentola: Finale 1 - Ah! se velata ancor
La Cenerentola: Finale 1 - Signor...Altezza, e in tavola
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - mi par che quei birbanti
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Sia qualunque delle figlie
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Ah! questa bella incognita
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Si, ritrovarla io giuro
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Ma dunque io son un ex
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Un segreto d'importanza
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Una volta c'era un re
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Ma ve l'avevo detto
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Temporale
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Scusate, amici
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Siete voi?
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Ah, signor, se ver che in petto
La Cenerentola: Act 2 - Dunque noi siam burlate?
La Cenerentola: Finale 2 - Della Fortuna instabile
La Cenerentola: Finale 2 - Non piu mesta

Amazon.com essential recording

We live in a golden age for Rossini singing, and this recording offers considerable proof of it. Although she occasionally strays into overdone vocal mannerisms, Cecilia Bartoli is a fetching Cenerentola with the right combination of pathos and triumph. William Matteuzzi offers an ardent Don Ramiro, while Alessandro Corbelli's Dandini is appropriately hilarious. Chailly keeps things moving in the right direction. For anyone who requires the most up-to-date recorded sound along with good, idiomatic singing, this recording is a natural. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Almost perfect!.......2006-12-28

There is something really special about Ms. Bartoli, I find it almost impossible to believe that she was only in her 20's when this was recorded. Her voice, although slightly thick in places (this must be some sort of 'characterization' I'm afraid), has an almost unlimited flexibility and very little of the steely edge in the upper registers evident in later recordings. Often (but not always ) she is convincingly sweet in her tone, but she has such presence, intelligence, and love for the music that one cannot help but feel for her in both the deleriously happy, and the profoundly dark moments of her portrayal here.

Enzo Dara, as her scheming, drunk, bankrupt stepfather is simply a marvel. His tone is perfect, characterizations fantastic, sense of fun unparalleled, and his vocal acting a 'sight to behold' as it were. His appearance here is a real coup, something no opera lover should miss, Especially memorable are his comic timing and ability to make his character come alive.

Matteuzzi as the Prince is generally good, although I find his voice tiresome at times, especially when he clearly has to push to get notes out when they're a little high for his range. However, his coluratura is wonderful and when he tries, his voice has a lovely honey quality to it that is hard to beat among recent rivals.

Corbelli really doesn't have real coluratura ability, but he keeps the music moving, delivers the notes steadily, and in no way detracts from the overall quality of the opera. This is high praise these days, where perhaps 1-in-50 bass/baritones have the necessary flexibility to pull of a performance as clean as his.

In some ways, Pertusi is the real hero of this set. He sings some very difficult music with control and grace. Although his arias are not as spectacular or showy as Dara's, he has the harder work of maintinaing a clean line while navigating shifting notes underneath. His portamento and declamation compel praise, and although Alidoro is something of a bore, he is a delight to hear when sung this way.

A final note: Chailly makes a terrifically sparkling performance come alive with his expert harnessing of the forces working under him. Especially noteworthy is his control over and use of the "Rossini Crecendo" to highlight a dramatic or comic point. The orchestra rises to the challange and has a special place in my heart.

Rossini would be proud.......2005-11-04

Everyone knows that Rossini is notoriously hard on singers, but this recording is a brilliant example of what Rossini should sound like. Bartoli performs with her usual panache, but the real nugget I discovered in this cd was William Matteuzzi, playing Prince Ramiro. Finally a tenor singing Rossini who is not afraid to sing like a Rossini tenor! All in all, this is a marvelous, fun opera, don't make the mistake of not reading the libretto along with it, it really does enhance the music, the diologue and the music are equally witty.

Cecilia Bartoli's Cenerentola.......2005-04-21

This performance of Cenerentola is completely astounding, from Enzo Dara's Don Magnifico, whose voice has power but doesn't sound like Nicolai Zaccaria (who sounds like he's trying to be louder than he is, like a little kid with a low voice), to Bartoli's angelic (DUH) Cenerentola. She manages to take the best moment in every passage and eccentuates it with beautiful touches, like August weather. However, I am not totally satisfied. Clorinda and Tisbe (Fernanda Costa and Gloria Banditelli) have sharp voices which make them sound all the more evil. However, all is not lost. Becuase of the sharpness, Cecilia's voice sounds very soft for a soprano. I have a couple of Callas's recordings, Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Carmen. There are those who would say that Callas's voice may not be the best, but at least she can act. As can Bartoli, whose voice is better! I can't compare their acting because no-one ever purchased a very expenisve (at the time) video camera and recorded Callas at a performance. But, I would estimate that they are about equal, overall. So, for those of you who are going to purchase this recording, I give it my approval and reccomend it. For those who have individual questions about parts of the opera(...).

Rossini's Comic, Romantic Masterpiece.......2003-01-27

Rossini composed comic operas of the bel canto repertoire, which were very popular in the first half of the 19th century. Rossini's music was sparkling, inventive, Mozartian, and the vocal lines of his operas were showcases for tenors and sopranos of the day. Rossini popularized comedy in opera. It was his Barber Of Seville that began a tradition that is still strong to this very day. In the first half of the 19th century, tenor Manuel Garcia and his daughters, both of them acclaimed mezzo sopranos, delivered masterful performances of Rossini's operas. They helped spread the opera into America, which was still developing before the Civil War. Of his many comic, bubbly, light comedies, Rossini's La Cenerentola, "Cinderella" is his most mature comedy. It becomes romantic. Worth noting is the music, with its measure of witty tunes and sophisticated melodrama. The reviewers who claim this opera is a disappointment, that this particular recording is overrated, I beg to differ. In her performance as Cinderella, famed mezzo soprano Cecilia Bartoli has acted and sung her greatest role. This is truly a showcase for her talents and it is a lasting reminder of Rossini's otherworldly charm.

The opera begins with Cinderella and her stepsisters talking about the ball the prince is having in which he is to find a suitable wife. Cinderella sings her opening aria "Un volto di un re" which comically presents her as a daydreaming, naive, young woman, whose hope is she will find true love with the prince, despite the obvious class differences. After her transformation into a beautiful young woman, Cinderella attends the ball and captures he admiration of the prince. In this element, Cinderella becomes a romantic heroine of bel canto opera- strong, independent, forgiving, loving. She forgives her stepsisters for their cruelty and marries the Prince in a happy ceremony. The ending is one of Rossini's most dynamic. Cecilia Bartoli begins with the aria "Non piu mesta" at a slow pace, displaying her easy mezzo stylings of which she is most known for, accompanied by the chorus. But then the aria and chorus begins with a more exciting, faster beat, and Bartoli's mezzo-coloratura fireworks are showcased. Cecilia Bartoli's greatest role. The music is dazzling and the cast is superb. The familiar fairy tale has a romantic, comic twist, entertaining and engaging as drama. If anything, you should purchase this cd to be acquainted with Cecilia Bartoli's talents. This is a perfect introduction to her. She is at her best and most prolific in the Rossini operas, of which she has sung countless times. Bartoli's voice is still in fresh condition and if she continues to polish and maintain her instrument, she will be classified as the greatest mezzo soprano of the century.

Singers sound bigger than orchestra.......2002-06-20

I'm going to base this review just in a comparison between this recording and the Abbado 1972 one, because these are the rec. i've entirely listened. I've found that the Chailly recording is stronger than the Abbado's one in nearly all points, becuase the singers are better. The 1972 has three reasons to be purchased: Berganza (who has a sweeter voice than the Bartoli's one), Abbado, and the London Symphony Orch. In the Chailly rec. all shines like the sun: Dara
catch the Rossini spirit, Corbelli shows why he is the best Dandini of our times, and Pertusi sings the hard and short role of Alidoro. Besides, in this recording you will listen the best "Sia qualunque delle figlie", the most difficult "aria buffa" in the universal repertoire, because Dara can pronounce all the words with a such rapidity that you will want go back to listen him again. In the Abbado rec. Alva, Trama and Capecchi disappointed, the first, using falsetes, the second breaking his voive in the Alidoro's baritonal aria and Capecchi, mistaking the Dandini role, forgiving the staccato parts. I wanted to imagine a recording with Berganza, Benelli, Bruscantini and Dara, conducted by Abbado. But i've have the Chailly rec., which satisfy almost all my expectations: only I don't like the small sound from the orchestra, in moments like the finales and strettas. PD: I have both recordin and i interested in Sony rec.
In three words: buy THIS CD. I forgot Matteuzzi: he knock out the weak Alva, i don't know if he does it to Araiza.

Average customer rating:

The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles
In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria
the genius of de los angeles
A n angelic voice

Very Best of
Victoria De Los Angeles
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of Lucia Popp
Very Best of
Very Best of
The Very Best of Janet Baker
The Very Best of Franco Corelli

ASIN: B000083GOE
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro
Un Bel Di Vedremo
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Jussi Bjorling
Senza Mamma
Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo!... Hui! Stridono Lassu
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
Nacqui All'Affano...Non Piu Mesta
Una Voce Poco Fa
E Strano!... Ah, Fors' E Lui...Sempre Libera
Porgi, Amor
Dich, Teure Halle
Einsam In Truben Tagen
Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Petite Table
Les Grands Seigneurs...Ah! Je Ris
Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle

Tracks:

Auf Flugein Des Gesanges
Ich Liebe Dich
Wiegenlied
Les Filles De Cadiz
Cuba Dentro De Un Piano
Chevre
Punto De Habanera
Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
Canto Negro
De Espana Vengo
Cancion Del Amor Dolido
Cancion Del Fuego Fatuo
La Pastoura Als Camps
Bailero
Chut, Chut
Uno Jionto Postouro
Oh! Had I Jubal's Lyre
An Die Musik
Dein Blaues Auge
Vergebliches Standchen - Gerald Moore
L'Invitation Au Voyage
La Flute Enchantee
Chanson Espagnole
Chanson Francaise
Chanson Italienne
Clavelitos!
Malaguena - Gerald Moore
Granadina - Gerald Moore
Adios, Granada
Zapateado (La Tarantula E Un Bicho Mu Malo) - Alicia De Larrocha

Customer Reviews:

The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles.......2006-09-13

Is the recording on Allegro records of her performance of Madame Butterfly in New Orleans in 1954, not the Rome recording. She is simply radiant, perfect, a voice truly that is a victory for the angels. Unbelievably marvelous.

In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria.......2005-02-01

Victoria De Los Angeles died Saturday of heart failure at the age of 83 in Barcelona, Spain. The world of opera mourns her loss. She was a gifted soprano and a wonderful human being. On stage, she was able to directly speak to her audience and communicate with them in a very special and rare way that is not always seen today. She never hid herself behind a facade nor distanced herself from fans and audiences. She was born to sing opera. It was in her blood. This album showcases De Los Angeles in her most memorable and successful roles. Victoria De Los Angeles was one of the first singers from Spain to win worldwide acclaim. Others would follow- Placido Domingo and Montserrat Caballe. De Los Angeles is showcased in this album which may also serve as a tribute to the now late soprano.

Her voice was essentially full lyric with some spinto. Hearing her renditions of "O Mio Babbini Caro"- a signature soprano role, as well as "Ebben Ne Andro Lontana" from La Wally and her performances as Mimi, one is clearly treated to the truest form of a pure lyric soprano. Her voice is spunned gold, with sweet, warm, feminine textures. Her reperotire remained in the Italian and French. Of course, being Spanish, she was a leading singer in Spanish Lieder and romantic ballads. Her Art Songs in Spanish are full of elegance and grace. A champion of obscure composers, she sang and recorded recitals that featured the works of lesser known composers, though strictly Lieder and Folk/Art Song.

Victoria De Los Angeles is fortunately a well-documented artist. Some film footage exist of her performances. I seem to recall that there exists a taped performance of her Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata. She excelled in the lyric roles of Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme, Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. Her Madame Butterfly is a pure lyric rendition, with less of the dramatic intensity other singers have given the role- i.e. Leontine Price, Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, etc. But her Butterfly is actually the way the role ought to be sung. It's a voice of grace, naivete and above all romance that must colorize Butterfly. The dramatic intensity only makes her sound older and madly passionate. She is only a fifteen year old girl who has been deceived and betrayed. She must remain youthful sounding. De Los Angeles does justice to the truest form of Butterfly. She was thrilling in French and Italian operas and her Spanish songs were briliant and beautiful.

Victoria will always be remembered. She was a unique and talented artist of the lyric repertoire. Her pure, lovely voice was like an angel's. There will never be another Victoria De Los Angeles. With her death, the end of an era also passes. In particular, I will always remember one reported incident. She was about to make her first recital in America but she had no accompanist- pianist/guitarist etc. When asked how she would handle this, she remarked: "Well I brought my guitar with me". And she proceeded to accompany herself with the guitar.

the genius of de los angeles.......2004-02-14

the incomparable de los angeles combines exquisite sound and nuance to the world of superb singing. her mastery of a variety of styles is astounding and yet it always sounds natural.her magic will live forever.

A n angelic voice.......2004-02-06

De los Angeles' ability to sing with elegance and style has rarely been equalled and never been surpassed. She's the greatest Charlotte in "Werther", the most tender Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the most sumptuos Nedda in "I Pagliacci". Her Lieder-Recordings are legendary, my favourites are the Spanish ones of course. What a piano-culture and what a velvet sound! Get this set, it's cheap and it has GREAT singing!

Average customer rating:

Look out world
What fun!
I LOVE YOU, BRYN!
awesome..
Why do people think this guy can SING???

Bryn Terfel - Opera Arias / MET, Levine
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Jacques Offenbach , Charles Gounod , Alexander Borodin , Gaetano Donizetti , Gioachino Rossini , Giuseppe Verdi , James Levine , Bryn Terfel , and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GP8
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Le nozze di Figaro: Non pirai, farfallone amoroso
Don Giovanni: Deh, vieni alla finestra
Don Giovanni: Madamina, il catalogo uesto
Cosi fan tutte: Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo
Die Zauberfl Der Vogelfer bin ich ja
Tannher: Wie Todesahnung Drung deckt die Lande...O du mein holder Abendstern
Der Fliegende Holler: Die Frist ist um
Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Allez!...Pour te livrer combat...Seintille, diamant
Faust: Vous qui faites l'endormie
Prince Igor: Ni sna ni otdycha izmucennoj duse
Don Pasquale: Bella siccome un angelo
La Cenerentola: Miei rampolli femminini
Macbeth: Perfidi! All'anglo contra me v'unite!
Falstaff: Ehi! paggio!...L'Onore!

Customer Reviews:

Look out world.......2006-01-20

Maestro Terfel throws down the vocal gauntlet in this tour de force offering of selected opera arias and dares any male singer, future or current, to pick it up. From the elegance and humor of Mozart, to the giddy delights of Rossini, and the vocal power of Verdi, Bryn Terfel diplays clearly why he is the preeeminent bass-baritone of our age. Short of some misguided forays into American Musical Theater, there seems to be nothing that this proetean singer cannot do. James Levine leads the bravura Met Orchestra with equal parts style and substance. A must have for a fan of great singing and artful music making.

What fun!.......2005-11-22

This is definitely the best recording of the selections chosen from "le Nozze de Figaro" I have ever heard. Terfel has a wonderful sense of musical humour, and is able to make his voice do seemingly, whatever he likes. In fact I think one could liken his voice to a big red bouncy ball, it's so round and fun to play with, you can tell that he himself has fun using it. However this is the only one of his albums I have really fallen in love with, in spite of listening to quite a few. Some of the same pieces are on his other cds, but not as well-sung as in this one.

I LOVE YOU, BRYN!.......2005-06-03

Terfel is amazing. The voice is warm, wide and sensous, and the acting is top-notch. This recital is the best recording I have heard of him outside full operas, where he is (of course) at his best. Every peice on it is a gem, but especially the first five Mozart arias. You will never hear a better Catologue Aria. I make it a point to listen to his at least once a week.
If you are an opera lover and (God forbid!) have not yet stumbled upon Terfel, this is an excellent introduction. And by the way, you needn't be a singer to appreciate his voice - I know very little of the technicalities of singing (about as much as a year in the church choir can give you), but I play the violin and we violinists are very keen on singers who know what they are doing. In the words of my violin teacher, Terfel is "charming!"

awesome.........2004-03-10

this is an awesome cd. if you're a fan of Bryn Terfel, you should buy this. you'll enjoy every song in this cd. I also recommend his recital dvd.

ps) don't listen to what the guy under my review said. i don't think this person knows how to sing.

Why do people think this guy can SING???.......2004-02-09

It baffles me that people think that Bryn Terfel is a great singer. It sounds like he is SINGING HOLDING HIS NOSE CLOSED. Absolutely AWFUL. Just because you can sing LOUD and POWERFUL does NOT mean you are GOOD. I would rather listen to my dishwasher running than this stuff!! The TONE of the voice is what matters to MOST people, and this guy doesn't have it. If you want to hear a beautiful voice, do yourself a favor and go buy Josh Groban's new CD, Closer. You won't regret it!!

Average customer rating:

Rossini as he was meant to be heard!

Rossini: Overtures

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001HAHDC
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

La Scala Di Seta
Il Signor Bruschino
Tancredi
L'Italiana In Algeri
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia
La Cenerentola
La Gazza Ladra
Semiramide
Guillaume Tell

Customer Reviews:

Rossini as he was meant to be heard!.......2004-03-27

The Carla Maria Giulini versions of Rossini's overtures have long been one of my all-time favorite classical recordings. I currently own both the old LP versions and the 1986 Angel CD. This new re-mastered version is an improvement over the 1986 issue for two reasons: The first is the sound quality. The sonics are greatly improved, with a punchier sound and much less tape hiss (although a tiny bit still sneaks through, one must remember that these are 1961 and 1965 analog recordings). The second is the inclusion of the "Tancredi" overture, which appeared on the original LP, but was inexplicably left off the 1986 digital version. As for the music, it is hard to say enough about it. It is nearly perfect in terms of orchestral balance and clarity. You can hear every subtle nuance of this delightful music, with Rossini's classic crescendo in full force! The instrumentalists are wonderful, the reeds in particular, giving tight, crisp performances that never sound stiff or rigid, but flow with the spirit that the composer no doubt intended. The music is wonderfully executed and captures the full Italian spirit and wit of Rossini beautifully! If you're looking for one CD of Rossini overtures with consistently vibrant performances from beginning to end, this is it. Viva Rossini! Viva Giulini!

Average customer rating:

Excellent performance and recording
Very Nice
Sparkling Performances

Rossini: Complete Overtures

Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00009KV0W
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Customer Reviews:

Excellent performance and recording.......2007-02-02

If you like Rossini, this is an a must-have recording. Sure, he tended to write the same pieces over and over again, but they are utterly delightful. These performances by Neville Marriner and his personal orchestra are precise, and the fun inherent in many of these works does not get lost in the shuffle. The orchestra is blessed with excellent woodwind players; just listen to the oboe on some of the really fast passages.

Nice recorded sound. I really don't have anything bad to say about this entire package. It's almost a desert island recording for times where Mahler or Beethoven might be a little (or a lot) heavy.

Very Nice.......2005-03-17

Yes, these overtures may be cliched, but every classical collector should probably have them. Marriner, as usual, gives great performances, and the sound quality is very good.

Sparkling Performances.......2003-09-15

I only have glowing things to say about this set of Rossini overtures. First of all, Rossini's overtures are brilliant gems. They are light, fun and full of life!! Secondly, Marriner's conducting is marvellous. The performance sparkle like precious diamonds. Everything is very enjoyable, there's not a single boring number, unlike many other discs you purchase. And to top it off, it comes at a terrific bargain price. 3 very full CDs - 75 mins, 30 mins and 65 mins - of top notch music at seven dollars a piece is incredible.

Average customer rating:

A Very Good Recording
Mostly well-played, not the best
Bargain Rossini collection

Rossini: Overtures

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00004Z19O
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

La Scala Di Seta
Semiramide
La Gazza Ladra
Guillaume Tell
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia
L'Italiana In Algeri
Il Signor Bruchino
La Cenerentola

Customer Reviews:

A Very Good Recording.......2006-02-27

First, I have no where near the knowledge of classical music to be able to gauge one symphony/conductor against another. All I know is what sounds good to me. In short, what sounds like the real deal and not a recording. I notice that everyone talks about and evaluates recordings, from the casual listener like myself, to experts that write for Stereophile. To me, the one thing that is always missing is that we never really know how well these people hear. So, considering personal preferences, and physiological differences, it is easy to understand the diversity of opinions regarding the reproduction of music in general. Add to this the differences in audio equipment and room acoustics, how can one person definitively rate and universally apply an opinion concerning a particular recording? I have spent considerable effort, and money, trying to - for lack of a more articulate description - recreate live "natural" performances from recorded media. I have tried them all: CD, HDCD, XRCD24, SACD, DVD-A - the latter two in both multi-channel and stereo. I have studied analog (audiophiles' sacred vinyl records), 16 Bit/44.1 KHz, 24 Bit/96 KHz recording theories, mastering techniques, and tried to understand which format makes sense from a scientific perspective. Confused, is my current state of mind. My practical experience has shown me that a properly mastered CD can run with anything. Maybe a pristine analog recording on a top notch audiophile system will sound better, but I think the hardware requirements to achieve such results is well beyond what the vast majority of us can afford. And to be frank, I don't think the improvement is going to be "jaw-dropping." This finally brings me to this relative inexpensive recording of Rossini Overtures. This recording is part of the "Eloquence" series that is collection of Decca, Phillips and Deutsche Grammophon classical recordings. It was re-mastered by Emil-Berliner Studios using their Ambient Surround Imaging (AMSI) process. Honestly, I am not a fan of multi-channel, or surround sound imaging. As a matter of fact, I had no idea that the recording was considered two channel surround sound until I read the jacket. This is what I can tell you, I was very impressed by the clearness and imaging of the recording. It is one of the very few recordings that I own that does justice to classical music. I was so impressed with this CD, and the AMSI re-mastering process, that I have ordered five additional CD's from the Eloquence collection. Note that the Rossini CD is relatively new (1992) and is DDD.

Mostly well-played, not the best.......2005-10-12

Rossini Overtures have a long history of being popular showpieces in the orchestra hall and at bandstand concerts, with good reason - they are packed full of delightful melodies, high spirits and potent energy - when played properly. The Montreal Symphony under Charles Dutoit made a name for itself by recording colorful classics like these in the 1980's and 90's, but these are not the best of that otherwise worthy ensemble's output.

There are two major reasons for this. First is the sound that Decca gave to the orchestra in the St. Eustache Church locale. It is lush, rich and sweet - which is great for many kinds of music - but these overtures generally require a little bit crisper, slightly more astringent, more immediate sonics to be at their best.

Second, Dutoit encouraged a lush, suave sound from his orchestra that was elegant and lively, and this did him very well for staples of the French repertoire for which they became well known. However, the same sound that supported with class and elegance his Ravel recordings, was a bit too toned down to yield the finest results for this repertoire. Make no mistake, the playing is nearly immaculate and refined (with one or two glaring exceptions), but it is just a bit too - easy-going? - for the rambunctious parts for which these showpieces are known.

As to playing, one part that especially stands out for the wrong reasons is the opening of the famous galop from William Tell - the brass comes in "more or less" strongly enough, but then begins to trip over itself - that is, they sections do not keep in step with each other, and the thing sounds haphazardly played. This is one of those glaring exceptions. The rest of the galop is only lukewarm compared to the best.

This set includes the most famous of Rossini's vital overtures. For a better set of most of them, Fritz Reiner's Chicago Symphony recording on BMG/RCA with six of them is about the pinnacle of performance for these pieces, bringing an energy to these pieces that surpass practically all other recordings. One who loves Rossini orchestral work should not be without this set.

Leonard Bernstein and the NY Philharmonic on Sony hold up well too, with typically rambunctious and inspired playing. The Bernstein Edition CD is OOP but often available used, and adds two favorite Suppe overtures. Riccardo Chailly's bargain two-fer recording of 14 overtures on Decca is very well-done for most of the pieces and lively with good sound, even if the William Tell is slightly aloof and a little less potent than some.

Roger Norrington's recording of Rossini Overtures is highly regarded as well, although I have not heard this one yet (one of these days).

If you want a crackling good William Tell coupled with top-notch overtures by some other composers, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops on RCA (Fiedler's Favorite Overtures) is a good bet (OOP, but usually available used). The sound is a little dated (but by no means bad), and the CD is an earlier late 80's - early 90's vintage, but the adrenaline flows freely in Fiedler's performances, and this set contains many other gems too.

Bargain Rossini collection.......2003-06-25

For those who don't have any Rossini in your CD collection, this Dutoit/Montreal recording is a good starting point. My only quibble is that there are no liner notes and that the song titles are only in Italian. For this bargain price, though, I can't complain. Dutoit and his home orchestra are always top notch, this recording included.

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Music Review

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