The Great Voice of Montserrat Caballé

On this CD:

1. Luisa Miller, opera Tu puniscimi, o Signore
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Sherrill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Peter Maag

2. Luisa Miller, opera Padre, ricevi l'estremo addio
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Sherrill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Peter Maag

3. Norma, opera Sgombra è la sacra selva
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by Welsh National Opera Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

4. Norma, opera Deh! proteggimi, o Dio!
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by Welsh National Opera Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

5. Norma, opera Eccola! va, mi lascia, ragion non odo
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by Welsh National Opera Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

6. Norma, opera Va, crudele, al Dio spietato
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by Welsh National Opera Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

7. Mefistofele, opera Notte cupa, truce
Composed by Arrigo Boito
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Oliviero de Fabritiis

8. Mefistofele, opera O incantesimo! parla! parla!
Composed by Arrigo Boito
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Oliviero de Fabritiis

9. Turandot, opera Signore, ascolta!
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

10. Turandot, opera Tu che di sei cinta
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

11. Andrea Chénier, opera La mamma morta
Composed by Umberto Giordano
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Giuseppe Morresi, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Riccardo Chailly

12. Andrea Chénier, opera Vicino a te
Composed by Umberto Giordano
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Giuseppe Morresi, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Riccardo Chailly

13. Andrea Chénier, opera La nostra morte è il trionfo dell'amor!
Composed by Umberto Giordano
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Montserrat Caballe, Giuseppe Morresi, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Riccardo Chailly

14. La Gioconda, opera in 4 acts E un anatema!
Composed by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Agnes Baltsa, Montserrat Caballe, Sherrill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Bruno Bartoletti

15. La Gioconda, opera in 4 acts Il mio braccio t'affera!
Composed by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Agnes Baltsa, Montserrat Caballe, Sherrill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Bruno Bartoletti

16. La Gioconda, opera in 4 acts Suicidio!
Composed by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Agnes Baltsa, Montserrat Caballe, Sherrill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Bruno Bartoletti

17. La Gioconda, opera in 4 acts La barca s'avvicina
Composed by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Agnes Baltsa, Montserrat Caballe, Sherrill Milnes, Luciano Pavarotti
Conducted by Bruno Bartoletti

The Great Voice of Montserrat Caballé, Music, Vincenzo Bellini, Arrigo Boito, Umberto Giordano, Amilcare Ponchielli, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, Bruno Bartoletti, Oliviero de Fabritiis, Peter Maag, Riccardo Chailly, Richard Bonynge, Zubin Mehta, London Philharmonic Orchestra, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Montserrat Caballé, Luciano Pavarotti, Agnes Baltsa, Giuseppe Morresi, Sherrill Milnes, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Music, Italian Romantic Opera, Opera, Opera / Operetta / Oratorio
The Great Voice of Montserrat Caballé
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The decca tribute to Montserrat Caballe
  • SEPULCHRAL SUBLIMNITY
  • CORRECTION!
  • Wide-ranging selection of great singing
The Great Voice of Montserrat Caballé

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Caballé, MontserratCaballé, Montserrat | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Ponchielli, AmilcarePonchielli, Amilcare | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Puccini, GiacomoPuccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Vocal Works by VerdiVocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000026BVD
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

  1. Luisa Miller: Tu puniscimi, o Signore
  2. Luisa Miller: Padre, ricevi l' estremo addio
  3. Norma: Sgombra e la sacra selva
  4. Norma: Deh! proteggimi, o Dio!
  5. Norma: Eccola! va, mi lascia, ragion non odo
  6. Norma: Va, crudele, al Dio spietato
  7. Mefistofele: Notte cupa, truce
  8. Mefistofele: O incantesimo! parla! parla!
  9. Turandot: Signore, ascolta!
  10. Turandot: Tu che di gel sei cinta
  11. Andrea Chenier: La mamma morta
  12. Andrea Chenier: Vicino a te
  13. Andrea Chenier: La nostra morte e il trionfo dell'amor!
  14. La Gioconda: E un anatema!
  15. La Gioconda: Il mio braccio t'afferra!
  16. La Gioconda: Suicidio!
  17. La Gioconda: La barca s'avvicina

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The decca tribute to Montserrat Caballe.......2001-08-05

This is one of Caballeýs great collections. She is one of the three vocal wonders in the world of opera, the other two being Renata Tebaldi and Victoria De Los Angeles (Caballe herself regarded Tebaldiýs as the most perfect voice ever to be heard and Tebaldi considered Caballe the last true diva).

Most of Caballeýs decca recordings were made later in her carreer (late 70s-80s). Even if the voice had lost some of its freshness and flexibility, she still managed to give great performances. Such examples are her Margherita in Mefistofele, her Maddalena in Andrea Chenier and her Gioconda. To me, Tebaldiýs vocal caliber, pathos and beauty are unsurpassed in her recordings of the same roles but Caballe gives these roles her own touch, so different but not less memorable. Her Adalgisa, a role rarely performed by a soprano, is among the finest on records. Having heard Horne, Cossotto and other sublime mezzos in this role, I realise now that itýs Caballeýs phrasing, gentle singing that I like the most. Let me not forget her lovely Luisa Miller. Her best moment on this set is her Liu. Recorded in 1972, displays Caballeýs famous pianissimo, amazing breath control at their finest. One believes that this woman needs no air at all! If only, we could hear such singing by the new operatic generation today!

Concluding, this may not be Caballeýs best collection (her best are available on amazon) but this one is certainly worth listening.

5 out of 5 stars SEPULCHRAL SUBLIMNITY.......2001-05-31

Representative of Montserrat Caballe's recordings for the Decca catalogue, this album features arias, duets and scenes from many staples of the repertoire. While not exactly familiar favourites or starter-kits, these operas none the less have great music that we would be the worse off, without.

Caballe's legendary breath control and floated pianissimi are more or less expected and we are justly rewarded in this present selection. In many of the set pieces, she astounds us with the above qualities and justly shows her mettle and that her fame and celebrity was not without reason.

I simply love the scene from Norma which is featured here. As Adalgisa this time round (she recorded the role of Norma earlier in her career for RCA), she agreed to the role as a mark of respect for and friendship with Sutherland. While many were sceptical of the results initially, due to the advanced stage of her career when she was recording it, the results are top-notch.

She spins her notes with a delicacy and intrigue unlike no other as she is soon joined by the bright clarion voice of Pavarotti as Pollione. Caballe is one of the few soprano Adalgisas recorded and she excels in the scene, matching and even stealing the show from Pavarotti.

In the arias from Turandot, Signore, ascolta and Tu che di gel sei cinta, she displays her breath control and pianissimi when she seemingly sings the arias in just a matter of a few breaths. The melody goes on and on and is hardly interrupted by intakes of breaths. She holds on to the dying last note Signore, ascolta for almost an eternity. The result may be less than perfect but is still remarkable.

In Andrea Chenier and La Gioconda, Caballe lets rip and shows us how powerful her voice can be. La mamma morta is touching and well sung, with an intensity that is unmatched. Perhaps she even betters Callas. In her voice, we can picture the fire that is burning in the narrative she is giving. Suicidio is no less captivating. From the start, she throws down the gauntlet with a benchmark reading that is both dramtically and musically correct.

In a nutshell, this is an album to get for any lover of the soprano repertoire and especially for lovers of great singing and of Caballe.

4 out of 5 stars CORRECTION!.......2000-12-13

I made an error in the review found (hopefully) above. Caballe does not hit an e-flat in the selections from "Mefistofele" as mentioned above. Oops!

4 out of 5 stars Wide-ranging selection of great singing.......2000-12-13

This admirable disc brings together snip-its from Caballe's full-length recordings made for Decca from the early 70's and the early/mid 1980's. This is important because we get a taste of the singer's output during her vocal prime and her mature years, between which time her voice obviously (and naturally) changed. The disk is also a fabulous sampler of Italian opera from the "biggies" of Bellini and Puccini to the rarer Verdi opera and rarer still work by Boito.

The selections from "Luisa Miller" and "Turandot" show off the vocal lushness of the younger Caballe, and expose her wonderful attention to musical detail. The final moments of the "Luisa" trio are magnificent with Caballe floating a beautiful, silvery high note over the wonderful Pavarotti and Milnes. The selections from "Turandot", while oddly enough not my favorite (the vibrato is a little wobbly for my taste), are still musically sound.

What is the most interesting facet of this disk is that her mature voice is captured, a voice that became heavier with age, more dramatic (during this period she went on the record a disc of Wagner arias that included Isolde and Brunnhilde with Zubin Mehta with CBS Records). I would not have thought that assuming the role of Adalgisa would work, but it does. Her mature voice is luxurious and spot-on in terms of hitting notes. The same goes for the selections from "Andrea Chenier"; while the solo aria ("La mamma morta") is not her best recording, there is something quite stirring about it and is probably the best interpretation I have heard (though I have yet to hear Scotto's). The duet with Pavarotti is golden. The selections from "Mefistofele", though not always flattering to the voice, are still fascinating. Also we get to hear her hit a rare E-flat.

The best singing from this mature period comes in the selections from "La Giaconda", where the voice is at its best and clearest. (the minor exception is a little wobbliness in the "Suicidio!"). Otherwise the singing is radiant, sure-footed, and characterful, with a silvery edge to the instrument that is exciting. The scene with Pavarotti ("Il mio braccio") is stunning, with the power of Caballe's voice proving to be a marvel.

Other contributions are also quite good. All of the operas in the collection were recorded with Pavarotti (though he does not appear in the selections from "Turandot") and he is a mellifluous if a bit characterless addition to the line-up. His turn in Luisa Miller is particularly beautiful. Agnes Baltsa is simply terrific in the Giaconda/Laura duet from "La Giaconda". In all instances the conducting is expert.

Overall a great disc for fans of the great Spanish soprano and a great sampling of Italian opera from the bel canto to the late Romantic period. For musicianship, there are few better than Caballe and if nothing else, this set is a superb example of her committment to craft.
Magnificat: A Musical Celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Deliciously ethereal collection
  • Music for the Soul
  • Very spiritual
Magnificat: A Musical Celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000

Manufacturer: Velas
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000051Y8G
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

  1. Cantico Del Giubileo - Massimiliano Tonsini
  2. Panis Angelicus - Jose Carreras
  3. Abbi Pieta Di Me - Jose Carreras
  4. Ecco Un'Aurora, Mentre Il Silenzio - Millennium Choir
  5. Ave Maria - Montserrat Caballe
  6. Benedictus-Dalla Messa Di Gloria - Renato Bruson
  7. Magnificat - Choir Of The Nuova Polifonica Ambrosiana
  8. Ave Maria - Pietro Ballo
  9. Ave Verum - Choir Of The Cappella Giulia Of The St. Peter Basilica In The Vatican
  10. Llama D'Amor Viva - Paola Cecchi
  11. Figlio Mio - Paola Cecchi
  12. Gloria A Te, Cristo Gesu - Jean Paul Lecot

Amazon.com

As with the history of art, the Vatican has played an important role in fostering the creation of music; and in writing music for the Catholic Church's rituals, composers like Palestrina and Monteverdi became cornerstones in the development of Western music. So it's fitting that the Vatican has decided to celebrate the Great Jubilee 2000--its commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Christ--with a collection of music. Magnificat includes performances of very familiar pieces of sacred music (Franck's "Panis angelicus," Gounod's "Ave Maria," and Mozart's "Ave verum," one of the most sublime pieces ever written) as well as some newly commissioned works: the "Cantico del giubileo" of Ennio Morricone (commissioned for Magnificat) and Jean-Paul Lécot's official hymn for the Jubilee. There are a couple of appearances by José Carreras, while opera star Montserrat Caballé sings the "Ave Maria" from Verdi's Otello (a secular work to be sure, but a deeply touching expression of piety). Other performers include Renato Bruson, Pietro Ballo, the Choir and Orchestra of Saint Cecilia's in Rome, Marco Frisina, and more. The message binding all these selections is one of spirituality and peace for the world. This special edition of Magnificat includes a booklet with photos and Italian texts. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Deliciously ethereal collection.......2006-12-28

This is one of the most beautiful collections of choral music I've ever heard, and as a choir singer since childhood, I've heard a lot. The soloists are fantastic; their reputations certainly precede them in these performances. I found this CD particularly beautiful at Christmastime, but it's not necessarilly seasonal music.

The highlights of the CD (and those songs I listened to three times in a row, are Paola Cecchi's performances of Llama de Amor Viva and Figlio Mio. Her voice is soft and smooth and absolutely delicious. I heartily recommend this CD to those who enjoy choral music, latin litergy, and incredible harmony.

5 out of 5 stars Music for the Soul.......2002-07-29

I am listening to this CD this moment and it is truly Music for the Soul. Caballe has always been my favorite, and she is again compelling on this CD. I am delighted to be a new fan of Paula Cecchi on track 11, Figlio Mio. I will look for other music by her. She has a beautiful voice. I recommend this CD to all.

4 out of 5 stars Very spiritual.......2001-01-20

If you like sacred music, you will enjoy this solemn recording.
Montserrat Caballe
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Gorgeous compilation
  • Caballe the greatest singer in recorded history!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Montserrat Caballe

Manufacturer: Great Opera Divas
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MeyerbeerAll Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by StraussAll Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Caballé, MontserratCaballé, Montserrat | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Boito, ArrigoBoito, Arrigo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Meyerbeer, GiacomoMeyerbeer, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Puccini, GiacomoPuccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Rossini, GioacchinoRossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Strauss, RichardStrauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Vocal Works by VerdiVocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000HYSW
Release Date: 1999-03-16

Tracks:

  1. Boh, Opera: Mi Chiamano Mim Giacomo Puccini
  2. Boh, Opera: Donde Lieta Usci - Giacomo Puccini
  3. Pirata: Oh! S'Io Potessi - Vincenzo Bellini
  4. Pirata: Col Sorriso d'Innocenza - Vincenzo Bellini
  5. Aida: Ritorno Vincitor! - Giuseppe Verdi
  6. Aida: Qui, RadamVerrO Cieli Azzuri! - Giuseppe Verdi
  7. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), Opera: Un Bel Dedremo - Giacomo Puccini
  8. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), Opera: Tu, Tu Piccolo Iddio! - Giacomo Puccini
  9. Mefistofele: l'Altra Notte I Fondo Al Mare - Arrigo Boito
  10. Tosca, Opera: Vissi d'Arte - Giacomo Puccini
  11. Forza del Destino: La Vergine Degli' Angeli - Giuseppe Verdi
  12. Forza del Destino: Pace, Pace - Giuseppe Verdi
  13. : O Mio Babbino Caro - Giacomo Puccini
  14. Turandot, Opera: In Questa Reggia - Giacomo Puccini

Tracks:

  1. Cancie Cuna Para Dormir a un Negrito - Montserrat Caballe
  2. Guillaume Tell: Ils S'oignent Enfin - Gioacchino Rossini
  3. Guillaume Tell: Sombre Foret - Gioacchino Rossini
  4. Huguenots: Oh Ciel! Orez-Vous? - Giacomo Meyerbeer
  5. Huguenots: Tu l'As Dit, Oui, Tu M'Aimes - Giacomo Meyerbeer
  6. Huguenots: Plus d'Amour! Plus d'Ivresse - Giacomo Meyerbeer
  7. Zueignung - Richard Strauss
  8. Ruhe, Meine Seele: No 1, Ruhe, Meine Seele - Richard Strauss
  9. Giovanna d'Arco: Oh, Ben S'Addice Questo Torbido - Giuseppe Verdi
  10. Giovanna d'Arco: Sempre All' Alba Ed Alla Sera - Giuseppe Verdi
  11. I Puritani: O Rendetemi la Speme...Qui la Voce Sua Soave - Vincenzo Bellini
  12. Villi, Opera: Se Come Voi Piccina - Giacomo Puccini
  13. MacBeth: Una Macchia Qui Tutt' Ora - Giuseppe Verdi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous compilation.......2003-09-13

This compilation recording was put together by EMI and is a great tribute to the great soprano Montserrat Caballé, of whom I am a huge fan. Many of the recordings included here are some of her finest, so any fan of hers owes it to him/herself to buy this compilation. I am certainly glad I did.

All the Puccini selections come from Caballé's 1970 recital of Puccini arias. All of the Verdi selections come from Caballé's 1971 recital of Verdi arias. The other selections come from other recitals and from complete opera recordings.

Both arias from "La Bohème" are very well-sung. The inclusion of Imogene's Mad Scene from "Il Pirata" was a wise choice. It's too bad that the fiery cabaletta was left out. This version of Caballé's Mad Scene is more dramatic than the one included on her "Montserrat Caballé Sings Bellini and Donizetti" disc. It is a tad less tonally resplendent, but quite a bit more exciting.

The two soprano arias from "Aïda" are ravishingly sung. As good as the versions of these two arias are, the two versions of the arias in her complete recording of "Aïda" are even better. In this version of "O patria mia", Caballé's pianissimo high C is gorgeous, but in her "O patria mia" from her "Aïda" recording, the pianissimo high C is sublime and held for a surprisingly long time.

Cio-cio San's "Un bel dì" features breathtakingly beautiful singing from Caballé. Caballé seems like she was in a trance when she recorded that aria. The tempo for the aria is quite slow. Her powerful spinto voice has more than enough power to cut through Puccini's dense orchestration and loud climaxes. Butterfly's Death Scene displays Caballé's powerful high notes.

"L'altra notte in fondo al mare" shows Caballé in alert dramatic form. This aria probably contains the best trills that Caballé ever committed to disc. Now, Caballé never had a genuine trill. Her trill was almost always a weak fluttering between two pitches. But in this version of "L'altra notte in fondo al mare", you can actually hear the two distinct pitches of each trill. Notice Caballé's extraordinary breath control while singing the florid parts of the aria.

The version of "Vissi d'arte" included here is, in my opinion, the third best that Caballé recorded. Her best recording of the aria is her 1964 recording with Gian Franco Masini, which can be found on the compilation "Montserrat Caballé: The Ultimate Collection". That version boasts two spectacular, distinct diminuendos on the high B-flat at the end of the aria and showcases the ethereal beauty of Caballé's voice at its absolute freshest. The high B-flat itself is a secure note, but not overwhelmingly powerful. This version of "Vissi d'arte" boasts slightly less gorgeous tone and two diminuendos on the high B-flat that may as well be one, because the two are not distinct. Caballé's third version of the aria is from her complete "Tosca" recording with Colin Davis. That version is quite fine, the two diminuendos being quite good, and the high B-flat being the most powerful high B-flat that Caballé recorded for "Vissi d'arte".

The two arias from "La Forza del Destino" are very well-sung. "Pace, pace, mio Dio" is given a gorgeous rendition and boasts a spectacular pianissimo high B-flat. The ending high note is a bit caustic though.

"O mio babbino caro" is amazingly beautiful, with ravishing pianissimos, but the tempo is a bit slow.

"In questa reggia" is one of the few bad selections on this compilation. To tell you the truth, it is the worst selection here. Caballé struggles with the high tessitura of the aria and her phrasing is totally wrong for the aria. Her tone becomes thin and weak due to the high tessitura and her high C's shake disconcertingly. The unison high C with the equally miscast José Carreras at the aria's end is very bad, almost painful to hear.

The Montsalvatge song, a lullaby in reality, is a bit sleepily sung, with not too-well-enunciated Spanish, Caballé's native language. Her diction suffers due to her singing the song very softly.

Mathilde's first aria from "Guillaume Tell" is included with its recitative. Caballé's version is from her complete studio recording of the opera. This is the best recording of "Sombre fôret", in French or Italian, on records. It is exquisite singing with beautiful phrasing, beautiful tone, wonderful pianissimos, and very good French.

The Valentine/Raoul duet from "Les Huguenots" is OK. The tenor singing Raoul is Caballé's husband, Bernabé Martí. Both husband and wife are taxed by the duet's high note demands.

The Strauss lieder, as sung by Caballé, is really not that good. My advice is to skip them.

The selections from "Giovanna d'Arco" are well-sung with some amazing pianissimos.

Caballé sings the Mad Scene from "I Puritani" well, but the cabaletta is not included. Elvira, with its high tessitura and difficult coloratura demands, is really not a role for Caballé.

The magical aria from "Le Villi" is wonderfully sung. Caballé lavishes her rich, creamy voice on it. The final pianissimo is an absolute beauty.

The last selection is Lady Macbeth's Sleepwalking Scene, complete with a doctor and a lady servant. This selection is voiced with full-throated singing. Caballé is at her most melodramatic here. I think it works for this aria, even though a little more subtlety is probably more appropriate. The diminuendo on "Macbetto" near the aria's end is ravishing and the pianissimo high D-flat on the word "Andiam", held for a surprisingly short time, is amazing.

Get this compilation while it is still available.

5 out of 5 stars Caballe the greatest singer in recorded history!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-08-24

This is a sensational collection of Montserrat Caballe's enormous repitore.I love this 2cd set the cover art is beautiful and pleasing to the eye.This set possesses many of her best early recordings remastered in stunning sound.This set is made in europe and has a much warmer and natural sound than many like cds made in the USA.This cd is already out of print in the us stores,but you can still get it here at amazon before it dissappears.This set has her singing Verdi,puccini,bellini,french & spanish arias,and other composers to.Her beauty of tone,breath control,emotion,and regal grander is simply amazing.Not to mention the most incredible pinissimos ever floated from a human throat.No other soprano ever had a voice of such purity and spellbinding beauty.If you own just one cd by an operatic soprano,you must have a Caballe cd,don't short change yourself.
Magnificat: A Musical Celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000
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    Magnificat: A Musical Celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000

    Manufacturer: Velas
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Morricone, EnnioMorricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by StradellaAll Works by Stradella | Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    AlgeriaAlgeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000051Y8H
    Release Date: 2000-11-28

    Tracks:

    1. Cantico Del Giubileo - Massimiliano Tonsini
    2. Panis Angelicus - Jose Carreras
    3. Abbi Pieta Di Me - Jose Carreras
    4. Ecco Un'Aurora, Mentre Il Silenzio - Millennium Choir
    5. Ave Maria - Montserrat Caballe
    6. Benedictus-Dalla Messa Di Gloria - Renato Bruson
    7. Magnificat - Choir Of The Nuova Polifonica Ambrosiana
    8. Ave Maria - Pietro Ballo
    9. Ave Verum - Choir Of The Cappella Giulia Of The St. Peter Basilica In The Vatican
    10. Llama D'Amor Viva - Paola Cecchi
    11. Figlio Mio - Paola Cecchi
    12. Gloria A Te, Cristo Gesu - Jean Paul Lecot

    Amazon.com

    As with the history of art, the Vatican has played an important role in fostering the creation of music; and in writing music for the Catholic Church's rituals, composers like Palestrina and Monteverdi became cornerstones in the development of Western music. So it's fitting that the Vatican has decided to celebrate the Great Jubilee 2000--its commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Christ--with a collection of music. Magnificat includes performances of very familiar pieces of sacred music (Franck's "Panis angelicus," Gounod's "Ave Maria," and Mozart's "Ave verum," one of the most sublime pieces ever written) as well as some newly commissioned works: the "Cantico del giubileo" of Ennio Morricone (commissioned for Magnificat) and Jean-Paul Lécot's official hymn for the Jubilee. There are a couple of appearances by José Carreras, while opera star Montserrat Caballé sings the "Ave Maria" from Verdi's Otello (a secular work to be sure, but a deeply touching expression of piety). Other performers include Renato Bruson, Pietro Ballo, the Choir and Orchestra of Saint Cecilia's in Rome, Marco Frisina, and more. The message binding all these selections is one of spirituality and peace for the world. A special edition of Magnificat, including a booklet with photos and Italian texts, is also available. --Sarah Chin

    Music Track:

    1. The Most Unforgettable Concertos Ever
    2. Tristan and Isolde
    3. Unforgettable Classics: Bernstein
    4. Unforgettable Classics: Driving Classics
    5. Unforgettable Classics: Gershwin
    6. Unforgettable Classics: Relaxing Violin
    7. Unforgettable Summer Classics
    8. Village Burial with Fire; Spirit Festival with Lamentations
    9. Waltzing in the Clouds: Music of Robert Stolz
    10. A Tribute to Martti Talvela

    Music Track

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