Vivaldi: In Furore

On this CD:

1. Sonata a 4 al Santo Sepolcro, for 2 violins, viola & continuo in E-flat major, RV 130
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Richard Boothby, Catherine MacIntosh, Purcell String Quartet, Jane Rogers, Catherine Weiss, Cecelia Bruggemeyer

2. In furore giustissimae irae, solo motet for voice, strings & continuo in C minor, RV 626
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Richard Boothby, Catherine Bott, Catherine MacIntosh, Purcell String Quartet, Jane Rogers, Catherine Weiss

3. Concerto, for strings & continuo in D major, Op. 12/3, RV 124
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Richard Boothby, Catherine MacIntosh, Purcell String Quartet, Jane Rogers, Catherine Weiss, Cecelia Bruggemeyer

4. Concerto madrigalesco, for strings & continuo in D minor, RV 129
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Richard Boothby, Catherine MacIntosh, Purcell String Quartet, Jane Rogers, Catherine Weiss, Cecelia Bruggemeyer

5. Laudate Pueri Dominum (Psalm 113), for voice, flute, 2 oboes, strings & continuo in G major, RV 601
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Richard Boothby, Catherine Bott, Catherine MacIntosh, Stephen Preston, Purcell String Quartet, Jane Rogers

6. Sinfonia al Santo Sepolcro, sonata for 2 violins, viola & continuo in B minor, RV 169
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Richard Boothby, Catherine MacIntosh, Purcell String Quartet, Jane Rogers, Catherine Weiss, Cecelia Bruggemeyer

Customer Reviews:

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating:

Very nice incidental liturgical music
Much more beautiful and compelling than 'The Four Seasons'
Deborah York is Exquisite

Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 1
Dimanche a Bamako
Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 5
Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 3
Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 6

ASIN: B000002ZVR
Release Date: 1996-06-10

Tracks:

In furore iustissimae irae, RV626: Allegro-In furore iustissimae irae
In furore iustissimae irae, RV626: Recitativo-Miserationem Pater piissime
In furore iustissimae irae, RV626: Largo-Tunc meus fletus evadet laetus
In furore iustissimae irae, RV626: Allegro-Alleluia
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores, RV629: Allegro-Onge mala, umbrae, terrores
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores, RV629: Recitativo-Recedite, nubes et fulgura
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores, RV629: Largo-Descende, o coeli vox
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores, RV629: Allegro-Alleluia
Clarae stellae, scintillate RV625: Allegro-Clarae stellae, scintillate
Clarae stellae, scintillate RV625: Recitativo-Coeli repleti iam novo splendore
Clarae stellae, scintillate RV625: Allegro-Nunc iubilare
Clarae stellae, scintillate RV625: Allegro-Alleluia
Canta In Prato, Ride In Monte RV623: Allegro-Canta In prato, Ride In monte
Canta In Prato, Ride In Monte RV623: Recitativo-Saeva fulgescit nobis
Allegro-Avenae rusticae sinceri fervida amoris
Canta In Prato, Ride In Monte RV623: Allegro-Alleluia
Filiae maestae Jerusalem RV638: Accompagnato-Filiae maestae Jerusalem
Filiae maestae Jerusalem RV638: Largo-Sileant zephyri
Filiae maestae Jerusalem RV638: Accompagnato-Sed tenebris diffusis
Nulla In mundo pax sincera RV630: Larghetto-Nulla in mundo pax sincera
Nulla In mundo pax sincera RV630: Recitativo-Blando colore oculos mundus decepit
Nulla In mundo pax sincera RV630: Allegro-Spirat anguis
Nulla In mundo pax sincera RV630: Allegro-Alleluia

Customer Reviews:

Very nice incidental liturgical music.......2007-06-08

After reading the two other reviews, I feel like a heel giving this recording but four (4) stars, but I listened to this several times, and compared to my favorites by Bach (going forward) and by Renaissance composers (going backward), and even compared to some of Vivaldi's other sacred works, such as the Stabat Mater, I find these pieces good, but not outstanding. I would not make a point of coming back to these works, whoever excellently performed and recorded. In the great scheme of things, they don't excite me. Check out Andreas Scholl's performance of the Stabat Mater on harmonia mundi France!

Much more beautiful and compelling than 'The Four Seasons'.......2006-09-28

In his time, Vivaldi was widely respected, both for the beauty of his music and the speed of his writing. He wrote some 400 concertos; he said --- accurately --- that he could compose faster than a copyist could scribble the notes. Bach went to school on him. He was continuously employed.

But Vivaldi died poor. And was soon forgotten. It wasn't until the mid-1920s --- when a researcher encountered a collection of his lost manuscripts and powerhouses like Ezra Pound proclaimed Vivaldi's excellence --- that his music began to be widely played. And then, at some point in the 1970s or 1980s, hotels and restaurants discovered "The Four Seasons," and after that, you couldn't get away from Vivaldi. He became, sadly, as corny as Pachelbel.

Stravinsky mocked Vivaldi's concertos --- the same piece, he said, written 400 times. But no one mocks the choral music. It has balance and thrust and personality; it's never less than pleasant.

Vivaldi wrote most of his choral music for women. With good reason --- for 35 years, he was in the employ of La Pieta, a home for Venetian foundlings. Don't get all weepy about those poor little girls; this isn't "Annie." Remember that we are talking about Venice, one of the richest cities in the world. And remember, too, that we are dealing with upper-class morality --- most of the girls at the Ospedale della Pietà weren't orphans, but the illegitimate daughters of married noblemen and their mistresses. The quarters were luxurious; musical standards were high.

As were the notes. Vivaldi had only female voices to work with, and he showed them off. Bass parts were taken up an octave; sopranos were pitched to the heavens. Excess is stripped away. Vivaldi takes traditional themes --- he'd been trained as a priest --- and weaves them into beauty.

There are ten CDs of this music recorded by Robert King and the King's Consort. I've heard maybe half of them, and can't find a weak moment anywhere. But why push Volume 2 on you? Because Volume 1 is big music, more in the style of the Vivaldi you know. Volume 2 has more soloists, more subtle thrills. But be careful --- King's recordings of this music are definitive. And addictive. If you're not careful, you'll not only want them all, you'll start thinking seriously about a trip to Venice.

Deborah York is Exquisite.......2000-06-08

I purchased this recording shortly after the movie Shine was released because I was newly enchanted with Vivaldi's sacred music. It provides an excellent sampling of his motets and will appeal to those looking or some of the excellent, yet lesser known, works of this master.

Robert King and his King's Consort provide an excellent accompaniment to Deborah York and her colleagues. James Bowman has worked with King before and he is quite a good counter-tenor. The alto, Catherine Denley, is good, but Ms. York is simply divine.

Tracks:

Magnificat
Et Exsultavit
Et Misericordia Eius
Fecit Potentiam
Deposuit Potentes
Esurientes
Suscepit Isreal
Sicut Locutus Est
Gloria
Lauda, Jersalem
Kyrie Eleison
Christe Eleison
Kyrie Eleison
Credo In Unum Deum
Et Incarnatus Est
Crucifixus
Et Resurrexit
Dixit Dominus
Donec Ponam
Vigram Virtutis Tuae
Tecum Principium
Luravit Dominus
Dominus A Dextris Tuis
Ludicabit In Nationibus
De Torrente In Via
Gloria
Sicut Erit In Principio

Tracks:

Allegro: In Furore Iustissimae Irae
Recitativo: Miserationem Pater Piissime
Largo: Tunc Meus Fletus Evadet Laetus
Allegro: Alleluia
Allegro: Longe Mala, Umbrae, Terrores
Recitativo: Recedite, Nubes Et Fulgura
Largo: Descende, O Caeli Vox
Allegro: Alleluia
Allegro: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate
Recitativo: Caeli Repleti Iam Novo Splendore
Allegro: Nunc Iubilare
Allegro: Alleluia
Allegro: Canta In Prato, Ride In Monte
Recitativo: Saeva Fulgescit Nobis
Allegro: Avenae Rusticae Sinceri Fervida Amoris
Allegro: Alleluia
Accompagnato: Filiae Maestae Jerusalem
Largo: Sileant Zephyri
Accompagnato: Sed Tenebris Diffusis
Larghetto: Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera
Recitativo: Blando Colore Oculos Mundus Decepit
Allegro: Spirat Anguis
Allegro: Alleluia

Tracks:

Dixit Dominus
Donec Ponam Inimicos Tuos
Virgam Virturis Tuae
Tecum Principium
Iuravit Dominus
Dominus A Dextris Tuis
Indicabit In Nationibus
De Torrente In Via Bibet
Gloria Patri, Et Filio
Sicut Erat In Principio
Et In Saecula Saeculorum
Domine Ad Adiuvandum
Gloria Patri, Et Filio
Sicut Erat In Principio
Credidi Propter Qoud
Beatus Vir RV598
Beatus Vir
Potens In Terra
Antifona Beatus Vir
Gloria Et Divitiae
Antifona Beatus Vir
Exortum Est In Tendebris
Iucundus Homo
Antifona Beatus Vir
In Memoria Aeterna
Antifona Beatus Vir
Paratum Cor Eius
Peccator Videbit
Antifona Beatus Vir
Gloria Patri, Et Filio

Tracks:

Overture: Allegro
Overture: Largo
Coro Assyrian Soldiers Arma, Caedes, Vindicatae, Furores
Aria Holofernes Felix En Fausta Dies
Aria Holofernes Nil Arma, Nil Bella
Recitativo Vagaus Mi Dux, Domine Mi
Aria Vagus Matrona Inimica
Recitativo Holofernes Huc Accedat Matrona
Aria Juditha Qou Cum Patriae Me Ducit Amore
Recitativo Abra Ne Timeas Non
Aria Abra Vultus Tui Vago Splendori
Recitativo Abra Vide, Humilis Prostrata
Coro Vagus, Assyrian Solders
Recitativo Vagus Quem Vides Prope, Aspectu
Aria Vagus Quamvis Ferro Et Ense Gravis
Recitativo Holofernes Quid Cerno! Oculi Mei
Aria Juditha Quanto Magis Generosa
Recitativo Holofernes Magna, O Foemina, Petis
Aria Holofernes Magna, O Foemina, Petis
Recitativo Juditha, Tu Ludex Es, Tu Dominus, Tu Potens
Aria Juditha Agitata Infido Flatu
Recitativo Holofernes In Tentorio Supernae
Aria Con Coro Vagus, Servents O Servi, Volate
Recitantivo Vagus Tu Quoque Hebraica Ancilla
Aria Juditha Veni, Veni, Me Sequere Fida
Recitativo Abra Venio, Juditha, Venio: Animo Fave
Aria Abra Fulgeat Sol Frontis Decorae
Recitativo Abra In Urbe Interim Pia
Coro Bethulians Mundi Rector De Caelo Micanti

Tracks:

Recitativo Ozias Summi Regis In Mente
Aria Ozias O Sydera, O Stellae
Recitativo Ozia Iam Saevientis In Hostem
Recitativo Holofernes Nox In Umbra Dum Surgit
Aria Holofernes Nox Obscura Tenebrosa
Recitativo Holofernes Belligerae Meae Sorti
Aria Juditha Transit Aetas
Recitativo Holofernes Haec In Crastinum Serva: Ah, Nimis Vere
Aria Holofernes Noli, O Cara, Te Adorantis
Recitativo Juditha Tibi Dona Salutis
Coro Assyrian Soldiers Plena Nectare Non Mero
Recitativo Holofernes Tormenta Mentis Tuae Fugiant A Corde
Aria Juditha Vivat In Pace, Et Pax Regnet Sincera
Recitativo Juditha Sic In Pace Inter Hostes
Aria Vagaus Umbrae Carae, Aurae Adoratae
Aria Vagaus Quae Fortunata Es Tu Vaga Matrona
Aria Abra Non Ita Reducem
Recitativo Abra Iam Pergo, Postes Claudo
Accompagnato Juditha Summe Astrorum Creator
Aria Juditha In Somno Profundo
Accompagnato Juditha Impii, Indigni Trianni
Recitativo Juditha Abra, Abra, Accipe Munus
Aria Abra Si Fulgida Per Te Propitia Caeli Fax
Recitativo Vagaus Iam Non Procul Ab Axe
Aria Vagaus Armatae Face, Et Anguibus
Recitativo Ozias Quam Insolita Luce
Aria Ozias Gaude Felix
Accompagnato Ozias Ita Decreto Aeterno
Coro Judeans Salve, Invicta Juditha, Formosa

Tracks:

Aria In Turbato Mare Irato
Recitativo Splende Serena, O Lux Amata
Aria Respende, Bella
Alleluia
Recitativo Non In Pratis Aut In Hortis
Adagio Ibi Spinis Confixus
Aria Pro Me Caput Spinas Habet
Recitativo Quaesone facias, Domine
Largo Stabat Mater Dolorosa
Adagissimo Cuius Animam Gementem
Andante O Quam Tristis Et Afflicta
Largo Quis Est Homo, Qui Non Fleret
Adagissimo Quis Non Posset Contristari
Adante Pro Peccatis Suae Gentis
Largo Eia Mater, Fons Amoris
Lento Fac Ut Ardeat Cor Meum
Allegro Amen
Aria O Qui Caeli Terraque Serentias
Recitativo Fac Ut Sordescat Tellus
Aria Rosa Quae Moritur
Alleluia
Deus Tuorum Militum
Allegro Confitebor Tibi, Domine, In Toto Corde Meo
Allegro Memoriam Fecit Mirabilium Suorum
Andante Sanctum Et Terribile Nomen Eius
Allegro Intellectus Bonus Omnibus Facientibus Eum
Allegro Gloria Patri, et Filio
Allegro Et In Saecula Saeculorum

Tracks:

Allegro Beatus Vir
Allegro Gloria Et Divitiae
Beatus Vir
Andante Molto Exortum Est In tenebris
Beatus Vir
Allegro Lucundus Homo
Beatus Vir
Andante Molto In memoria Aeterna
Beatus Vir
Andante Paratum Cor Eius
Beatus Vir
Andante Dispersit, Dedit Pauperibus
Beatus Vir
Largo Peccator Videbit
Allegro Gloria Patri, Et Filio
Andante Salve Regina
Allegro Ad Te Clamamus
Allegro Eia Ergo
Andante Et Jesum
Laudate Dominum
In Exitu Israel
Allegro Nisi Dominus
Largo Vanum Est Vobis
Presto - Adagio Surgite
Andante Cum dederit
Allegro Sicut Sagittae
Andante Beatus Vir
Larghetto Gloria
Allegro Sicut Erat In Principio
Allegro Amen

Tracks:

Laetatus Sum
Laudate Pueri Dominum
Sit Nomen Domini
Usque Ad Occasum
Excelsus Super Omnes Gentes
Suscitans A terra Inopem
Ut Collocet Eum
Gloria Patri (I)
Gloria Patri (II)
Amen
Vestro Principi Divino
O felix Culpa
Quid Loqueris Ad Cor
Alleluia
Jubilate, O Amoeni Chori
In Tam ASolemni Pompa
Sonoro Modulamine: Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Et In Terra Pax Hominibus
Laudamus Te
Gratias Agimus Tibi
Domine Deus, Rex Caelestis
Domine Fili Unigenite
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
Quoniam To Solus Santus
Cum Sancto Spiritu

Tracks:

Sum In Medio Tempestatum
Quid Ergo Faciam
Semper Maesta
Alleluia
Laudate Pueri, Dominum
Sit Nomen Domini
A solis Ortu Usque Ad Occasum
Excelsus Super Omnes Gentes
Quis Sicut Dominus
Suscitans A Terra Inopem
Ut Collocet Aum
Gloria Patri
Laudate Pueri: Sicut Erat In Principio
Amen
Cur Sagittas, Cur Tela
Hostibus Circumventa
In Te, Beate Pater
Sanctorum Meritis
Salve Regina
Ad Te Clamamus
Ad Te Suspirmus
Eia Ergo Advocata
Et Jesum Benedictum
O Clemens, O Pia

Tracks:

Laudate Pueri Dominum
A Solis Ortu
Excelsus Super Omnes
Sit Nomen Domini
Suscitans A Terra
Ut Collocet Eum
Sit Nomen Domini
Gloria Patri
Sicut Erat In Principio
Salve Regina
Ad te Clamamus
Ad Te Suspiramus
Eia ergo Advocata
Et Jesum Benedictum
O Clemens, O Pia
Accende Laeta
Quam Pulchri
Sternite, Angeli
Gaude Mater Ecclesia
Vos Aurae Per Montes
Cuncta Orbis
Tellus, Astra
Alleluia
Gloria Patri (From Laudate Pueri)

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Et In Terra Pax
Laudamus Te
Gratias Agimus Tibi
Propter Magnam Gloriam Tuam
Domine Deus, Rex Caelestis
Domine Fili Unigenite
domine Deus, Agnus Dei
Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
Quoniam to Solus Sanctus
Cum Sancto Spiritu
Nisi Dominus Aedificaverit
Nisi Dominus Custodierit
Vanum Est Vobis
Cum Dederit
Sicut Sagittae
Beatus Vir
Gloria Patri
Sicut Erat In Prencipio
Ostro Picta
Sic Transiit
Linguis Favete
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Et In Terra pax
Laudamus Te
Gratias Agimus Tibi
Domine Deus, Rex Caelestis
Domine Fili Unigenite
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
Cum Sancto Spiritu

Average customer rating:

Going for Baroque

The King's Consort Baroque Collection

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The King's Consort Collection
Baroque Trumpet Concertos

ASIN: B000002ZDW
Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

Dixit Dominus
Welcome As The Dawn Of Day
Harlequinade & Aeolus
Who Is Like Unto Thee, O Lord?
Musette
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Esurientes implevit
To God Who Made The Radiant Sun
Hear My Prayer, O Lord
Andante From Trio Sonata In D Minor
Oh! Fair Cedaria
In Jehovah's Awful Sight
In furore iustissimae irae
Alla Hornpipe
Be Welcome Then, Great Sir
Country Dances I And II
Erbarme dich
Overture To The Summer's Absence Unconcerned
La Rejouissance
Salvator noster
Dona nobis pacem

Customer Reviews:

Going for Baroque.......2003-01-09

Here lies master collection from ten years and fifty discs of examples from baroque era performed by choirs, soloists and instrumentalists.

Conducted by energetic Robert King and his King's Consort, this is just superb!

Tracks:

Laudate Pueri Dominum (Allegro)
Sit Nomen Domini (Largo)
A Solis Ortu Usque Ad Accasum (Allegro)
Excelsus Super Omnes (Andante)
Quis Sicut Dominus Deus (Largo)
Suscitans A Terra Inopem (Presto)
Ut Collocet Eum (Allegro)
Gloria Patri Et Filio (Largo)
Saudate Pueri Dominum (Allegro)
Amen (Allegro)
Aria: In Furore Giustissimae Irae (Allegro)
Recitativo: Miserationum Pater Piissime
Aria: Tunc Meus Fletus (Largo)
Alleluia (Allegro)
Aria: In Turbato Mare Irato (Allegro)
Recitativo: Splende Serena, O Lux Amata
Aria: Resplende, Bella (Larghetto)
Alleluia (Allegro)
Aria: O Qui Coeli Terraeque Serenitas (Allegro)
Recitativo: Fac Ut Sordescat Tellus
Aria: Rosa Quae Moritur (Largo)
Alleluia (Allegro)

Amazon.com

These Motets prove that Vivaldi, although best known today for his instrumental works, composed for voice and instruments with equal mastery. Indeed, the orchestral writing closely resembles that of his concertos, complete with violin and cellos solos. The soprano engages in brilliant flights of coloratura and evocations of emotions from despair, torment, fear of God's wrath and horror of death to prayerful pleading, tenderness, serenity, and gratitude for God's mercy. The orchestra not only underlines these moods but depicts the turbulent sea, the raging storm, the Divine light. The first Motet, a hymn of praise set to Psalm 112, is essentially dramatic. Cast in a series of brief movements alternating minor and major, slow and fast, homophonic and contrapuntal, it abounds with beautiful, sustained devout melodies and bursts with rhythmic vitality. The other three Motets each feature two contrasting da capo arias--the returns freely embellished--separated by a recitative and culminating in a joyful, triumphant Alleluia. This results in a certain sameness of form, but as in the concertos, which have been unjustly accused of all sounding alike, the differences in texture, mood and expression create plenty of contrast and variety. The vocal writing is very difficult, especially in the florid repeats, at one point going up all the way to a high D (the orchestra is tuned a half-step down, or it would go even higher), so Patrizia Ciofi sometimes seems to struggle. Using a "white," vibratoless tone, she occasionally sounds a bit shrill. However, her intonation is impeccable, her breath control admirable, and she clearly feels at home in the style. The orchestra is excellent, both in the accompanying and solo sections. Vivaldi creates a real surprise by adding a trombone solo to one of the first Motet's fast movements. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

With music like this, going to church in the 1700's rocked!.......2006-11-29

Just as I think that Vivaldi has reached an insuperable level of inspiration with an aria or concerto, and nothing else can beat it or he can't exceed it, I am proven wrong. Case in point is the larghetto aria "Resplende bella". This aria actually sounds like a requiem, very solemn, emotional on the brink of death and mourning, masterly executed by Ciofi, and with the perfect vocal affections to drench and sadden the heart. If anything, the aria should be renamed "Mortis Horrores" after its leading mantra and most dramatic point reminiscent of a ritual procession. At some point, the music defies the baroque and sounds like nothing written almost three hundred years ago. Ciofi is phenomenal. Biondi complements her perfectly with the right punctuation and texture. It seems that everything or anything he plays can't be rivaled. Though I got this CD for "In Furore Giustissimae Irae", was much more pleasantly surprised by the rest of musical repertoire. Ciofi commands the strength and deliverance in the very sweeping vocal runs of the Alleluias, and the allegros from "In turbato mare irato" and " In Furore Giustissimae Irae". In the latter, Ciofi astounds with her ability to carry the same orchestral rhythm at full coloratura and note continuity. Wow! Even the recitativos are not to be missed or skipped. They really belong and find their musical right to be.

Absolutely Stunning.......2005-06-18

this has quickly turned into my all-time favorite discs. i was already a huge fan of Fabio Biondi, but hadn't heard Patrizia Ciofi. wow--what a voice! she has an absolutely stunning voice and her navigation around Vivaldi's music is exemplary as well. it goes without saying that Biondi and the magnifico Europa Galante is more than up to the task, providing a bellissimo accompaniment to Ms. Ciofi. another top-notch disc from these fantastic performers. Bravo Tutti! i would love to hear more of Vivaldi's vocal works from these artists.

favorite track: Sit nomen Domini [Largo] from Laudate pueri Dominium RV 600. unbelievably gorgeous movement and heart-wrenching. i could listen to it on repeat all day.

Highly Recommended!

do yourself a favor and purchase this CD. it is well worth it!

Another Vivaldi Triumph for Biondi With Ciofi His Muse.......2005-03-29

This is yet another perfectly sublime recording of Vivaldi's religious music for vocals and strings from violinist Fabio Biondi and his ensemble Europa Galante, a worthy successor to their wonderful 2002 recording of Vivaldi's "Stabat Mater/Nisi Dominus/Longe Mala" featuring the extraordinary countertenor David Daniels. This time Biondi has landed the considerable talents of soprano Patrizia Ciofi, whose energetic coloratura was most recently heard on the stylish "Handel Operatic Duets (Amor e gelosia)" disc with mezzo-soprano Joyce Di Donato and the splendid René Jacobs-produced recording of Mozart's "La Nozze di Figaro". It's worth noting that Daniels, Ciofi, Biondi and Europa Galante are teamed up on the upcoming recording of Vivaldi's "Bajazet".

Even though this disc is subtitled "Motets", technically the first piece, "Laudate pueri Dominum," is not a motet but an extended psalm, and even more surprising is the fact that it is a lively, challenging 23-minute work consisting of ten diverse movements, all of which Ciofi tackles with great skill. Her fiery bravura is especially evident in the opening allegro and returns toward the end in a repeat of the same movement. This provides an effective contrast to her appropriately mournful tone on "Excelsus super omnes," where she is accompanied by a somber obbligato trombone, and the beautiful legato she displays on "Gloria Patri et Filio". Ciofi shows powerfully expressed fury on both "In furore giustissimae irae" and "In turbato mare irato", the opening arias of the second and third motets, without sacrificing the inherent warmth of her voice. In contrast, she sounds joyful with great abandon on the opening aria of the last motet, "O qui coeli terraeque serenitas". The largos, "Tunc meus fletus" from "In furore..." and "Rosa quae moritur" from "O qui coeli..." both contain a melting quality that is at once inspirational and passionate, The larghetto "Resplende, bella" from "In turbato..." is arguably the disc's high point, a sensitive performance that shows off Ciofi's amazing breath control and dramatic acumen. This is lovely, hypnotic work, almost too beautiful for the deeply religious lyrics performed, with stellar performances all around.

Vivaldi: In furore, Laudate pueri e concerti sacri

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi: In furore, Laudate pueri e concerti sacri

Manufacturer: Opus 111
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vivaldi: Arie per basso
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Tragédiennes
Vivaldi: Concerti per violini I 'La caccia'
Vivaldi Edition: Tito Manlio

ASIN: B000E6G7C0
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

Aria In Furore Iustissimae Irae: Allegro
Recitativo
Aria Tunc Meus Fletus: Largo
Alleluia: Allegro
Adagio Molto
Allegro Ma Poco
Laudate Pueri: Allegro Non Molto
Sit Nomen Domini: Allegro
A Solis Ortu: Andante
Excelsus Super Omnes: Larghetto
Suscitans A Terra: Allegro Molto
Ut Collocet Eum: Allegro
Gloria Patri Et Filio: Larghetto
Sicut Erat: Allegro
Amen: Allegro
Allegro
Grave
Allegro Molto
Largo Molto E Spiccato-Andante Molto
Largo
Allegro Non Molto

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi: Laudate Pueri, Dominum

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000632L1W
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

I. Largo Molto - - The Purcell Quartet
II. Allegro Ma Poco - The Purcell Quartet
Aria. In Furore Iustissimae Irae - Catherine Bott
Recitative. Miserationum Pater Piisime - Aria. Tunc Meus Fletus - Catherine Bott
Alleluia - Catherine Bott
I. Allegro - The Purcell Quartet
II. Grave - - The Purcell Quartet
III. Allegro - The Purcell Quartet
I. Adagio - - The Purcell Quartet
II. Allegro - - The Purcell Quartet
III. Adagio - - The Purcell Quartet
IV. (Allegro Molto Moderato) - The Purcell Quartet
I. Laudate Pueri, Dominun - Catherine Bott
II. Sit Nomen Domini Benedictum - Catherine Bott
III. A Solis Ortu Usque Ad Occasum - Catherine Bott
IV. Excelsus Super Omnes Gentes Dominus - Catherine Bott
V. Suscitans A Terra Inopem - Catherine Bott
VI. Ut Collocet Eum Cum Principibus Populi Sui - Catherine Bott
VII. Gloria Patri Et Filio Et Spiritui Sancto - Catherine Bott
VIII. Gloria Patri Et Filio Et Spiritui Sancto - Catherine Bott
IX. Amen - Catherine Bott
I. Adagio Molto - - The Purcell Quartet
II. Allegro Ma Poco - The Purcell Quartet

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi: Sacred Works

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000026BCY
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

Gloria in D, RV 589: Gloria Excelsis
Gloria in D, RV 589: Et In Terra Pax
Gloria in D, RV 589: Laudamus Te
Gloria in D, RV 589: Gratias Agimus
Gloria in D, RV 589: Propter Magnam Gloriam
Gloria in D, RV 589: Domine Deus
Gloria in D, RV 589: Domine Fili Unigenite
Gloria in D, RV 589: Domine Deus
Gloria in D, RV 589: Qui Tollis
Gloria in D, RV 589: Qui Sedes
Gloria in D, RV 589: Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
Gloria in D, RV 589: Cum Sancto Spiritu
Kyrie in g, RV 587: Kyrie
Kyrie in g, RV 587: Christe
Kyrie in g, RV 587: Kyrie
Credo in e, RV 591: Credo In Unum Deum - Ens Vocal De Lausanne
Credo in e, RV 591: Et Incarnatus Est - Ens Vocal De Lausanne
Credo in e, RV 591: Crucifixus Etiam Pro Nobis - Ens Vocal De Lausanne
Credo in e, RV 591: Et Resurrexit - Ens Vocal De Lausanne
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Magnificat
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Et Exultavit
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Et Misericordia
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Fecit Potentiam
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Deposuit Potentes
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Esurientes
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Suscepit Israel
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Sicut Iocutus Est
Magnificat in g, RV 610: Gloria

Tracks:

Beatus Vir, RV 597: Beatus Vir
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Potens In Terra
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Gloria Et Divitiae
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Exortum Est
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Jucundus Homo
Beatus Vir, RV 597: In Memoria Aeterna
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Paratum Cor Ejus
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Peccator Videbit
Beatus Vir, RV 597: Gloria Patri
Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera: Larghetto - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera: Recitativo - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera: Allegro - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera: Allegro - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
Lauda Jerusalem, RV 609
Canta In Prato: Allegro - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacotte
Canta In Prato: Recitativo - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacotte
Canta In Prato: Allegro - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacotte
Canta In Prato: Allegro (Alleluia) - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacotte
In Furore: Allegro - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
In Furore: Recitativo - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
In Furore: Largo - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet
In Furore: Allegro (Alleluia) - Jennifer Smith/Wally Staempfli/Verena Schweizer/Uta Spreckelsen/Christine Jacottet

Average customer rating:

One of the best opera recordings ever
Totally brilliant Vivaldi
Requiem for a dead son

Antonio Vivaldi: Farnace

Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0000634VT
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Amazon.com

For all Vivaldi's current popularity, his nearly 50 operas continue to languish in undeserved obscurity. This live performance of his 1727 hit, Farnace, should help rectify posterity's oversight, for the music is compelling and the spirited singing and conducting are irresistible. The plot is a typical 18th-century opera narrative concerning people in ancient times whose confusing doings resist concise summary, but combine family discord, high politics, hate, love, and forgiveness. Jordi Savall leads his crack period instrument ensemble in a spirited rendition that stresses dramatic values. His sterling cast has no discernible weak links and several especially strong ones, such as baritone Furio Zanasi in the title role, contralto Sara Mingardo as his wife, and the daughter of the villainess of the opera, Farnace's arch-rival, Queen Berenice, soprano Adriana Fernandez. In fact, everybody sings with dramatic abandon and uses stunning coloratura effects. Savall also interpolates about 20 minutes of music from another Farnace opera written a dozen years later by Francesco Corselli, emulating the period practice of inserting materials by other contemporary composers. The fluent singing and dynamic drive of the orchestra make this among the best recordings of Baroque Italian opera. The format is a book-style packaging, with lavish illustrations, full text, and translations. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

One of the best opera recordings ever.......2004-08-15

I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewers below. I am relatively new to vocal music and I tend to respond on a wholly emotional level.
Some Baroque operas with lenghty recitives tend to bore me. But Savall and his cast have brought to life even those passages of the opera. The cast was recorded live in a Madrid opera house. Not all live recordings of operas are successful. But Savall and company have left me all atingle an hour after I finished listening.
I realize that two other reviewers have given much more lucid, analytical reviews, but I was just wowed by this recording so much.
I recommend this not just to baroque opera or Vivaldi lovers but as a CD that belongs in every classical music lover's collection.

Totally brilliant Vivaldi.......2004-06-23

I agree wholeheartedly with reviewer Glidden's very expert review with the sole exception that I am madly in love with Sara Mingardo and although I am basically a soprano-lover, Sara is my absolute favorite Vivaldi singer. You should also purchase La Verità in Cimento, L'Olimpiade and Vespri per l'Assunzione di Maria Vergine. You will be totally convinced of her tremendous ability. The CDs come with an absolutely superb libretto. There is one minor flaw in this whole thing but by no means should you permit it to deter you from purchasing this work. The CDs are actually stored in slip-in jackets which are pages in the libretto. It cannot possibly be beneficial for the CDs to be put in and pulled out of these very tight jackets. Very definitely buy this work and then do yourself a big favor by buying a couple of empty jewel cases and storing the CDs in them as CDs should be stored. It will be well worth the small price (I buy them 3 for about $5).

Requiem for a dead son.......2003-06-27

Vivaldi's vocal music will, I believe, eventually be adulated on a level approaching Bach's. For those who have labored through the rocky trails of bizarre, overpriced, and obscure recordings of his sacred music, recently revitalized by Robert King and Rinaldo Alessandrini, to name two, his operatic repertoire is a godsend, all the more so since these latter CD's have been favored by truly excellent singers. And no wonder. Who, other than Bach (and, to lesser extent, Handel), forges the indissassociable link between instrumental and vocal writing, giving us wind instruments that sigh and weep and cadenzas that soar like violins (or, in the case of our altos, like violas)? Jordi Savall's Farnace is bold. The more-or-less incomprehensible plot, with its gratuitious secondary love story, is simply the occasion for the music. This is the forgiveness we have to extend to these Venetian operas in order to enter them. When they are graced with such singers as these, the music opens our ear, heart, and mind and lets the trumpet call in. I bought this recording, (full-price!), for its three contralti, Sara Mingardo, Gloria Banditelli, and, my current favorite, Sonia Prina. Ms Mingardo and Ms. Banditelli are long-time heralds of the true contralto in baroque music, but only Ms. Prina, at the ripe old age of 29, makes my heart both thrill and melt. Perhaps less so in this recording than her Aristea in Alessandrini's Olympiade with her incomparably languid force, than here with her Marilyn Horne-worthy coloratura, but as part of this ensemble her major talent announces a great work. I will confess another miscasting in the role of the "Amazone d'Oriente" Berenice in Ms. Fernandez (too sweet for a murderous, tyranical queen! Her photo belies the role 100%) but the blame lies elsewhere than in her voice. The surprises came with Cinzi Forte, aptly named indeed, and her wind-swept mastery, and even more so, Furio Zanasi, whom I have not heard since Rene Jacob's legendary Guilio Cesare (Achilla). His full-throated approach to singing can leave one overwhelmed, but that is desireable here in a man bent with grief for his dead son. His 9:09 minute long aria "Gelido in ogni vena" is beyond the pale, metaphor intended.
There is much to discover in these three disks and Savall's additions from Corselli's version are ultimately enriching. Final note: the set photos are dramatic, baroque, and utterly splendid, making you regret having missed the performance and hoping fervently for its revival.

Average customer rating:

The artistry and allure of a French nightingale
High note feast :)
Simply beautiful high notes
Mady Mesplé's wonderful album
A glorious bit of memorabilia from a sadly forgotten soprano

The Very Best of Mady Mesplé

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Airs D'opérettes
Very Best of
Natalie Dessay - French Opera Arias
The Very Best of Régine Crespin
The Very Best of Kirsten Flagstad

ASIN: B0006VYELY
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Ah!...Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue?
Ah! Je Veux Vivre
Oui! Pour Ce Soir...Je Suis Titania La Blonde (Polonaise)
Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille
A Vos Jeux...Partagez-vous Mes Fleurs...Et Maintenant, Ecoutez Ma Chanson!
Una Voce Poco Fa
Ah! Non Credea Mirarti...Ah! Non Giunge
Di Piacer Mi Balza Il Cor
Gualtier Malde...Caro Nome
Il Dolce Suono...Ardon Gl'Incensi...Spargi D'Amaro Pianto

Tracks:

Quartet No.2 For Soprano, Violin, Viola, & Cello
In Furore Giustissimae Irae
I. La Dame D'Andre - Gabriel Tacchino
II. Dans L'Herbe - Gabriel Tacchino
III. Il Vole - Gabriel Tacchino
IV. Mon Cadavre Est Doux Comme Un Gant - Gabriel Tacchino
VI. Fleurs - Gabriel Tacchino
Les Chemins De L'Amour Op.106 (Anouilh) - Gabriel Tacchino
A Chloris (Viau) - Dalton Baldwin
Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes (Hugo) - Dalton Baldwin
L'Heure Exquise (Chanson Grises, Verlaine) - Dalton Baldwin
Le Chapelier (Chalupt)
Dapheneo (Godebska)
La Diva De L'Empire (Intermezzo Americain) (Bonnaud & Bles)
Ecoutez, C'est Le Chant Des Cigales
Au Bord Du Chemin Qui Passa A Ma Porte
La Bergere Colinette (Villanelle)
Tout Est Soleil, Tout Est Printemps

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

The artistry and allure of a French nightingale.......2007-06-03

This is one of the rare cases when the title of a CD matches completely its content. The Very Best of Mady Mesplé showcases the amazing talent and legacy of the beautiful lady that was the star coloratura soprano of the Paris Opera during the second part of the twentieth century. The first CD is dedicated to opera arias, and only a hearing of the first number, The Bell Song from Delibes' Lakmé, gives us a summary of what makes Mesplé so special. There is hardly a more musical or virtuosic version than the one presented here (from her complete recording of the opera). The legend is presented by the soprano with engaging interest and great attention to the words. The bell refrains are amazingly fast, with diminutive stacatti, a great trill and ravishing high notes. The final cadenza is very exciting, ending with a firm, beautiful high E that soars triumphally over the orchestra. All these qualities are present when she is singing Juliette, Philine, Ophélie and Olympia. Particularly on this last aria she conveys in her voice the illusion of hearing an automaton instead of human being and there is no ornamentation except on an interpolated high Eflat at the end. It is remarkable how Mesplé always is musical with her ornamentation. The Italian arias that end the first Cd are very pretty, even though they are not as successful, given the distinctive sound of the soprano, more in her element with the nuances of her native language than the legato singing that is proper to the belcanto style. However, the arias are still lovely, specially Una voce poco fa, where Mesplé showcases not only her high register but also the lower part of her voice by singing the first part of "Io sono docile" exactly the way it is written. CD number 2 takes the listener to a totally different aspect of Mady Mesplé's artistry with incursions into contemporary music, a Baroque cantata, French art song and French operetta. The Quartet no.2, for soprano, violin, viola and cello is a very demanding piece where the soprano becomes another instrument: dissonant and difficult intervals are required in all the registers of the voice. The soprano succeeds on this as well as the motet by Vivaldi, a totally different number of equal difficulty. A great part of the CD is then dedicated to songs by Poulenc, Hahn and Satie, where the singer perfectly conveys the mélodie style with her very distinctive sound, that can convey all degrees of emotion, from innocence to worldliness. Specially remarkable are Poulenc's Le chemin de l'amour, Hahn's Si mes vers avait des ailes and Satie' La diva de l'empire. The final part of the CD is dedicated to French operetta arias, a very important part of Mesplés discography. All the selections are a delight. It is worth noticing that she recorded the virtousic aria from Massé's Les noces de Jeanette in 1981, in the later part of her career and there is no difference in the sound and technique from Mesplé's debut recordings. The CD ends in a high note (literally and metaphorically) with a delightful waltz by Johann Strauss where she ends with a stunning Aflat over high C. In summary, this is a superb presentation of the career of Mady Mesplé, a singer who was not only one of the most stunning coloraturas of all time, but also a gifted and versatile artist.

High note feast :).......2006-10-02

I love this set. Her voice is similar to that of Pons, but this is in clear stereo sound! And her highest notes don't sound like whistle tones! The Bell song won me over; Sutherland is still my favorite singer, but she did not have the acuti of Mesple. Very good listening here.It is all so effortless - that final note on CD 2 (A-flat above high c''') is astonishing!

Simply beautiful high notes.......2006-08-14

I feel ashamed of myself. Really. For all the years I have been listening to pons and sutherland and callas and the more recent dessay and jo, I never really paid attention to Mady Mesple. I really wished I had. Her voice is so pure and bell-like similar to Pons but with a much richer middle range and with the most impressive solid low range I have heard on a coloratura sopranos. It is a tragedy that she was over shadowed by the coloratura powerhouse which is Joan Sutherland. Her high notes are to die for and really it would hard to find anyone who can hit them like her. She may not have Pons agility but the lightness and tone of her high e flat can certainly go head to head with pon's and may possibly be a tiny step above pon's which up until this point didn't think was possible.

Mady Mesplé's wonderful album.......2005-08-30

I felt a sense of awe listening to Mady Mesplé's voice. Of the two CD set, I much prefered CD #1 as #2 was a bit too modern for me. #1 has many of my favorite soprano arias, and Mlle. Mesplé did them all justice.

A glorious bit of memorabilia from a sadly forgotten soprano.......2005-05-10

Mady Mesple is one of the best kept secrets of the music industry today. Of course, when you're singing around the same time as Joan Sutherland you're rather likely to be overshadowed. Still, Mesple offers a wealth of musical goods that even Sutherland never could have given. Not only is her coloratura technique virtually flawless, she (gasp)inflects every word she sings with great sensitivity to the text, never losing grasp of the character she is striving to portray. Of course, she does have a rather controvertial aspect to her voice that many listeners may object to, As a classic french coloratura, her vibrato is VERY fast, fluttering tremulously at all times but never getting in the way of her pitch. Still, her high notes are exceptional (the second CD ends with a glorious high A flat) and the fresh, girlish beauty of her tone is unsurpassed even today (my apologies to Natalie Dessay). Be sure not to miss her Bell Song, by FAR the best I have ever heard! Her voice has a crystaline quality that is PERFECT for that particular aria. Her Doll Song is rather weak, but her mad scene from Hamlet MORE than makes up for it (can we say eight seconds of beautiful high F harp?!!). The second CD offers Mady in a more matura phase of her life, singing sensuously in more traditional art songs before going on to challenging operetta arias. And you won't want to miss the violin, viola, cello, soprano quartet that opens the CD!!! Let's just say you're in for a surprise... this CD is a must-have!

Music Track:

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