Ernani (Rome 1958)

On this CD:

1. Ernani, opera
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Rome Italian Radio Orchestra with Athos Cesarini, Renata Mattioli, Mario Del Monaco, Mario Sereni, Cesare Siepi
Conducted by Fernando Previtali

2. Otello, opera Desdemona rea!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Renato Capecchi, Mario Del Monaco
Conducted by Tullio Serafin

3. Otello, opera Ora e per sempre addio
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Renato Capecchi, Mario Del Monaco
Conducted by Tullio Serafin

4. Otello, opera Era la notte, Cassio dormìa
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Renato Capecchi, Mario Del Monaco
Conducted by Tullio Serafin

5. Otello, opera Sì, per ciel marmoreo giuro!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Renato Capecchi, Mario Del Monaco
Conducted by Tullio Serafin

6. Otello, opera Dio ti giocondi
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Mario Del Monaco, Onelia Fineschi
Conducted by Tullio Serafin

7. Otello, opera Dio! mi poteviscagliar tutti i mali
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus with Renato Capecchi, Mario Del Monaco
Conducted by Tullio Serafin

Tracks:

Rigoletto: La donna e mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
Nabucco: Va pesiero - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
La forza del destino: Overture - Kirov Orchestra
La Traviata: Un di felice - Joan Sutherland
I Vespri Siciliani: Merce dilette amiche - Maria Chiara
La Traviata: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Joan Sutherland
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira - Jose Carreras
Il Trovatore: Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Il Trovatore: Stride la vampa! - Stefania Toczyska
Aida: Ritorna vincitor! - Leontyne Price
Don Carlo: Dio che nell'alma infondere - Carlo Bergonzi
La Traviata: Prelude - Orchestra E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Rigoletto: Caro nome - Joan Sutherland
Don Carlo: O don fatale - Olga Borodina
Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi! Celeste Aida - Carlo Bergonzi
Emani: Ernani! Ernani involami - Joan Sutherland
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di tu se fedele - Jussi Bjorling
Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro ma prima in grazia - Margaret Price
Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido - Luciano Pavarotti
Aida: Gloria all'Egitto - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies irae - Wiener Philharmoniker
La forza del destino: Pace pace mio Dio - Angela Gheorghiu
Rigoletto: Questa o quella - Carlo Bergonzi
Rigoletto: Bella figlia dell'amore - Luciano Pavarotti
Otello: Ave Maria - Renee Fleming
La Traviata: Parigi o cara - Frank Lopardo
Macbeth: Ah la paterna mano - Luciano Pavarotti
Il Trovatore: Squilli echeggi la tromba guerriera - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Don Carlo: O Carlo ascolta - Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Requiem: Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
Simon Baccanegra: Come in quest'ora bruna - Kiri Te Kanawa
Macbeth: Salve o Re! Si colmi il calice - Lucia Aliberti
Aida: O patria mia - Leontyne Price
I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere - Placido Domingo
Aida: Lo sguardo avea degli angeli - Montserrat Caballe
La forza del destino: Solenne in quest'ora - Nikolai Putilin
Macbeth: Patria opressa - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Il Trovatore: Tacea la notte - Katia Ricciarelli
I due Foscari: Dal piu remoto esilio - Odio solo ed odio atroce - Jose Carreras
Don Carlo: Spuntato ecco il di esultanza - Orchestra E Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano

Customer Reviews:

OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY........2006-01-20

I don't know opera.

Last summer we had an incredible 20th anniversary trip to Italy. As a side trip from Venice, we planned a night in Verona. Neither my wife or I had been to an opera.

Is this how its supposed to be...

...an incredible star filled night with a three quarter moon, the largest stage and outdoor theatrical production on the planet, all taking place in a roman colleseum (arena) built in 180 a.d., an incredible colorful set and production with a full symphony orchestra and voices that don't come easy. Aida.

Now I know what all the hpye is as you opera fans sure are lucky to have such a beautiful setting for all your productions.

Okay, we got spoiled. But I also found myself getting spoiled on the Italian composer Verdi.

For me, this set is not only a "take me back to Verona" trip, but a great introduction to Verdi's other works. With some of the biggest names in the opera world in starring roles, I listened to both discs twice the first night they arrived.

And, of course, we are planning a return trip to Verona in the very near future to see some more Verdi...perhaps Nabucco or Otello or Macbeth...I'll even settle for Aida again. It was such a magical experience and a superb introduction to opera and Verdi.

This set continues that magical moment for us and provides a great introduction to a master of the opera...Verdi.

Great music...stunning recording quality.......2002-11-01

This is a marvelous compendium of Verdi's opera works that even the serious opera fan wouldn't turn his nose up at. These are the top contemporary soloists singing with first tier orchestras. When I saw the Decca label, I expected reasonable quality, but this disk is stunningly well engineered. Most of the vocals match the best jazz cds for immediacy and intimacy, and the orchestras are equally well done.

Incredible.......2002-06-05

I don't say incredible about too many things, but Verdi was the zenith of Italian Opera and Solti and the Chicago Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic are the quintessential ensembles for modern classical performance. Not to mention that most of the voices showcased have their own lines of CDs (Pavarotti, etc.) This CD is the best Verdi album available, and it has EVERYTHING. BUY THIS CD!

Just Stunning!.......2002-01-26

In my opinion this recording is stunning. I am not usually a fan of compilations in classical music, as they're usually watered down representations made under the presumption that the listener would find the full-blown version intimidating or boring. This one, however, is not only an exception in my view, but a recording that deserves a high place of honor in every serious listener's collection. The representation of artists, both vocal and orchestral, is breathtaking and impressive for the span of years. A great big thank you to the people at Decca responsible for putting this collection together, as it is obvious to this listener that a great deal of thought and care went into looking for the most beautiful version of every piece on here. I have purchased two copies, one for home and one for the office, and have gotten two friends similarly hooked. I am also feverishly searching for more pairings of Joan Sutherland and Carlo Bergonzi. In the meantime, I'm on to Essential Puccini!!

Average customer rating:

A Sweet Piece of Art Work
Haunting Beauty
Superb
Superb, lush and enchanting!!!
A Prize Winner!

Duets with Spanish Guitar

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002S1C
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Entr'acte
Bachianas brasileiras No. 5 - Aria
Ronde
Azulao
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4
O Cacador
Pastorale joyeuse
Tes pontos de santo
Tambourin
Boi-Bumba
Sicilienne
Para ninar
Piece en forme de habanera
Maracatu
Pavane pour une Infante defunte
Passarinho esta cantando
Modinha
Serenade For Strings: Waltz
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion
The Three Cornered Hat: Farruca

Customer Reviews:

A Sweet Piece of Art Work.......2007-05-13

I first heard this recording on vinyl. This CD lives up to the quality first captured in that original recording. Laurindo Almeida requires no review or publicity; he is a legend exceeding Segovia or Montoya. Salli Terri, mezzo-soprano, happily, has no vibrato. When she hits a note, she means it...no wavering somewhere between tones leaving you some subliminal perception of the intended note. She has an absolutely pure, rich voice and a profound comprehension of aesthetics. I have not heard other works by Martin Ruderman, who accompanies on flute, but his skills are notable within this sweet ensemble. A wealth of skill and mastery contained on this tiny CD! I am sure you will be transported.

Haunting Beauty.......2007-03-22

I'm fascinated by the reviews from those who remember this album of long ago. In 1971 my girlfriend and I spent a night in a rustic B&B in Big Sur. The following morning, as we dined on a scrumptious breakfast and the love in each other's eyes, I had to ask the waitress about the music playing in the background. We bought the record as soon as we got home, and I have cherished it ever since. Six additional selections on the CD reissue are almost superfluous. The memories, and the music, are precious.

Superb .......2007-01-08

From beginning to end, I am enthralled by this album. I bought the original LP when it came out over 40 years ago and I also own the CD version. All performers are themselves excellent and they blend wonderfully on a Grammy awarded sound track. The biggest thrill for me is always Salli Terri's Bachianas Brasileiras number five. I have heard many recordings of this Bachianas by the most famous sopranos in the world. Salli Terri's singing of the Bachianas is in a class of its own --absoulutely spine-tingling.

Superb, lush and enchanting!!!.......2005-10-19

It is very hard for me to be objective when reviewing this CD. I'm in the same situation as one other reviewer said, my father used to play this record frequently when I was growing up. Of course, as a little kid, you will not always make a note of such things, and may not even care about it. I had not listened to this record since the mid eighties (when our last turntable broke and we made the transition to CD's). As soon as I started listening to it I was taken back to that time of my life, and all of these memories which I did not knew I had came back to me. This record had been part of my life's "soundtrack". It would be easy for me to be over-analytical, since I happen to have a degree in music, but I would not dare to do so. The music is pure, absolutely beautiful. If anything, even though back when it was recorded it won awards for its sound quality, nowadays we have been spoiled with modern sound recording quality. You can certainly hear that the recording was not made recently, but it is the performances that count, and these will always sound as fresh and magnificent as the day they were first captured on tape. I will have to get a copy for my dad!

A Prize Winner!.......2003-01-26

At the first Grammy Awards in 1959, Salli Terri was nominated for Best Classical Performance, Vocal Soloist, along with Callas, Tebaldi, and Ferrell (Tebaldi won). The album did win the Grammy for Best Engineered Classical Record, a honor richly deserved as evidenced by the glorious sound of this CD.

I think a review in the May, 1958 issue of Hi-Fi & Music Review says it best: "...a prize winner in my collection. Laurindo Almeida's guitar playing captures the keen poignancy and rhythmic elan of Brazilian music with superb assurance and taste. He is joined by an excellent flutist, Martin Ruderman...and a mezzo-soprano whose velvet voice and astonishing flexibility has hardly an equal at present...Salli Terri. She sings Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 with a sinuousness and ecstasy which make this the finest modern version."

Tracks:

Il Trovatore: Di quella pira (Il Trovatore)
Il Trovatore: Ah si, ben mio (Il trovatore)
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile (Rigoletto)
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di'tu se fedele (Un ballo in maschera)
Un Ballo in Maschera: Ma se m'e forza perditi (Un ballo in maschera)
Rigoletto: Ella mi fu rapita (Rigoletto)
Rigoletto: Possente amor mi chiama (Rigoletto)
Aida: Celeste Aida (Aida)
La Traviata: De' miei bollenti spiriti (La traviata)
La Traviata: oh mio rimorso (La traviata)
I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere vorrei (I lombardi)
Ernani: Merce, diletti amici (Ernani)
Don Carlo: Io la vidi e il suo sorriso (Don Carlo)
Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido (Luisa Miller)
La forza del destino: La vita e inferno all'infelice (La forza del destino)

Amazon.com Classical Music Reviews

With this CD devoted solely to operatic arias--by none less than Giuseppe Verdi, the greatest Italian opera composer of all time--pop crossover phenomenon Andrea Bocelli throws his hat into the operatic ring with the big boys. The hat occasionally fits, and occasionally it doesn't. The beauty of the voice is undeniable, as is the relative ease in all registers. But, regardless of what the engineers do, it is clearly a small voice. For "Celeste Aïda"--Radames's great aria from Aïda--Bocelli opens with fine, as-big-as-possible exclamation and sounds confident; the long diminuendo on the aria's final high B-flat is stunning (whether or not the engineers were twiddling with the knobs, we'll never know). The tenor is more at home with Alfredo's Act Two music from La Traviata; he sings with grace and charm, ending the rarely performed cabaletta (a brief and showy piece that usually follows an aria) with one of the longest, most solid high Cs ever recorded. Elsewhere, there are mixed results: "Di' tu se fedele" from Un ballo in maschera is so free of feeling that it seems digitally produced. A big, unnecessary high D at the close of the Duke's cabaletta "Possente amor" from Rigoletto is screamed, and Bocelli sounds at times as if he's about to collapse from exhaustion during a heavy aria from Ernani. But "Ah si, ben mio" from Il Trovatore is beautiful, as is the Luisa Miller aria; Don Carlo also seems to fit Bocelli well. Needless to say, the singer's fans will certainly want to have this--and it might encourage them to try other recordings of music by Verdi. Newcomers and the curious will find plenty to admire, too. The sound itself remains alluring, and Bocelli has taken steps also towards improving his technique. In short, some nice surprises for the opera lover, and many for the Bocelli fan. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as Amore.......2007-03-24

This CD came perfectly, I just prefer the Amore CD better.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-14

It is said that from the age of eleven years, Guiseppe Verdi (1813-1901) wanted to write operas. He left his post as organist to study music in Milan, a move made possbile by his patron,Barezzi, whose daughter he eventually married in 1836. Shortly thereafter he composed his first opera 'Oberto" which was so successful that his future seemed secure. However, the death of his wife and two babies some time later forced him into a state of depression. The impressario Mirelli gave him the book 'Nabucco' (Nebuchadnezzar) to read, and he immediately began to write music for it. Therewith he embarked on the career which eventually made him the "Grand Old Man" of Italian opera. In modern slang, he was a "natural".From "Oberto", written in his twenties, to "Falstaff", completed when he was eighty, his characteristic integrity and intensity persisted; as he wrote his 30 operas, his powers of expression broadened and deepened. By the time he wrote 'Aida', commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt, Verdi was 56. 'Aida' is often named as his greatest opera. The live elephants used in the production, the authentic costumes and musical instruments copied from ancient Egyptian tombs made an attractive picture, and his music made a "Celeste Aida" of the whole.
Lets face it; Bocelli is no Pavoratti, and perhaps it was not wise to choose some of the arias associated with tenors of his ilk, but Bocelli makes the best of his talents, which are considerable. And he has done a lot to create interest among young voice students,(male) and as a voice teacher I make use of his appearance and his youthfulness to engage their interest, and he does that!!!!I think his record sales tell the tale.

Verdi.......2007-01-03

Excellent Verdi selections. As usual, top tonal quality with excellent breath control. The best tenor to come along with such diversification as to sing just about anything presented to him. A superb choice for the connoisseur of italian operas.

The triumph of mediocrity.......2006-02-04

No, Bocelli is not an awful singer, he is an awful OPERA singer, and it shows here. His colorless, uneducated and bland voice make me wonder why people like him so much. As a baritone in training I'm able to say that my voice teacher's STUDENTS sing much better than this guy.
His tessitura is nowere near adequate for singing any of the arias from Rigoletto, "La donna è mobile" sounds much like a kid would sing it. "Celeste Aida" is one of the worst selections, and one of the most electronically enhanced, as it requires a precise voice placement (which Bocelli doesn't posses) since much of it lies very high in the register, and a heavier, rounder voice; if the role is not adequate for many REAL tenors, it is much less adequate for a pop singer. The "feeling" raving reviewers talk about is nothing more than a voice coming (incorrectly) from the throat, and the "beautiful" high D in "Possente amor" is a beautifully screamed falsetto, the same could be said about "Di quella pira"'s C; what's amazing about all this is the fact that electronic enhancement doesn't make his voice sound better. Some have ludicrously compared him to the likes of Vargas, Domingo, and Corelli, even saying he's better; this is nothing more than ignorance and bad taste.
Maybe his fans are tired of detractors bringing out the big names in their defense, so let's be honest: he's one of the WORST opera interpreters out there, I wish great singers like Mariusz Kwiecen, Matthew Polenzani, and René Pape received the publicity he gets, though it won't happen; at least some consolation lies in the fact that these people are true artists willingly and GLADLY offering their art to the people in order to make a living; I'm sure if Andrea didn't make so much $$$$ with his opera experiment, he would've dropped this travesty long ago.

no expert.......2005-12-17

I'm not a genuine, dyed-in -the-wool opera fan. The sound of the soprano voice makes me grit my teeth. Some of the great tenors are very pleasing, but mostly I'm just not especially enthusiastic or impressed. Actually, I think it's rather stupid for good singers to abuse their voices by bellowing. This was necessary before the invention of amplification, but not any more.
So, obviously, I'm not in the position to compare Bocelli's arias to those of the tenors considered the greats. I can hear that his voice lacks the robustness of the Pavarottis of this world. BUT - I like many of the famous arias, and to my ear, Bocelli's performances, electronically enhanced or not, are melodic and pleasant to the ear. As a result of listening to Bocelli, I've become familiar with some great music that I would otherwise be likely to ignore.
So I listen and enjoy and really don't care about all the criticism.

Average customer rating:

Rich early Verdi opera superbly sung!
comment on Rudy Avila's review.
Early Verdi Masterpiece By Two Verdi Specialists
An Early Verdi Muiscal, If Not Dramatic Gem
Abundant Understanding of Verdi!

Verdi: Ernani (Complete) [Germany]
Verdi , Price , Bergonzi , Serini , and Schippers
Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000026MP2
Release Date: 1987-10-01

Tracks:

No. 1, Prelude
Act I, No. 2, "Evviva! Beviam! Beviam!" (Chorus)
Act I, No. 3a, "Merce, Dilette Amici" (Ernani)
Act I, No. 3b, "Come Rugiada Al Cespite" (Ernani)
Act I, No. 3c, "O Tu Che L'alma Adora"
Act I, No. 4a, "Sorta E La Notte" (Elvira)
Act I, No. 4b, "Ernani! Ernani, Involami" (Elvira)
Act I, No. 4c, "Tutto Sprezzo Che D'ernani"
Act I, No. 5a, "Fa Che A Me Venga" (Carlo)
Act I, No. 5b, "Qui Mi Trasse Amor Possente"
Act I, No. 5c, "Da Quel Di Che T'ho Veduta" (Carlo)
Act I, No. 6, "Tu Se', Ernani!" (Carlo)
Act I, No. 7a, "Che Mai Vegg'io!" (Silva)
Act I, No. 7b, "Infelice! E Tu Credevi" (Silva)
Act I, No. 7c, "L'offeso Onor, Signori"
Act I, No. 8, "Vedi Come Il Buon Vegliardo"
Act Ii, No. 9, "Esultiamo, Letzia Ne'inondi" (Chorus)
Act Ii, No. 10, "Oro, Quant'oro Ogn'avido" (Ermani)
Act Ii, No. 11, "Ah, Morir"
Act Ii, No. 12, "No, Vendetta Piu Tremeda"
Act Ii, No. 13a, "Cugino, A Che Munito" (Carlo)
Act Ii, No. 13b, "Lo Vedremo, O Veglio Audace" (Carlo)
Act Ii, No. 14, "Vieni Meco, Sol Di Rose"
Act Ii, No. 15, "A Te, Scegli, Seguimi!"
Act Iii, No. 16a, "Prelude"
Act Iii, No. 16b, "E Questo Il Loco" (Carlo)
Act Iii, No. 17a, "Gran Dio!"
Act Iii, No. 17b, "Oh, De' Verd'anni Miei" (Carlo)
Act Iii, No. 18a, "Un Patto!"
Act Iii, No. 19, "O Sommo Carlo"
Act Iv, No. 20, "Oh, Come Felici" (Chorus)
Act Iv, No. 21a, "Tutto Ora Tace Inforno"
Act Iv, No. 21b, "Soligno, Errante E Misero"

Customer Reviews:

Rich early Verdi opera superbly sung!.......2006-02-27

Bergonzi and Price are absolutely outstanding in this recording! Rich, high notes ring out powerfully free of distortion and strain. Bergonzi's tenor is vocal velvet with notes spun out effortlessly in a resonant, full timber. Price is Price! What else can you say! One of the greatest Verdi sopranos since Milanov and Tebaldi. Leona Mitchell sang in this class and now we have Sondra Radvanovsky. Thank god the torch gets passed on.Price was blessed with an almost unerring technique that produced the most prodigious sounds: velvet, creamy timber, mesmerizing piano, and what other phrases you may think of. Sereni and Flagello do well vocally but are uninspired. Schippers directs the score superbly with gusto and refinement. The RCA Italiana doesn't get the attention they deserve and under Schippers's knowing baton we have a treasure.

comment on Rudy Avila's review........2005-11-23

Rudy Avila is stated as "Top 1000 reviewer", and again, as in his review of Karajan's Salzburg Don Giovanni, he is messing up the singers and now even the conductor. So, does he really look at the cast and listen to the recordings he is writing about ?
Ezio Flagello is no baritone, and Erich Leinsdorf is not the conductor of this recording !
Of course this is a fine recording, and I would recommend it as the best on the market, but consider also the Mono recordings with Previtali as conductor (with Mancini, Penno, Taddei etc) and with
Mitropoulos from Florence or from the MET.

Early Verdi Masterpiece By Two Verdi Specialists.......2005-11-21

This Victor Opera Series recording of Verdi's early opera Ernani is sung by the supreme Verdi singers of their time- tenor Carlo Bergonzi and soprano Leontyne Price, whose talents and rich, expressive singing save this opera from being lackluster and boring. The plot is what makes most people turn a deaf ear. A displaced member of the nobility (Ernani, Bergonzi) turns to a life of crime and, consumed by jealousy of his rival (a baritone, Ezio Flagello) captures his true love, the aristocratic lady Elvira (Leontyne Price) and gains her hand in marriage. Eventually, he sacrifices love for honor and returns Elvira to her husband, his rival and kills himself. It is a tragic opera, and even if the music still reeks of bel canto influence in which the plot takes a backseat and the beautiful singing is the focus. Well, BEAUTIFUL SINGING is what we get here and nothing but beautiful singing. Vocally, it is perfect. Carlo Bergonzi was the only tenor to sing repertoire that was not entirely mainstream, and he sang with a huge, richly layered voice, high on the top register to victoriously essay the E flats and rich in the middle and lower registers as well. He ranks among the best tenors of his day among them Del Monaco, Di Stefano and Corelli. As Ernani, he is wholly convincing and sinsg with bravura and with the power of his prime. Leontyne Price, too, was in her prime and singing mostly Verdi (Leonora in Trovatore, Forza Del Destino and Aida). Leontyne's voice is smooth, strong, vibrant, lyric, in fact her fach is the definition of lyrico-spinto. Her command of the Italian diction is unsurpassed and her voice produces a range of emotions from love to despair. In addition, she always sounds feminine and regal, queenly and in control. Leontyne Price is doing a hell of a job as Elvira. If anything, get this recording for her beautiful voice. She is far better as Elvira than the later recording with Mirella Freni. Ezio Flagello sings the baritone role with grandeur and is also a fine Verdi exponent. Erich Leinsdorf conducts with fine attention to detail and is broad as well. The music has a great sound quality. Perfection!

An Early Verdi Muiscal, If Not Dramatic Gem.......2005-10-20

ERNANI is one of Verdi's earlier operas that doesn't get staged all that often. For a while it was performed somewhat frequently in Italy, and there have been some notable stagings of the work at New York's Metropolitan Opera, but the revivals are not because it is a long neglected work as mush as it's a showcase for performers who want to display their vocal skills, and this opera gives great singers a variety of opportunities to give the listener vocal fireworks. The story of the opera is not one of the all time great opera plots: a displaced nobleman becomes a thief, tries to capture the woman he loves so that she won't marry his rival, in a strange turn of events manages to gain her hand in marriage, only to kill himself later because honor is greater than love. It doesn't make all that much sense to listeners today, but it contains all the trappings of opera and in its day was a crowd pleaser, due to the wonderful music. We find a maturing Verdi who is about to reach his stride, the same Verdi who will soon give the world favorites such as RIGOLETTO, LA TRAVIATA, and IL TROVATORE. Like Verdi's great mid period works, it has catchy arias that are show stoppers and rousing choruses that Verdi lovers have grown to love.

The two principals: Leontyne Price as Elvira and Carlo Bergonzi in the title role are spectacular and the robust conducting of Thomas Schippers shows us what we missed by losing him just as his career was rising. Bergonzi's voice is smooth and Price, who is in top vocal form, is spellbinding. We really don't get an emotive quality in either performance, perhaps because getting into the roles may be somewhat difficult, but the beauty of the singing makes up for any lack of dramatic intensity and since there aren't scores of this opera in recorded form, I'm not sure we miss it. It's an opera that's fun to listen to from time to time and when listening to it, we see glimpses of what is yet to come in the Verdi canon. Perhaps because of the Spanish setting, as well as some of the arias, duets, and trios, listeners are reminded of TROVATORE and FORZA.

Enjoy!!!

Abundant Understanding of Verdi!.......2004-04-28

Positively, Ernani is a beautiful opera, not only in music, but in presentation on stage. It has a bouncy quality; light, yet somehow intensely dramatic. Verdi makes use of sonority very effectively to create various moods.

We must forgive the libretto.

I find it amazing what Price and Bergonzi are able to do together. There is a perfect quality that results from the understanding that each artist has for the composer and each other. They are on equal ground and hauntingly beautiful at times. Flagello has a round, rich, and lovely tone.

This performance lacks passion and for that reason it is not perfect because all the "style" and technique in the world (which are so prized in our times) cannot replace and will never replace what the soul longs for. Mr. Verdi himself said: "I am more than ever convinced that for works of music you must have above all: fire, spirit, muscle, and enthusiasm."

Tracks:

La Gioconda: Suicidio
Otello: The Willow Song
Otello: Ave Maria
Aida: Qui Radames Vera!...O Patria Mia
Aida: Pur Ti Riveggo - Rosa Ponselle/Giovanni Martinelli
Ernani: Surta E La Notte...Ernani, Involami
La Vestale: Tu Che Invoco
La Vestale: O Nume Tutelar
La Forza Del Destino: Alzatevi...La Vergine Degli Angeli - Rosa Ponselle/Ezio Pinza
Norma: Sediziose Voci...Casta Diva
Norma: Mira, O Norma
Carme
Maria, Mari!
On Wings Of Dream
The Nightingale And The Rose
A Perfect Day

Customer Reviews:

Rosa Ponselle Prima Voce.......2006-03-18

These are old recordings, but great from the standpoint that it is the only way we can hear an almost faithful representation of her great voice.

It is a very fine selection of opera arias.

Albert C. Ruocchio

Avatar or envoy of gods.......2006-02-14

Nasal ringing sound, like one of Caruso, Bechi but better. Frequent intrusions into men's repertoire ('Song of Indian merchant', 'In questa tomba oscura', 'Tre giorni son che Nina', 'Der Tod und das Madchen', etc).
Best singer, best voice.
Early retirement because of higher nasal impedance.

The most ravishing soprano voice. Ever........2005-08-23

Many would argue that this was the most beautiful soprano voice ever - or at least ever recorded. And it's a strong argument. Such richness, such depth, such warmth, such glorious freedom, such security - who else, before or since, can match them. Destinn? A bit blousy. Boninsegna? The voice changes through the passagio. Rethberg? Close, but no cigar. Tebaldi? A bit shrill by comparison. Callas? Dramatic, yes, but beautiful, I don't think so. Gheorgiu? Good by today's standards, but no contest.

No, this thick double-cream stream of tone is something to relish, to sit back and just enjoy. Try her 'Casta Diva' or 'Un bel di' to see how it feels when you approach every high note with joyous anticipation and not with the prospect of a wince (cf. Callas). The Nile aria from Aida is as near perfection as we have any right to expect this side of Opera Heaven - a wondrous piano high C. And on these discs you will also find one of my all-time favourite records - La Vergine degli Angeli from La Forza del Destino where you get, not only Ponselle's wondrous soprano at the top, but also her bass equivalent, Ezio Pinza, below. Two wonderful voices for the price of one.

The Nimbus sound, achieved by recording what actually emerges from the record into a room rather than directly off the shellac, is not to everyone's taste. But it is to mine. It allows the singer's voice to develop and bloom and sound, to my ears, very natural.

The richest, most beautiful voice in history!.......2004-02-10

More beautiful than Caballe and Sutherland combined! A voice like a gleaming red ruby, the greatest lirico spinto of the century. Her Verdi-recordings have found their equals only in Callas' insightful performances but she did not quite possess the creamy, gleaming luxury timbre that Ponselle had. Being reported as one of the biggest voice in history (On occasions she drowned out Titta Ruffo!!!!) she will dazzle you like only Callas could afterwards. She debuted as Leonora in Forza in her teens (I think she was 18) with Caruso as Don Alvaro and made operatic history. Her Gioconda was as legendary as her Giulia (Vestale), repertoire only to be sung by Callas to the same perfection. Her brilliant Aida puts most others to shame, as do both of her Leonoras. Two complete opera-recordings with her exist: La Traviata and Carmen. Get them both and be charmed by the most gorgeous voice in history!

Callas was correct..........2002-11-19

When I read that Maria Callas credited Rosa Ponselle as her vocal idol and only inspiration, the first thought I had was that if a soprano as great as Callas said this, is because it should be true. When I bought this CD I proved the affirmation was correct: you only have to hear Rosa Ponselle's voice and verify that she is one the best sopranos of the century, and why her voice was the inspiration of many Callas's roles, including Norma, La Gioconda and La vestale. The sound quality of this CD is incredible if we consider that the recordings dates from the 1920's

Average customer rating:

Not worth buying!
Don't waste your money
Perfect for "drop the needle" style tests
A CD with Attention Deficit Disorder
This sucks...

Only Opera CD You'll Ever Need

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The Best of Italian Opera
The #1 Opera Album
The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000003GA0
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Antony & Cleopatra: 'Give Me My Robe' - Leontyne Price
Fidelio: 'In des Lebens Fruhlingstagen...' - Ben Heppner
Fidelio: Act II Quartet: 'Ach, du bist gerettet...' - Deborah Voigt
Norma: 'Casta Diva' - Rosa Ponselle
Candide: 'Glitter And Be Gay' - Harolyn Blackwell
Candide: 'Make Our Garden Grow' - Jerry Hadley
Carmen: Flower Song - Placido Domingo
Carmen: Habanera - Rise Stevens
Carmen: Toreador Song - Robert Merrill
Les pecheurs de perles: Duet: 'Oui, c'est elle, c'est la deesse...' - Robert Merrill
Mefistofele: 'Ecco il mondo' - Samuel Ramey
La Wally: 'Eben, ne andro lontana' - ONLY OPERA CD YOU'LL EVER NEED
Lakme: Bell Song - Lily Pons
L'Elisir d'Amore: 'Una furtiva lagrima' - Tito Schipa
Lucia di Lammermoor: 'Chi mi frena in tal momento...' - Carlo Bergonzi
Lucia di Lammermoor: 'Spargi d'amaro pianto' - Anna Moffo
Martha: 'M'appari tutto amor' - Jussi Bjoerling
Porgy & Bess: 'Summertime' - Leontyne Price
Porgy & Bess: 'Bess, You Is My Woman' - William Warfield
Andrea Chenier: 'Come un bel di di maggio' - Ben Heppner
Romeo et Juliette: Juliette's Waltz; 'Je veux vivre' - Ruth Ann Swenson
Salammbo: Aria - Kiri Te Kanawa
Hansel & Gretel: 'Suuse, liebe Susse - Helen Donath
I Pagliacci: 'Vesti la giubba' - Enrico Caruso
Cavalleria Rusticana: 'Viva il vino' - Jussi Bjoerling
Cherubin: 'Lorsque vous n'aurez rien' - Dawn Upshaw
Manon: 'Ah! Fuyez, douce image' - Richard Crooks
Cosi fan tutte: 'Come scoglio immoto resta' - Leontyne Price
Don Giovanni: 'La ci darem la mano' - Edith Mathis
Don Giovanni: 'Deh! vieni alla finestra' - Ezio Pinza
Don Giovanni: 'Non mi dir' - Carol Vaness
Le nozze di Figaro: 'Non piu andrai...' - Alan Titus
Le nozze di Figaro: 'Porgi, amor' - Carol Vaness
Le nozze di Figaro: 'Deh vieni, non tardar' - Bidu Sayao
Die Zauberflote: 'Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon' - Fritz Wunderlich
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Zdislawa Donat
Die Zauberflote: Papageno - Papageno Duet - Christian Boesch
Boris Godunov: 'I v ljutomgore, nisposlannom Bogom...' - Alexander Kipnis
Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle - Montserrat Caballe
La Gioconda: 'Cielo e mar' - Beniamino Gigli
La Boheme: 'Che gelida manina' - Giuseppe Di Stefano
La Boheme: 'Mi piaccion quelle cose...' - Licia Albanese
La Boheme: 'Fremon gia nell'anima' - Luciano Pavarotti
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song - Judith Blegen
Gianni Schicchi: 'O mio babbino caro' - Angela Gheorghiu
Madama Butterfly: 'Ah, ti serro palpitante' - Placido Domingo
Madama Butterfly: 'Un bel di' - Leontyne Price
Manon Lescaut: 'Donna non vidi mai' - Jussi Bjoerling
La rondine: 'Chi il bel sogno di Doretta - Anna Moffo
TOSCA: 'Recondita armonia' - Placido Domingo
TOSCA: 'Vissi d'arte' - Irina Oudalova
TOSCA: 'E avanti a lui...' - Zinka Milanov
TOSCA: 'E lucevan le stelle' - Mario Lanza
Turandot: 'Signore, ascolta' - Renata Tebaldi
Turandot: 'In questa reggia' - Birgit Nilsson
Turandot: 'Nessun dorma' - Jussi Bjoerling
Dido & Aeneas: 'When I Am Laid In Earth' - Leontyne Price
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: 'Largo al factotum' - Robert Merrill
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: 'Una voce poco fa' - Roberta Peters
Samson et Dalila: 'Mon coeur s'ouvre' - Christa Ludwig
The Bartered Bride: 'Wenn ich das einmal erfahre' - Teresa Stratas
Elektra: 'Agamemnon' - Inge Borkh
Der Rosenkavalier: 'Ist ein Traum' - Erna Berger
Salome: 'Nicht in der Welt...' - Inge Borkh
Eugene Onegin: Lenski's Aria - Placido Domingo
Eugene Onegin: Tatiana's Letter Scene - Leontyne Price
Aida: 'Celeste Aida' - Jussi Bjoerling
Aida: 'Ritorna vincitor!' - Leontyne Price
Aida: 'Gloria all'Egitto' - John Alldis Choir
Aida: 'O patria mia' - Leontyne Price
Un Ballo in Maschera: 'O docezze perdute! O memorie...' - Robert Merrill
Don Carlo: 'Dio, che nell'anima infondere' - Placido Domingo
Ernani: 'Emani, involami' - Leontyne Price
La forza del destino: 'Or muoio tranquillo...' - Robert Merrill
La forza del destino: 'Pace, pace mio dio' - Zinka Milanov
Nabucco: 'Va, pensiero' - Oleg Reshetkin
Otello: 'Credo' - Tito Gobbi
Otello: Willow Song - Leonie Rysanek
Otello: 'Niun mi tema' - Jon Vickers
Rigoletto: 'Qesta o quella' - Alfredo Kraus
Rigoletto: 'Caro nome' - Anna Moffo
Rigoletto: 'La donna e mobile' - Jan Peerce
Rigoletto: 'Bella figlia dell'amore' - Alfredo Kraus
La Traviata: Brindisi - Montserrat Caballe
La Traviata: 'Di provenza' - Sherrill Milnes
La Traviata: 'Sempre libera' - Eleanor Steber
La Traviata: 'Addio del passato' - Anna Moffo
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus - Moscow Classical Chorus & Ensemble
Il Trovatore: 'Di quella pira' - Placido Domingo
Il Trovatore: 'Tacea la notte placido - Leontyne Price
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlicht leuchtend' - Set Svanholm
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries - Staatskapelle Dresden
Die Walkure: Wotan's Farewell - Lawrence Tibbett
Siegfried: Song Of The Forest Bird - Norma Sharp
Gotterdammerung: 'Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort' - Kirsten Flagstad
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus - Robert Shaw Chorale
Lohengrin: 'In fernem Land' - Lauritz Melchior
Tannhauser: 'Dich teure Halle' - Waltraud Meler

Customer Reviews:

Not worth buying!.......2007-05-29

I found this recording basically worthless. It contains only very short excerpts of the song. Not enough to get into and enjoy!

Don't waste your money.......2007-01-18

This is the worst purchase I have ever made. It is a truly dreadful piece of work.I was so disgusted with it that I threw it into the trash can.

Perfect for "drop the needle" style tests.......2006-11-19

If you want to hear full recordings of arias, then this disc is not for you. It plays only tidbits of 99 arias. Contrary to the title, this is definitely not the only opera disc you'll ever need. You shouldn't take it seriously. This disc has next to no value for an opera neophyte. But for opera fanatics, there has never been a better test of your knowledge of operatic repertoire and singers. It's a great challenge for opera buffs. Sit down with your opera loving friends for an hour, play this disc, and try to be the first to identify the singer, composer, opera, and piece. If you're a music professor, this disc would make for an awesome pop quiz. Find out how well your students really know their opera repertoire.

A CD with Attention Deficit Disorder.......2006-10-02

I don't know anyone who would enjoy this CD. It will drive opera fans nuts with a hundred exerpts that run about 30 seconds each, then fade out without the singers even finishing a single verse. It's more like an index of arias, or a volume of teasers that hucksters might use to sell opera CDs.

I never realized how much Bernstein's "Glitter and be gay" sounded like Delibes' "Bell Song" until I heard 35 seconds of one, followed 23 seconds of the other.

Maybe the TV show 'Jeopardy' could use this CD. 'What is "Hush little baby don't you..."??'

What a waste of beautiful voices and great music. 38 seconds of Enrico Caruso, followed by 31 seconds of Jussi Bjoerling, followed by 38 seconds of Dawn Upshaw.

My copy is going to go sailing into the wastebasket as soon as I finish this review.

This sucks..........2006-03-31

I should only blame myself for not checking out more reviews... this is a CD filled with short, little snippets of great operas songs... and I mean SHORT, LITTLE snippets of 30 seconds or so, each. Don't buy this CD... it is a complete rip off... and that is saying ALOT since it is only $4.00... Again, my fault for not reading the reviews but I trusted that something called a "Music CD" would actually have complete songs... What else does this company offer? A "Music CD" that only has the intros or applause tracks to great songs...?

Move on to something else... Amazon has a great selection... just not this one.

Bidu Sayao: Opera Arias and Brazilian Folksongs

Average customer rating:

mesmerising
great stuff
Brazilian's Soprano
The most charming voice you will ever hear!
Perfection!

Bidu Sayao: Opera Arias and Brazilian Folksongs
Bidu Sayao , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Reynaldo Hahn , Henri Duparc , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Charles Koechlin , Ernest Moret , Francisco Ernani Braga , Fausto Cleva , Pietro Cimara , Erich Leinsdorf , Paul Breisach , Leonard Rose , and Milne Charnley
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Sayao, Bidu | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

La Damoiselle elue / Opera Arias
Rarities
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras Nos. 1, 2, 5 & 9 / ORTF National Orchestra, De Los Angeles
Bach Bachianas / Arleen Augér, The Yale Cellos of Aldo Parisot
Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar

ASIN: B0000029PG
Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

Bachiana brasiliera no.5 Aria
Romeo et Juliette: Je vieux vivre
Faust: Roi de Thule
Faust: Jewel Song
Manon: Je suis encore tout etourdie
Restons ici: Restons ici...Voyons, Manon
Adieu, notre petit table
Obeissions
Si mes vers avaient des ailes
Chanson triste
L'Enfant Prodigue: L'annee en vain chasse
De fleurs
L'Enfant et les sortileges: Toi, le couer de la rose
Si tu le veux
Le Nelumbo
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Nigue-nigue-ninhas
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Capim di Pranta
Folk Songs Of Brazil: O kinimba
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Sao Joao da ra Rao
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Engenho Noval
Folk Songs Of Brazil: A Casinha pequenina
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Meu boi barroso
Folk Songs Of Brazil: Ogunde uarere

Amazon.com

Bidú Sayão's silvery, impeccably tuned voice was small in size, but rich in nuance, shading, and emotion. Her recording of the Villa-Lobos Bachiana Brasileira No. 5 is justly famous, unmatched for lightness and sensuality. Few have dashed off the Jewel Song from Faust with similar insouciance or imbued the last phrases of Manon's "Adieu , notre petite table" as touchingly as Sayão does here. Her French song interpretations glow with charm and style, and a previously unreleased snippet from Ravel's L'enfant et les sotilèges makes one regret she never recorded the entire role, Sony's transfers are more lifelike and three dimensional than previous issues. A delectable disc. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

mesmerising.......2007-05-10

I first heard her voice on a Met compilation and became intrigued enough to buy this CD.
I love her voice...its so simple, unfussy and pure and yet so very unique. you know its her from the first few notes on.
I love her Manon, probably more so than Sills or Fleming. Her voice reminds me of De Los Angeles, but is different.
I'm glad I was introduced to this great, stylish and classy singer.

great stuff.......2007-01-24

I don't consider myself much more than a novice when it comes to opera; but I'm a musician, and I'd like to think I know good music when I hear it.

This is good music!

I've only recently become aquainted with Bidu Sayao, but I have to say that all the accolades I've read from the "experts" are well deserved. There is a character that shines through these recordings. And the recordings themselves are warm and pleasant, considering they come from mono shellac sides from another era.

There's something really special about this "vintage" music that seemingly cannot be replicated in modern recordings; an ethereal quality that's hard to explain, clearly belonging to the age from which it came. We are greatly enriched by its preservation!

Brazilian's Soprano.......2005-08-26

Excellent, amazing, recommend.

(excelente para conhecermos melhor uma das mais importantes e conhecidas sopramos de todo o mundo)

The most charming voice you will ever hear!.......2004-07-19

Bidu Sayão is considered the best Brazilian soprano ever and certainly one of the most taltented singers of the 20th century. Do you want to know why? This disc contains some important selections of Sayão's wonderful artistry. It includes arias and songs from French repertoire, in which Sayão is even in our days considered the most perfect example of French singing and style, some lovely Brazilian folksongs and her legendary recording of the Cantilena of Bachianas Brasileiras no. 5. It's a very good selection for every listener, since it shows Sayão's perfect vocal technique and sincere and moving interpretation. We have a joyful "Je veux vivre" as well as a heartbreaking "Adieu, notre petite table". Ah, but the true show here is her Bachianas Brasileiras. I'm absolutely sure you will never hear a better interpretation of this song! Sayão could sing from the most lyric parts and the most wonderful pianissimi to the most incredible coloraturas with no difficulty. Actually, she had exactly what I would call "perfect vocal technique", since it never, I mean, never fails. Her voice was small, but so carefully trained that it amazes me more than many big voices I heard. It's always pure, sweet and charming.

Dont' miss this singer who was maybe the best lyric soprano of the first half of the 20th century. If you are interested in listening to good music sung by a legendary voice, you really need to buy it!

Perfection!.......2003-12-16

There is a tremendous sincerity and perfection present in this CD. The Villa Lobos has attained classic status and should be owned by serious collectors. I have not heard No. 5 surpassed yet. Rosa Ponselle wrote in her biography that Sayao's pianissimi were "unequalled in my experience", the finest she had ever heard. Mind you, Ponselle heard them all including that Spanish Diva that made a career of singing softly. However, in Sayao's voice they have meaning are used to emotional effect superbly. Otherwise, the voice is so finely tuned that this old mono recording often gives a studio effect.

Tracks:

La Boheme: Che gelida manina
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
Turandot: Nessun dorma
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Un Ballo in Maschera: Forse la soglia attinse
Rigoletto: Parmi veder le lagrime
Ernani: Come rugiada al cespite
II Trovatore: Di quella pira
La Battaglia di Legnano: La pia materna mano
Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
Werther: Je ne sais si je veille
Das Land des Lachelns: Dein ist mein ganzes Herz
II Tedesco: Plaisir d'amour
Serse: Ombra mai fu
Rinaldo: Lascia ch'io pianga
Caro mio ben

Tracks:

Misa Criolla: Kyrie
A vucchella
La Serenata
Marechiare
Malia
L'ultima canzone
Ideale
Non t'amo piu
Good-bye
Mattinata
O sole mio
Core 'ngrato
Funiculi, funicula
Torna a Surriento
Granada
La Danza
You Belong To My Heart
Because
West Side Story: Tonight
Be My Love
Because You're Mine
Cats: Memory

Customer Reviews:

A Collector's Item.......2007-03-09

This is a different voice than you hear on recordings of "The Three Tenors." Of course, it's his earlier years, but the light, lyrical quality of his voice is amazing. Thank goodness for recordings, and digital remastering. I love this CD.

STUPENDOUS!!!!.......2005-06-20

I have a Carreras-recording of Tosca from 1980 and up till now I thought it was the ultimate recording of "Recondita armonia" and "E lucevan le stelle". I honestly thought that no one could sing these arias better. And in a way I'm right. The only one that did it was himself - a few years earlier.....(The two arias in this "golden years cd" are taken from a -76 recording of Tosca). And after listening to these songs I can't imagine that anyone dare say that he is/was the weakest of the three tenors. In my opinion he possesses something that the others don't. (I won't tell you what it is - listen and find out yourself). Even if his voice has changed over the years (and I mean changed, not declined..) something remains unchangeable and that is his ability to evoke emotions. No one can deliver a line like him. And that's something that's going to stay with him forever, because what makes his singing so special comes from within. It's not dependent on the quality of the voice. But in the songs on this cd his voice is pure gold.

Even though I like the whole album, some of the songs on the first cd (which consists of operatic arias) stand out to me - like "Una furtiva lagrima", "donna non vidi mai", "vesti la giubba" and "nessun dorma" (Sorry Pavarotti - José is way ahead of you interpreting this song. It's not enough to sing it on full blast....) Here's also the loveliest rendition of "Forse la soglio attinse". In 1975 the audience at La Scala in Milan went absolutely crazy after he had sung this aria. I have a recording from that night and it sounds as if they are standing on their seats, cheering and applauding. And it's almost like I want to do the same myself after listening to his singing on this album. And in the song "dein ist mein ganzes hertz" he makes me believe that his whole heart really is mine......In my opinion Carreras has the best rendition of this song ever. No one else comes even close to this one. And I mustn't forget his "che gelida manina" from La Bohême. I have the -79 recording it's taken from and it's the ultimate Bohême ever.

The second cd has a "lighter" repertoire with songs from composers like Tosti, Cardillo, Lara and others. My personal favourites here are "Core n'grato", "Ideale" and "Granada". In my opinion no one sings these songs like Carreras. Or rather - no one sings like Carreras. Period!

His singing will no doubt give you goosebumps all over and make your hair stand on end. If not, I bet you're either a Pavarotti or Domingo-fan....

a great partial overview of an extraordinary career.......2005-04-09

Now a household name by being one of the Three Tenors alongside Pavarotti and Domingo, Carreras' finest recordings were actually done in the 1970s, when his voice had a brilliance and luster that few singers have equaled. Born in Spain in '46, Carreras was a child prodigy, and by his late 20s was a shining star in all the major opera houses. Tragically, in '87, he learned he had leukemia, a disease he battled and won, going on to greater fame than ever before.
Though his voice is powerful and full of beauty, those with keen ears will detect his voice losing a tiny bit of its magnificence starting in the early 80s, and one wonders if the stress and exhaustion of stardom contributed to this as well as to the illness, or whether it was because the seeds of leukemia were taking root.

CD One is the operatic disc, and the two most sublime cuts are both from '76, Puccini's "E lucevan le stelle" (Tosca), and Verdi's "Forse la scoglia attinse" (Un Ballo in Maschera). Another track I adore is the heavenly Lehar "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" (Das Land des Lachelns), from 1978, and few have performed this popular piece with more loveliness.
CD Two is in a lighter vein, and starts with a stupendous rendition of Ariel Ramirez' "Kirie" (Misa Criolla), sung softly and with extraordinary tenderness and artistry.
There are lots of heavenly melodic Italian songs, like "O Sole Mio", and a few in English like the song made famous by Lanza (who according to the liner notes, inspired Carreras to be a singer when he saw "The Great Caruso" at the age of six) "Be My Love " (Brodszky/Cahn).
The foldout insert has complete track list info and liner notes, and mention must be made of the incredible, sensitive sepia portrait of this handsome singer on the cover. Total playing time for CD One is 75'32, and for CD Two 75'47.
A must for Carreras fans, and anyone who appreciates the finest in operatic voices.

What a beauty!.......2005-01-13

This great double CD set shows us the true Carreras. All the great songs and arias are on this(although I would've liked to hear pourquoi me reveiller) and in pure Carreras style.
Some of the opera recordings are live, and that adds a lot to them. Both sides of the CDs have fantastic repetoire.
Definately a worthy buy!

He answered my SOS - with his soul.......2004-02-07

I came upon the genius of Mr. Carrera quite accidentally. I was in Warsovie (Warsaw), Poland. My purse was stolen, so I lay miserable and penniless and alone in the home of my Ex, with a copy of the Vampire Chronicles and Dostoevsky's Notes from the Underground (only books in English). The maddening drone of the hydro-dam nearby moved me to turn on the radio to my favorite college station. I was no opera buff, so when they announced that they would cover some Enrique Caruso songs, I was panicked to find a station that I could relate to.

Jose Carrera covered the full gambit of Caruso's classics. They must've played him for 2 hours straight. I was mesmerized. I could have touched him and put his hand to my face, his voice was so close. He sang with such emotion and outcry that I wanted to take him into my arms and console him. "Damn" is all that I could verbalize, when the program ended.

I'm not into Jose Carrera singing pop tunes, but he completely blows me away when he's in his own element. I was never feeling the three tenors, and although I remember Pavarotti and our school taking us to the Met in the 80's, Jose Carrera, is an animal of an entirely different species. He's one of a few artists that I can only listen to on my Bose, all alone, to fully appreciate the gravity of talent.

Verdi: Ernani
Average customer rating:
Verdi: Ernani
Verdi , Domingo , Freni , Bruson , and Muti
Manufacturer: Emi Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PKG5F4
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Prelude
Chorus Evviva! Beviam!
Recitative & Aria Merce, Diletti Amici...Come Rugiada Al Cespite
Cabaletta Dell' Esiglio Nel Dolore...O Tu Che L'alma Adora
Recitative Surta E La Notte
Aria Ernani! Ernani, Involami
Cabaletta Tutto Sprezzo
Recitative Qui Me Trasse Amor Possente
Duet Da Quel Di Che T'ho Veduta
Trio Tu Se', Ernani!
Recitative & Aria Che Mai Vegg'io...Infelice! E Tuo Credevi
Vedi Come Il Buon Vegliardo

Tracks:

Chorus & Scena Esultiamo!
Trio Oro, Quant'oro
Scena Ah, Morrir, Potessi Adesso
Scena No, Vendetta Piu Tremenda
Recitative Cugino, A Che Munito
Duet Lo Vedremo, Veglio Audace
Duet Viene Meco, Sol Dirose
Duet A Te, Scegli, Seguimi!
Prelude & Recitative E Questo Il Loco
Reciative Gran Dio!
Aria & Scena Oh, De' Verd'anni Miei
Chorus & Scena Un Patto! Un Giuramento...!...Si Ridesti Il Leon Di Castiglia
Aria & Finale O Sommo Carlo
Chorus & Recitative O Come Felici
Tutto Ora Tace Intorno

Average customer rating:

Beverly Sills: The Legend
A must for all opera lovers!
This is the favorite of all my opera recordings.

The Art of Beverly Sills

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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The Very Best of Beverly Sills
Art of Beverly

ASIN: B000002S40
Release Date: 1992-09-29

Customer Reviews:

Beverly Sills: The Legend.......2003-12-05

The Art Of Beverly Sills are cd recordings that come in two volumes. If I'm not mistaken, this is Volume 2. Beverly Sills was a red-haired American opera diva who took the world by storm in the 60's and 70's. The singing sensation and phenomenon that was Beverly Sills is still talked about to this day. Her LP recordings have been digitally remastered like new and available on most music stores' classical music/opera section. They are also available right here at Amazon.com. Beverly's performances in "The Ballad Of Baby Jane Doe", "Julius Caesar" "La Fille Du Regiment" "Lucia Di Lammermoor" Donizetti's Tudor Queen Trilogy, Manon, Thais, Don Pasquale, La Traviata and many others.

In this compilation album, we find Beverly Sills taking on Verdi arias from "Vespers" and "Ernani". As always, the amazing coloratura that made Beverly Sills so famous is present in the singing, even if Sills is past her prime and closer to the decline of her voice. The best studio recordings and live recordings that find Beverly Sills in her best form are "Ballad Of Baby Doe" "Giulio Cesare" "La Fille Du Regiment" "Manon" "Lucia" and the Donizetti Tudor Queens- Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda and Roberto Devereux. It was after singing these often precarious opera roles that require a heavyweight voice, and after singing such dramatic roles as Lucrezia Borgia and Norma that Beverly Sills voice took a toll. But she knew it was worth it because she went out in a blaze of glory. In addition to Verdi, there are the charming coloratura showcases from Offenbach's "Tales Of Hoffman" Olympia's Doll Song and the lively aria from Donizetti's Don Pasquale. The lyric and restrained beauty of Mozart's Zaide aria is highly exceptional and Beverly sings it to perfection. Also here are an aria from Manon, which was one of Beverly Sills' finest performances as well as the lighter texture of the operetta "Der Opernball". This cd provides a varied and insightful look at the legendary songbird. This is a must have for all fans of Beverly Sills who are constantly looking for rare recorded material. The most rarest material on here is Beverly Sills singing Juliet from Bellini's "I Capuleti e Montechi" (Capulets and Montagues) which is still considered an obscure bel canto opera and neglected in the light of Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet" which far outshone it. Beverly Sills singing Juliet is an opera treasure and Sills attempted to popularize the opera and to make it at least as successful as Gounod's.

A must for all opera lovers!.......2002-02-27

This CD is awesome! Sills has outdone herself and so has EMI, picking some of her finest work with arias from recital discs and complete operas. The opening aria from the Vepres Siciliennes is, in my opinion, the best recording of this terribly difficult bolero. Sills said that she had a very high fever and was hospitalized after recording four Verdi arias (this being one) and that she had no recollection of ever recording them at all!!! She thankfully does not take the high E at the end.

The Massenet gavotte from Manon is splendidly sung, as is the Doll Song from the Tales of Hoffman. Sills may have some off pitch staccatos in the Doll Song, but it sung with such swagger and confidence that one hardly notices!
The Mozart and Strauss are done in long breathed, beautiful phrases and are like silk to the ear.
The Ernani involvami from Ernani is, like the Vepres aria, definitive, at least to my ear. It has rarely if ever been sung so effortlessly with drama and character. The coloratura and high notes are splendidly sung leaving nothing to be desired!
Una voce poco fa from the Barber of Seville is also very fine, though Sills was past her best when she made this recording. She certainly sounds like the caged viper, tossing off coloratura without batting an eyelash. (Check out her earlier live recording of this aria on the Sillsiana disc -WOW!!!!! The very best, ever!). The final excerpt from Don Pasquale is similarly successful. This is late Sills but this recording finds her voice in excellent condition. Her little giggles are wonderfully caught and the vivaciousness of the character is vividly conveyed.
This disc is one of the bibles of opera singing. Get it!

This is the favorite of all my opera recordings........1999-01-03

I was an opera major at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the late'60's, when Beverly Sills came to perform at the famous Cincinnati Summer Zoo Opera. She also came to the conservatory to give master classes. I was a dramatic soprano, but knew she was one of the best coloraturas of her day, and knew there would be much to learn from her.

To be honest, when I heard her performance, I recognized that she was very, very good, but "best of all?" I wasn't so sure.

Then, years later, I heard this anthology recording of arias done in her prime and at her very best. Wow, this is flat-out the best singing I have ever heard.

I have given this recording to so many people I can't count. I wish it would be reissued.

Loretta Cook, Cincinnati

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