Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci (Highlights)

On this CD:

1. Pagliacci, opera
Composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Mario Jr. Basiola, Beniamino Gigli, Giuseppe Nessi, Iva Pacetti, Leone Paci
Conducted by Franco Ghione

Tracks:

Le Cid: O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
Maravilla: Amor, Vida De Mi Vida
Werther: Pourquoi Me Reveiller
Spring Is Here: With a Song In My Heart
Granada
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
'A Tribute to Hollywood': My Way
Tribute To Hollywood: Moon River
Tribute To Hollywood: Because
'A Tribute to Hollywood': Singin' In the Rain
Tu, Ca Nun Chiagne
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba
Turondat: Nessun Dorma!
'Around the World': America
'Around the World': All I Ask Of You
'Around the World': Funiculi, Funicula
'Around the World': Sous Les Ponts De Paris
'Around the World': Brazil
'Around the World': Be My Love
'Around the World': Marechiare
'Around the World': Lippen Schweigen
'Around the World': Santa Lucia Luntana
'Around the World': Those Were the Days
'Around the World': Te Quiero Dijiste
'Around the World': Torna A Surriento
Encores: La Donna E Mobile
Encores: Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici

Amazon.com

It's not opera; it's not a pop concert; it's not Broadway. It's all of these and none of them. Once you accept the fact that this sequel to the original blockbuster concert recording is less about music and more about entertainment and the power of musical personalities, you can appreciate what you're hearing as an event--phenomenal and bizarre, momentous and frivolous. This is an occasion to celebrate the voices and egos of three huge superstars, and to have fun listening as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras interact, bouncing lines off each other and playing to the overwhelmingly enthusiastic audience. Much of the fun and flavor of the concert is dependent on seeing the action, though, and without the visuals you notice flaws in the singing much more. Domingo comes off as the more solid performer, and his voice is in far better shape than the other two. But if you crave big, high, and loud--and you don't take your opera too seriously--you'll love this disc. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Un gran concierto.......2005-07-19

Yo tenia el Cd de este concierto, pero sin duda el DVD presenta la realidad, lo sublime de este evento, porque ademas de ver las interpretaciones, trae varios puntos y canciones extras. Carreras creo que esta bien, saca la tarea. Placido Domingo en Amor vida de mi vida, logra llevar el concierto a su punto mas alto en ese momento, punto superado unicamente por Pavarotti en Nessum Dorma. Pavarotti como siempre sublime como dije en Nessum Dorma, Ave maria y en los popurris. La calidad del DVD es genial, con full screen y sonido digital. Otro punto buenisimo es la aparicion de Frank Sinatra en la cancion My way y de otras luminarias del cine y la política. Espero que este comentario sirva de ayuda para aquellos que quieran este DVD.

Give em a 3.5.......2004-01-25

The Three Tenors has/have become a cottage industry, churning out one CD after another for every imaginable event and in every combination. This does not mean that the results are necessarily inferior but it does imply a commercial, layman's approach. And maybe this is better - spreading the joys of fine music to the masses. After all, where besides figure skating and cartoons do most people have a chance to even hear opera?

This event, like the first one in Rome, has a magnificent setting but, like Rome, the show was marketed mainly to the American audience. They still include the dreadful "Maria" with the hilarious pronunciation and even added "With a Song In My Heart" (or, as Carreras is wont to sing, "Weeth a Soeeng een My Haht"). Though some may deride the choice of encores, they were almost perfect. The Three Tenors, despite their prior celebrity, are creations of our culture of entertainment in ways that Caruso could only dream about.

Synopsis: Carreras stands out, Domingo substitutes volume for quality and Pavarotti soars when he doesn't have to.

The Most Enjoyable Evening IN !!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-05-01

I am not a regular Opera fan, hoever these THREE are the Best. their songs they sing together are SUPER!!! And the range of NOTES REACHED ARE REMARKABLE. tHE MIXTURE of songs is a treat for all, even if you are not an OPERA FAN!!!! Great show!!!!!!

Hmmmm...........2002-04-21

Not what I thought it was going to be. I like only about 4 of the 20+ tracks on this CD. I shoudl have just bought the DVD instead and actually watched them perform. Much, much more entertaining.

Last Encore of songs missing off C.D........2002-02-06

The Three Tenors are my absolute favourite singers. The 1994 Concert was undoubtedly their best in my view. I taped this live concert from the television, and have played and played and played it!! I also taped it on a cassette, however, when I bought the C.D. I was really disappointed that they did not include the last set of encore songs, which included O Sole a Mio (don't know if I've spelt that correctly), where Placido and Jose try and outdo Luciano!! It received such a fantastic reception from the crowd, (one of the many standing ovations), and really showed how much the Three Tenors seemed to enjoy performing the concert. How come this was not included? I don't know if it was on the Video because I play my own.

Many thanks for your time,

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time
The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century.
Easy listening
Lanza of the joyous voice!
Not bad as an introduction to Lanza

Lanza: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FVZ
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

The Toast Of New Orleans: Be My Love
Because
Very Warm For May: All The Things You Are
The Student Prince: Serenade
Rigoletto - La Donna e Mobile
Pagliacci: Vesti La Guibba
O Sole Mio
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Carousel: If I Loved You
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The Land Of Smiles: Yours Is My Heart Alone
Because You're Mine
Cavalleria Rusticana: Adido Alla Madre
Aida: Celeste Aida
The Lord's Prayer
Granada

Customer Reviews:

Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time.......2007-03-13

A new generation of music lovers deserves to know, understand and appreciate the greatness of Mario Lanza. Five decades after his passing, millions of lovers of "grand voices" still are held in awe by the power, passion and beauty of his voice.

This selection of recordings has a number of fine selections that give a small "flavor" of his fantastic talent and skills. It is a good beginning for someone who wants to know "The American Caruso."

The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century........2007-01-21

In a professional career that lasted just a bit over ten years Mario Lanza created more memorable recordings, broadcasts, concert perfomances and feature films than any other major vocalist in the classical and pop-jazz music genre. He was a man blessed with arguably the finest tenor voice in recorded music. Fans of Caruso, Pavarotti, Jan Peerce, Placido Domingo or Careras may argue that their tenor interpreted a particular aria better than anyone else but few if any can argue against the sheer beauty, power and emotion of Mario Lanza. He achieved worldwide success too fast and his penchant for the good life: wine, women and good food got the best of him in the end. It is so sad, when one contemplates Lanza's short but brilliant career and what might have been, that he was gone at age 38, an age when some tenors are just beginning to hit their stride. This album is a fine overview of some of his most memorable heavy classics as well as lighter operetta standards and showcases his voice so well. Nearly fifty years have transpired since his untimely death in 1959 and there is yet to appear on the scene a tenor with the power, charisma or sheer beauty of Lanza's voice. I highly recommend this album to the Lanza novice or those just starting their Opera CD collections.

Easy listening.......2006-02-27

I have always liked Mario Lanza and the album is wonderful and relaxing.

Lanza of the joyous voice!.......2005-07-14

This album has some really splendid songs, and yes, it's a good introduction to the King of the high last notes. I grew up with one of Lanza's albums and more or less learned to sing by singing along with his wonderful warm voice. What good energy he had... and too bad he died so young (sigh). It certainly lifts my spirits to listen to his music again and I hope anyone reading this will take a chance and get to know him too.

Not bad as an introduction to Lanza.......2001-11-13

I recommend this collection as a good starting point for those interested in this extraordinary tenor. It's not a complete representation of the man by any stretch of the imagination, but it includes a handful of unforgettable recordings that will make newcomers to Lanza sit up in astonishment.

Highlights include the immortal Serenade & Golden Days from The Student Prince, Beloved (from the film version of the Student Prince, and arguably Lanza's best English-language love song), Because You're Mine, If I Loved You, and the stirring Addio Alla Madre from Cavalleria Rusticana. If love songs seem a little over-represented at the expense of arias and (notably) Italian & Neapolitan Songs, then blame BMG for their habitual neglect of Lanza's more serious side. In any event, this is essentially a one-CD version of the three-CD set, The Mario Lanza Collection. All of the renditions are the same as on the earlier CD, as are the sound sources. With the exception of The Student Prince Serenade, most of the selections here have never sounded better.

Be aware, however, that several of the arias are in fact retakes of more familiar versions. Vesti La Giubba, for instance, is an alternate take from Lanza's May 1950 session, and although the tenor is in great voice, the orchestra lets him down on the climactic phrase by moving on before he has finished his High A on the word "infranto". The Flower Song is even more unrestrained than the familiar take - great fun, but not the kind of recording you'd want newcomers to Lanza to hear! (Lanza never quite "nailed" this aria, but his heart was in the right place.) La Donna E Mobile is the familiar 1950 version in the first half, but is replaced by an inferior retake in the second half, followed by an edited-in High B ending (on "pensier") from the original recording!

The only truly bad recording is the inexplicably popular With A Song In My Heart. Lanza is unfocused, and strains his way throughout the piece. Yours Is My Heart Alone is somewhat better, but is easily surpassed by the tenor's 1956 recording with the conductor Henri Rene (and currently unavailable on CD).

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Glorious Renee
One of Miss Fleming's absolute bests!
An amazing cd and a great introduction into the world of opera
The New La Divina
Gorgeous

Renée Fleming
Giacomo Puccini , Jules Massenet , Georges Bizet , Alfredo Catalani , Ruggero Leoncavallo , Francesco Cilea , Charles Gounod , Giuseppe Verdi , Vincenzo Bellini , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Renée Fleming , and London Voices
Manufacturer: Decca
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Binding: Audio CD

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Sacred Songs

ASIN: B00004YLU5
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Puccini: O mio babbino caro - Gianni Schicchi
Puccini: Un bel di vedremo - Madame Butterfly
Puccini: Quando men vo - Musetta's waltz - La Boheme
Puccini compl. Alfano: Signore, ascolta - Turandot
Leoncavallo: Stridono lassu - I Pagliacci
Cilea: Io son l'umile ancella - Adriana Lecouvreur
Catalani: Ebben? Ne adnro lontana - La Wally
Massenet: Je suis encore etourdie - Manon
Massenet: Adieu notre petite table - Manon
Bizet: Micaela's aria - Carmen
Gounod: Je veux vivre - Romeo & Juliette
Verdi: come in quest'ora bruna - Simon Boccanegra
Bellini: Casta Diva - Norma
Verdi: Bolero - Les Vepres Siciliennes

Amazon.com essential recording

Surely, Renée Fleming has one of the most beautiful voices to be heard anywhere today. It combines velvety warmth, creamy richness, soaring radiance, and flawless purity, and seems to flow out without effort, every tone impeccably centered and in tune, capable of almost too much variety of color and nuance. Fleming's breath control is incredible; she can spin out long, arching phrases and build up climaxes with thrilling intensity. The program of this recital displays Fleming's vocal and dramatic gifts to full advantage, and includes both familiar and lesser-known arias from Italian and French operas. Although some of these are not in her repertoire, she clearly feels close to them. The three opening Puccini favorites from Gianni Schicchi, Madama Butterfly, and La Bohème are a bit fussy and over-inflected, hardly suited to the characters' simplicity; but, from then on, Fleming seems completely at one with both her tragic and her lighthearted heroines. She captures their warm inwardness, rapture, passion, ecstasy, and desperation; darkening and lightening her voice at will. Her top notes soar gloriously, her trills laugh. The orchestra is splendid, supporting her all the way and sounding wonderful. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Glorious Renee.......2007-03-28

I just love Renee Fleming's voice. It reminds me so much of the fabulous Anna Moffo - my personal favorite since childhood. My mother played Anna Moffo records for me while I was a tiny bit in my crib. So try to reprogram oneself after hearing such loveliness in the universe. Both ladies have a creamy voice, elegant phrasing and classical beauty. I agree with the prior reviewer that every soprano should record "O mio babbino caro". And if Renee did not record it, well then we'd be missing her version.
The more that I listen to Renee's music or see her in recitals, the more I adore the lady. The standouts on this disc are "Casta diva", "Lo son l'umile ancella", "Je suis encor tout etourdie", and "Ah! Je veux vivre", "Signore ascolta", etc.

One of Miss Fleming's absolute bests!.......2006-05-09

This is definitely one of my all-time favorite Renee Fleming albums if not THE favorite! Her voice totally shines in every single aria on here, and she seems can totally drag you into the world of each of the characters. What can I say? Ms. Fleming just never fails to impress me. Everything that she sings she seems to be able to bring something unique to it.

An amazing cd and a great introduction into the world of opera.......2006-04-20

I recommend this cd for those who want to get into opera but don't know where to start. Fleming tackles a diverse range of styles and never disappoints. Her Un bel di vedremo ranks up there with the best sopranos and is the standout track for me.

The New La Divina.......2005-11-22

Renee Fleming is the most sheerly beautiful voice in opera since Montserrat Caballe. Her Casta Diva is stunning, and the high note at the end of Merci jeune amies is pure virtuoso. I love her Puccini, Massenet and Verdi as well. Fleming said that she doesn't class herself amongst "the greats", but I do!

Gorgeous.......2005-09-30

This album says soprano standard repertoire all over it, but Renee will knock your socks off with her interpretations of these standard hits. Although she doesn't sing much Puccini, her Puccini arias are to die for. Her "Un bel di vedremo" (Madama Butterfly) gives me chills everytime I hear it. Her French arias are also breathtakingly gorgeous. Micaela's aria is so warm and beautiful, as is Juliette's. This is a fabulous recording, and I recommend it to everyone.

A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet)

Average customer rating:

AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!
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Wonderful introduction to opera

A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet)
Puccini , Thomas Harper , Ingrid Kertesi , Scholars Baroque Ensemble , and Hungarian State Opera Orchestra
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ASIN: B00004YYRR
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

L'Orfeo: Sinf/Ecco Pur Ch'a Voi - Cappella Musicale Di S. Petronio Di Bologna/Sergio Vartolo
Dido And Aeneas: When I Am Laid In Earth - Kym Amps
Rinaldo: Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Ingrid Kertesi
Serse: Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Ingrid Kertesi
Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Slovak State PO/Johannes Wildner
Alceste: Ombre Larve - Theresa Ringhoz/Drottningholm Theatre Chor
Don Giovanni: Madamina! (Catalogue Aria) - Andrea Martin
Cosi Fan Tutte: Soave Sia Il Vento (Terzetto) - Joanna Borowska/Rohangiz Yachmi/Peter Mikulas
The Marriage Of Figaro: Non Piu Andrai - Natale De Carolis
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache (Aria Of The Queen Of The Night) - Helen Kwon/Hungarian Festival Chor
Fidelio: Abscheulicher! - Inga Nielsen/Hungarian Radio Chor
Der Freischutz: Huntsmen's Chor - Slovak Phil Chor
The Barber Of Seville: Largo Al Factotum - Roberto Servile
L'Elisir D'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Vincenzo La Scola
I Puritani: Qui La Voce Sua Soave - Luba Orgonasova
La Traviata: Un Di Felice (Love Duet) - Monika Krause/Yordy Ramiro
Nabucco: Va Pensiero (Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves) - Slovak Phil Chor (Bratislava)
Aida: Grand March - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
Falstaff: E Sogno? O Realita - Roberto Servile

Tracks:

Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Yordy Ramiro/Slovak Phil Chor
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries - Czecho-Slovak RSO/Uwe Mund
Tannhauser: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich (Pilgrims' Chor) - Slovak Phil Chor
La Wally: Ebben, Ne Andro Lontana - Miriam Gauci
Rusalka: O, Silver Moon (Song To The Moon) - Jana Valaskova
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Luba Orgonasova
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Jonathan Welch
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo - Miriam Gauci
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giorgio Lamberti
Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Thomas Harper/Slovak Phil Chor
Lakme: Dome Epais (Flower Duet) - Adriana Kohutkova/Denisa Slepkovska
Thais: Meditation - Janos Selmeczi
Carmen: L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Graciela Alperyn/Slovak Phil Chor/Bratislava Children's Chor
The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Duet) - Janez Lotric/Igor Morozov
Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Nicola Matinucci/Slovak Phil Chor
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Czecho-Slovak RSO/Alexander Rahbari
Andrea Chenier: Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Thomas Harper
King Roger: Roxana's Aria - Barbara Zagorzanka
Die Tote Stadt: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb (Marietta's Lied) - Katarina Dalayman/Thomas Sunnegardh/Tomtberga School Children's Chor/Royal Swedish Opr Chor

Album Description

A-Z of Opera is a 762-page, illustrated book, accompanied by two-and-a-half hours of opera's most glorious and moving moments on two CDs, and reflects the ever-growing Naxos catalog of recordings ranging from Monteverdi to the contemporary. A-Z of Opera provides a wide range of information on operas and their composers, from Handel's Rinaldo to Mozart's Die Zauberflote, and beyond. It features plot synopses, background details and cast lists for hundreds of operas including well-known standards as well as opera rarities. In addition, there is a wealth of information about all the great composers and a glossary of key musical and operatic terms.

Customer Reviews:

AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!.......2003-01-19

Oh, such letter-perfect perfection! This marvel features a two-hour-plus showcase of well-known arias from "Cosi Fan Tuti," "Aida," "Carmen," "Madame Butterfly" and "The Barber of Seville." It also comes with a book --- 762 pages of remarkable facts, figures and illustrations.Encore!

The Best.......2002-06-09

This is, by far, the best introduction to opera on the market. It also contains some gem performances for anyone who already has a serious opera collection. Several tracks on this collection of mostly Eastern European singers rival those of their Western counterparts. This is a collection for EVERYONE - from the opera novice to the person who has long collected all the major Western stars. At this price, it's the best opera bargain in the world. GET IT NOW!!! Thank you, Naxos! I hope that some of these Eastern European singers at last get the attention they deserve.

Superb Modestly Priced Favorite Arias Collection!!!.......2001-02-12

I received this as my 20th birthday gift from my bestfriend and I was amazed at the quality and the content of this CD. Some of the arias which I am immensely fond of are included, i.e. "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen." And who would have guessed that the soprano on track 10 performing Queen of the Night's Aria from Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" was none other than Hellen Kwon? Amazing!

I really love this gift from my bestfriend for it was thoughtful and well, what can I say that this makes an excellant gift for opera neophytes (though I am not an opera neophyte).

The highlight of this CD is track 13, Rossini's "Largo al Factotum" from "The Barber of Seville." When I first heard this, I was contemplating to myself as to where have I heard this before. Then it hit me: Michigan J. Frog's signature tune! (In case people are wondering who on earth is Michigan J. Frog is, he is the Warner Brother's frog; the frog can be seen on WB network channel). I love this track! Buy this for yourself if not this makes a perfect gift for your opera neophyte friend(s)! This track brings joy and smiles on my face everytime I hear this piece!

Wonderful introduction to opera.......2000-12-16

More than just a promotional sampler, the Naxos (8.555037-38) contains not only 2 CDs crammed with 39 excerpts from that company's seemingly bottomless catalogue, but also a 762 page book. The text offers plot summaries of almost every important opera and many of far lesser renown (Delius' "The Magic Fountain," Mascagni's "Iris," for example), a brief biography of the composers, a glossary, and finally a discography. The recorded examples are in chronological order from Monteverdi to Korngold. The entries in the book, however, are in alphabetical order--so be careful to look for "Zauberflote," not "Magic Flute," and so on.

Of course, Big Names do not appear on many Naxos opera sets; but this set is an introduction to that vast area of culture and is meant to be an educational (and of course a promotional ) device. Nevertheless, many of the selections on the CDs are beautifully sung, a very few lack characterization (the arias from"Don Giovanni" and "Nozze di Figaro" for two). But at this incredibly low budget price, who can complain?

As soon as I saw what this set had to offer, I immediately ordered a copy as a seasonal gift for a friend who wants to "get into" opera. I could think of no better gift.

Tracks:

Celeste Aida
Amor Ti Vieta
Di All'azzurro Spazio [From "Andrea Chenier]
O Soave Fanciulla
Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
O Paradiso
Tal Giocco/Vesti la Giubba
Stolta Paura l'Amor - Mario Lanza,
Donna E Mobile
Vesti la Giubba
M'Appari
Nessun Dorma
Testa Adorata
Come un Bel Di Maggio
Lamento Di Federico
Dio Ti Giocondi - Licia Albanese, Mario Lanza

Customer Reviews:

Mario Lanza Opera.......2007-05-12

This CD of mario is absolutely fabulous. It is the only recording I have managed to find of him singing Nessum Dorma. It is not to be missed. One of operas greatest.

Outstanding.......2006-11-06

Hey, this is Mario Lanza, it can't get any better. A great collection of the best Arias!

Unsurpassed!.......2005-12-13

I am sick and tired of all these technical reviews and critical remarks leveled against everything Mario Lanza did in his short life!

True, musically Mario made some mistakes....but so has every other great tenor in history....from Caruso to Pavarotti and beyond!
And perhaps he sang some arias with too much fortissimo....so what?
Every single song on here, be it among his best or worst work, is a masterpiece when compared to renditions of the same arias by other, more legit and operatically acclaimed tenors.

In order to "get" Lanza one must discard all notions of "finesse", "grace" and " elegance" for Lanza operated, and sang on raw, unadulterated, gut wrenching emotion.
THAT was the genious of Mario Lanza.

We can argue for another 40 years as to his operatic legitimacy...for nought!
Lanza was a VOCAL master and his approach to song was as unconventional and idiosyncratic as was his life.
That's what makes these songs so special and unique.

No one other than perhaps Corelli had the voice and the balls to sing with such uninhibited emotion and that's what this CD is all about.
It is a testament of a great voice.
The fact that Lanza did not have the benefit of a great conductor or teacher guiding him through most of his career, makes these recordings all the more great.

He sang the music as he felt it and that's a big no-no in the stuffy, overbearing and self-righteous world of opera.
Lanza earned millions of dollars because his voice touched all who heard it. His art brought more people to opera than all the leading tenors of his day combined....and this during the golden age of tenors and opera as a whole!

The only word of lesser praise I can offer is the inclusion of the duets. Mario did not have the temprament for duet singing, and subsequently he ended up drowning his partners out, or engaging in a sort of vocal warfare which was the case with much of what he and Grayson recorded during his MGM days.
The arias are great....the duets are medicore on all accounts.

In closing, I apologize for not having spen time on the actual songs. It's been done to death.
All I can say is that, if you wish to hear opera arias sung in a way such as will never be heard again in our lifetime, then this is a CD for you.
If you want proper, technically proficient opera, sung by some big name opera jerk, then stick to that....you'll only end up feeling like all the other good people who have so much negative to say about this CD.

BMG Needs to hire Folks in the Know.......2004-06-15

There are several cuts on this CD that Lnaza did in fact record much better at other times. I have all his records LPs, 78s and movies and I wish BMG would consult a Lanza fan,or me,for the cuts would make the perfect CD. I think its great that we have such a wonderful collection of recordings of Lanza and this one warts and all is still one of the best. The best Lanza set was the RCA LP 2 record set put out in the 70s with Lanza on the cover in M. Butterfly. Where oh where can it be??? Long live Mario Lanza!

Mario Lanza WAS a trained opera singer.......2003-11-13

To the reviewer from Michigan who said Mario never performed an opera on stage, you are wrong. He did two performances as Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly before going off to Hollywood.

Mario had extensive operatic training from some top teachers. He was sought after by many opera companies, including the Met in New York.

Tracks:

La Traviata: Libiamo, ne' lieti calici (Brindisi)
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo al factotum
Les Pecheurs Des Perles - Au fond du temple saint
La Boheme: Mi chiamano Mimi
Pique Dame: Yeletsky's Aria (Act ll, Scene1)
La Wally - Ebben? Ne andro lontana
L'elisir D'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Die Walkure: Du bist der Lenz
La Forza Del Destino: Pace, pace, mio Dio
Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove sono i bei momenti
Rigoletto: La donna e' mobile
Madama Butterfly: Un bel di
Die Zauberflote: Ach, ich fuhl's
Aida: Se quel guerrrier io fossi; Celeste Aida
Carmen: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)
Turandot: Nessun dorma

Customer Reviews:

My FIRST opera cd .......2006-09-29

I purchased this compilation in late summer 1994. I always skipped over Merrill's "Largo al factotum", just because I am not a big fan of that aria - kinda hokey to me :) I fell madly in love with the two contributions by Miss Leontyne Price!!! Especially "Pace, pace mio dio", the reference recording of that aria! I like Caballe's performance of "Si, mi chiamano Mimi", and the Domingo and Hvorostovky recordings. This disc opened up a whole new world for me. Yes, I have discovered MANY different singers than those included on this cd, but it started it all for me. It is a good sample of some very fine singing on the RCA label. OH! Let's not forget the superb Pearl Fisher's duet, sung by Bjoerling and Merrill!!

Better compilations available.......2003-09-26

I recently began collecting compilations of great opera performances as raw material for custom CD's. After listening to this CD side-by-side with others, I ended up using not a single selection from it. Three double CD's that, in my opinion, have much more to offer, in both quantity and quality, are (1) Decca's The #1 Opera Album, (2) EMI's The Opera Album, and (3) Warner Brothers' Simply The Best Night At The Opera. If I could have only one, it would be the Decca product, but each has it's own strengths, unlike the RCA disc. The caveat here is that taste in music is a highly personal matter.

My desert island CD pick.......2003-01-10

I could -- and sometimes do -- listen to Nessum Dora over and over. I have never felt music so passionately as I do the selections on this CD. It is truly the best of the best: the best "songs" from the best operas being sung by the best singers at their very best. I challenge anyone who doesn't like opera or ever music to listen to this CD. You will fall deeply in love.

Fine Querschnitt!.......2001-10-12

This is a good set as it includes some of the very finest moments of recorded opera history, noticably with Jussi Björlings Pearlfishes, which was one of his most inspired singings, Placido Domingo in his charming interpretation in The Loves Exlire, Anna Moffo outside the Wienniese standards is interesting, and Montserrat Caballe was really the best Mimi that ever sung that role, and I don't think that many today doubt that Lanza was one of the finest and most flexible voice that have sung Verdi. There is a nice querschnitt through the century as old pearls have been mixed with new. I enjoyed immensely to hear Caballes Mimi and Normans "Du bist der Lenz" or Kraus clicky "Donna Mobile" and a fresh new Ben heppner in 3D sound in one and the same hour.

A collection of opera gems on one CD.......2001-04-07

I have to agree that these are some of opera's greatest moments in the later part of the 20th century. The Pearl Fishers Duet (Au Fond du Temple Saint) sung by Jussi Björling, Robert Merrill is a big favorite of mine. Monserrat Caballe sings La Boheme here, and I couldn't believe my ears; maybe the best version of this I've ever listened to.

Tracks:

Something in the Night
Bluebird of Happiness
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Macushla
Robin Hood: Oh Promise Me
Pagliacci: Vesti la Gubba
Ay-Ay-Ay
Morning
Naughty Marietta: I'm Falling in Love With Someone
La Donna E Mobile from Rigoletto Ver(di)
Agnus Dei (Bizet)
O Sole Mio (di Capua)
Mattinata (Leonacavallo)
Torna A Surriento (de Curtis)
La Danza (Rossine, arr. L. Artok)
Parmi Veder Le Lagrime from Rigoletto (Verdi)
De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti from La Traviata (Verdi)
Aria Ma Se m'e Forza Perderti (Verdi)
O Paradiso from L'Africanna (Meyerbeer)
Because (Teschemacher-d'Hardelot)
Bluebird of Happiness (Harmanti-Heyman-Davies)

Customer Reviews:

Very Pleased.......2007-01-12

My Aunt cried whren she heard the music she learned to love in the depression Especially Blue bird of Happiness.

audio bad worse than the old LP's.......2000-11-23

A marvelous singer that I have loved since I was a child, singing the songs of his that I have enjoyed all these many years. The sad part of the recording is that the sound hasn't been reworked and it sounds worse that the old LP. It's really sad that they would issue this great recording in such a sad state. If you don't mind the bad fidelity, you will enjoy this.

My wife talking to me from the grave........1999-03-08

My wife passed awau in Jan.1999. This month (March) Ifound a letter from she had mailed in 1948 to me in which she said in part "It just go'es to show what being truly in love means. Just now they played (radio) BLUE BIRD OF HAPPYNESS. I wanted to tell everone that it's right here." We were married 57 years and deeply in love that will never end. Thank you.

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano

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
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Franco Corelli
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
Giuseppe Di Stefano Sings Neapolitan Songs
Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor
The Very Best of Nicolai Gedda

ASIN: B0000A5BXQ
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Addio, Mignon
Ah! Non Credevi Tu
Io Son Solo...Ah! Dispar, Vision
E La Solita Storia (Lamento Di Federico)
Lunge Da Lei...De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'Ali
Son Gia Lontani!...Corre A Valle
Intanto Amici Qua...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Dovunque Al Mondo
Addio, Fiorito Asil
Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Una Parola Sola...Or Son Sei Mesi
Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero
Avete Torto!...Firenze E Come Albero
Non Piangere, Liu
Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

Questa O Quella
Ella Mi Fu Rapita!...Parmi Veder Le Lagrime
La Donna E Mobile
Ah Si, Ben Mio
Di Quella Pira
Di' Tu Se Fedele
Teco Io Sto...Non Sai Tu Che Se L'Anima Mia...Oh, Qual Soave Brivido - Maria Callas
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
Che Gelida Manina
In Un Coupe?...O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Rolando Panerai
Donna Non Vidi Mai
Oh, Saro La Piu Bella - Maria Callas
No! Pazzo Son! Guardate!
A La Barcillunisa
Cantu A Timuni
'O Sole Mio
Marechiare
Core 'Ngrato
Torna A Surriento

Music Track:

Music Track

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