Puccini: La Rondine (in German)

On this CD:

1. La Rondine (The Swallow), opera
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Walter Berry, Anton Dermota, Kurt Equiluz, Margherita Kenney, Liselotte Maikl, Friedl Riegler, Dorothea Siebert, Ljuba Welitsch, Waldemar Kment
Conducted by Meinhard von Zallinger

2. Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), opera, K. 492 Sagt holde Frauen
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra with Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by James Robertson

3. Der Freischütz, opera in 3 acts, J. 277 Wie nahte mir der Schlummer... Leise, leise
Composed by Carl Maria von Weber
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra with Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by James Robertson

4. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), opera, JB 1:100 Endlich allein!
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra with Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by James Robertson

5. La bohème, opera Will ich allein des Abends in Paris...
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Ljuba Welitsch

6. Tosca, opera Nur der Schönheit
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra with Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by James Robertson

7. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114) Du lieber Mond
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by Richard Kraus

8. Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron), operetta (RV 511) Wer uns getraut
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna Radio Orchestra with Hugo Meyer-Welfing, Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by Max Schoenherr

9. Ihr größter Erfolg, film score Ich Träumte immer nur von dem Einen
Composed by Franz Grothe
Performed by Ljuba Welitsch

10. Salome, opera, Op. 54 Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund küssen lassen
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Ljuba Welitsch
Conducted by Hans Muller-Kray

Tracks:

Il Lamento Di Federico
O Paradis
Recondita Armonia - Luciano Pavarotti
Dein ist Mein Ganzes Herz
Rondine Al Nido - Luciano Pavarotti
Core 'ngrato
Torna A Surriento - Luciano Pavarotti
Granada
No Puede Ser
L'impovviso
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Nessun Dorma
Finale Medley: Maria - Tonight, 'O paese d' 'o sole, Cielito lINDO
Memory, Ochi tchorniye, Caminito
Mattinata ; Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein, Amapola, 'O sole mio
Encore: 'O sole mio
Encore: Nessun Dorma

Amazon.com

Magic was created one starlit night in July 1990, when Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and José Carreras met onstage at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and became the Three Tenors. They eschewed competitive instincts and cooperated in the spirit of mutual admiration to create one of the greatest musical events ever. This concert is an awe-inspiring orgy of the greatest hits for the tenor voice. Domingo and Pavarotti sing perfectly. The audience wins as these vocal supermen compete to seduce the hearts of the audience. One moment Domingo brings thrilling fire and pain to "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca; the next, Pavarotti rises to heavenly heights in an inspired rendition of "Nessun dorma" from Turandot. Carreras is the competent little brother, one step behind the greatness of the big brothers from opera's Ponderosa. His singing isn't as captivating as that of the big boys; but his enthusiasm and passion are unrivaled. Mehta exquisitely captures the largeness of this bonanza through the grandiose orchestra. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

delivery went ok.......2006-11-14

the item was delivered to me on-time and with no problems. however,i was looking for a DVD and not a audio Cd. might be good to clearly differentiate when the product is being advertised or shown.

A knockout performance .......2006-05-28

Like so many of the reviewers here I am not an opera aficionado. But I sensed immediately the night I saw this concert on television that this was one of those 'remarkable' artistic events. Domingo and Pavarotti both have such strength and beauty in their voices that they overwhelm. Carreras adds flavor and enthusiasm.
One of the most remarkable music performances I have seen.

The night that started it all!.......2005-11-02

You can read the technical information about the contents of this CD above. That is not what this review is about. I became intrested in opera about 1 1/2 years ago because of happening upon Mario Lanza. Since then, I have experienced many great truly operatic voices, including the "King," Pavarotti.
If you are just discovering opera, suffice it to say; Buy this album!!! It was the concert that launched the 3 Tenors phenomenon. It is full of uplifting, heart- tugging favorites, and you will find yourself listening to it over and over. Buy the dvd as well. It imparts absolute electricity! I am a young pianist and vocalist, and this concert is truly inspiring to me! You won't regret one penny you spend on this!

Great singing from the three tenors.......2005-06-23

This cd is a must-have for anyone interested in opera - or beautiful singing. And when you're at it - why don't buy the dvd from the concert? It will make you appreciate the cd even more.

First of all I have to comment on the editorial review of this cd. I felt the reviewer is "belittling" José Carreras here by saying he's one step behind the big brothers and his singing isn't as captivating as that of the big boys.....?!?!? Of course I can only speak for myself, but I feel she's way out of line. And I'm starting to wonder if she's been listening to the cd at all? In my opinion you have to be dead not to be touched by his rendition of "Lamento di Federico" and "L'improvviso". If anybody can deliver a line it has to be Carreras. When it comes to his interpretation of "Granada" even conductor Zubin Mehta was gobsmacked. Watching the dvd you can see him putting down his baton and applauding. He even steps down from his podium to hug José.

I have to say I'm not too keen on the two other tenors, although I have to admit I loved Pavarotti's "Torna a Surriento" and "Rondine al nido". The thing about Pavarotti is that he has a great singing technique and he's also in possession of this "push-button" which make him sing a lot of high notes, but that alone isn't enough to stir emotion.

As for Domingo, even if he's giving it all in every song, and his "No puede ser" was great,I think he's a bit too much on the nasal side. He's okay when they all perform together, but his "E lucevan le stelle" is sending shivers down my spine - and not of delight. I'm practically unable to sit still and listen to his solos. If you really want "fire and pain" you should check out Carreras in the Tosca-recording from -80, or his recording from -76. It's really breathtaking and I promise you'll end up in tears!

At the end of this concert the three tenors perform a medley together. Their voices blend perfectly and it's powerful to listen to them giving it all. A lot of people are talking about their mis-pronounciations. I for one, think it only adds to the charm of the performers. Pavarotti has some problems with the English songs (okay, big problems..), Domingo stumbles in the words in the beginning of "Wien Wien nur du allein", and (this you'll see in the dvd) in the same song Carreras is actually reading the text from a piece of paper as he's singing and his facial expressions when getting his head around the German words are really hilarious. O sole mio as an encore is fabulous when Pavarotti pushes his button and shakes out all his high notes.... And I love it when the two other join forces and repeat his stunt to perfection.

All in all this is a wonderful album. And well worth 5 stars.... José alone gets 10 stars!!!

Excellent. Like summer sunshine. manna from heaven!.......2004-05-28

This CD is terrific on so many levels. In celebration of one of the world's great sporting events - the World Cup of football (soccer to us stateside), three great tenors and one masterful conductor (Zubin Mehta) were brought together in one of the world's great cities - Rome -- for a special evening that we are blessed to have been able to listen to again and again.

The concert was held during the World Cup in 1990 at the Baths of Caracella, which are ruins of the once great Roman baths. In this beautiful setting Luiciano Pavrotti, Jose Carreas and Placido Domingo came together for one of the best CD's ever made.

The singing is exquisite. The passion of the crowd in this live performance should equal the reaction of the listener. This is art at its highest level. It is a celebration of great music, not just of opera, but in my opinion, the soaring human spirit. What power to move the soul! You don't need to be an opera fan to enjoy this music. If you like any kind of music, you cannot help but be affected by the power of this special evening. And what an evening, those in attendance were lucky to have been there!!

The casual listener will already know some of these arias, as they are from some the great operas of all time. However, I believe even the most hardenend opera fan, unless he or she is a real stiff, cannot be helped to be but moved by this music.

Tracks:

Turnadot: Nessun Dorma!
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
Tosca: Recondita Armonia
Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
La rondine: Il Sogno Di Doretta
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
La Boheme: Si, Mi Chiamano Mini
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Love Duet, Act I
Ch'ella mi creda libero
TOSCA: Ah, Quegli Occhi...Qual'occhio Al Mondo - Love Duet, Act I
TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
Madame Butterfly: Vogliatemi Bene - Love Duet, Act I
La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
Turandot: In Questa Reggia

Amazon.com essential recording

Ordinarily, it pays to be wary of collections such as these, which often promise a lot but deliver a mishmash of disconnected excerpts. This disc, however, is something of an exception: you really do get just about all of Puccini's best arias, which is possible, because he didn't write so many operas that choosing the best moments becomes a matter of the producer's personal taste. Also, Puccini's operas are so popular that every major label has excellent complete recordings of all of them, so in making this compilation it was possible to cast from strength: all the singers here are fine. In fact, the only proviso that needs to be made before you rush out and add this disc to your collection is that it's wrong to assume that all of Puccini's best tunes lie in his arias. The opening 10 minutes of any one of his operas will tell you that's not true. So by all means enjoy this disc--then start sampling the operas complete. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh".......2005-11-08

"Quando m'en vo" is not omitted from this CD; it is just called "Musetta's waltz song." It is the same aria.

Fantastic!.......2003-10-14

This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND.......2003-09-04

The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

"Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!.......2002-06-13

The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written. But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues. I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc. So, is the music the ultimate? YES! Is the recording the ultimate? NO!

Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality.......2002-02-18

I love opera! I love Puccini! Not only is the vocalism important to me, but the quality of the recording as well. I enjoy my hi-tech sound system. I like to feel as if I am sitting in the front row of the first balcony when I listen to opera. This CD is excellent! The vocalists were well chosen. The technical performances are eloquent and emotional, as Puccini should be. However, the quality of the recording is not very good. No matter how you adjust your sound system, the recording is a bit tinny and as a result, the emotional high points of the arias are not as vibrant as they could be if the recording were of better quality. I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves Puccini and who is not as finicky as I!

The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

Latter-day also-rans
A well-sung compilation
This cant be the best
TRUE OPERA LOVERS CANNOT POSSIBLY LIKE THIS!
Even if you Hate Complilations, Get This One

The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Famous Opera Arias
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ASIN: B0000084JD
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

La Traviata: Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici (Brindisi) (Atto I) - Alfredo Kraus
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum (Atto I) - Thomas Hampton
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina (Atto I) - Roberto Alagna
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi (Atto I) - Mirella Freni
L'amico Fritz: Suzel, Bon Di (Cherry Duet) (First Part) (Atto II) - Bernard Haitink
Nabucco: Va, Pensiero (Chorus Of Hebrew Slaves) (Atto III) - Bernard Haitink
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile (Atto III) - Roberto Alagna
Lakme: Viens, Mallika (Flower Duet) (Acte I) - Mady Mesple
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Victoria De Los Angeles
Tosca: Recondita Armonia (Atto I) - Placido Domingo
Tosca: Vissi D'arte (Atto II) - Maria Callas
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle (Atto III) - Placido Domingo
Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco: Respiro Appena ... Lo Son L'umile Ancella (Atto I) - Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Les Pecheurs De Perles: Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Acte I) - Nicolai Gedda
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Non Piu Andrai (Atto I) - Thomas Allen
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete (Atto II) - Ann Murray
Le Nozze Di Figaro: E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Atto III) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Martha: M'appari (Ach So Fromm) (Akt III) - Roberto Alagna
Tristan Und Isolde: Mild Und Leise (Liebestod) (Akt III) - Helga Dernesch

Tracks:

Aida: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida (Atto I) - Placido Domingo
Il Trovatore: Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie (Anvil Chorus) (Atto II) - Bernard Haitink
Samson Et Dalila: Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix (Acte II) - Maria Callas
Carmen: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Victoria De Los Angeles
Carmen: Votre Toast (Toreador's Song) (Acte II) - Maria Callas
Carmen: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee (Acte III) - Roberto Alagna
Les Contes D'Hoffman: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) (Acte II) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta (Atto III) - Maria Callas
Pagliacci: Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba (Atto I) - Jose Carreras
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo (Atto II) - Renata Scotto
Cosi Fan Tutte: Soave Sia Il Vento (Atto I) - Margaret Marshall
La Rondine: Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta (Atto I) - Montserrat Caballe
Die Zauberflote: Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja (Akt I) - Walter Berry
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache (Akt II) - Edita Gruberova
Rusalka: Song To The Moon (Act I) - Lucia Popp
La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Iontana (Atto I) - Maria Callas
Werther: Toute Mon Ame Est La!...Pourquoi Me Reveiller? (Acte III) - Roberto Alagna
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! (Atto I) - Montserrat Caballe
Turandot: Nessun Dorma (Atto III) - Jose Carreras

Customer Reviews:

Latter-day also-rans.......2007-05-28

There will always be arguments for this or that singer, but this title is absurd. I didn't see a single Jussi Bjoerling, George London, Leonard Warren, or Zinka Milanov, and only one mention of Del Monaco. These were singers. Bjoerling and London were in a class by themselves. I saw all of these folks live on stage. London and Del Monaco had stage presence you don't get now. Di Stefano, Kirsten, de los Angeles should be on any best list. Play any tenor aria by any tenor; then play Bjoerling's. Play any bass/baritone aria by any singer; then play London's. Jussi and George will knock your socks off. They sang everything in every language. Tebaldi and Pavarotti sang only Italian, much easier.

A well-sung compilation.......2003-09-15

Compilations usually receive negative feedback from experienced opera listeners. However, this compilation by no means should be only welcomed by opera listeners, it should be welcomed by all music listeners. This CD is a great one to own for a first time opera listener. Also, for the person who wants to listen to opera once in a while and who does not want to buy a myriad of CD's in order to have the same amount of arias as this CD has. Eighty-percent of the singers are high-quality singers in this CD and the orchestras along with their respective conductors, do justice to the songs. All of the arias in this CD are what we in the field call, standard repertoire, and therefore are a good source for a beginning musician to help him or her listen to phrasing, colour, dynamics, language etc. I certainly recommend it, without a doubt.

This cant be the best.......2003-04-20

Elisa from Italy is absolutely right--well, the present generation may not be able to listen the golden oldies and the grand masters in person but it is still true that the past masters far surpassed the new. De Stefano had a magnetic voice, but listen to Gigli singing Puccini's La boheme and you will melt away, though it is v v v difficult to get hold of his mono recordings, even in CD. I disagree with Elisa only on one point: Tebaldi is good, but Victoria de Los angeles' Mimi is better. And the indulgent Thomas Beecham is my favourite conductor of this opera, way ahead of Toscannini, but De Stefano's Boheme is worth keeping and listening to again and again....

TRUE OPERA LOVERS CANNOT POSSIBLY LIKE THIS!.......2002-11-27

True opera lovers (I won't say "experts" 'cos I dislike the word) cannot possibly like this ... ! Apart from Callas, here there is none of the greatest artists! Callas may be great in Carmen but nobody can beat RENATA TEBALDI and her angel-like voice in all of Puccini's operas or in GIORDANO's Andrea Chénier. No Carreras can beat MARIO DEL MONACO in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, or Verdi's Otello. And finally, NO ALAGNA, or PAVAROTTI, or LICITRA, or whatever CHEAP TENOR or CROOK can ever beat the greatest tenor of all times: GIUSEPPE DI STEFANO!
Come on! You can't like crook Pavarotti once you have heard Giuseppe Di Stefano!! You can't like ... connductor Riccardo Muti if you have listened to Arturo Toscanini!!
True opera lovers, especially lovers of Puccini, go for the Immortal, the Sublime, the Beautiful in opera: GO FOR GIUSEPPE DI STEFANO!
Go hear his performance of "E lucevan le stelle" as in EMI Callas/Di Stefano "Tosca" or "Che Gelida manina" always as in EMI Callas/Di Stefano "La Boéme" and you'll know what I mean.

Even if you Hate Complilations, Get This One.......2002-06-21

This is a marvelous collection of better known arias and duets in Opera. The singers are those famous for setting, and raising, the bar in their field and for their times: Renata Scotto, Maria Callas, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti. If you are only somewhat familiar with opera, these recordings give you the highest feeling of what an aria or duet can sound like when sung and interpreted at its best. If you are already familiar with these songs, then you will appreciate this collection all the more for having gathered them in one place. I play both discs all the time. I've especially appreciated being able to compare vocal qualities side by side, so to speak, as Maria Callas can be heard next to Mirella Freni and Victoria de los Angeles. Even if you are not familiar with these singers, this is the way to meet them. Maria Callas has a much darker, back of the throat tone. Mirella Freni is pure, clear and light floating up in the higher notes. You can almost visualize the singers as they place the notes in their throats and set them out in the air to vibrate.

Average customer rating:

Another gem from Schwartz
so happy to have found this
Massage Music that my clients LOVE
Soul Satisfying
Powerful interpretations of classics for modern ears.

Aria 3: Metamorphosis
Aria , and Paul Schwartz
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002PUH7Y
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

OMBRA MAI FU
FURIOSO
SOGNO
METAMORPHOSIS 2: DANAE
BALLO
INTERLUDE:L'ORCHESTRE ENGLOUTIE
AMAMI
LASCIA
FAREWELL
METAMORPHOSIS 3:CYANE
ASCENSION
METAMORPHOSIS 1: ARACHNE
FURIOSO: instrumental mix
OMBRA: chilled mix

Amazon.com

Souping up the classics with whatever contemporary music pulse is current at the moment has a long history. Some artists, like Emerson, Lake and Palmer, aspired to classical grandiosity. Others, like Michael Murphy and his discofied "A Fifth of Beethoven," turn classical melodies into pop hooks. Paul Schwartz falls somewhere in the middle with his Aria project, of which this is the third. Electronica grooves and effects angle their way through songs "based" on operatic works by Handel, Verdi, Puccini, and Monteverdi. Schwartz begins with a bar set high by some of these melodies, beautifully sung by soprano Rebecca Luker. Whether singing solo or in multi-tracked choirs, her voice opens heavens' gates, but she has to slog through some pedestrian arrangements to get there. Schwartz understands the difference between an orchestra and a synthesizer and with only a few exceptions--like the cheesy opening to "Ombra Ma Fu"--deploys each in appropriate measures. "Ascension," based on a Monteverdi aria is particularly striking with its underlying electronic ostinatos cycling through the breathtaking refrain. But too often, Schwartz's strings are saccharine and his rhythms clichéd in a music that uses high art only to reach for the facile. Like most classical-pop crossovers, time usually renders a verdict of kitsch in the first degree. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Another gem from Schwartz.......2007-02-21

Much like Aria 1 & 2 this is another gem, presenting a unique interpretation of classic arias. It is an awesome compilation. I look forward to Aria 4 (is there one in the works?)!!

so happy to have found this.......2006-12-31

This CD is one of Paul Schwartz's best; it's definitely the best out of all 3 Arias. I really hopes he continues making State of Grace and Aria CDs because they are amazing.

Massage Music that my clients LOVE.......2006-08-05

I now have all 3 CDs in the "Aria" famiy, and this one, like its predecessors is truely GREAT massage music! My clients love the entire Aria family of CDs. I've been a big fan of Rebecca Luker for quite sometime now and she SHINES like the truely elegant vocal star that she is on this album. A buy that is DEFINATELY well worth it!

Soul Satisfying.......2006-04-29

I love this CD. It's especially wonderful when it's rainy outside and I'm curled up by the fire inside. My son who is 16, blind and autistic loves it and plays it over and over. I think he taps into the immediate relaxation and beautiful blend of classical with technology.

I'm with all the others. Who cares if this somehow "interprets" the classic correctly or not? It is pleasing to the ears and that's all that matters.
Minneapolis, MN

Powerful interpretations of classics for modern ears........2006-03-18

As in Aria 1 and Aria 2, the incredible lyric soprano voice of Rebecca Luker delivers excellent music, song after song. She gives us an interpretation of Handel's Serse; a selection from Puccini's La Rondine; another selection from Verdi's La Traviata; an aria from Handel's Rinaldo; another nice selection from Puccini's Madame Butterfly; and a final selection from Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione.

The CD also has 6 instrumental works, arranged by Paul Schwartz. There is a very nice interpretation of Handel's tragic Sarabande, with vocals by the Joyful Company of Singers and words from Psalm 7. This piece reminds me of the tragic majesty of Carmina Burana.

Paul Schwartz consistently delivers powerful reinterpretations of classical music for modern ears.

Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss

Average customer rating:

The best of the best.
Beautiful and creamy voice
Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE
The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard
Wow!!!

Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
Gustave Charpentier , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Antonin Dvorak , Friedrich von Flotow , Giacomo Puccini , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Carl Orff , Richard Strauss , Sergey Rachmaninov , Johann II Strauss , Franz Lehar , Jose Maria Cano , Marie-Joseph Canteloube , Jeffrey Tate , Sir Charles Mackerras , Renée Fleming , English Chamber Orchestra , Osian Ellis , London Voices , and Clive Greensmith
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Louise (Acte 3): Depuis le jour ou je me suis donnee
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Manon (Acte 3): Je marche sur tous les chemins... Obeissons... Profitons bien de la jeunesse (Gavotte)
Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55 B104 No. 4: Songs My Mother Taught Me
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LUNA: Epilogo
Chants d'Auvergne, Series 1: Bailero

Amazon.com essential recording

This vocal recital certainly lives up to its title, perhaps too well. It's a collection of arias and songs Fleming has sung for years that for some may be too much frosting and not enough cake. Surely, her performances are rich with interpretive nuances, wonder-filled portamentos and word colorings that reflect a long history with this repertoire, which ranges from Charpentier's "Depuis le jour" to Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Some may find Fleming a bit much, but agree with her or not, she's far more interesting than singers who keep a safe, discreet distance from the music. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best........2007-04-11

I've given away at least a dozen copies of this CD. I'm running low, so I just refilled the stash. For people who haven't discovered Renee Fleming or who think they don't care for opera, this CD is the best possible way to blow down the walls. If you think there's nothing new to be heard in these old arias, you owe it to yourself to find out how wrong you can be.

Beautiful and creamy voice.......2006-02-28

I like so much Ren?e Fleming and this is special cd !

Renee Fleming;THE BEAUTIFUL VOICE.......2006-01-30

IT'S A FINE RECORDING THAT OFFERS A VARIETY OF SELECTIONS FROM OPERA, OPERETTAS AND FOLK SONGS, ALL WITH FLEMING AT HER BEST.

The most gorgeous soprano voice I've ever heard.......2006-01-02

I am a 19-year-old voice student at the University of Central Arkansas and I came across Renee by way of a soprano in my voice studio. She said it was her favorite soprano and that I should give her a listen. I was a little hesistant because I'm a baritone and my voice teacher told me that I should listen to men, but I just want to hear it all. So this past summer I first bought Renee's self-titled album with all of the lolipop arias on it and I was just amazed, not just because of how good she is but how easy she is to listen to. I loved her voice immediately. From the the moment the first tone passed through her throat on Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro." So I had to hear more. The Beautiful Voice is even better. It wasn't as easy to listen to at first because some of the songs on this album are not as famous as those on the other one, but these songs are all gems. The Korngold with the pianissimi B flats is my personal favorite. Even my mother who screams at me to turn down that "noise" when I listen to opera cds has grown to be quite fond of Renee Fleming. Sometimes her interpretations can be over the top, but the voice is beyond spectacular. It pours out like melted butter. It's vibrant, rich, expressive, free and always perfectly in tune. There is no hint of strain from any sound emitted from her body. She will undoubtedly be remembered like Callas & Sutherland and all the other great soprano voices before her. Not for the dramatic intensity of Callas or the coloratura & technical ease of Sutherland, but for the sheer unspeakable beauty of her voice. This is a must have for any vocalist seriously dedicated to classical training.

Wow!!!.......2005-09-28

This album is the album that introduced me to Renee Fleming. Every selection on this recording is a gem. Her voice is so gorgeous and her technique is so solid. I love her voice so much, her interpretations of J. Strauss, Jr.'s Csardas is incredible and Puccini's Chi il bel sogno di Doretta makes me cry everytime I listen to it. She is a true American treasure. Brava Renee!!!

Average customer rating:

The best opera album ever
Beautiful Music, Nice price

Puccini: Great Opera Arias

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Ultimate Puccini Collection
The Most Famous Opera Arias
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Puccini: Arias
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...

ASIN: B00005YQLA
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
Gianni Schicchi: Firenze e come un albero fiorito
La Rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
La Boheme: Quando m'en vo
Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedremo
Madama Butterfly: The Flower Duet
Madama Butterfly: The Humming Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Tu? tu? Piccolo iddio
Tosca: Dammi i colori
Tosca: Vissi d'arte
Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
Turandot: Signore, ascolta!
Turandot: In questa reggia
Turandot: Nessun dorma
La Fanciulla Del West: Ch'ella mi creda libero e lontano
Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo
Le Villi: Se come voi piccina io fossi
Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide
Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata

Customer Reviews:

The best opera album ever.......2007-01-26

I have listened this album almost every day for the past 4 years. For begginers and amateurs in this kind of music, the album rocks in every song with the exception of track 2 and 5.

Beautiful Music, Nice price.......2007-01-04

I purchased this CD for my daughter while searching specifically for arias. She was very pleased and I find myself enjoying it as well.
A wonderful collection for a terrific price, super fast shipping too- as always.

Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano

Average customer rating:

One of the best opera records ever
A Top Recording
A PRECIOUS GEM AND LE VILLI HIGHLIGHTS AS A BONUS
A truly fabulous recording
Wow - what a recording!

Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano
Giacomo Puccini , Angela Gheorghiu , Roberto Alagna , Antonio Pappano , London Symphony Orchestra , William Matteuzzi , Inva Mula , Patrizia Ciofi , Monica Bacelli , Toby Spence , Riccardo Simonetti , Enrico Fissore , Patrizia Biccire , and Alberto Rinaldi
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Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano
Wagner: Lohengrin
La Fanciulla del West
Bizet: Carmen / de Los Angeles, Gedda, Micheau, E. Blanc; Beecham
Puccini: Edgar

ASIN: B000002RYA
Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

La rondine: Act One: Ah! no! no!...Non dite questo
La rondine: Act One: Chi il bel sogno di Doretto
La rondine: Act One: Chi il bel sogno di Doretto
La rondine: Act One: No. Adesso non burlatemi
La rondine: Act One: Un momento: scusi
La rondine: Act One: Come fate a sopportarla?
La rondine: Act One: Denaro! Nient'altro che denaro!
La rondine: Act One: E poi?... Basta inito
La rondine: Act One: Ah! Ruggero Lastouc
La rondine: Act One: Forse, come la rondini
La rondine: Act One: Parigi! a cittei desideri
La rondine: Act One: Poeta raffinato
La rondine: Act One: Buona sero
La rondine: Act One: Forse come la rondine
La rondine: Act One: T'amo!...Menti!
La rondine: Act One: Chi mi riconoscerebbe?
La rondine: Act Two: Fiori freschi!
La rondine: Act Two: Chi Mai vista!
La rondine: Act Two: Scusatemi...Scusate
La rondine: Act Two: Nella dolce carezza
La rondine: Act Two: Ti prego: dignat
La rondine: Act Two: Che caldo! Che stet!
La rondine: Act Two: Perchai cercate di saper
La rondine: Act Two: Dio! Lei! Guardala!
La rondine: Act Two: Gihe il caso ci unische
La rondine: Act Two: Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso
La rondine: Act Two: Rambaldo!..Ah! M'aiutate!
La rondine: Act Two: Nella trepida luce d'un mattin
La rondine: Act Two: Paulette! nostri amici

Tracks:

La rondine: Act Three: Senti? Anche il mare respira sommesso
La rondine: Act Three: E siam fuggiti qui per nasconderlo
La rondine: Act Three: No. Un segreto
La rondine: Act Three: Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi alla mia casa
La rondine: Act Three: [Orchestra]
La rondine: Act Three: Che pigli? Che fare?
La rondine: Act Three: qui?...Non so!
La rondine: Act Three: No! Non m'inganno!
La rondine: Act Three: Amore mio!
La rondine: Act Three: Figliuolo, tu mi dici
La rondine: Act Three: Donale il bacio mio!
La rondine: Act Three: No! Non dir questo!
La rondine: Act Three: Ma come puoi lascarmi?
La rondine: Morire
La rondine: Le villi: Preludio
La rondine: Le villi: Ecco la casa dio
La rondine: Le villi: Torna ai felici di
La rondine: Le villi: L'abbandono ( Parte Sinfonica 1)
La rondine: Le villi: La tregenda ( Parte Sinfonica 2)

Amazon.com

This is one of the problem operas of Puccini's maturity, something he began writing while under the spell of Lehar's The Merry Widow that never quite came together as a piece of theater. But the score contains some of Puccini's most congenial music and attractive scoring. An alert, resourceful new presence on the opera scene, conductor Antonio Pappano is just the one to make the best possible attempt at holding it together. Stars Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna show you why the opera world was so excited about them before they started cancelling: She has a dusky voice and quivering vulnerability; he has virility and taste. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

One of the best opera records ever.......2002-04-04

This is in my opinion not the best opera Puccini wrote but its not att all bad. Its no Tosca, La Boheme, Turandot etc but it doesnt matter because it is a quite good one AND most importent is that performance is absolutly fantastic on this disc.

Pappano conducts FANTASTIC, GREAT AND Alagna AND Gheorghiu sings ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC too and so do rest of the cast.

I had a lot of opera records and find a better opera record, talking about singing and conducting (and sound of this excellent record,) you need to look for Björlings best records and/or some of Pavarottis and Domingos best.

Some people dont like Alagna/Gheorghiu but in this case you should give this couple a fair chance because they sing wonderful on this disc.

Mayby everything was right, magic on this session.. their voices is probably at their peak level here? and mayby Pappano did something extra good too in his will and support.

Anyway... fact is that this performance is beutiful and this is NOT a matter of taste because ANYONE with music ear could understand that.

Buy it because of its fantastic performance. If you dont do so you def. miss something really good.

A Top Recording.......2002-01-26

I can dispense with relating the story of La Rondine as that has been admirably done by earlier reviews. But it is difficult for me to account for the harsh criticism offered by some reviews of this set. When this recording of La Rondine appeared in 1997, it was warmly greeting by critics and was (and is still) considered to be the best of the available recordings. The opera was an attempt to emulate the operettas of Lehar and Johann Strauss, and with La Traviata holding particular influence. There was a multitude of influences on La Rondine, even to making it into a comic opera along the lines of Rosenkavalier. However, it more closely resembles Traviata in its story and musical language.

It is the singing by Angela Gheorghiu (as Magda) and Roberto Alagna (as Ruggero) that make this an idea recording. The way they approach and sing their parts convey what Puccini had in mind: Magda's role more complex and filled with emotional expression, and Ruggero an ardent young student. I don't think the singing could be better expressed than on this recording. Antonio Pappano brings out subtle shadings in the score and the recording is bright and clear. The earlier recording by Maazel has its virtues but the better characteriztion of these roles to the Pappano recording.

The fillers are of interest as well. Morire? (a first version of a song Puccini included in the Vienna performances of La Rondine) is superbly sung by Alagna with Pappano at the piano. The excerpts from La Villi, Puccini's first opera, are tantalizing with Roberto Alagna, once again, giving a great account of his abilities as Roberto. Listening to La Villi makes one wish that Pappano would record this work. I can enthusiastically recommend this recording to anyone.

A PRECIOUS GEM AND LE VILLI HIGHLIGHTS AS A BONUS.......2002-01-21

The two musically and vocally sumptuous CDs under review include the enchanting La Rondine, a mature Puccini' score, plus highlights of the tragic opera Le Villi, the composer's first opera. The recording offers a glorious trail of musical discovery to the listener because performance and recording of both operas are rare. Any list of lyrical opera masterpieces does not include either of them. How wrong can people be? It is the first time I heard both operas.

Puccini's publisher Tito Ricordi thought very little of La Rondine and dismissed it as bad Lehar. This opinion is sheer nonsense. La Rondine is a delightful, inspired musical composition in the typical expansive lyricism of the great master. The score evokes the artistic sense, delicate tastes, passionate refinements and French boudoirs of La Belle Époque in Europe (1900-1914). Make no mistakes. The unsurpassable lyrical style of Puccini is there: Heartfelt recitatives, tender phrases with bold colours, ample extensions, top notes of volume, power and timbre. The music is reminiscent of the effusive delicacy mixed with passion of Madama Butterfly.

Now to the plot concisely. Ruggero meets the courtesan Magda at a Parisian ball. Thinking that love has blossomed, they flee to the coast away from city vicissitudes. Ruggero utters "Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi alla mia casa" offering his beloved a life of family affection. Magda is an art- loving, modern charm woman and cannot renounce to her ambiguous circles. They part.

Roberto Alagna as Ruggero sings warm, lirico spinto notes without a French nasal but more with a Franco-Italian pulpy sound. He cannot claim entry yet into the "espada", a group of legendary tenors including Gillion, Escalais, Fleta, Lazaro and Lauri-Volpi. They emitted steel bladed top notes. Alagna is very convincing in the role, which portrays the naïve and immature young man from the provinces. Angela Gheorghiu as Magda sings with pure and soaring notes. She is beautiful, has long black hair and a ravishing scenic personality. She is very convincing as the charming courtesan.

The highlights of Le Villi are part of the second CD and a magnificent bonus. The prelude and two symphonic intermezzi are included. They are admirable pieces of orchestral invention and workmanship. In the first intermezzo, the Abandonment, the orchestra begins quietly, female voices join in, surges to passionate chords and dies away with the chorus' distant echo. In the second, the Witches' Sabbath, the orchestra pours forth an overflowing rush of sounds and extremely talented polyphonic mixtures with great clarity, as in all Puccini's music. "Torna ai felici di' dolente il mio pensier" the protagonist Roberto laments in sorrow on his return home. He had left, fallen for an adventuress and forgotten Anna, his first love. The sweet Anna waited in vain and died heartbroken at the coming of winter. Anna' spirit appears with those of other deserted maidens, Le Villi, and in revenge draws him to a fatal dance.

Alagna sings the aria with surprisingly passionate accents as the masochistic self-tormented Roberto (Le Villi). Alagna sounds distinctly and superbly Puccinian. The conductor Pappano's tempi are magnificent and throw both operas under a new light of incredible musical beauty (listen to the intermezzo, the Abandonment, of le Villi). More stupefying is his sense of opera as musical theatre. The expressive strength, the space he concedes to the singers, the sense of arioso and a sound explosion without limits fly to the listener's ears and heart. The CD sound is resounding and faultless.

The beautiful booklet contains photos of the principal singers, secondary roles, conductor and artistic scenes. The critical review and synopsis are in English. The libretto is in both English and Italian. The CDs track numbers are usefully bolded at the margins of the libretto. BUY AND LISTEN TO LA RONDINE AND LE VILLI ON THESE CDs. YOU WILL GET A STUPENDOUS, NOVEL EXPERIENCE AND DISCOVER MORE OF PUCCINI!

A truly fabulous recording.......2001-09-11

I am in deep shock at some of the poor reviews regarding this magnificent recording of La Rondine. On my stereo the voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu sound absolutely divine. This recording is anything but boring--perhaps some of the other reviewers need to look into replacing their stereo systems with ones that can capture fully the ravishing voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu. While La Rondine is not one of my favorite operas, this recording is nonetheless one of the finest and most beautiful that I own. Alagna and his wife may be controversial and not well liked, yet any unbiased reviewer cannot fail to appreciate the fine singing on this CD. If you are a fan of Puccini, don't hesitate to purchase this CD. If you are unfamiliar with this opera, this is the version you want to have, as it is in a class of its own. Put aside any negative feelings towards Alagna and Gheorghiu and just listen to the singing, which is certain to win you over. Even my non-operatic friends have commented favorably on this CD upon hearing it, and that should speak volumes to anyone interested in this edition.

Wow - what a recording!.......2001-08-10

I'm having trouble believing that other folks reviewing this opera have listened to the same recording that I have. There's an intimate tenderness to it that makes you hold your breath when you're listening. The famous 'Chi bel sono' aria that comes at the beginning is incredibly tasteful...it makes shivers go up and down your spine. I've listened to other recordings of this same aria and have found none that come anywhere close. In particular Kiri Te Kanawa's is grossly oversung. It's like comparing a gossamer silk handkerchief to a kitchen sponge.

Puccini admitted patterning this opera after Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Some folks have professed not being able to see the connection. It's a no-brainer to me though, though it'd be impossible to put into words. They both make you feel the same...you get the same damned grin on your face when you listen to both, you feel that the music is perfection, that there's not a note out of place. And Puccini's attains a delicate intimacy that pulls you in much closer than any other operas.

Tracks:

Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
La rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
La Boheme: Quando m'en vo
La Boheme: Mi chiamano Mimi
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
TOSCA: Vissi d'arte
Madama Butterfly: Un bel di
Madama Butterfly: Bimba dagli occhi pieni di malia
Turandot: Tu, che di gel sei cinta
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
Rigoletto: Caro nome
La Traviata: Lunge da lei...De miei bollenti spiriti...oh mio rimorso
Aida: Celeste Aida
L'Elisir d'Amore: Prendi, per me sei libero
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Don Pasquale: Quel guardo il cavaliere
Fedora: Amor ti vieta
Turandot: Nessun dorma

Customer Reviews:

heywhattsamattayou.......2007-06-12

i'm a tellin you..... if you dont a like a this music....well you musta been born with the stone for a heart...heh

full of passion and love.......2007-03-31

This CD is full of passion and love. Whenever I listen to it, I get the butterfly feeling in my stomach...must have CD!!!! I strongly recommend!

Absolutely Beautiful!.......2002-03-02

Two words describe the music found on this CD: ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! The beauty of the vocals and music combine to allow one to transcend from the daily grind to a world of beauty. Bravo!

Where is Amore I?.......2001-02-16

This CD is a selection of arias from Italian operas. Most of the time when you get a compilation like this, you feel lucky if you like 2/3 of the selections. In this case, whoever did the selecting did a great job, there isn't a clinker in the lot. About half of the arias are by Puccini, the rest are by Verdi, Donizetti, and Giordano. Singers include Kiri Te Kanawa, Luciano Pavarotti, Richard Tucker, and Andrea Rost. There is enough variety to keep the whole CD interesting, yet the mood is consistent throughout. The sound is generally quite good, and while I am not generally a fan of live recordings, the audience response in the performance by Pavarotti really does add excitement to the presentation. Given the title of this CD, I assumed this was the second in a series, and I liked it so much I went looking for the original. Unfortunately, I can find no other CD on the Sony label titled Amore - too bad.

Average customer rating:

Always on my CD changer
Wonderful compilation - Great intro!
loved it
NEW LOVER OF OPERA
Music to Wed By

Aria: A Passion for Opera

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002S5M
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Carmen: Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'Amour
I Pagliacci: Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo
L'Elisir D'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Nabucco: Va Pensiero From Nabucco
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
Rigoletto: La Dona E Mobile
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum
Louise: Depuis Le Jour
Lakme: Flower Duet
Turandot: Nessun Dorma
Norma: Casta Diva
Gianni Schicchi: A Vete Torto!
Tosca: Vissi D'Arte
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle
La rondine: Chi Il Bel Sogno
Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira

Amazon.com

If you've ever heard an opera excerpt in a film or TV commercial and wondered from whence it came, this compilation will probably provide your answer. The disk is an extensive superstar sampling of opera's greatest arias, featuring beloved stars from 1958-1987. Newbies will delight in hearing the young Freni's developing, but not yet perfected, artistry; Corelli's soaring tenor emoting in "Vesti la guibba" and "Nessun Dorma"; and Callas being Callas in "Habanera" and "Casta Diva." Megatalents Caballé, Gobbi, Di Stefano, and Domingo round out the mix. It even includes the Lakme duet and the chorus from Nabucco, in case arias aren't enough. An enjoyable variety. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Always on my CD changer.......2005-08-31

I bought this CD long ago as a neophyte in opera appreciation. I had just seen Turandot and wanted the recording primarily for "Nessun Dorma", which I also love because of its use in the film, "The Killing Fields". But I have also appreciated the exquisite renderings of the other songs on the album. Callas. Caballe. Freni. Often, when a compilation like this comes out, one senses that the interpretations are second rate. In this case, it is just the opposite, or at least it seems that way to me.

The CD contains well known songs like "Vesti la Giubba" from Pagliacci, and "Un bel Di" from Madame Butterfly, but there are lesser known, and beautiful songs as well, such as "Viens, Malilika...sous Dome Epais" from Lakme', an absolutely gorgeous duet for two sopranos. I would highly reccomend this CD if you want to learn more about opera, or if you simply want some beautiful vocal music to listen to.

Wonderful compilation - Great intro!.......2004-11-09

This compilation features operatic legends like Domingo, Caballe, Freni, Corelli, Callas etc. at their very best. Wonderful for those who want to start to get aquainted with the magic that is opera. TOP NOTCH!!!! A+++++++++++

loved it.......2002-05-08

Callas singing Harbanera backed by the chorus is majestic and sublime. Heard it one day at work on public radio and had to have it.

NEW LOVER OF OPERA.......1999-12-10

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CD TO ALL TYPES OF MUSIC LOVERS.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH SOME BACKGROUND MUSIC FROM THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT AND SEARCHED FOR THE SONG - FLOWER DUET - AND PURCHASED THIS CD.

I WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY ALL THE SONGS. ANYONE WHO DOESN'T LIKE OPERA , HAS PROBABLY HEARD MANY OF THESE SONGS AS BACKGROUND MUSIC FROM THEIR FAVORITE MOVIES. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION.

Music to Wed By.......1999-08-11

Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" makes the overplayed Pavarotti version pale by comparison. We (a pair of newlyweds) heard it while sampling this album for wedding reception music and were so blown away that we used this piece for our recessional, earning the following wisecrack from our Cantor, "Oy! You followed me with Corelli? Thanks for nuthin'." We dare you to listen to this track without getting a shiver.

The Movies Go To The Opera: Great Operatic Melodies featured in

Average customer rating:

Unbelievable , this is Opera
For those who like the stirring operatic bits
EDUCATIONAL
Some of Opera's Best Gems
Some of Opera's Best Gems

The Movies Go To The Opera: Great Operatic Melodies featured in

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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ASIN: B000002SQ3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Fatal Attraction- Madama Butterfly- Un bel di
Death Of Butterfly
Giacomo Puccini / Turandot-Nessun Dorma (Witches Of Eastwick)
Lakme-Viens, Mallika (Someone To Watch Over Me)
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz (Moonstruck)
La Boheme-Mimi's Farewell (Moonstruck)
Dark Eyes / Una voce poco fa
Apocalypse Now / Ride of the Valkyries
Jean De Florette, Manon Of The Spring / Overture
La Wally-Ebben? Ne Andr Lontano (Diva)
Les Pecheurs De Perles-Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Gallipoli)
Manon Lescaut-Sola, Perduta E Abbandonata (Hannah And Her Sisters)
Gianni Schicchi-Firenze-Come...(Room With A View)
Gianni Schicchi-O Mio Babbino Caro (Room With A View)
Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
Cavalleria Rusticana-Intermezzo (Raging Bull)

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievable , this is Opera.......2007-06-26

These are opera melodies that have been adapted to some outstanding feature films. Looking at some of the scenes and hearing the music has enforced sight and sound. Even if you are not an opera buff or a movie buff you will be entralled by what you hear. You may even want to buy the film or the music album/

For those who like the stirring operatic bits.......2004-04-29

I'm not a diehard opera fan. That means I can't sit through the no or low musical sections. After all, opera is a visual art as well as an aural one, and there's alot of low energy periods where one would have to be watching it live to avoid slipping into a coma. If that. I tend to like the arias and the duets. These are the bill of fare on this album, with a healthy portion of brain glue added by each piece's tie-in with a major motion picture. For instance, a favorite picture of mine is the Australian production of "Gallipoli", which depicts the carnage inflicted on Aussie and Kiwi troopers doing the Queen's dirty work with wave after wave of direct frontal infantry assaults against Turkish heavily fortified breastworks and murdurous interlocking fields of fire of many heavy machine gun positions and pre-sited mortar batteries. There is a certain eerie and sad scene depicting a couple of young Aussie junior officers, boys really, in the tent of a superior on the night before the early morning attack. The viewer has the superior vision of recorded history, while these apple cheeks have no inkling of the mailed fist that will hammer them down in a few hours. The older officer puts a platter on the crank up Victrola, and for most of us, we get our first introduction to the haunting strains of "Au Fond du Temple Saint" from the French opera "Pêcheurs de Perles". I'm sure a portion of the haunting and eerie qualities stem from my total lack of french language skills. That piece will forever be associated with the bloodbath at Gallipoli Peninsula, at least as far as my brain goes. And so it goes with many of the other pieces of music in this collection. From "Apocolypse Now" is included the best piece of music to attack an enemy by, "Ride of the Valkyries" from the famous AirMobile copter assault, an attack scene that redefined cinematic battle sequencing forever. Everyone should recognise at least one musical movie slice here.
Tie ins include Raging Bull, Fatal Attraction, and Someone to Watch Over Me.

EDUCATIONAL.......2002-04-20

I BOUGHT THIS CD SOMETIME AGO WHEN I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERA. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CD'S OUT WHEN CONSIDERING TRYING TO TURN YOUNG PEOPLE ON TO THE ARTS, ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO THIS WILL DEFINETLY HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAVORITE.

Some of Opera's Best Gems.......2002-04-01

I've long been an opera fan, so you might expect me to sneer at a compilation. Not so! For opera fans, this is a "stroll down memory lane," offering some lovely jewels from well-loved operas. For those new to opera, this is a wonderful introduction. Even if you don't know the language or the story, you will be utterly transported by several of these arias.

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few tidbits about some of my favorites on this CD:

- The angelic duet from Lakmé is about a sacred river in India whose banks are overflowing with fragrant spring flowers.

- In the duet from Les Pecheurs de Perles (Pearl Fishers), two men who are best friends sing rapturously about falling in love at first sight with a beautiful woman; for each it was an almost mystical experience. When they realize they are in love with the SAME woman, they are alarmed, and vow to not let anything destroy their friendship.

- "Quando m'en vo" from La Bohème is really funny because a woman is bragging loudly about how popular she is, to make an ex-boyfriend jealous. (It works, and she wins him back.)

- The second aria from La Bohème--Mimi's dying words to her lover Rodolfo and her dear friends--is beautiful and touching. However, you should also hear the glorious songs that Mimi and Rudolfo sing when they first fall in love! (Those are not in this collection.)

- The dreamy and mysterious "Nessun Dorma" is sung by a man who eagerly anticipates being married to a beautiful princess the next day, but who may very well be put to death instead. His fate hangs in the balance as all the residents of ancient Peking stay awake all night, trying to discover his secret.

Of course, the only way to really know what opera is about is to go to a live performance, where you not only hear the glorious music but also enjoy the entertaining story, costumes, sets, and action. Good bets at first are operas by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini--hold off on Wagner for a while! ....

For what it's meant to do, I would give this CD full marks (5 stars).

Some of Opera's Best Gems.......2002-04-01

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few tidbits about some of my favorites on this CD:

- The angelic duet from Lakmé is about a sacred river in India whose banks are overflowing with fragrant spring flowers.

- "Quando m'en vo" from La Bohème is really funny because a woman is bragging loudly about how popular she is, to make an ex-boyfriend jealous. (It works, and she wins him back.)

For what it's meant to do, I would give this CD full marks (5 stars).

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