Great Verdi Arias

On this CD:

1. Falstaff, opera E sogno o realtà?
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

2. La forza del destino, opera Morir! tremenda cosa-Urna fatale de mio destino
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

3. Rigoletto, opera Cortigiani, vil razza dannata
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

4. Otello, opera Vanne! la tua meta già vedo-Credo in un Dio crude!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

5. Macbeth, opera Perfidi!-Pietà, rispetto, amore
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

6. Il Trovatore, opera Tutto è deserto-ll Balen del suo soriso
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

7. La Traviata, opera Di Provenza il mar
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

8. Un ballo in maschera, opera Alzati! là tuo figlio-Eri tu che macchiavi quell'anima
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with Louis Quilico
Conducted by Uri Mayer

Tracks:

La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
Carmen Bizet: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
Luisa Miller: O! fede negar potessi .. Quando le sere al placido
La Traviata: Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti
Martha: M'appari
Giordano: Amor ti vieta
L'Africaine: Mi batte il cuor .. O paradiso
La Favorita: Favorita del re . . . Spirto gentil
Werther: 'Pourquoi me reveiller'
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem Schein'
Les Contes d'Hoffmann: O Dieu! De quelle ivresse
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Pagliacci: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Aida: Se quel guerrier .. Celeste Aida
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
Turandot: Nessun dorma

Customer Reviews:

The End of the Big Voice?.......2007-04-16

This CD, which is truly fine overall, reminds me of Marilyn Horne's lament that we have probably seen the end of the big voice and it makes me sad. I agree with the reviewer who refers to "microphonies". And more justice could be done to Bjorling's voice with a better transfer. But at some point, music becomes a matter of taste and I prefers singers who have the instrument and the support and the training, whether formal or not, to just let fly and take a chance on making a mistake. Domingo can be wonderful and so can his musicianship but he tends to be so stiff. I have to wonder at the virulence and asperity with which some people go after Pavarotti. It's true that late in his career he made some questionable recordings but the answer to that is simple: don't buy them. At his best, he belongs for all time in the top echelon of tenors. I love this CD and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great (big) voices.

Fla Gator Lady.......2007-01-12

Highly recommend this CD with these beloved arias of the greatest tenors in opera. I have owned this CD for a couple of years and purchased another for a friend who always requests that I play it ... perfect for listening in the car, dinner, bridge games, relaxation ... just so perfect. You won't be disappointed in this one.

20 Great Tenor Arias.......2007-01-09

A great disc,combination of the greatest tenors of the 20th century and some of the most beautiful music ever written in any century,a must addition to any opera lovers collection.

Plesantly surprised..........2006-01-14

I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.

First it is a great buy. A booklet with pictures of each tenor, a small bio, the year recorded and TRANSLATIONS of each aria are provided. This is really nice. It seems more & more that translations are being left out. Being a former opera singer, I may know most of the words, but sometimes it's just nice to read along (sometimes it's just nice to listen too).

Being on the Decca label, there is admittedly quite a few Pavarotti selections. Out of 20 selections, he has 6 of them. But I love Pavarotti, so this is no problem for me. These are all early recordings & his voice is magnificent! Being a singer, I still marvel at his ability to sing "All'armi!" on a high D and still say the 2nd syllable "mi" on such a note! WOW. There is also of course his very sweet, impassioned and lyrical turn as Rodolfo in "La Boheme" as well as the lesser known (although I still have it on casette) "La Favorita" which has a particularly high tessitura.

Also featured are a young Plácido Domingo singing a VERY nice "Flower song/ La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Carmen. He usually sounds too pushed for me on the top notes (as one might expect from a Pavarotti fan, I like free top notes) but in this recording he is pretty darn fabulous. He also sings an aria from "Tales of Hoffman/Les Contes d'Hoffman" and I have always felt that he, like Neil Schicoff, were well suited to this role.

Lamentably there are only one selection each from Carreras, Correlli, Monaco, Aragall & Kollo. Especial kudos to the young recording they feature for Aragall. He had a very free and nice high tenor well suited to Verdi. Of course as his career went forward with the natural darkening of his voice and the "heavier" roles, he did start to develop a wobble. But this recording is before that. His top, his phrasing are all beautifully done in his featured aria from "La Traviata."
Mario del Monaco's "E lucevan le stelle" is hauntingly beautiful and has such a wonderful pianissimo in it that it makes you just want to gasp for beauty's sake. I now know every tenor I've heard sing this aria was trying to emulate what he did.

This is a great CD because it does bring together on one CD some of the greatest singers of the 20th/21st century. Bergonzi, di Stefano, Björling, in addition to the previously mentioned artists is quite an impressive collection. I'm sure there's only one of each for Carreras, Aragall (I believe they are formerly EMI/Angel artists) and perhaps some of the others because they are "imported" from another label. There's so much Pavarotti on this CD because he IS a Decca artist.

A highly recommended CD, affordable, not the usually obscure and unpolished artists that are sometimes found on compilations. Plus acutal linear notes and translations. Nicely done, Decca!!!

Absolutely Agree About Corelli.......2005-05-27

Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did! As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!

Average customer rating:

heywhattsamattayou
full of passion and love
Absolutely Beautiful!
Where is Amore I?

Amore II ~ Great Italian Love Arias

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Amor--Opera's Great Love Songs
The Best of Italian Opera
The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Most Famous Opera Duets
Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

ASIN: B00004C4MX
Release Date: 2000-02-01

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:

Great Voice
Florez shines in enticing variety, versatility of repertoire
Third album by Florez
Florez in another dazzling disc!
Muy bien cantado...Pero falta algo

Great Tenor Arias

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Juan Diego Florez ~ Rossini Arias
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Sentimiento Latino
Sentimiento Latino
Rossini - Il Barbiere Di Siviglia / Juan Diego Florez, Maria Bayo, Pietro Spagnoli, Ruggero Raimondi, Bruno Pratico, Gianluigi Gelmetti, Madrid Opera

ASIN: B0002K6ZWU
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

J'ai Perdu Mon Euridice
Pietoso Al Lungo PiantoAlfin M'arride Amore...Deh! Lasciate A Un'Alma Amante
La Speranza Piu Soave Gia Quest'Alma Lusingava
Eccomi Finalmente...Feste? Pompe? Omaggi? Onori?
Loin De Son Amie Vivre Sans Plaisirs
Languir Per Una Bella
La Donna E Mobile
Pria Che Spunti In Ciel L'aurora
Com'e Soave Quest'Ora Di Silenzio Al Mio Dolente Cor... Anch'io Provai Le Tenere Smanie D'un Puro Amore
Avete Torto!...Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito

Amazon.com

Here the remarkable young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez not only offers us what we've become accustomed to---gorgeous, graceful singing of very difficult bel canto gems (in this case, high-flying, virtuosic arias from Rossini's Semiramide and L'Italiana in Algeri. He also ventures into unknown waters. He sings an aria added by Donizetti for an Italian production of The Daughter of the Regiment ("La figlia" rather than the usual "La fille") which turns out to be just right for his voice, and he charms with his crisp diction and youthful approach. Paolino's aria from Cimarosa's Il matrimonio segreto is a substantial piece of bel canto writing, with some nice coloratura fireworks near the end which Florez sails through with ease, and Rinuccio's ditty from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi---perhaps the most heavily orchestrated piece he's sung and stylistically the opposite of anything else on the CD---is also tossed off with true élan. On the other hand, Florez has a lot to learn about the Gluckian style, judging from his Romantic approach to Orphée's aria, and his French could use some brushing up if he's going to sing anything from Halévy's La Juive, although the vocal hurdles that the composer put in the tenor's way do not seem to bother him at all. A surprising disappointment is "La donna e mobile," which is over-sung and charm free. But can any tenor around be expected to sing all of these (and a few others, too) perfectly? Florez remains a true delight, his sound beautiful, his production easy from top to bottom. Despite reservations, highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Great Voice.......2007-05-13

This young tenor is a worthy successor to Carreras, he will be a superb singer.

Florez shines in enticing variety, versatility of repertoire.......2005-03-14

An altogether delightful disc. The arias on here that do not require heavy pryotechnics are delightful and reveal a very pleasant insouciance of tone and character that are very fitting, only very intermittently offset by a slight hardness of tone on top. The aria from Semiramide and cabaletta to the charming Cimarosa aria serve up the fireworks, so common on the first disc and perhaps the one that followed it, for those listeners who are attracted to this disc by having heard especially the first and highly brilliant all-Rossini outing. Rossini is also well represented here by a charming romanza and lively cabaletta from Italiana in Algeri.

Several rarities are included, unlike with the above, and he makes something very charming and inviting of the selection from Verdi's Un giorno di regno (Verdi's rarely performed comedic second opera). The alternate Italian aria from Fille du regiment is a welcome supplement to his having recorded the more famous aria for Tony on his second recital disc. The aria from Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia (an easy equal to Lucia in inspiration) is also a highlight, Florez's insouciance of manner here particularly telling, as it has fatal consequences for his character and all this character's buddies in this opera. Eleazar's aria, or one of them, from Halevy's La Juive reveals the possibility of a little greater reach into repertoire that approaches the dramatic for this tenor - but one senses as well that he will and can, should take his time getting there. The tribute to Firenze from Gianni Schicchi at or toward the end of this recital is compelling enough to convince the most hardened travel cynic buying this disc to call the airlines/hotels, inns to book for there right away. The "Che faro" from Orfeo (but sung in French) is an ideal vehicle from which Florez can deliver such a sublime and heartfelt lament, as heard here, albeit a bit too closely recorded.

Carlo Rizzi, not always dependable, gives fine accompaniments here. The engineering does place the voice just a bit too forward, however, yet ironically a voice that has developed full body and better evenness than when his first all-Rossini disc was recorded (yet still certainly too early to tackle the part of Eleazer on stage as of yet), erasing any concerns I may have had at that time. For some readers, any problem with the sound quality here might demote this outing to four stars, but taking the singing, the interesting repertoire chosen for this disc, and the fine, deft accompaniments from Rizzi and the Verdi orchestra from Milan (some alternate band to Muti's peerless one at La Scala? - the endless nature of so much politics in music), have me sticking with five, and with a mind about several other vocal recital discs that have been getting rated too highly on this website.

Ditto. Just received credible correction from Vince Chau of one piece of misinformation I submitted here. The aria that Florez sings from La Juive belongs to the second tenor part of Leopold, not that of Eleazar. While I am on the subject of corrections of my reviews, he also had said that I had incorrectly challenged Gheorghiu's Laggiu nel Soledad for having ended on a high C. Not having been so graphic as that in how I describe what happened there, I had led him to believe and perhaps a few others that I was saying there was no high C in the aria at all, so I have just taken pains to fully explain the situation on the new Gheorghiu Puccini recital by thereby editing my review of it. I would not trade Gina Cigna's ONLY high C TOWARD the end of Laggiu nel Soledad for all the gold in Fort Knox, or Nilsson's or Tebaldi's ...

Third album by Florez.......2005-01-01

This, the young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez' third album, includes more of the bel canto repertory with which he has risen to international fame. Hearing Lindoro's scene from L'Italiana in Algeri, to cite one example, will make the first-time listener realize why. The tenor's firm, even tone, agility in coloratura and secure high notes--all the way up to a solid high D in one selection--are still sources of wonder.

"Great Tenor Arias" also includes forays into other areas of the repertory, from operas which Florez has not yet sung and may never sing on stage. Indeed, one hopes that no one talks him into trying Verdi's Duke of Mantua any time soon--his rendition of "La Donna e Mobile" is solid, if a bit lacking in charm, but the entire role would surely overtax his vocal resources. Puccini's Rinuccio, from the evidence of Florez' take on the aria from Gianni Schicchi that concludes this somewhat short (less than an hour of music) CD, would be a more comfortable fit, but he is already too much of a marquee name to take on what is basically a supporting role.

If this CD as a whole leaves a slightly unsatisfying impression, it is because the experiments by Florez remain just that--vocal explorations rather than performances undertaken out of deep dramatic or musical conviction. In addition, some of the more obscure music, Cimarosa and early Verdi in particular, is not of the highest quality, and here Florez' comparative inability to characterize vocally becomes a liability. All in all, despite the outstanding singing, a newcomer to this tenor's art would probably be better served by starting with one of his two earlier albums, the first of Rossini, the second Bellini/Donizetti.

Florez in another dazzling disc!.......2004-11-25

Juan Diego Florez is definitely on a spin and that well-deserved
journey is the product of fine training, excellent coaching, and a keen sense of pacing in a career that tends to push the gifted ones too quickly. Though Florez' crowning gifts are in the bel canto repertoire, with this recording he just starts there and pushes into the range of more lyrical arias, and to these ears he succeeds in demonstrating how special is this beautiful voice.

Even the decision about lineup of arias on this fine recording is intelligent: Florez moves from Gluck, Cimarosa and Rossini into Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini with great ease. Here is a tenor who can belt out the high notes to please the balcony but who is equally sensitive to the diminuendos and barely audible phrases that mark the true artist.

Dashingly handsome, and physically as well as vocally a fine actor on stage, this CD simply further demonstrates that Juan Diego Florez is one of the brightest tenors before us today. It is interesting to see how many Latin American tenors are suddenly becoming so important - Villazon, Calleja, Alvarez, Florez, etc. Refreshing! GRady Harp, November 2004.

Muy bien cantado...Pero falta algo.......2004-11-07

JUAN DIEGO FLOREZ es sin duda alguna el mejor tenor de la actualidad en su repertorio (Rossini y ciertos roles belcantistas) y sus trabajos discograficos siempre consiguen los mas fervientes aplausos. Yo mismo, ya elogie en su dia aqui sus dos registros anteriores en solitario con este mismo sello.
Pero ahora, en este tercer trabajo, la magia no se produce de igual manera que las veces anteriores: la voz sigue estando ahi, bellisima y con un alarde de agudos bastante importante...Pero el repertorio no es el mas adecuado a la vocalidad de Florez, por lo que le ofrece escasas posibilidades de lucimiento. Un repertorio como este, en la voz de un tenor desconocido que comienza pudo haber sido interesante, pero en la voz de un tenor ya consagrado como es Florez, deja una sensacion de vacio bastante grave. Habra que esperar al cuarto (ya se anuncian "Canciones latinoamericanas" en lo que puede ser un interesante cambio de registrio) para ver si se vuelve a producir la magia.
CARLO RIZZI y la orquesta rinden a un buen nivel, mucho mayor que la orquesta y el director del disco anterior de Florez.

Lyric & Coloratura Arias by Maria Callas (EMI's Great Recordings of the Century)

Average customer rating:

Early Callas
A litmus test for appreciating Callas
Great recordings of the century A label this recording deserves

Lyric & Coloratura Arias by Maria Callas (EMI's Great Recordings of the Century)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puccini: Arias
Verdi Heroines
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
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Verdi: Arias, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000AQACUM
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Ecco: Respiro Appena. Io Son L'umile Ancella
Poveri Fiori
La Mamma Morta
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
Una Voce Poco Fa
Ombra Leggera
Dov'e L'Indiana Bruna?
Merce, Dilette Amiche
Dei Tuoi Figli La Madre
Tu Che Invoco Con Orrore
O Nume, Tutelar
Caro Oggetto

Customer Reviews:

Early Callas.......2007-05-12

This is a very fine representation of Maria Callas in her early prime. The voice is in great shape and this is a wonderful introduction to her artistry and range of styles, especially for interested parties who do not know her. This is a must to have in your vocal collection.

A litmus test for appreciating Callas.......2006-03-17

I can remember my shock at eightenn when I was on my own for the first time and could play any recordings I wanted without offending my non-musical family. I knew Maria Callas by reputation and bought one of her famous performances, Carmen, only to hear not a celestially beautiful voice but a hooded, murky one that wobbled in all registers and screeched in the upper ones. Everyone who first encounters her discovers that Callas was possessed of a mesmerizing artistry but nothing like a lovely voice. In fact, she disdained lovely singing. This is too well known to repeat again; everything about Callas has been over-described, analyzed, worshipped, condemned, apologized for, and obsessed over.

Her Carmen came late in her career, unlike this famous mono recording from 1954, but its close miking and hard sound (made better by remastering) reveal all too painfully the same flaws. It could serve as a litmus test for whether a listener will ever "get" the Callas phenomenon. Her artistry couldn't be more intense and searching than it is in the five verismo arias at the beginning--even non-opera lovers know her 'La Mamma Morta' from its heartbreaking use in the movie 'Philadelphia,' where the dying Tom Hanks acts out its meaning as he walks in a trance of ecstasy clutching his IV stand.

I have lain awake listening to those five arias every night for a month, and it says something for Callas's art that I can foresee listening to them again. Not now, perhaps, becasue even the best things wear out with repetiiton. I just thought it was good to pay tribute to them and the deep emotions they inspired. My incidental motive, since EMI has rehashed every Callas item to death, is to point out that this indeed is one of her greatest recordings, an essential not just for lovers of singing but for the history of opera itself.

Great recordings of the century A label this recording deserves.......2005-09-21

Recorded in September 1954 together with Puccini Arias. This recording shows the La Divina in the prime of her vocal abilities. This 1954 recording presents Callas with enormous range of musical styles in which the La Divina was entirely at home. This recording refects Callas ability not just to sing but to put drama in every aria. I am happy that finally EMI gave this recording the recognition in it deserves "Great Recordings of the Century". For those who do not want to purchase the Recitals 1954-1969 [BOX SET] or plans to buy the recital collection one buy one , I strongly suggest to purchase this edition, the cover has the original cover artwork of the original LP (very nostalgic).

Jennifer Larmore Sings Great Operatic Arias

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The Art of Serious Fun
Larmore at her best again!

Jennifer Larmore Sings Great Operatic Arias

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazón: Duets
Soprano
Russian Album
Rossini - L'Italiana in Algeri
La Nilsson: My Life in Opera

ASIN: B000NY166A
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Star Of the Evening
O My Beloved
Fierce Flames Are Raging
Love Like Mine Is the Light Of Creation
That Ungrateful Man Betrayed Me
Where Was I?
My Beloved
Hence, Iris Hence Away!
Tell Me, My Beating Heart
See, O Norma
O Hated Gift
Juliet's Waltz Song

Customer Reviews:

The Art of Serious Fun.......2007-07-01

While most opera stars are submitting to record label hype and narrow artistic freedom, Jennifer Larmore seems to be flourishing in the recording studio. With Opera Rara and now Chandos behind her, she continues to offer sumptuous recordings that are both entertaining and of great artistic caliber. Certainly Larmore does not have to prove herself as she has been performing for nearly 25 years. Anyone who has seen her live knows she is the real deal and she is in top form on this arias disc. Now, mind you, she is singing both mezzo and soprano roles here. And in English. I was skeptical. Being a huge Larmore fan, I though "uh, oh"...My last Chandos purchase was Elizabeth Futral's arias disc and I was not impressed. But here the translations (sung in delicious theatrical English), top-notch singing by Je La and perfect conducting by David Parry with the Philharmonia Orchestra combine to make a highly addictive disc that will go down in history with Larmore's classics Where Shall I Fly and Call Me Mister. She really sets the bar high for other singers.

Thankfully, Larmore goes out of her comfort zone and sings some arias that one would not normally associate with this fearless singer. The Don Carlos and Trovatore arias will certainly give her naysayers something to chew on, but she does it! Note the last few bars of "O Hated Gift". I was on the edge of my seat.

The opening number ("Star of the Evening" from Adriana Lecouvreur) alone is worth the price of the disc. Orchestra and singer match brilliantly and Larmore's final bars brought tears to my eyes. It's good stuff.

The weak spots are minor. Poor Colin Lee is left on the floor in the Favorita duet. A more experienced tenor would have made this duet electrifying. On the other hand, Larmore alone (track 2) singing "O My Beloved" from Favorita proves (as she did in 2001 with OONY) that she should be singing this role on the stage and in a full recording while we're at it. She is Leonora and the tension she creates is heartbreaking.

I could have done without Hence, Iris Hence Away, heard on her In Performance DVD and Where Shall I Fly cd (surely there are other Handel arias, but perhaps that's another Chandos disc in the works???!!!), but it displays how she can still sing Handel like no other. The Tancredi aria is a nice surprise.

The Gioconda track is a blood and guts duet thanks to Susan Patterson and Larmore's singing. I love how Opera Rara and Chandos recital cds always include duets and more. Larmore is a generous singer and part of her genius is how she works off other artists.

As with every Larmore recital disc, she closes with a treat. Juliet's Waltz Song from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet???? Is she kidding??? Nope. I've heard many a soprano struggle though this aria and merely pull it off with a pinched high note. Should Larmore be singing this aria? Hell, no...Can she? Hell, yes!!! But what's so special is she sings it with pure pleasure; as if she'd sung this song her whole career. Not as a mezzo slumming it in soprano territory. And I think that's what she's trying to tell us here. Have fun, be true to your art form and never pander to your audience.

Larmore at her best again!.......2007-06-01

Jennifer Larmore is my favorite mezzosoprano since the very first time. Such an extraordinary artist! To enjoy!

Jennifer Larmore es mi mezzosoprano favorita desde la primera vez que la escuché. Es una artista extraordinaria y este nuevo cd, a pesar de estar grabado en inglés, muestra, una vez más, la calidad interpretativa de esta maravillosa cantante. Incluso se permite el lujo de cantar el vals de Juliette con más seguridad que muchas sopranos que la tienen en repertorio.

Jewel Song ~ 20 Great Soprano Arias / Crespin, Freni, Te Kanawa, Sutherland, Jo, Tebaldi, Cotrubas, Caballé, Cerquetti...

Average customer rating:

Jewel Song 20 Great Soprano Arias
Sutherland, Battle, Te Kanawa.....Need I say More?
A good selection
A few real jewels with a couple of paste ones mixed in...
Very Nice

Jewel Song ~ 20 Great Soprano Arias / Crespin, Freni, Te Kanawa, Sutherland, Jo, Tebaldi, Cotrubas, Caballé, Cerquetti...

Manufacturer: Decca
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ASIN: B000024581
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Dove Sono: Le Nozze di Figaro
Un Bel Di: Madama Butterfly
Merce, Dilette Amiche (Bolero): I Vespri Siciliani
Deh Vieni, Non Tardar: Le Nozze di Figaro
Ebben? ... Ne Andro Lontana: La Wally
Suicidio! La Gioconda
Signore, Ascolta! Turandot
Convien Partir! La Figlia del Reggimento
Chi il Sogno di Doretta (Doretta's Dream): La Rondine
Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia: Un Ballo in Maschera
O Dieu! Que de Bijoux! (Jewel Song) Faust
Vissi d'Arte: Tosca
O Mio Babbino Caro: Gianni Schicchi
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi: La Boheme
Mesicku na Nebi Hlubokem (O Silver Moon): Rusalka
Quando m'en Vo (Musetta's Waltz Song): La Boheme
Tu Che di Gel Sei Cinta: Turandot
Welch Wonne, Welche Lust: Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail
Du Bist der Lenz: Die Walkure
Der Holle Rache: Die Zauberflote

Customer Reviews:

Jewel Song 20 Great Soprano Arias.......2006-06-26

Recording quality excellent
A must for the soprano voice lover

Sutherland, Battle, Te Kanawa.....Need I say More?.......2005-12-30

This truly is a marvellous recording of the top Soprano's of our time in their prime. The Album starts with Kiri Te Kanawa singing Mozart's "Dove Sono", in which she captures the true essence of a wife questioning her marriage that has disintegrated over the years. And her phrasing in this song is heavenly. Battle's version of "Welche Wonne" is the best I've heard to date. I've listened to numerous other recordings of this aria and still havent found one that measures up to this one. Sutherland pulls off gounod's "O dieu, que di bijoux" excellently, with the greatest of ease. I could go on and on, but I'll end my review with this: These are excellent recordings of excellent singers at their very best, singing music by the masters. It would be worth your money.

A good selection.......2004-11-04

I rate this as a very valuable sampler. It gives the listener not only a reasonable introduction to various operatic works and styles (though there is a prominent Puccini verissimo presence) but a good introduction to the different artists. I like the fact that some operas feature more than one work on the CD because there's less of a chance you'll fall in love with one aria and go buy the entire opera, only to discover that the aria is nearly all that you enjoy.

As for the sopranos... I adored nearly all of them. I have listened to many of their recordings and I can vouch for these arias as good indicators of their outstanding talent....the few exceptions will follow, however.

I make special mention of some sopranos. Leontyne Price's Tosca, is the first. Her Aida has been her crown jewel but I would place her Tosca as a very strong rival. Also, the Turandot recording with Monsterrat Caballe is perhaps the finest on CD, and her Liu here shows why: she is blessed with a heart-melting upper register. Pilar Lorengar's Russalka was a very pleasant surprise...I wish I could find a complete recording of her singing the title role. I believe we will just have to contend with this however. I'd never heard of Virginia Zeani prior to this CD but I loved the secure purchase and `sanguine tinge' of her voice...I'll be on the look out for her in the future. Of course, we get a reliable performance from Mirella Freni: touching and delicate as usual, but never weak. Kathleen Battle proves why she can get away with her notoriously despicable attitude: she really was the golden voice of the Met! Sumi Jo's technically perfect and stunning aria (again a good indicator of what you can generally expect from her) is the perfect, exciting end to this compilation.

The exceptions? I found Graziella Sciutti's tone to be too `heady'... if you'll forgive the crude term. I imagined the sound to come from an old woman. This will be a matter of preference. Renata Tebaldi is a touchy subject for some people because of some petty bashing that sometimes takes place. While I'm no `basher,' I never found her voice aesthetically appealing. I find her tone metallic and hard. Here, however, is the best I've heard her (I've heard her Cavaleria Rusticana, her La Wally and her Turandot). While her La Rondine here is not bad, Angela Georghiu's interpretation is one example of a soprano who is vastly superior in my opinion. Finally, the `immortal' Kirsten Flagstad performs "Du bist der Lenz" from Die Walkure in Wagner's Ring cycle. The old sound quality aside, I would not have enjoyed her Sieglinde, `full-throated' as it was. I wrote this off immediately as an idiosyncrasy for Flagstad fans. Apologies if anyone is offended (and this is sincere) but the whole musical effect is that of some lumbering leviathan...this is the stereotypical tedium that people ascribe to Wagner. All-in-all, however, I found the experience invaluable. I certainly am more aware of recordings that I'm not likely to enjoy and so have avoided making mistakes. When saying so, however, these sopranos are truly legendary. But as in all things, preferences will vary and so I have stated mine.

A few real jewels with a couple of paste ones mixed in..........2004-11-04

Most aria/song compilations suck. That's just the nature of compilations in general - It's hard to get a good mix of singers, arias and performances that will appeal to a broad audience.

This one mostly succeeds with a few exceptions. The singers are, over-all, excellently selected. Most of the performers are excellent singers, and their respective selections show them at the highest level of their careers. This was a treat to realize, because quite often, compilations fall back on using poorer quality artists.

There are a few, however, that don't match up to the performances of some of the other soprani on the album. That's not to say that they don't have their own talent and value, but it's hard to appreciate their lesser stars when faced with the brilliance of Caballe, L. Price & other similar talents.

The selection of arias was also not to my taste. I personally could live in peace the rest of my days without hearing another "O Mio Babbino Caro," but personal taste aside, it would have been nice to hear some of the greater, but less frequently performed arias, as well as some of the commonly done but more appealing arias, too.

Out of all the music written by Mozart and Wagner, the best they could do was Welche Wonne, welche Lust & Du bist der Lenz?

This probably isn't a great album to introduce newbies to opera in general, but there is some good listening on it - particularly Caballe's Signore, Ascolte & Tebaldi's Che il bel sogno di Doretta.

Very Nice.......2002-09-01

As a big fan of the many "Top such and such sopranos" type CDs, I found this to be one of the best yet. It exemplifies the highlights of each sopranos career...and leaves you with a great impression of them all.

Tracks:

'Even Bravest Heart My Swell'
'I Am The Barber Everyone Wants, I Am!
'Must I Be Made To Suffer'
'Look Down, Oh Gentle Evening Star'
'You Have My Love And My Devotion
'Oh Wine, Deliver Me From Sadness' - Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
'Marriage Is Sacred' - I Was Right To Be So Suspicious'
'Turning My Gaze Upon This Proud Assembly'
'O Nadir, Best Of Friends'
Billy In The Darbies
'Though I'm Somewhat Out Of Practice' - Janice Watson
'Hello, Here's A Soldier Bold' - Janice Watson
'I Wonder What He'll Think Of Me!'
'In Visions, Illusions'

Customer Reviews:

A good collection.......2007-05-14

Unlike the huge names, collections by Allen are not many - plenty of his opera performances are recorded, but there are only a few collections. My voice teacher recommended I listen to him to understand better how to deliver power without weight, something we've been working on. Yes, it's all in English, but that's fine, and the quality of Allen's instrument comes through very well.

A Musician of Great Dignity and Style.......2005-07-27

Sir Thomas Allen is one of the enduring baritones who has been able to move throughout the operatic repertoire and the recital stage with intelligence, informed characterization, and immaculate musicianship. To have a recording of some of the roles he has inhabited at this point in his career is a gift (this CD was recorded in 2003). To have the added challenge of retaining the stature of the roles while sung in English translations at the request of Chandos is a credit to his abilities and communicative powers.

English is a difficult language to make musical, though saying that abruptly is countered by the fact that some of the most beautiful operas in history are by Benjamin Britten, a composer who truly understood his native tongue and kept it as fluid as the soaring melodies he wrote, as Thomas Allen proves here in 'Billy in the Darbies' from Britten's 'Billy Budd'. It is the other major arias from Korngold to Wagner to Tchaikovsky to Rossini, Bizet, Mozart, Gounod, Verdi, Thomas, Strauss, and Lehar that Allen proves that English translations do not detract at all from the performances!

For those purists who prefer opera sung in the original language (and for those who don't even need supertitles in the opera house!), then this recording may provide a temporary barrier to respecting Allen's singing. But once caught up in the ease with which he moves from style to style and comedy to drama, it is hard not to relinquish old preferences and not be wholly impressed with the beauty of the voice and the warmth and dignity of this fine musician. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, July 05

Passed the "Opera in English" test with flying colors........2005-07-04

For me, the test here was Figaro's Cavatina, from Rossini's Barber of Seville - sung in English, as is this entire compilation of 14 operatic favorites, sung by baritone Sir Thomas Allen. Could he pull it off? Could Chandos pull it off? The answer is an unequivocal, unqualified yes! The secret in singing classics in English, that were written and scored in another language, is in three things: pacing, vocal agility and appreciation for "fit", and what greater test for tongue and timing than Figaro? When you listen to this one song, you will understand why Chandos and its benefactor, Sir Peter Moores have such a passion for their Opera in English series. Sir Allen's voice is a matured unmistakably settled baritone voice that contains a lifetime's worth of understanding of the music and words he imparts through his magnificent delivery. For example, when he sings, Tchaikovsky's "You have my love and devotion" from The Queen of Spades, he delivers a smooth and deeply emotional rendition that lacks nothing in translation. Wagner's "Turning my gaze upon this proud assembly", from Tannhäuser is another example of how fine, full orchestration behind a seasoned voice that waxes eloquent with every phrase, can create a mood of relaxed familiarity with word and music, that may be lacking when sung in another tongue. Great Operatic Arias, serves up a smorgasbord of tunes that are familiar, made more so by the care and attention given to creating a place for the Opera in English series in every home library. The mood here is romantic, relaxed and with few exceptions consistent throughout. If you haven't heard Opera in English, this might be a good way to start, given the fact that the listener gets to sample how different composers might sound in other than German, Italian or French. You might be surprised to discover that when done with care, as is obviously the case here, the sound is about as good as it gets. As an added bonus, the booklet that comes with the CD is full of pictures, libretto in English, and biography that gives us a good insight into history of the singer and his identifying rolls.

Average customer rating:

The CD in my collection most loved by friends..
Wonderful selection of great singing.

Amore: The Great Italian Love Arias

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026Z5
Release Date: 1989-10-24

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro (From Gianni Schicchi) - Kiri Te Kanawa
Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta (From La Rondine) - Kiri Te Kanawa
Quando M'en Vo' Soletta (From La Boheme) - Kiri Te Kanawa
Che Gelida Manina (From La Boheme) - Luciano Pavarotii
Mi Chiamano Mimi (From La Boheme) - Eva Marton
Donde Lieta Usci (From La Boheme) - Eva Marton
Recondita Armonia (From Tosca) - Richard Tucker
Vissi D'arte (From Tosca) - Kiri Te Kanawa
E Lucevan Le Stelle (From Tosca) - Richard Tucker
Un Bel Di Vedremo (From Madama Butterfly) - Kiri Te Kanawa
Addio, Fiorito Asil (From Madama Butterfly) - Richard Tucker
Tu, Tu, Piccolo Iddio (From Madama Butterfly) - Eva Marton
Tu, Che Di Gel Sei Cinta (From Turandot) - Eva Marton
Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero (From La Fanciulla Del West) - Richard Tucker
Il Lamento Di Federico (From L'Arlesiana) - Richard Tucker
La Donna E Mobile (From Rigoletto) - Luciano Pavarotti
Vesti La Giubba (From Pagliacci) - Luciano Pavarotti
Caro Nome Che Il Mio Cor (From Rigoletto) - Ileana Cotrubas
Amor Ti Vieta (From Fedora) - Luciano Pavarotti
Celeste Aida (From Aida) - Richard Tucker
Una Furtiva Lagrime (From L'Elisir D'amore) (Mono) - Richard Tucker
Ah! Si Ben Mio (From Il Trovatore) (Mono) - Richard Tucker
M'appari (From Martha) - Richard Tucker

Customer Reviews:

The CD in my collection most loved by friends.........2000-01-03

This remarkable collection of arias, with consistently high sound quality sound, was my introduction to opera, an addiction that turned feverish. Most singular, however, is the reaction of anyone who hears it. I have had it for 8-9 years and all those friends who wrote down the title have been unable to find it. On a whim, I tried a search on Amazon, and now have a long list of people to call. It is rich, lustrous music, that always leaves me with my arm hairs raised. The ultimate test. Get it and addict your friends, minus the frustration of not having a source for them to find it.

Wonderful selection of great singing........1999-10-12

Even if you don't like "Opera Highlights", you probably will love this. Some great artists recorded at their best. Everyone I play it for, goes out and buys the CD.