Un Poco Loco

1. Poco Loco

2. Swinging Shepherd Blues (Goes Latin)

3. Alma con Alma

4. Timbalon

5. Chang

6. Machito Forever

7. Prelude to a Kiss

8. Killer Joe

9. Tritone

10. Alluya

Un Poco Loco,Tito Puente,Concord Records,Afro-Cuban Jazz,Big Band Latino,Cuban Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Latin,Latin Continuum,Latin Jazz,Latin Pop,Leader,Mambo,Salsa,Tropical

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro / Don Giovanni / Così fan tutte / Die Zauberflöte - The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus / Arnold Östman

Average customer rating:

Refreshing and Surprising!
Some of the most thought-provoking recordings ever, combined with some of the most perfect performances I have ever heard.
Best ever!!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro / Don Giovanni / Così fan tutte / Die Zauberflöte - The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus / Arnold Östman
Barbara Bonney , Arleen Auger , and The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006IU7V
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Album Details

These Pioneering Performances of Four of Mozart's Greatest and Most Popular Operas under the Direction of Arnold Östman were Recorded at Nacka Aula, Stockholm. They all Attracted Great Critical Acclaim at the Time of their Original Release and have Been a Part of Decca's Vast Opera Catalogue Ever Since. The Da Ponte Trilogy (One of the Greatest Librettist/Composer Collaborations in the Entire History of Music), Comprising Le Nozze Di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Così Fan Tutte, is Paired with One of Mozart's Last Operas, Dating from the Last Year of his Life, Die Zauberflöte. The Superb Casts Assembled for These Recordings Include Such Experienced Mozart Interpreters as Arleen Auger (Countess, Donna Anna), Barbara Bonney (Susanna, Zerlina, Pamina), Håkan Hagegård (Count, Don Giovanni, Speaker), Sumi Jo (Queen of the Night), Della Jones (Marcellina, Donna Elvira), Petteri Salomaa (Figaro), Kurt Streit (Tamino), Lillian Watson (Papagena), Gösta Winbergh (Ferrando), Rachel Yakar (Fiordilig

Customer Reviews:

Refreshing and Surprising!.......2006-11-24

I would strongly recommend this collection to anyone who is seeking a new approach and sound world for these Mozart operas. Ostman opts for brisk tempi and transparent textures, but hardly ever at the expense of characterization or expressivity. The singers respond to the challenge with performances that bristle with excitement and fun. The cast blends with the orchestra like a chamber music ensemble, inspiring the listener to experience the opera as a conversation between the text and the intimations expressed in Mozart's musically and psychologically penetrating orchestration. Occasionally one may miss the lyric line and warmth associated with such great Mozart conductors as Bruno Walter or Karl Bohm; but the brio, virtousity, and brilliant insights of Ostman compensate with different kinds of rewards. Also, there is an intimate atmosphere in these recordings that is most faithful to the ethos and meaning of the libretti themselves. After listening to this period approach, my understanding of Mozart has changed radically, and I continue to relish the challenge that these performances have given to my interpretative sensibilities.

Some of the most thought-provoking recordings ever, combined with some of the most perfect performances I have ever heard........2005-09-14

First of all, I must state first that I was ANXIOUS to write this rave review. Ever since I got these cd's and realized the treause that is to be found in these recordings I just couldn't wait until I'd had the chance to tell everybody else about it... I honestly believe these recordings should be heard by anybody who is interested in this repertoire and music in general, since this are also some of the most perfect pieces of music in the repertoire.

As for the music itself, I am not going to write about. I think it is enough to read my last sentence to realize exactly what I think about it - and it is really just a must. That's composition taken to the highest possible level.

What I do want to write is about the performances.
Arnold Ostman, not the most known figure in the musical world, (not even amongst musicians- I come from Juilliard, and that name is definitely not one everybody knows) has created in the 80's in Mozart the equivalent of what Harnoncourt and Gardiner have done in Bach performance practice, i.e. has totally changed the conecption which was assimilated into everybody's mind regarding notions about how music of that era should sound like.

Trying to create a performance experience which emulates Mozart's period performance practice he changed everything starting from tempos, through ornamentation and of course- the voices themselves.

For us, most people indoctrinated by the post-romantisicm eastablished especially by Herbert von Karajan and the ilks of him, the first initial response will be a shock. The almost imperceptible swift tempos, the small voices etc. are sure to knock over anybody who haven't heard these recordings before. It might create an intial negative response but hang-on there, as the result is so much more gratifying then of hearing a recording of Karajan, Giulini, Furtwangler or any GREAT other conductor from that era- They were obviously incredible musical figures, but in terms of style and total perception of the piece it just doesn't work on the same level, in Mozart of course. (You'd still want to keep your Furtwangler's ninth copy...)

What is so great about Ostman is the freshness of mind with which he walks into every piece. Just like a real iconoclast
it seems as if he has landed from an entire different planet, and is just coming to conduct these pieces and give their debut. I can't give a more sincere and true compliment than that, musically speaking.

The results are the most fresh interpretations up to date of Mozart most important operas which also derive from some of the best vocal performances I have ever heard.
Under Ostman's direction it seems as though all the singers bloom and give their most musical and inspired performances,
holding on under the swiftest tempos in an admirable way. There is no point in pointing out names because it is as in a rule that the performances are just stellar one by one, even though not carrying around sometimes the most famous names.

This is not to say that all of the recordings in this set are equally perfect, and that I agree to all of the interprations and the insights given by Ostman, but you can't disregard the feeling that he knew EXACTLY what he wanted and executed it almost flawlessly. (the one exception might be small part of Cosi, mainly the overture, which was recorded very early in the stages of period instruments playing- therefore not always as perfect as you would have liked to hear it, but the performance as a whole is still the most beautiful Cosi I know.)

As for the packaging itself: The price is a complete steal, (incredible especially if you order it through other sellers, got mine for about 40$). What you DON'T get are the librettos, so you'd HAVE to get them from a different source. Either a different recording you might have, (you just might want one of the standard reference recordings one usually hears about like Giulini's) or you could just buy the librettos through Amazon, would still cost you very little.

Should not be missed by any terms by anybody who cares for music.

Ran

Best ever!!.......2004-01-12

Ostman created a stir when he made these recordings in the 1980s. And now it available in a collectors' edition box. I'm so excited. Sumi Jo's Queen of the Night here is even better than her recording for Solti. Ostman's Don Giovanni is the fastest I've ever heard, not to mention the most exciting. This Cosi Fan Tutte is Gramophone's reference Cosi. And this Figaro has many "alternative" arias that other recordings never bother with. Don't worry, the alternative is at the back so you can program it out. In fact, this is the only set of Mozart operas with ALL the alternative arias available. Even Gardiner does not have some of these. So this is a supreme set of importance.

Tracks:

Nacqui All' Affanno
Cruda Sorte! Amor Tiranno!
Amici, In Ogni Evento...Pensa Alla Patria
Nella Fatal Di Rimini
Il Segreto Per Esser Felici
Popolo, Amici, Sanguinosi Allori... Ah! Si, Da Tanti Affani
E Sgombro Il Loco... Un Bacio, Un Bacio Ancora
Mura Felici
Eccomi Alfine In Babilonia... Ah! Quel Giorno Ognor Rammento
Una Voce Poco Fa

Customer Reviews:

Viveca sparkles.......2007-01-04

If you love Bel Canto and Mezzo Sopranos, you will love Vivica Genaux!

Pure pleasure...........2006-05-19

I have her Farinelli CD, as well. I also saw her on A&E some time ago. My only criticism was her excessive chin movements but, then, I don't get all bent out of shape over Bartoli's grimaces -- and the voice is the thing, after all.

As for Fach, a singer doesn't need to enjoy merely one, although many are restricted to such. What I like about Genaux, aside from the absolutely beautiful tone, is that she is NOT mannered. She has just the right take on every one of these arias. Spare me from the singers who just MUST emote all over the place when simplicity and class are sufficient.

I've had this CD since for some time and decided to see what others thought of it -- I'm always interested in other opinions.

Nancy Eckert

More Bravura.......2006-03-23

When I read a review stating that Vivica sang with two little volume on this recording, I found that very hard to believe. Everything I had previously heard of her showed a voice with unlimited power. However, when I purchased this set I agreed that Vivica sings with to little volume and possibly emotion. This is puzzling; I think it must have been an artistic decision that doesn't really work.

However, I can't agree with the other reviewer about this being the wrong repertoire. Most of Genaux's early roles were Rossini and her Bel Canto technique is superb. I love the selection of music, and despite the shortcomings, I really enjoy listening to this CD. I just wish she used a little more emotion and power in the parts that call for it.

Bel Canto Arias; Vivica Genaux.......2005-09-26

Vivica Genaux seems to have a lovely personality not to mention an absolutely fabulous voice both live and on disc, but some of these arias just don't work for her voice, some are just too.....well.... Bel Canto but the arias by Rossini I liked, especially
"Una Voce Poco Fa".
I also feel I should mention that Vivica is NOT a soprano
as "Sergey Tsoy "Dallas Opera"" states in his review, but rather a Mezzo-soprano.

BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA!.......2004-12-20

In my opinion, Vivica is a fantastic singer and an outstanding artist. I have heard her singing live in Rossini's La Cenerentola, and it was literally breathtaking. Many sopranos sing well and have beautiful voices, but it is perhaps their choice of vibrato which makes them sound extremely out of tune, weak, irritating, and just ugh! Also, many of them sing just loudly. I am not a singer, but to my ears, Vivica is absolutely the best soprano (or at least, one of a few) whom I have heard live - beautiful, pure, in tune (yes, fortunately and unfortunately it matters, too), great vibrato, wild tempi, rock-solid consistency of musical ideas, convincing stage presence, logical, elegant, and so forth. It is all these things add together, which make a true impression. I still wonder, how is it possible to sing with such clarity, presicion, and beauty? Because it is often either, or. But she somehow combines everything, and that's just marvelous. And also, her tonal quality is so fresh and sounds really out of the ordinary. Although I have never heard her CDs, I have no second thoughts about this particular one, which I have just bought and wait with great impatience until it arrives. Brava to Vivica, for, to my mind, her type of artistry comes in a truly short suply nowadays! It is my personal opinion.

Average customer rating:

A Worthy Trovatore
Strangely fascinating!

Verdi: Il Trovatore

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006LENP
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

All'erta! All'erta! - Giorgio Tozzi
Di Due Figli Vivea Padre Beato - Giorgio Tozzi
Che Piu T'arresti?
Tacea La Notte Placida E Bella In Ciel Sereno
Di Tale Amor, Che Dirsi Mal Puo Dalla Parola
Tace La Notte! ... Il Trovator! - Ugo Savarese
Deserto Sulla Terra ... Anima Mia!
Infida!...- Qual Voce! ... Di Geloso Amor Sprezzato ... Un Istante Almen Dia Loco il Tuo Sdegno Alla Ragione
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie ... Chi Del Gitano I Giorni Abbella? (Anvil Chorus) - Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Stride La Vampa! ... Mesta E La Tua Canzon - Mario Del Monaco
Soli Or Siamo; Deh, Narra Quella Storia Funesta ... Condotta Ell'era In Ceppi - Mario Del Monaco
Non Son Tuo Figlio? - Mario Del Monaco
Mal Reggendo All'aspro Assalto ... L'usato Messo Ruiz Invia! - Mario Del Monaco
Perigliarti Ancor Languente Per Cammin Selvaggio Ed Ermo! - Mario Del Monaco
Tutto E Deserto - Giorgio Tozzi
Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso ... Quel Suono! ... Ardir!... Andiam ... Per Me, Ora Fatale, I Tuoi Momenti Affretta - Giorgio Tozzi
Ah!... Se L'erro T'ingombra, O Figlia D'Eva, I Rai ... Perche Piangete?
E Deggio... E Posso Crederlo? ... Urgel Viva!

Tracks:

Or Co' Dadi, Ma Fra Poco Giocherem Ben Altro Gioco - Giorgio Tozzi
Squilli, Echeggi La Tromba Guerriera - Giorgio Tozzi
In Braccio Al Mio Rival! ... Che Fu? ... Innanzi, O Strega - Giulietta Simionato
Giorni Poveri Vivea ... Tu Vedi Chi L'infame, Orribil Opra Commettea ... Deh, Rallentate, O Barbari, Le Acerbe Mie Ritorte - Giulietta Simionato
Quale D'armi Fragor Poc'anzi Intesi?
Ah! Si, Ben Mio; Coll'essere Io Tuo, Tu Mia Consorte - Mario Del Monaco
L'onda De' Suoni Mistici ... La Zingara, Vieni, Tra Ceppi Mira
Di Quella Pira L'orrendo Foco ... All'armi! All'armi!
Siam Giunti: Ecco La Torre
D'amor Sull'ali Rosee Vanne, Sospir Dolente
Miserere ... Quel Suon, Quelle Preci Solenni ... Ah, Che La Morte Ognora E Tarda Nel Venir
Tu Vedrai Che Amore In Terra Mai Del Mio Non Fu Piu Forte
Udiste? Come Albeggi, La Scure Al Figlio, Ed Alla Madre Il Rogo - Ugo Savarese
A Te Davanti. - Qual Voce!
Mira, Di Acerbe Lagrime Spargo Al Tuo Piede Un Rio
(Vivra!... Contende Il Giubilo I Detti A Me, Signore...)
Madre?... Non Dormi? ... Vedi?... Le Sue Fosche Impronte - Mario Del Monaco
Si; La Stanchezza M'opprime, O Figlio - Mario Del Monaco
Che!... Non M'inganna Quel Fioco Lume?
Parlar Non Vuoi?
Ti Scosta... - Non Respingermi
Prima Che D'altri Vivere... Io Volli Tua Morir! ... Sia Tratto Al Ceppo!

Customer Reviews:

A Worthy Trovatore.......2006-05-13

I decided to buy a used copy of this half century old Trovatore on the strength of the earlier review posting. I'm certainly glad I did.

First, there is the pleasure of hearing Tebaldi in a role that wasn't central to her repertory. Having heard her Violetta on an early '50s Decca recording of Traviata I was not expecting much in the way of florid singing. I was pleasantly surprised. True, some of the runs are sketchy and the tone isn't always ideally equalized when she goes for the high notes, but Tebaldi isn't far behind the fabled Milanov, a favorite in this role. Tebaldi's italianate timbre is a decided plus. A few days ago I played the first act aria and cabaletta for some friends without any identification. After some puzzled looks, someone commented that whoever it was, she was great and though she sounded like Tebaldi, the florid singing was too good for it to be her. Needless to say, they were all pleasantly surprised.

I think Simionato is simply the finest Azucena on disc - whether here or in the legendary Salzburg broadcast of a few years later.

Del Monaco isn't an intellectual tenor by any stretch of the imagination, but this is elemental, viscerally exciting singing. I'll give up the subtle nuances for a vital, heroic Manrico like this.

Savarese is a competant Di Luna. He's certainly not offensive, but there's not much here to convince the listener he belongs in the company of the great exponents of the role. I have to admit that I think the role's showpiece, "Il balen" is a problem for any interpreter. I think organ grinder every time I hear it.

It's always a pleasure to hear the young Tozzi's richly overtoned voice as Ferrando.

Erede is no Karajan (or Mehta) but he gives us a well routined reading of the score. Finally, the sonics of this 1956 recording are very impressive early vintage stereo. Despite its occasional flaws, I quickly have become very attached to this venerable Trovatore.

Strangely fascinating!.......2004-01-01

This old Trovatore recording has aspects that would normally make one avoid it. However, I find myself listening to it more and more and actually enjoying it more than other, more popular recordings of this opera.

Mario Del Monaco is, as expected, a heroic Manrico. He rarely sings piano and knows little about elegant phrasing but the sheer vigour and ring of his voice strikes in magnificiently! Only F. Corelli equals Mario in force and exciting high notes. Musically, Corelli is certainly more creative but I've always found Del Monaco's voice more handsome. Tastes differ, though. Del Monaco is particularly thrilling in "mal reggendo, all'aspro assalto", "ah! Si, ben mio" and "Di quella pira" even if he could hold the last note longer in the cabaletta.

The casting of Renata Tebaldi as Leonora is for most opera fans controversial. She is a spinto with little agilty; it's interesting to see what such a voice can offer. Indeed, she barely manages the florid parts and the highest notes sound effortfull. In this part she's nowhere near Caballe, Milanov, Callas or even Price. However, there are other moments that no other soprano in my experience has ever sung so idiomatically. In "mira, di acerbe lagrime" for example, the way she sings those long phrases using her glorious spinto instrument is unique. She firmly grasps each note and the result is intoxicating! Same with Miserere and the proceeding Manrico - Leonora encounter. Dramatically her outbreaks are few. However, Tebaldi was THE FIRST who made me realise that Leonora is a woman in love!

If one can argue about the performances of Tebaldi and Del Monaco, little can be said about Simionato's Acuzena. Along with Barbieri and Cossotto she's one of the best interpreters of this wonderful role, probably Verdi's greatest mezzo part. The weakest link of the cast is Ugo Savarese's routine Conte di Luna. If only Bastianini had joined this recording instead. Tozzi does an OK job as Ferrando. Erede conducts well but nothing really memorable. Decca's early stereo sound certainly impresses; pity that EMI and RCA didn't adopt stereo so early as well.

Tracks:

Un Poco Loco
Swinging Shepherd Blues (Goes Latin)
Alma Con Alma
El Timbalon
Chang
Machito Forever
Prelude To A Kiss
Killer Joe
Triton
Alluya

Average customer rating:

Progressive electric jazz that flows along very smoothly

Un Poco Loco
Bobby Hutcherson
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000I9EN
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

The Sailor's Song
Silver Hollow
Un Poco Loco
Love Song
Ivory Coast
Ebony Moonbeams
I Wanna Stand Over There

Customer Reviews:

Progressive electric jazz that flows along very smoothly.......2002-12-28

The presence of George Cables electric piano, Chuck Domanico's electric bass, and John Abercrombie's electric guitar defines this set as late 70's fusion. Along with Bobby's elegant vibes and Peter Erskine's progressive drum approach, the preponderance of eclectric instruments produce a controlled dynamic that glides along very smoothly, even as the solos display advanced technique. The title track, one of Bud Powell's greatest bop compositions, sounds perfectly modern with this treatment, as if it were written just today. This excellent set has enough harmonic complexity to satisfy mainstream jazz listeners, yet is refined enough to have appeal to smooth jazz and fusion fans as well. At under 40 minutes, the recording time seems brief by modern standards, as it always seems to end too fast whenever I listen to it.