Angelica

1. Dolce Tristezza

2. Gypsy Eyes

3. Wandering Horseman

4. Angelica

5. River of Light

6. Ancient Calling

7. Lunar

8. Lovers' Mask

9. Quando Lembro

10. Danza Cobra

11. Braziluna

12. Calm

13. Love Like the Wind

14. Garden of Desire

15. Ode to Innocence

16. For Elyse

Angelica,Andre Feriante,Passage Records,Classical Guitar,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

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Average customer rating: Bravo The best Suor Angelica is in Pappano's Trittico Just maybe the greatest recorded "Trittico" ever Life--It hits you hard Long overdue...

Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano Giacomo Puccini , Antonio Pappano , Roberto Alagna , Angela Gheorghiu , Bernadette Manca di Nissa , Felicity Palmer , José van Dam , Carlo Guelfi , Maria Guleghina , Cristina Gallardo-Domas , Neil Shicoff , Francesca Pedaci , Patrizia Ciofi , Roberto Scaltriti , Dorothea Röschmann , Sara Fulgoni , and Philharmonia Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano Verdi - Don Carlo / Domingo · Caballé · Raimondi · Milnes · Verrett · Estes · Giulini Verdi - Simon Boccanegra / Freni, Cappuccilli, Carreras, Ghiaurov, van Dam, Foiani, Teatro alla Scala, Abbado Handel - Julius Caesar / Treigle · Sills · Forrester · Wolff · NYCO · Rudel Rossini: The Barber Of Seville with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Alceo Galliera, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus ASIN: B00000IFQ0 Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

1. Il Tabarro - Orchestra
2. Il Tabarro - O Michele? Michele?
3. Il Tabarro - O Luigi, ancora una passata
4. Il Tabarro - Dunque, che cosa credi?
5. Il Tabarro - O eterni innamorati, buona sera!
6. Il Tabarro - To'! guarda la mia vecchia!
7. Il Tabarro - Hai ben ragione; meglio non pensare
8. Il Tabarro - Segui il mio esempio; bevil!
9. Il Tabarro - E ben altro il mio sogno!
10. Il Tabarro - Miei vecchi, buona notte!
11. Il Tabarro - O Luigi! Luigi!
12. Il Tabarro - Dimmi: perche gli hai chiesto di sbarcarti a Rouen?
13. Il Tabarro - Come e difficile esser felici!
14. Il Tabarro - Sgualdrina!... Bocca di rosa fresca
15. Il Tabarro - Nulla!... Silenzio!
16. Il Tabarro - T'ho colto!... Sangue di Dio!
17. Il Tabarro - Avevo ben ragione

Tracks:

1. Suor Angelica - Ave Maria
2. Suor Angelica - Sorelle in umilita
3. Suor Angelica - Ed or, sorelle in gioia
4. Suor Angelica - I desideri sono i fiori dei vivi
5. Suor Angelica - Ho un desiderio anchi'io!
6. Suor Angelica - Suor Angelica, sentite!
7. Suor Angelica - Laudata Maria!
8. Suor Angelica - Chi e venuto stasera in parlatorio?
9. Suor Angelica - Suor Angelica!... Madre, madre, parlate!
10. Suor Angelica - Il Principe Gualtiero vostro padre
11. Suor Angelica - Nel silenzio di quei raccoglimenti
12. Suor Angelica - Tutto ho offerto all Vergine
13. Suor Angelica - Orchestra
14. Suor Angelica - Senza mamma, bimbo, tu sei morto
15. Suor Angelica - Sorella, o buona sorella
16. Suor Angelica - La grazia e discesa dal cielo!... [Intermezzo]...
17. Suor Angelica - Suor Angelica ha sempre una ricetta buona
18. Suor Angelica - Ah! Son dannata!

Tracks:

1. Gianni Schicchi - Povero, Buoso!
2. Gianni Schicchi - O Simone?
3. Gianni Schicchi - E aperto!
4. Gianni Schicchi - Dunque era vero!
5. Gianni Schicchi - C'e una persona sola che ci puo consigliare
6. Gianni Schicchi - Avete torto!
7. Gianni Schicchi - Firenze e come un albero fiorito
8. Gianni Schicchi - Quale aspetto sgomento e desolato!
9. Gianni Schicchi - Brava la vecchia
10. Gianni Schicchi - O mio babbino caro
11. Gianni Schicchi - Datemi il testamento!
12. Gianni Schicchi - Nessuno sa che Buoso ha resto il fiato
13. Gianni Schicchi - Era eguale la voce?
14. Gianni Schicchi - In testa la capellina!
15. Gianni Schicchi - Schicchi! Schicchi!
16. Gianni Schicchi - Ecco la cappellina!
17. Gianni Schicchi - Prima un avvertimento!
18. Gianni Schicchi - Addio, Firenze
19. Gianni Schicchi - Ecco il notaro!
20. Gianni Schicchi - Basta! I testi videro
21. Gianni Schicchi - Lascio a Simone I beni di Fucecchio
22. Gianni Schicchi - Ladro
23. Gianni Schicchi - Lauretta, mia Lauretta!

Amazon.com essential recording

Aficionados are familiar with Puccini's Il Trittico or "Triptych," his three one-act operas that premiered at New York's Metropolitan in 1918; everyday opera lovers should know them as well. Here is Puccini at his most imaginative: Il Tabarro, a shocker about the jealousy of an older man towards his deceitful younger wife on a houseboat on the Seine is dark and foreboding, and is, incidentally, probably his greatest, tightest opera. It is given a superb performance here, with Maria Guleghina and the wonderful Neil Shicoff (the true, underrecorded fourth tenor) as the faithless duo and Carlo Guelfi as the pitiable but murdering husband. Suor Angelica is set in a convent (yes, only women's voices). Until the goings turn tragic--the eponymous heroine is told by her cruel aunt that the child she had out of wedlock and gave up has died--the scoring is light, airy, and pure. Cristina Gallardo-Domas and Bernadette Manca di Nissa as the nun and her aunt, respectively, may not have the vocal glamour or depth of some of their predecessors on CD (Renata Scotto or Christa Ludwig), but their beautiful, meaningful singing carries the show. Gianni Schicchi's soundstage (the bedroom of a recently dead rich man in Florence in 1299, peopled by his greedy relatives) is rambunctious for the composer's only foray into comedy--based on a passage from Dante--and this set comes up roses. It's the best one on records. Jose Van Dam actually is funny and Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna (who also offer a cameo in Tabarro) are super as the young lovers; Gheorghiu's singing of the opera's hit, "O mio babbino caro," is glorious. This set is highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Bravo.......2007-06-11

Very good performances of all three one-acts. Good sound quality, and the orchestra performance is top-notch.

The best Suor Angelica is in Pappano's Trittico.......2005-08-26

This review compares three of the recordings of Suor Angelica, with the finding that the recording of this miniature gem in the boxed set of Puccini's Il Trittico conducted by Antonio Pappano far exceeds the others in various qualities.

The best first. The vocal performances of both the title role (Cristina Gallardo-Domas) and la Zia Principessa (Bernadette Manca di Nissa) offer a great breadth of interpretation and an honest and true attention to pure vocal production. I have the very slightest of quibbles with one specific response from Gallardo-Domas' Angelica to her aunt, "La Vergine ci ascolta e Lei vi giudica!" is offered much too anglrily, where the score is marked "coldly." The wonderful choral work that supports the action and provides so much of the exposition is a well-modulated performance of Puccini's best writing for women's voices in non-starring roles. Indeed, the balance between the soloists, chorus, and orchestra is keenly maintained througout, ever allowing the orchestra and chorus to be equals to the soloists. Lastly, Pappano's pacing seems the most accomplished of all the recordings.

The worst second. The performance of the Rome Opera Orchestra & Chorus with Fedora Barbieri and Victoria de Los Angeles is frightful. The balance is muddy, and the soloists are miked so closely that they become strident. Worse yet is that the editing was inattentive, and several badly pitched tones made their way to the final recording. --And the pitch problems continue throughout, sometimes sharp, sometimes flat. The chorus members' diction is almost slurred, and a sloppy ensemble results in many nice melodies being unintelligible.

The most surprising recording is conducted by Richard Bonynge and stars Joan Sutherland and Christ Ludwig. As another reviewer noted, Dame Sutherland is past her prime, recording the role at age 52. If only we had a recording of Angelica from her at 30! As it is, I believe Richard Bonynge is the one driving a stake through the heart of this work. His readings alternate between a rush through lyric passages and tearing through the recitativo segments at a full tilt. But it seems so strange because the balance favors the women's voices, making the orchestra extraordinarily subservient. Finally, the performances in general seem less than committed. For example, Sutherland lacks both the fire and the meek submissiveness that should complicate the character.

Just maybe the greatest recorded "Trittico" ever.......2003-10-09

Like another previous reviewer, I too came to this set feeling that the old Tito Gobbi recording was something very special, and hard to beat. And it still has a special place in my collection. But this set is exceptional on all counts; it is superbly recorded, the soloists are wonderful, and Pappano's pacing throughout is just glorious...here is a conductor who understands, and has a love for this music. Furthermore, the older Gobbi set is hard to find, and only "Schicchi" is in true stereo. In short, you will not go wrong with these lovely, sensitive recordings. Better yet, get these and the older set if you can find it, and you'll never want for any more.

Life--It hits you hard.......2002-06-16

Once upon a time I was traversing an Interstate Highway on an otherwise uneventful day and Bamm! the sweet intonations of the female soloist singing in the most heavenly voice (by the way not THIS reviewed rendition), was being delivered by the most crappy Amplitude Modulated car radio. I was so mesmorized by the sweet sounds I was hearing that I pulled off the Interstate and just listened. For an hour I just listened. The Opera was 'Suor Angelica'.

I have this particular CD and it is recorded better than the version I had experienced. Yet the rendition I had experienced set me on the path of discovery.

Music is like that.

Long overdue..........2002-05-21

A modern recording of Il Trittico was long overdue, and has been fulfilled magnificently by Alagna, Georghiu, Pappano et al. The only negative reviewer of this disc really criticizes the composer (who he thinks is Verdi!) rather than the performances themselves. But, the question for a review is not "is this a good opera?" That is for the purchaser. Rather, the issue is, given that the purchaser wishes to purcahse a recording of the opera, is it a good recording. This is an excellent one and anyone interested should not hesitate.

Average customer rating: The best opera album ever Beautiful Music, Nice price

Puccini: Great Opera Arias Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: The Ultimate Puccini Collection The Most Famous Opera Arias Puccini Without Words 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:

1. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
2. Gianni Schicchi: Firenze e come un albero fiorito
3. La Rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
4. La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
5. La Boheme: Quando m'en vo
6. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedremo
7. Madama Butterfly: The Flower Duet
8. Madama Butterfly: The Humming Chorus
9. Madama Butterfly: Tu? tu? Piccolo iddio
10. Tosca: Dammi i colori
11. Tosca: Vissi d'arte
12. Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
13. Turandot: Signore, ascolta!
14. Turandot: In questa reggia
15. Turandot: Nessun dorma
16. La Fanciulla Del West: Ch'ella mi creda libero e lontano
17. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo
18. Le Villi: Se come voi piccina io fossi
19. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide
20. 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.

Average customer rating: You've never heard "The Godfather" like this Italian Scala and Muti feels Rota!

Nino Rota: Music For Film Nino Rota , and Riccardo Muti Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nino Rota: Concerto for Strings; "La Strada" Suite; Dances from "Il Gattopardo" The Essential Nino Rota Film Music Collection Nino Rota: La Strada; Il Gattopardo; Concerto Soirée Fellini Rota: Music from the Classic Films of Federico Fellini Film Music of Nino Rota ASIN: B0000029ZF Release Date: 1998-01-13

Tracks:

1. The Godfather: I. Sicilian Pastorale
2. The Godfather: II. The Immigrant (The Godfather II)
3. The Godfather: III. The Pickup
4. The Godfather: IV. Kay (The Godfather II)
5. The Godfather: V. Love Theme
6. The Godfather: VI. A New Carpet (The Godfather II)
7. The Godfather: VII. Godfather's Waltz
8. The Godfather: VIII. End Title (The Godfather II)
9. 8 1/2: La passerella di addio
10. La Dolce Vita: La tromba di Polydor
11. Prova D'Orchestra: I. Risatine Maliziose (Malinconiche)
12. Prova D'Orchestra: II. I Gemelli allo Specchio
13. Prova D'Orchestra: III. Valzerino No. 72
14. Prova D'Orchestra: IV. Attesa
15. Prova D'Orchestra: V. Galop
16. Prova D'Orchestra: VI. Risatine Maliziose (Finale)
17. Rocco E I Suoi Fratelli: I. Titoli
18. Rocco E I Suoi Fratelli: II. Canzone Barese ('Paese mio')
19. Rocco E I Suoi Fratelli: III. Milano e Nadia
20. Rocco E I Suoi Fratelli: IV. Terra Lontana
21. Rocco E I Suoi Fratelli: V. Finale - Nadia
22. IL GATTOPARDO: I. Titoli
23. IL GATTOPARDO: II. (No.6) Viaggio a Donnafugata
24. IL GATTOPARDO: III. (No.19) Angelica e Tancredi
25. IL GATTOPARDO: IV. (No.11) Angelica e Tancredi
26. IL GATTOPARDO: V. (No.7) I Sogni del Principe
27. IL GATTOPARDO: VI. (No.3) Partenza di Tancredi
28. IL GATTOPARDO: VII. (No.21) Amore e ambizione
29. IL GATTOPARDO: VII. (No.22) Quasi in porto
30. IL GATTOPARDO: IX. Finale

Customer Reviews:

You've never heard "The Godfather" like this.......2003-08-13

For me the highlight of this disc is a short suite from "Rocco and His Brothers," with some pungent accordion work and 1950's jazz influences. This is glorious and rarely performed music, and conductor Riccardo Muti and the fine La Scala musicians should be thanked for presenting it so beautifully. (The film itself, available on DVD, is one of Visconti's best and well worth seeking out.) But there isn't a stale moment anywhere.

The melancholy themes from "The Godfather" have probably never been played so well. The famous opening trumpet solo, combining loneliness and menace in equal parts, is beautifully done, as are the relatively upbeat selections from "8-1/2" and "La Dolce Vita." Throughout the production, it is marvelous to hear these scores played with such passion and commitment, and the La Scala musicians sound sweepingly involved.

But for many listeners the highlight will be the dazzling and haunting waltzes from "The Leopard," with their melodic arcs echoing the grand scale of Visconti's masterpiece. This is truly evocative film writing.

An excellent introduction to Rota's music, played with suave intensity by one of the best conductors in the world. (For those interested, Muti and La Scala recorded another Rota CD with additional dances from "The Leopard," as well as music from "La Strada" and the "Concerto for Strings" -- also highly recommended.)

Italian Scala and Muti feels Rota!.......2001-07-25

Perhaps this is the most powerfull collection of film music of Nino Rota, and Muti knows and feel this music. Splendid perfomance and sound.

Average customer rating: Very nice introduction to the work of a great soprano The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria the genius of de los angeles A n angelic voice

The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles Victoria De Los Angeles Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Very Best of The Very Best of Lucia Popp The Very Best of Janet Baker The Very Best of Franco Corelli ASIN: B000083GOE Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. O Mio Babbino Caro
2. Un Bel Di Vedremo
3. Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Jussi Bjorling
4. Senza Mamma
5. Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
6. Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo!... Hui! Stridono Lassu
7. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
8. Nacqui All'Affano...Non Piu Mesta
9. Una Voce Poco Fa
10. E Strano!... Ah, Fors' E Lui...Sempre Libera
11. Porgi, Amor
12. Dich, Teure Halle
13. Einsam In Truben Tagen
14. Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Petite Table
15. Les Grands Seigneurs...Ah! Je Ris
16. Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle

Tracks:

1. Auf Flugein Des Gesanges
2. Ich Liebe Dich
3. Wiegenlied
4. Les Filles De Cadiz
5. Cuba Dentro De Un Piano
6. Chevre
7. Punto De Habanera
8. Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
9. Canto Negro
10. De Espana Vengo
11. Cancion Del Amor Dolido
12. Cancion Del Fuego Fatuo
13. La Pastoura Als Camps
14. Bailero
15. Chut, Chut
16. Uno Jionto Postouro
17. Oh! Had I Jubal's Lyre
18. An Die Musik
19. Dein Blaues Auge
20. Vergebliches Standchen - Gerald Moore
21. L'Invitation Au Voyage
22. La Flute Enchantee
23. Chanson Espagnole
24. Chanson Francaise
25. Chanson Italienne
26. Clavelitos!
27. Malaguena - Gerald Moore
28. Granadina - Gerald Moore
29. Adios, Granada
30. Zapateado (La Tarantula E Un Bicho Mu Malo) - Alicia De Larrocha

Customer Reviews:

Very nice introduction to the work of a great soprano.......2007-07-13

This 2 CD set is a terrific introduction to the body of work of Victoria de los Angeles. As the "liner notes" point out: "She was an artist who brought individuality and a sense of joy to everything she performed. . . ." And this is not hyperbole. She was a top soprano in the middle part of the twentieth century.

Some cuts exemplify her art:

"Un bel di" is a ravishing version of this well known aria. She demonstrates a rich voice with fine musicality. This is a ravishing version of this aria. The singer displays good vocal control. There are nice transitions across the registers.

"Si, mi chiamano Mimi" is another well known work for sopranos. Again, nicely done. She appears (to me anyhow) to catch the spirit of Mimi very nicely indeed.

From "La Traviata," she essays "E strano. . .Sempre Libera." This is an affecting version. She does not have the coloratura armamentarium that some have brought to bear on this aria, but she does a fine job nonetheless. She seems to capture the desperate spirit of Violetta in "Sempre Libera."

Rossini's "Una voce poco fa" is a nice tour de force for sopranos. De los Angeles does a nice job here. This is a work from the Bel canto repertoire, but she does well. She shows vocal agility and captures the spirit of the work. This is an affecting, charming version. There is some occasional vocal harshness, but not a serious issue.

From "Carmen," "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle." Richly and nicely sung.

Her range on this CD is worth noting: from Puccini and Verdi to Wagner to Rossini to Gounod.

And then another of her specialties--songs. She does a nice turn with the Spanish song "Malaguena." Then, in a nice twist, she accompanies herself on guitar in "Adios Granada." I'm not normally so excited about songs, but in this case I found her work enchanting.

So, if you want to get a sense of the artistry of Victoria de los Angeles, this is an excellent starting point. Highly recommended!

The very best performance by Victoria de los Angeles.......2006-09-13

Is the recording on Allegro records of her performance of Madame Butterfly in New Orleans in 1954, not the Rome recording. She is simply radiant, perfect, a voice truly that is a victory for the angels. Unbelievably marvelous.

In Memoriam: A Tribute To The Late Victoria.......2005-02-01

Victoria De Los Angeles died Saturday of heart failure at the age of 83 in Barcelona, Spain. The world of opera mourns her loss. She was a gifted soprano and a wonderful human being. On stage, she was able to directly speak to her audience and communicate with them in a very special and rare way that is not always seen today. She never hid herself behind a facade nor distanced herself from fans and audiences. She was born to sing opera. It was in her blood. This album showcases De Los Angeles in her most memorable and successful roles. Victoria De Los Angeles was one of the first singers from Spain to win worldwide acclaim. Others would follow- Placido Domingo and Montserrat Caballe. De Los Angeles is showcased in this album which may also serve as a tribute to the now late soprano.

Her voice was essentially full lyric with some spinto. Hearing her renditions of "O Mio Babbini Caro"- a signature soprano role, as well as "Ebben Ne Andro Lontana" from La Wally and her performances as Mimi, one is clearly treated to the truest form of a pure lyric soprano. Her voice is spunned gold, with sweet, warm, feminine textures. Her reperotire remained in the Italian and French. Of course, being Spanish, she was a leading singer in Spanish Lieder and romantic ballads. Her Art Songs in Spanish are full of elegance and grace. A champion of obscure composers, she sang and recorded recitals that featured the works of lesser known composers, though strictly Lieder and Folk/Art Song.

Victoria De Los Angeles is fortunately a well-documented artist. Some film footage exist of her performances. I seem to recall that there exists a taped performance of her Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata. She excelled in the lyric roles of Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme, Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. Her Madame Butterfly is a pure lyric rendition, with less of the dramatic intensity other singers have given the role- i.e. Leontine Price, Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, etc. But her Butterfly is actually the way the role ought to be sung. It's a voice of grace, naivete and above all romance that must colorize Butterfly. The dramatic intensity only makes her sound older and madly passionate. She is only a fifteen year old girl who has been deceived and betrayed. She must remain youthful sounding. De Los Angeles does justice to the truest form of Butterfly. She was thrilling in French and Italian operas and her Spanish songs were briliant and beautiful.

Victoria will always be remembered. She was a unique and talented artist of the lyric repertoire. Her pure, lovely voice was like an angel's. There will never be another Victoria De Los Angeles. With her death, the end of an era also passes. In particular, I will always remember one reported incident. She was about to make her first recital in America but she had no accompanist- pianist/guitarist etc. When asked how she would handle this, she remarked: "Well I brought my guitar with me". And she proceeded to accompany herself with the guitar.

the genius of de los angeles.......2004-02-14

the incomparable de los angeles combines exquisite sound and nuance to the world of superb singing. her mastery of a variety of styles is astounding and yet it always sounds natural.her magic will live forever.

A n angelic voice.......2004-02-06

De los Angeles' ability to sing with elegance and style has rarely been equalled and never been surpassed. She's the greatest Charlotte in "Werther", the most tender Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the most sumptuos Nedda in "I Pagliacci". Her Lieder-Recordings are legendary, my favourites are the Spanish ones of course. What a piano-culture and what a velvet sound! Get this set, it's cheap and it has GREAT singing!

Average customer rating: Great CD! Check it out! Get this CD!

Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Dame Kiri | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Boito, Arrigo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Berlin, Irving | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Charpentier, Gustave | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Kern, Jerome | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kiri Kiri Te Kanawa - Ave Maria Kiri Te Kanawa Classics Kiri! Her Greatest Hits Live Kiri Te Kanawa Sings Verdi and Puccini Arias ASIN: B00000J28B Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

1. Suor Angelica: Senza Mamma
2. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
3. The Last Rose Of Summer
4. Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco, Respiro Appena
5. Mefistofele: L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
6. All the Things You Are
7. The Pearl Fishers: Ma Voila Seule... Comme Autrefois
8. Always
9. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
10. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
11. Greensleeves
12. Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta
13. Die Tote Stadt: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb
14. Annie Laurie

Customer Reviews:

Great CD! Check it out!.......2003-01-24

I got this CD on a shopping spree a while back and I just totally forgot to listen to it until now and I am sure glad that I did. I'm not very familiar with Dame Kiri's work on the whole, but this CD does a great job of introducing the tremendous breadth of style and vocal character that she has. If for no other reason, buy this CD for the traditional and popular songs. I've never heard these pieces done with such beautiful style, clarity and comfort in the diction.

Get this CD!.......2000-01-23

This CD is absolutely wonderful! The range of songs on the CD show just how versitile Kiri Te Kanawa really is. Anyone who appreciates a beautiful voice will be rewarded by this CD time and time again. It is a must buy!

Average customer rating: Second-rate to Gallardo-Domas and Pappano A Sutherland treat A beautiful and dreamlike recording Tones like a crystal bell

Puccini: Suor Angelica / Bonynge, Sutherland Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini: Gianni Schicchi Puccini - Il Trittico: Opera Vocal Score Series Puccini: Gianni Scicchi Puccini - Il Trittico (Il Tabarro / Suor Angelica / Gianni Schicchi) / Gavazzeni, La Scala Puccini: Suor Angelica ASIN: B000006P4W Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

1. Suor Angelica: Ave Maria, piena di grazia
2. Suor Angelica: Sorelle in umilta
3. Suor Angelica: O sorelle in pio lavoro
4. Suor Angelica: Ho un desiderio anch'io!
5. Suor Angelica: Laudata Maria! - E sempre sia!
6. Suor Angelica: Suor Angelica! - Madre, Madre, parlate!
7. Suor Angelica: Il Principe Gualtiero vostro padre
8. Suor Angelica: Nel silenzio di quei raccoglimenti
9. Suor Angelica: Tutto ho offerto alla Vergine
10. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo, tu sei morto
11. Suor Angelica: Sorella, o buona sorella
12. Suor Angelica: La grazia e discesa dal cielo
13. Suor Angelica: Ah, son dannata!
14. Tosca: Libretto di Giacosa, Illica: Vissi d'arte

Amazon.com

Though Puccini's trilogy of one-act operas, Il Trittico, is hard to love in its totality, Suor Angelica shows the composer retreating from melodramatic verismo into a more lyrical expression, as befits this story of a nun driven to suicide when told her child is dead. Though this cast isn't ideal, it more than does the job, with Joan Sutherland in unusually articulate, dramatically alert form. As her evil, unyielding aunt, Christa Ludwig avoids obvious melodramatics and is plenty chilling as a result. Lots of good singers turn up in minor roles, such as Marie McLaughlin and Della Jones. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Second-rate to Gallardo-Domas and Pappano.......2005-08-26

This review compares three of the recordings of Suor Angelica, with the finding that the recording of this miniature gem in the boxed set of Puccini's Il Trittico conducted by Antonio Pappano far exceeds the others in various qualities.

The best first. The vocal performances of both the title role (Cristina Gallardo-Domas) and la Zia Principessa (Bernadette Manca di Nissa) offer a great breadth of interpretation and an honest and true attention to pure vocal production. I have the very slightest of quibbles with one specific response from Gallardo-Domas' Angelica to her aunt, "La Vergine ci ascolta e Lei vi giudica!" is offered much too anglrily, where the score is marked "coldly." The wonderful choral work that supports the action and provides so much of the exposition is a well-modulated performance of Puccini's best writing for women's voices in non-starring roles. Indeed, the balance between the soloists, chorus, and orchestra is keenly maintained througout, ever allowing the orchestra and chorus to be equals to the soloists. Lastly, Pappano's pacing seems the most accomplished of all the recordings.

The worst second. The performance of the Rome Opera Orchestra & Chorus with Fedora Barbieri and Victoria de Los Angeles is frightful. The balance is muddy, and the soloists are miked so closely that they become strident. Worse yet is that the editing was inattentive, and several badly pitched tones made their way to the final recording. --And the pitch problems continue throughout, sometimes sharp, sometimes flat. The chorus members' diction is almost slurred, and a sloppy ensemble results in many nice melodies being unintelligible.

The most surprising recording is conducted by Richard Bonynge and stars Joan Sutherland and Christ Ludwig. As another reviewer noted, Dame Sutherland is past her prime, recording the role at age 52. If only we had a recording of Angelica from her at 30! As it is, I believe Richard Bonynge is the one driving a stake through the heart of this work. His readings alternate between a rush through lyric passages and tearing through the recitativo segments at a full tilt. But it seems so strange because the balance favors the women's voices, making the orchestra extraordinarily subservient. Finally, the performances in general seem less than committed. For example, Sutherland lacks both the fire and the meek submissiveness that should complicate the character.

A Sutherland treat.......2003-06-11

What a treat! Hearing Sutherland doing non-Bel Canto is always kinda exciting. She's thrilled to be doing something outside of her safety-net. Though this was recorded past Joan's prime (she was 52) she still gives her best efforts and ultimately, an honest and compelling portrayl. As Joan got older, the voice lost gleam and power -- which made her more committed to the dramatic aspect of her performances. Sutherland makes you want to cry as she performs this delicate role. Joan does a great job at portraying the frail Suor Angelica, sent to live in a Convent because of her child born in wedlock. Angelica is weak with sadness, and Joan does a great job at getting that through. Christa Ludwig, La zia Principessa, does an expert job at not portraying the cold hurtful heartless powerful woman, but a character with real depth and back story. Ludwig's strong hand is at her truthful acting,how she creates and encompasses real and honest characters and brings life to her roles. At 52, this mezzo still has a lot of voice left in her.

An exciting moment is when La zia Principessa/Ludwig snears, "...you have stained our white crest" and Angelica unexpectedly spits in her face, "Sorella di mia madre, voi siete inesorable (My mother's siter, you are unrelenting!" Now THAT'S was exciting! You don't expect that, and Sutherland does it amazingly well! And that classic Puccini moment of climax is when La zia Principessa tells Angelica that Angelica's child died. Angelica says "É morto? (He's dead?)" and Angelica lets out this Tosca howling scream! Pretty chilling and cool.

"Senza mamma, o bimbo, tu sei morto" is touching. Renata Scotto's is my favorite, and I hear Mirella Freni, Ilona Tokody, and Leontyne Price also do excellent renditions).

Now from the point where Angelica utters, "Ah, son dannata! (Oh, I am damned!)" The rest of the opera is heart-breaking! Angelica/Sutherland flies off into vocal feights as she pleads to the Madonna to not let her die in damnation after she commits the mortal sin of concocting a poison potion that she drinks to kill herself. She asks the Madonna to give her a sign of grace and save her, "Madonna! Madonna! Salvami! Salvami!" Bonynge does a wonderful job of evoking from this point the full power and heights of what Puccini wanted! You are totally imagining the room fillng with light and the Madonna comes toward her with her child and the child takes his first steps. There is bliss and forgiveness and WONDERFULNESS!!

A bonus on this CD is "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca. Frankly, I wasn't expecting the best. However, contrary to what I was anticipating, she sings with surprisingly convincing honesty. You really feel the torment Tosca is going through. Who knew Joan could pull it off?? Also, this was recorded 6 years before Suor Angelica (she was 46), so the voice is in fairer condition.

If you're someone who doesn't like Sutherland, again, this does not represent her in her prime -- her high notes aren't wonderful (including the ending Bb in "Senza mamma..." which is ever so slightly under pitch) and the voice in general has lost some sparkle. And if you're a fan of the opera then you're going to compare her voice to other singers who recorded this in their prime and you're going find fault. I recommend this recording only for fans of good drama. And if you've grown to appreciate Sutherland, than you'll enjoy this. I know I did!

A beautiful and dreamlike recording.......2001-09-07

With so many great recordings of 'Suor Angelica', the Puccini fan can hardly choose just one version. Each notable recording and its star (including Tebaldi, Scotto, Ricciarelli, and Popp) has made an individual stamp on the role, and consequently, on the opera. This recording is no exception, and gives the listener a regal Angelica, and at times a rather dreamlike atmosphere. The character of Angelica was of royal birth, a princess forced into life as a nun because of her illegitimate child - and Joan Sutherland's bearing and large voice gives us the most royal heroine of any recording. Recorded in the early 1970s, Sutherland is in remarkable voice, and she has dramatic involvement in the character greater than many of other recorded performances. Also, in this interpretation of score, Sutherland's trademark vague diction is somehow less annoying than it usually is. Christa Ludwig sings with her typical lush tone, and she makes for a cold, ominous, and almost oracular Princepesa. Richard Bonynge is not a conductor one associates with Puccini, and he leads a rather gentle and occasionally eerie interpretation, but also ably brings out the everyday conversational tone of the first half of the opera. The conflicts and climaxes, though alive with tension, are not what one thinks of as verismo style. Yet this approach suits his principle singers, as well as the predominantly British supporting cast. It all adds up to a highly individualized but successful version of the opera. There is no definitive Angelica out there, at least not for me. I have collected many, and Sutherland makes a great addition. I listen to the other recordings frequently; the Puccini lover should not miss the neurotic fragility of Lucia Popp (BMG; available at Amazon UK) or the tragic impact of Renata Scotto (Sony). But as often as I listen to these others I will return to this recording for its distinct individual merits. I purchased this with skepticism, but was pleasantly surprised by what I heard.

Tones like a crystal bell.......2000-07-12

In Suor Angelica Puccini ranges from childlike playfulness to deepest despair in a short opera easily enjoyed in one sitting. And the voices on this CD are all clear and harmonious. However I feel Bonynge's interpretation focuses on voice rather than mood. Rather than spritely as in other versions, here the tempo feels held back, dampening some of the excitement, so the listener feels as if nostalgically looking back at a distant event rather than being alive in the moment's laughter, excitement, and agony. However Dame Sutherland, of course, is incomparable, with a voice like clear light.

Average customer rating: A fab collection of the loveliest soprano voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 LA SUPERBA! Madame Caballé is great!!! Amazing collection! Cannot be called an "ultimate" collection

Montserrat Caballé: Ultimate Collection Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Caballé, Montserrat | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Diva:Montserrat Caballe Montserrat Caballe - Beyond Music Grandi Voci: Renata Tebaldi The Very Best of Franco Corelli ASIN: B00000J914 Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

1. La Boheme: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi
2. Norma: Casta diva
3. L'Assedio di Corinto: Giusto ciel! In tal periglio
4. Sapho: O ma lyre immortelle
5. Semiramide: Serbami ognor... Alle piu calde immagini
6. Otello: Piangea cantando (Willow Song) -
7. Otello: Ave Maria
8. Herodiade: Il est doux, il est bon
9. Lucrezia Borgia: Tranquillo ei posa... Com'e bello!
10. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma
11. Rigoletto: Caro nome
12. La Sonnambula: Ah! non credea mirarti

Tracks:

1. La Traviata: E strano, e strano! -
2. La Traviata: Follie! Follie! -
3. La Traviata: Sempre libera degg'io
4. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte
5. Il corsaro: Egli non riede ancora!
6. Il corsaro: Non so le tetre immagini
7. Armida: D'amore al dolce impero
8. I Pagliacci: Qual fiamma avea nel guardo!
9. Roberto Devereux: E Sara in questi orribili momenti... Vivi, ingrato
10. Il Trovatore: D'amor sull'ali rosee
11. Stabat Mater: Inflammatus et accensus
12. Adriana Lecouvreur: Io son l'umile ancella
13. Anna Bolena: Al dolce guidami
14. Adelson e Salvini: Dopo l'oscuro nembo
15. I Vespri Sicillani: Arrigo! Ah, parli a un core

Customer Reviews:

A fab collection of the loveliest soprano voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.......2005-12-23

First off this two cd set is for the price of one,that is always great.Montserrat caballe is the star of this cdset,and she demonstrates all that is beautiful in singing,on ever track.Her ave maria from othello is included here.It is one of the best performed arias by caballe ever,she ends it with a heavenly piano top note.Also included is her magical casta diva from norma.Caballe sings all these arias with her legendary sound and breath control.On this set there are plenty of examples of long sustained notes,seemless legato,glorious high notes,and magically floated soft notes.Check out the cover to,there are some great photos of Caballe in opera costumes.These cds have great sound,and play for over two hours,too.

LA SUPERBA!.......2005-11-22

Montserrat Caballe is an amazing person and an amazing singer. In my opinion she has a more beautiful voice than Maria Callas. The high notes she reaches are just fantastic! Her Sempre Libera is the best ever! Her Ave Maria is stunning and her Vissi D arte is really moving. Her voice is so beautiful, it's as if it's an angels voice coming from her.

Madame Caballé is great!!!.......2003-04-06

This collection of Caballé's recordings is fantastic! Her soprano is the most beautiful that has been recorded. L. Price, Tebaldi, Ponselle, and a few others have gorgeous voices, but can any of those voices compare with Caballé's? Caballé's singing throughout is of the highest standard. Her "Ave Maria" is spectacular. "Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore" has never sounded more beautiful. I love her "Non so le tetre immagini". Such beautiful singing does not come any better than this. Her "Caro nome" is disappointing. She is clearly not suited to this aria. "Inflammatus et accensus" is glorious. The later recordings are nice, but they are not the best Caballé has committed to disc. "Il est doux, il est bon" betrays a slight wobble in her otherwise still beautiful voice. "Dopo l'oscuro nembo" features very respectable soft singing from Caballé. This version does not do justice to Bellini's exquisite orchestration. For a version that does, check out Opera Rara's "The Collection: Volume 2". That version features competent singing from an inferior-voiced soprano, but the orchestra is ravishing. The one reviewer who mentioned the aria from "I Vespri Siciliani" as having "fioriture effects Berio could sign on to" is incorrect. The aria included here is not "Mercè, dilette amiche". That aria is more famous and much more florid than the aria included in this collection, "Arrigo, parli a un core". By the way, Caballé performs this aria ravishingly well. This is a superb testament to one of the all-time greats in opera.

Amazing collection!.......2003-04-05

I will write this review objectively, but I will not avoid praising Caballé when praise is due.

First off, this compilation is amazing! I have always thrilled to hearing Caballé's voice and this compilation is no different. I am amazed at Caballé's instrument; such extraordinary purity combined with great power! Even when she sings pianissimo, she can be clearly heard! Her voice literally fills up the room. These arias really show off her remarkable voice. Of special note is her rendition of the hauntingly beautiful "Non so le tetre immagini". Amazing! Her "D'amor sull'ali rosee" is exquisite, but she sings it too softly. Her trill is quite weak. Voices like hers don't respond well to being forced to trill. The tracks from the 1990's show off the remarkable preservation of her voice. The voice retains its purity and beautiful timbre, but is now heavier and darker. "Sempre libera" is not that good. Her coloratura is not up to par with Verdi's demands and she cannot hit the high E-flat at the end. However, she sings the main part of Violetta's aria very well, with supple, gorgeous tone and ravishing pianissimos. "Ah! non credea mirarti" is ravishing, but it is missing its energetic cabaletta. Presumably, it was cut because Caballé could not deal with the coloratura. Caballé's legato lines in this aria are superb. Her version of the "Lucrezia Borgia" Prologue is masterful. Elizabeth's last aria from "Roberto Devereux" is noble and touching. She is not quite Sills, but that aria benefits from a spinto voice instead of a soubrette one. Her aristocratic phrasing is very well used throughout the selections, with a few exceptions. Her "Willow Song" is beautiful, first time on CD. However, she fails to completely show Desdemona's despair. Some parts were good, but the whole thing failed to touch the heart. Her phrasing here is too indulgent. I have to say that I prefer Sutherland's touching version on her "The Art of the Prima Donna" recording. However, I loved "Ave Maria". Caballé sounds most beautiful when singing softly and this selection really shows her in the best light. Her cadenzas are intoxicatingly beautiful. "Caro nome" is not really her aria. The coloratura is suspect and some of the staccati are replaced with upward flourishes. She avoids the last short passage of staccati. Her phrasing in this aria is way too indulgent and she really fails to suggest Gilda's innocence. Even Sutherland is better at portraying Gilda's girlish qualities. Her "Armida" aria has some nice coloratura. She does the runs really well and is fearless in the triplet passages. For some reason, she does not sing the second "fronde" in the first line of the third stanza nor does she sing the last line of this stanza, "i muti abitator". She also does not sing the last line of the fifth stanza, "il tempo vorator". Caballé's first recorded version of "Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore" is included here. This just may be the most beautiful version of this aria ever recorded. It certainly is Caballé's best version of the aria. The climax is handled in one breath by Caballé. She diminuendos the big high note twice in the same breath. Amazing! The rolling of the "r" in "Signor" after the last diminuendo is quite nasal and reminds us that the sound we are hearing is coming from a human throat. It also shows that these diminuendos are natural and not studio produced. She infuses Tosca's aria with real feeling and piety. The compilation ends with a knockout reading of "Arrigo, parli a un core". Caballé is at her best in this aria. She sings softly to stunning effect. This version may be the most beautiful of this particular aria ever recorded. RCA has done Caballé justice with this wonderful collection. Caballé is truly a remarkable artist with a million-dollar voice. Brava!

Cannot be called an "ultimate" collection.......2003-02-05

This is a prime example of the a major recording label being fickle with the goods, in order to force you to continue buying other recitals and full-length studio recordings. Of course, any Caballe fan would already want to own those other recordings anyway, so the point is moot.

Other reviewers here have cried out against the exclusion of one of her most essential and artistic roles, Imogene from Il Pirata. I would like to emphatically express the same. In fact, I would even have settled for the exclusion of Casta Diva, in favor of Col Sorriso di Innocenza.

Some other stellar recordings not represented her are the Sleepwalking Scene from MacBeth, and Pace, Pace Mio Dio from La Forza del Destino. Also worth mentioning is her O Patria Mia from Aida. She might not be Leontyne Price or Martina Arroyo, but she gives a superb reading of this wonderful aria.

Of course, brevity does require some editing- a true "Ultimate" Caballe collection would span four or five CDs, at least- but to include late-career and less-than-best selections at the expense of others is a crime.

Perhaps the major Opera labels should start letting fans put together the track lists for these "best of" collections! We could do a much better job.

Average customer rating: The Incomparable LEONTYNE PRICE: "The Stradivarius of Singers"!! Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection The true prima donna asoluta Fabulous singing, Overblown orchestras Fabulous!

Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barber, Samuel | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Berlioz, Hector | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gershwin, George | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs Rediscovered (Dig) Leontyne Price Christmas Songs Chants de Noel.Weihnachtslieden Wiener Philharmoniker Herbert Von Karajan Verdi: Aida/Il trovatore/Puccini: Madama Butterfly/La Rondine/Tosca/Turandot In Concert ASIN: B00000J912 Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

1. Aida: Ritorna vincitor
2. Turandot: Signore, ascolta
3. Le nozze di Figaro: Porgi amor
4. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di
5. Manon: Adieu, notre petite table
6. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide
7. Dido & Aeneas: Thy hand...when I am laid
8. Il Trovatore: Che piu... Tacea la notte ...Di tale amor
9. Les Nuits D'ete: Sur les lagunes
10. Porgy & Bess: Summertime
11. La rondine: Chi il bel sogno
12. Carmen: Habanera
13. La forza del destino: Son giunta...Madre.
14. Vier letzte Lieder: Im Abendrot
15. Ariadne auf Naxos: Es gibt ein Reich

Tracks:

1. Aida: O Patria Mia
2. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte
3. Turandot: Tu che di gel cinta
4. Le nozze di Figaro: Susanna
5. Il Trovatore: Siam giunti
6. Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro ma prima in grazia
7. Carmen: Sequidille
8. Il re pastore: L'amero
9. Don Carlo: Tu che la vanita
10. Suor Angelica: Senza Mama
11. Anthony and Cleopatra: Give me my robe
12. Madame Butterfly: Tu? tu?
13. La forza del destino: Pace, pace mio Dio

Customer Reviews:

The Incomparable LEONTYNE PRICE: "The Stradivarius of Singers"!!.......2006-08-14

This collection is a wonderful, affordable, and welcome overview of one of Opera's greatest and beloved aritsts:the phenomenal American Superstar soprano LEONTYNE PRICE.

For those Opera-lovers who first encountered Ms. Price's magical vocalism from the recording studio, this collection includes the the entire legendary "Blue Album" which many operaphile consider to be one of the finest recordings ever. The selections gathered here vividly demonstrate the reason why Leontyne Price is regarded as the supreme VERDI soprano of her generation (30 years to date) a renowned PUCCINI specialist, and one of the greatest artists of all time. Recorded in the early 60's, Ms. Price's instrument was, in her own words "a juicy lyric". The intrinsic lyricism of her voice was aligned to warm, lustrous tone that pulsated in the middle voice, yielded a dark, uniquely sensuous sound in the lower regions, and gleamed with a distinctive, fast, liquid vibrato in the upper voice. That unique vibrato was elemental to this diva's ability to infuse Verdi and Puccini's most dramatic phrases with surging power (without pushing), and still produce lovely pianos in alt - soaring there with an ease that was singular to her, and that continued to her retirement in the 2002. Elsewhere the listener is treated to the rewards of Ms. Price's natural vocal evolution, wherein her voice developed into a full spinto with the middle throbbing, creamy, and lush, the low voice alternately chesty or breathy, slightly weaker -but retaining its smoky quality. It is in her upper voice, already superb, however, that Ms. Price revealed the rewards of maturation. The upper voice became rounder, less vibrant perhaps but refulgent with greater strength at the top, meeting the out-sized demands of STRAUSS and WAGNER (missing in this compilation) amongst others, while spinning out soft, exquisite pianos, and luxuriating in the long phrases of any number of composers, not the least of which were MOZART, VERDI and PUCCINI.

Leontyne Price recorded arias and scenas from every standard repertory VERDI opera with few exceptions (Nabucco/Luisa Miller/Vespri/Falstaff) in superlative fashion. Her onstage roles included the "Il Trovatore" Leonora, the role of her sensational MET debut (that resulted in a record 42 minute ovation), thrice recorded by her, and a signature role throughout her career. The selections on this recording were culled from her first complete recording of the opera. Here Ms. Price soars effortlessly to the heights repeatedly in "Tacea la notte", and sings the cabaletta fluently. "D'amor sull ali rosee" (once the sole property of Ms. Price's Verdian predecessor Zinka Milanov) is enhanced by the soprano's expert trills, musical nuances, and the glorious vibrato that carries her gossamer tones to the floated high C in alt. She was also the leading interpreter of Verdi's other Leonora -di Vargas- in "La Forza del Destino" which the diva recorded twice. There is also a Live MET performance available on DVD, recorded when the diva was nearing her retirement from Opera. (The two selections here also hail from her first complete recording of this work) "Son giunta!...Madre pietosa Vergine" is one of Verdi's most demanding scenas for soprano, but THIS soprano was a mistress of Verdian sweep, and supplies a wealth of dynamic shadings that illustrate the desperation of the hapless Leonora. Ms. Price produces silvery, vibrant, pulsing tone with amplitude that rises to the forte climaxes, riding them without overpowering the orchestra. This role was one of her most riveting potrayals from a dramatic viewpoint. The second "Forza" aria is the great lament "Pace, pace mio Dio" and is synonymous with Leontyne Price to this day. The diva sang this aria onstage more often than any other Verdi aria throughout her long career. Here she infuses the music with sorrow and despair, her voice in service to the text, and caps the aria with her stirring cries of "Maledizione!!" on a sustained forte high Bflat. Ms. Price's successful outings as Amelia are represented by the Act II aria "Morro, ma prima in grazia" from her stellar complete recording of "Un Ballo in Maschera". She sings the aria in a hushed, somber manner, climaxing on a brilliant high C, and with a lovely diminuendo at its end. One of the several operatic roles Ms. Price sadly did not assume onstage was Queen Elisabetta from "Don Carlo". We must be grateful for her warm, glowing, majesterial account of "Tu che le vanita", replete with burnished, opulent tone throughout. The leading newspaper of Italy said of Ms. Price that "..our great Verdi would have her the ideal Aida" and that sentiment has been adopted the world over. The "Aida" selections here are the first ones recorded by the American diva, and remains a revelation. In "Ritorna vincitor" the soprano's lyric instrument is indeed "juicy", declaiming her fierce opposition to the Egyptian invaders of her Ethiopian homeland with energetic and powerful vocalism. She then masterfully delineates the young princess' dilemma with fervent and youthful passion, ending with a prayerful "Numi pieta" suffused by warm, sable-colored tone. "O Patria mia" is another of Ms. Price's most revered performances, indeed the aria that garnered her a (5) five minute ovation on live television at her "farewell to Opera" performance in the same opera. The soprano injects Aida's farewell to her homeland with rich, smoky, plangent tones that rise effortlessly to a shining high C that bedeviled some of her most illustrous rivals, and would be bettered in the future only by the wonderful Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe - and Ms. Price herself!!

Leontyne Price performed the veristic music of PUCCINI onstage in a number of his operas that included "Manon Lescaut"/"Tosca"/Madama Butterfly"/"La Faniculla del West"/"Il Tabarro"/ and "Turandot", albeit with less frequency than with Verdi. She brought a luminous, womanly quality to all of the composer's music. Here, she sings with particular intensity and emotion as the geisha girl Cio-Cio San (her favorite Puccini role)and offers limpid, melting tone as the fiery Roman prima donna Floria Tosca -the complete opera twice-recorded and highly-acclaimed. Puccini's music for the doomed Chinese slave-girl Liu are exquisitely sung, while "In quelle trine morbide" and "Senza mamma" benefit from the voluptuous, sensuous vocalism of the more mature Price. The most outstanding qualities of this diva in Puccini's music was a femininity and humanity, inherent in all of her singing, but most pronounced with this composer. She also fearlessly sang his highest phrases with a vocal splendor and freedom unrivalled by anyone, nowhere more than as the tragic Butterfly. However, until she retired from public singing, one aria remained a trademark for this diva: Chi bel sogno di Doretta" from Puccini's rarely performed operetta "La Rondine". The performance here was her first recording of it, and is a classic in its own right. Ms. Price's voice shimmers throughout, singing the high C with astonishing purity, and caressing, velvety tone elsewhere.

MOZART's operas also brought deserved glory to Ms. Price. Her plush-toned voice was considered to be almost too rich for some early in her career. This was amply belied by the rapturous reception her onstage performances brought her, most notably as Donna Anna, the leading lady of "Don Giovanni", ironically not included in this collection. Another aria Ms. Price enjoyed singing in concert, "Come scoglio" ("Cosi Fan Tutte") is missing here as well, though she performed the role of Fiordiligi at the MET. The soprano never performed in "Le Nozze di Figaro", but sang the scena "Dove sono" often in her live concerts, understandably, because of the smooth, elegant vocalism she lavished on this music. It is truly a pity that she didn't either record or perform the entire role. "Porgi amor" (also from Le Nozze) and "L'amero" (Il Re Pastore) were extracted from a Mozart aria recording, and are well-sung, if not as memorably as other Mozarteans.

It is good that RCA included several French selections, for Ms. Price's talents were marvellously well-suited to the Gallic idiom. Leontyne Price sang the leading role of Madame Lidoine in the American premiere of POULENC's "Dialogues des Carmelites", a few performances of MASSENET's "Thais" onstage (both sadly missing from this compilation) in addition to her celebrated recordings of BIZET's "Carmen" and BERLIOZ's song cycle "Nuits D'ete". She lent a deliciously silken tone to the more nuanced passions of the French repertoire. The "Carmen" excerpts are exceptionally vivid in Price's hands, successfully capturing the earthy, sultry qualities of one of Opera's more mercurial creatures. Ms. Price's lower register is richly displayed in the Berlioz song, while Manon's wistful, poignant "farewell" is sung with delicacy and shimmery tone.

The German wing is represented by music that Ms. Price sang onstage, and recorded as well. While the diva recorded Richard STRAUSS' entire "Four Last Songs" song cycle as well as the title heroine in a complete opera recording of "Ariadne auf Naxos" , the listener gets a good sampling of the potency, range, and the "dunkel" qualities she brought to this music. Fortunately, there is a CD of Richard Strauss arias sung by Ms. Price mid-career that is impressive in its breadth, and vocally sumptuous.

Versatility was a Price by-word. In the recording studio she stylishly performed the music of composers that ranged from the early music of PURCELL's "Dido & Aneas" to the 20th Century musings of Samuel BARBER, who wrote the opera "ANTONY & CLEOPATRA" for Ms. Price to open the New MET in 1966 - another historic milestone. Both selections included here are superbly rendered by the artist. The "Dido" aria is sung with a fuller, richer tone than is usually associated with this period (though it should be noted that two great Wagnerian sopranos Kirsten Flagstad and more recently Jessye Norman have been much admired in this music), but with no loss of style, her vibrato evoking pathos and beauty in this plaintive music. The "Antony" scena is sung with all of the majesty, seductive guile, and courage of Cleopatra, one of history's most storied women - and Ms. Price shines in this music written expressly for her voice. RCA also includes the diva's inimitable performance of "Summertime" the opening aria of GERSHWIN's American opera "Porgy and Bess".

This compilation is a superb introduction to the glories of this magnificent artist for a neophyte...and a treasure trove of musical excellence for the connoisseur of great voices, and they come no greater than America's diva assoluta soprano LEONTYNE PRICE.

Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection.......2005-07-20

This was the first time I ordered anything from you. I was very happy with my selection. Delivery was fast and accurate, I immediately played my CD and have enjoyed it since.

Rolande M. Collins

The true prima donna asoluta.......2002-05-23

Ms. Leontyne Price is the quentisential diva. I fell in love with her when I started studying music at the conservatory level. Her phrasing, tone, quality, and endless range are breathtaking. This CD features selections from when she was vocaly at her best. Even though I could go without the Ariadne and Cleopatra, the rest of the CD is simply marvelous. I cannot stop listening to D'amor sull'ali rosee, which I think is the best interpretation and performance of the piece that I have ever heard!!! I prefer Price over Sutherland, Caballe, Freni, and Fleming any day. Her high tones give you the feeling of floating on clouds. This is one of the best CD's in my entire classical/Opera collection. Whoever purchases this CD, it will be worth your while.

Fabulous singing, Overblown orchestras.......2002-04-10

When I was first getting interested in opera, during the late 1960s - early 1970s, Leontyne Price was still singing at the Met, but I could never get a ticket because she only sang five performances a year (later, three). She said this was to "preserve" the voice but, as I learned from those who actually did hear her in person, her mid-range was deteriorating at that time until it was practically inaudible (though her high notes and lower range still sounded great). Also, to be honest, as a youngster I was put off by the promotion of her albums...all those fancy pictures of her in diamonds and furs just seemed so ostentatious to me, and listening to her on records was not always a pleasurable experience. Her voice so often sounded swamped by those loud, blaring, overblown orchestras.

But then I heard a remastering of the famous 1961 "Aida" with Vickers, Gorr and Merrill, and I realized how great a singer she was. That's when I started listening more seriously, and discovered a soprano who had a thorough command of her voice from the late '50s to the late '60s, not only in terms of vocal color but also in terms of phrasing. Listening to Price in her prime is incredible...she almost sounds as if she never breathed, her phrasing is so beautifully bound and poised. At the same time, however, I was disappointed by RCA's choice of partners for her on recordings. ...

This set goes a long way towards restoring the legend. Stripped of her sub-par partners (with the exception of Corelli's belting in the "Seguidilla" from "Carmen"), one can listen to Price's voice uncompromised, and it is a thrill. Even when the orchestra sounds detached and uninteresting, as it often does, Price seems to be on an entirely different wavelength, giving out with passion and great musicality. As for the selections chosen, they represent an excellent cross-section of Price's best work, even though the Purcell and Berlioz sound awfully heavy by today's standards and I can live without the "Anthony and Cleopatra" selection or the Strauss song.

One caveat I have is the lack of discographical information. No dates, orchestras or conductors are given. This is a grave injustice, even though the backup does not always meet expectations. On the plus side, all of the legendary "blue album" (her first recital discs for RCA in 1961) is presented complete, including the two selections from the July 1959 "Il Trovatore" that were on that LP...and in MUCH better, more focused sound. For this, and the heavy orchestral sound, I give the set only 4 stars...but for the singing alone I would give it eight!!

Fabulous!.......2002-01-19

The only alternative to Joan Sutherland. An equally gorgeous and fabulous voice. A true diva that puts me to tears. Sensational recital of so many gems.

Average customer rating: Heavenly Music Great recording, wonderful music Absolutely beautiful music wonderful introduction to Naxos' Alwyn cycle

William Alwyn: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5; Lyra Angelica (Harp Concerto) Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Alwyn | Alwyn, William | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: William Alwyn: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Alwyn: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3 William Alwyn: Symphony No. 4; Sinfonietta William Schuman: Symphonies Nos. 7 and 10 Kurt Weill: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Lady in the Dark - Symphonic Nocturne ASIN: B000A17GGK Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Moderato - Allegro non troppo - Andante sostenuto - Allegro Con Fuoco - Tempo Di Marcia Funebre
2. Adagio
3. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo
4. Moderato
5. Allegro Giubilso - Andante Con Moto
6. Con Moto - Molto Moderato - Quasi Adagio Molto Calmato
7. Allegro Molto - Moderato Largamente - Molto Tranquillo

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly Music.......2007-05-10

I highly recommend these Alwyn selections..they are lyrical and calming, an oasis of peaceful melody. Highly recommended for fans of Hohvanness, Delius, or Vaughn Williams.

Great recording, wonderful music.......2007-04-30

This Spring I have decided to pay closer attention to the music of
William Alwyn and was I in for a surprise. For many years I listen to
the music of William Alwyn on the radio, but never really owned a Cd
of his music. Early this Spring I decided to collect all of his five
symphonies on the Naxos label, and his music is great. Unlike many of
his compatriots, Mr. Alwyn in many ways a "late romantic" composer, in
the same way that Samuel Barber was in the U.S., in his own personal style. "Lyra Angelica" is a harp concerto full of peaceful and tranquil melodies, harpist Suzanne Willison is well ready for the task. The symphony #5 "Hydriotaphia" composed in the early '70s and is his last symphony. The fifth symphony is loud and exuberant in sound, close to the spirit of Walton. On the other hand the second is a more quiet and peaceful work. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic does the honor in this
recording under the baton of David Lloyd-Jones. Indeed a Wonderful recording of great music

Absolutely beautiful music.......2007-02-21

This CD has two very nice symphonies, and then the harp concerto. Both symphonies are elegant, nice to listen to, interesting, fun... In other words, everything a symphony ought to be. They're very enjoyable to listen to.

Then again, the gem of this CD is the "Lyra Angelica", the harp concerto. I don't know how many harp concertos most people have heard, but this is simply breathtaking. It's so incredibly beautiful, but it's also plain nice. While I was worried that this would be TOO pretty and then not substantial enough, I turned out to be very wrong. It's beautiful, YES, but it's also amazing and wonderful to listen to. It's not only a sweet little harp plucking so that you fall asleep. It's just like any other concerto, but instead of a violin or piano, you've got one of the loveliest instruments in the world: the harp.

I definitely recommend this. I'd never heard much of Alwyn's work before this, but now I'm interested. The two symphonies are great listens, even if they're far behind the beautiful harp concerto.

Buy this disc! At this price, for this music, it's a wonderful deal!

wonderful introduction to Naxos' Alwyn cycle.......2005-11-03

I hope that William Alwyn will become a better known because of the Naxos series of symphonies. The Lyra Agelica is an outright masterpiece, ispired by the seventeenth century meatphysical poets. Their rhapsodic style is mirrored in what is a concerto for harp and string orchestra with a wonderful performance by Suzanne Willson on harp. The fifth symphony subtitled Hydrotapia or Urn burial is dedicated do Thomas Browne who wrote an essay by that name.. The symphony was written many decades after his four symphony cycle. It is a short symphony in one movement that is a a meditation upon death.
The second symphony was Alwyn's favorite according to the liner notes which provide a great introduction to Alwyn and his music,
I had purchased hickox's complete Alwyn before I realized that Naxos was plannin to release their series. I have come to learn over the years that Naxos assembles a fine orchestra and in the Royal Liverpool phil. conducted by lloyd Joness they have equalled and exceeded those of Hickox. I find the Lrra even better.
Please excuse typos I have a neurologic disease.

Average customer rating: Tebaldi at her best! Tebaldi the Great A legacy for the ages! Best Collection Modified rapture

La Tebaldi Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Tebaldi, Renata | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Tebaldi Very Best of Verdi: Il Trovatore Grandi Voci: Renata Tebaldi La Boheme ASIN: B0000041Y8 Release Date: 1991-08-09

Tracks:

1. Madama Butterfly: Un bel dvedremo
2. La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
3. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte
4. Mefistofele: L'altra notte
5. Aida: Ritorna vincitor
6. Otello: Mia madre aveva...Piangea cantando...Ave Maria - Verdi
7. Il Trovatore: Siam giunti...D'amor sull'ali rosee
8. Verdi: Pace, pace, mio Dio!
9. Guglielmo Tell: S'allontanano alfine!...Selva opaca
10. Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco, respiro appena...Io son l'umile ancella
11. Cecilia: Grazie sorelle

Tracks:

1. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
2. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo
3. Andrea Chenier: La mamma morta
4. La Wally: Ebben?... Ne andro lontana
5. Don Carlo: Tu che la vanit
6. Un Ballo in Maschera: Ecco l'orrido campo...Ma dall'arido stelo divulsa
7. Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro, ma prima in grazia
8. Giovanna d'Arco: Oh ben s'addice...Sempre all'alba
9. Turandot: In questa reggia
10. La Gioconda: Suicidio!
11. La rondine: Sogno di Doretta
12. Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete
13. L'arlesiana: Esser madre e un inferno

Customer Reviews:

Tebaldi at her best!.......2007-04-07

I'd highly recommend these CDs!They have a little of everything. They'd make an excellent addition to anyone's opera collection. Her voice is etherial!

Tebaldi the Great.......2007-02-19

Renata Tebaldi is one of the glorious voices of the past half century. Recordings here come from the 1950s and 1960s. She had a sumptuous spinto voice, clearly manifest on this 2 CD set. Here are some of her "greatest hits." As would be expected, the repertoire of Puccini and Verdi is heavily represented here.

She "leads off" with "Un bel di" from Puccini's "Madame Butterfly." Her voice brings life to this aria; her characterization is right on. At the point, where the volume of her voice increases, the sound remains lush; there is no bleating or ugliness in her singing.

There follow two more classic Puccini arias that Tebaldi does justice to. "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from "La Boheme" is a wonderful version of this work. She captures the poignancy in Mimi's character. Her work here can probably justly be termed "iconic." In short, this is a ravishing turn by "La Tebaldi." So, too, is her take of "Vissi d'arte" from "Tosca." One can understand the enthusiasm of her claque at La Scala as one listens to her singing. Her rich voice fits these roles nicely; her characterization is well rendered. Her version of "Ritorna vincitor" from Verdi's "Aida" is also well done. Her voice richly captures the character and fits the music well.

Verdi and Puccini are not the only composers represented on this 2 CD set. Also recorded are her singing Boito ("Mefistofele"), Rossini ("William Tell"), Cilea ("Adriana Lecouvreur"), Giordano ("Andrea Chenier"), Catalani ("La Wally"), and so on. Once more, the selection of music in this set well represents her body of work.

All in all, a satisfying selection of "the greatest hits" of Renata Tebaldi. The "liner notes" conclude by referring to her as possessing "a perfect voice of bewitching beauty." I'm not sure that anyone can achieve perfection (the statement has a bit of hyperbole); nonetheless, her voice is ravishing as already noted. Those interested in her recorded oeuvre would be well rewarded by acquiring this work. The CDs serve well to introduce "La Tebaldi" to those who may not have heard her before. Such listeners will be richly rewarded by that introduction.

A legacy for the ages!.......2001-02-23

Perhaps the greatest spinto and certainly among the greatest sopranos of all times, with an extremely powerful, amazingly beautiful instrument, Renata Tebaldi on this set heard in some of her best moments! I will not repeat comments on her beautiful voice since it often overshadows the pathos with which she performed each role. To me, she knew exactly where to draw the line between acting and singing. Not too much to become annoying, not too little to become boring. This compilation also shows how versatile this soprano was, with repertoire ranging from Puccini and Verdi to Rossini and even Wagner (though no Wagner aria is heard on this particular double cd). In her early years she also performed Mozart roles!

Her Puccini arias will make the most demanding listener cry. Her verdian heroines, enriched with her personal touch, are of exceptional value. Her Desdemona (Otello), Donna Leonora (Forza del destino) and Aida stand perhaps out. Her many verisimo roles sooo moving, full of sorrow and pain, exactly how they are supposed to sound. Just listen to "La mamma morta"! An unsurpassed shocking experience! A previous reviewer (F.W.Barton) correctly mentioned that not all moments are from her complete studio recordings, so this is a unique chance to enjoy alternative Tebaldi performances. Strongly recommended!!!!

Best Collection.......2001-01-11

If you love the warmth and power of Renata Tebaldi then this collection is for you. This has Two CD's of her best works. My favorites are her "o mio babbino caro" her tosca which isnt as dramatic as callas but has a vocal warmth in that aria that makes her voice so perfect for the aria. Another soothing aria would be her Un del di from Butterfly what sweetness and amazing finish to that aria!!! Her amazing power was noticed in La mamma morta and In questa reggia ( which was sooo good that it made me wonder WHY DIDNT SHE SING THIS ROLE ON STAGE) oh and of course her Suicido was also very well done.....Renata Tebaldi was without a doubt one of the best of the century...and this collection proves it.

Modified rapture.......2000-04-24

I bought this collection of Tebaldi's Decca recordings with the hope to experience some great singing. However, I can't help feeling a bit disappointed in the end. There are some thrilling performances here, for example, the dark, passionate renditions of the arias from La Gioconda and L'arlesiana, but overall, the achievements are rather uneven. Tebaldi certainly possesses a most beautiful and powerful voice, something to take bath in. Yet, she evinces little of the psychological insights, intense pathos and interpretive individuality of Claudia Muzio, Meta Seinemeyer, Maria Callas and Leonie Rysanek. Compare her performance of 'Ma dall'arido Stelo divulsa' from Verdi's 'Un Ballo in Maschera' with that by Leonie Rysanek (On RCA Living Stereo): The aria is magnificently vocalised by Tebaldi, but it is Rysanek who effectively combine vocal opulence with dramatic insights, evincing Amelia's exteme desperations. Perhaps Tebaldi was constrained by the restrictions and protocols of recording studios and unable to realise her full dramatic potentials --- in this case she is best heard on live recordings where we could experience her in full flight. Furthermore, the 1964 Come back album items on the second disc demonstrate a voice that has lost much of its pristine freshness and youthfulness, even though there are exciting things to hear. Still, the beauty of the voice and the sincerity of utterances are there for us to experience. For ardent Tebaldi fans, this is definitely a must, but for those looking for truly great singing and acting, you might want to look elsewhere for Tebaldi's live recordings and Maria Callas, etc.

Meditation Music:

1. Bamboo Forest
2. Boheme
3. Broadway Romance
4. Canyons of Light
5. Changes, Vol. 1
6. Chiaroscuro
7. Christmas & Santa Fe
8. Conversations with God, Vol. 2
9. Cosmopoly [Enhanced] [Live]
10. Creation Chant [Import]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Live: Los Angeles 4/28/03 [Live]

Simpson: Eppur Si Muove For Organ, Tempi, etc. / Coryden Brass, Best, et al

The Blue Wheel

Music: Coronation Anthem

The Crow: City of Angels [Soundtrack]

The Biggest Villain [Explicit Lyrics]

The Early Collection: Magic Bus/Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy/Who's Missing

Summertime [CD-single]

Sonic Tribe

Robert Schumann: Carnaval/Scenes From Childhood/Arabeske

Redickulous

Rock With You [CD-single] [Import]

Spittin' Lingo

Golddigger

Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld