Lucia di Lammermoor

1. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera
   Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
   with Giuseppe Modesti, Giuseppe Zampieri, Rolando Panerai, Giuseppe di Stefano, Mario Carlin, Maria Callas, Luisa Villa
   Conducted by Herbert von Karajan
   
   

Lucia di Lammermoor,Gaetano Donizetti,Herbert von Karajan,Giuseppe Modesti,Giuseppe Zampieri,Giuseppe di Stefano,Luisa Villa,Maria Callas,Mario Carlin,Rolando Panerai,Standing Room Only,Classical,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio

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Average customer rating: Great Stuff A Great Introduction to Italian Opera Best of the best! Fabulous bargain for anyone Great songs for a low price.

The Best of Italian Opera Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | 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 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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | 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 $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Arias The Most Famous Opera Duets The #1 Opera Album Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B000000UXN Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

1. La Traviata: 'Libiamo, Libiamo'
2. Rigoletto: 'La donna e' Mobile'
3. The Barber Of Seville: 'Una voce poco fa'
4. La Boheme: 'Che gelida manina'
5. Rigoletto: 'Gualtier Malde!' Caro nome'
6. Il Trovatore: 'Vedi! le fosche'
7. Il Trovatore: 'Il balen del suo sorriso...Per me ora fatale'
8. TOSCA: 'Vissi d'arte'
9. La Traviata: 'Di Provenza il mar, il suol'
10. The Marriage Of Figaro: 'Voi che sapete'
11. Aida: 'Se quel guerrier io fossi...Celeste Aida'
12. Madama Butterfly: 'Un bel di vedremo'
13. La Gioconda: 'Cielo e mar'
14. Lucia di Lammernoor: 'Ardon gl' incesi'

Customer Reviews:

Great Stuff.......2007-07-22

The sound quality of this disc is surprisingly good, very good for an ADD. All the selections captured each singer in his/her top form. It is a real treat that this disc contains many work that were not normally in certain singer's repertoire. Gedda's Aida, Moffo's Rossini-Rosina and Cherobino, for example, all were superbly sung. Even Moffo's Lucia sounds much better than I have ever heard in other places.

A Great Introduction to Italian Opera.......2005-05-01

The artists on this CD succeed in their goal to create a CD that displays great Italian opera. Carlo del Monte and Victoria de los Angeles open the disc with the Brindisi from La Traviata. Victoria de los Angeles is not the best Violetta, but she does the job, along with her parner Carlo del Monte, an underappreciated tenor. Victoria de los Angeles also appears on the CD in "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly, a role she was well known for. Swedish tenor Nicolai Gedda appears on the disc twice. His first appearence is a superb rendition of "La donna e mobile" from Rigoletto. His final performance on this disc is in the heroric aria "Celeste Aida", a performance in a role that was not in his voice range. Anna Moffo is the star on this CD, appearing three times in three very different roles. First is her beautiful "Una voce poco fa", normally a role that calls for a mezzo-soprano. Her second is "Voi che sapete" from Le Nozze di Figaro, another mezzo-soprano role. Her final appearence is her best, "The Mad Scene" from Lucia di Lammermoor. Underrated tenor Giuseppe Campora performs "Che gelida manina" with a great tenor voice. Soprano Reri Girst is excellent in her performance of "Caro nome" from Rigoletto. One of my favorite baritones appears on this CD. Robert Merrill is a perfect Count di Luna, and it is evident in his rendition of "Il balen del suo sorriso". Another baritone appears on this CD: mario Sereni. He is not a world famous baritone, but he should have been. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the world of Italian opera.

Best of the best!.......2003-01-11

The performers, the selections, the quality... almost divine!

Fabulous bargain for anyone.......2002-11-24

I would recommend this CD to anyone, from opera novice to experienced listener...

These are older recordings -- I would guess mostly from the 1960's. The recording quality is exceptional for the day and, while not the equivalent of modern engineering, is sufficient to allow sheer physical pleasure from the music and an immediate appreciation of the vocal qualities of the artists. The sound quality is the only mild drawback...

The performances are magnificent! The voices are almost entirely lighter and more agile than the great voices of the 80's and 90's. In fact, the ear of the editor is apparent in his preference for lighter and more agile voices.

For example, there is a beautiful rendition of "Che Gelida Manina" from someone I had never heard before, Guiseppe Campora. He does not have the weight or volume of Pavarotti or Domingo, but has more elegance and a pure, charming tone. A connoisseur performance, but nevertheless a true operatic rendition by a tenor who can hit the high C with authority -- as good for a newcomer to opera who wants to hear the real thing, as for an opera lover who would like to hear something a bit different.

Some of the artists were among the most famous singers of their day: Moffo, de los Angeles, Gedda.

Anna Moffo, one of the greatest sopranos of her day (and all time), is in magnificent voice in famous blockbusters from Rossini's Barber of Seville, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, and the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor.

De Los Angeles is at her best in "Libiamo" from La Traviata, but the recording quality (the one inadequately engineered track on the CD) and her lack of oomph make for a second-rate version of "Un bel di".

In keeping with the light and lyrical orientation of the selections, Moffo -- a famous Gilda and hardly a dramatic voice -- is bypassed for the even lighter, sweeter and more agile colatura Reri Grist (while she still had her voice), in a lovely "Caro Nome".

Another nice selection is Mario Sereni performing "Di provenza, il mar". Both this and "Libiamo" are taken from one of my favorite recordings of Traviata -- also a great chance to hear Serafin at the helm of the Rome Opera House orchestra. (The 2-CD version of this is still available from EMI, I think.) Newcomers will love this pretty tune, and Sereni's archtypal Verdi baritone is good, although hardly the best ever.

Franco Corelli has never been a favorite of mine, but he sounds the best I've ever heard him in his rendition of "Cielo et mar".

Anyway, I didn't intend to list every cut. Whether you are an opera lover who would like to hear some of opera's most famous arias performed in a new light, or an opera lover who would like to hear great performances at a cut-rate price, this CD gets my unqualified approval.

Great songs for a low price........2001-08-16

Ranging from selections of La Traviata, Il Trovatore and other popular Italian operas, this is a great cd for under four bucks. The singers may not be well recognized, but they do possess powerful voices.

Average customer rating: Can't go wrong Most Famous??? Only one song knew well The Most Famous Opera Duets Good selection of opera highlights

The Most Famous Opera Duets Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | 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 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 All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Delibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | 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 Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | 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 German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Scotto, Renata | Divas | 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 Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera The #1 Opera Album Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments ASIN: B000002SCA Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. Les Peurs des perles Act 1 - Au fond du temple saint
2. Madama Butterfly Act 1- Vogliatemi bene, un bene piccolino
3. Le Nozze di Figaro Act III - Sull'aria - Le Nozze di Figaro
4. La Traviata Act I - Un di, felice, eterea
5. Lucia Di Lammermoor Act I - Ah! Verranna a te sull'aure
6. Tristan und Isolde Act II - O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe
7. Carmen Act I - Parle-moi de m
8. Die ZauberflAct I - Bei Mern, welche Liebe F
9. Lakmct I - Viens, Mallika
10. Rigoletto Act I - il sol dell'anima
11. Der Rosenkavalier Act II - Mir ist die Ehre wilderfahren
12. Don Giovanni Act I - Li darem la mano
13. La Boh Act IV - O Mimi, tu pi torni
14. Il Trovatore Act IV - Miserere...Quel suon, quelle preci

Amazon.com

This is a misnomer--not all of these duets are all that famous--but it's a fine compilation nonetheless. You'll hear selections from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers (Nicolai Gedda and Ernest Blanc at their most elegant French), Madama Butterfly (Carlo Bergonzi and Renata Scotto--an impassioned pair), Lucia di Lammermoor (a classy Alfredo Kraus and Edita Gruberova), the lovely Lakme duet, The Presentation of the Silver Rose from Der Rosenkavalier (with the earnest Christa Ludwig and the other-worldly Teresa Stich-Randall), and a fine Trovatore "Miserere" (with Leontyne Price and Franco Bonisolli singing up a storm). There are many others, too--a veritable cornucopia of couplings--and a treat for the opera lover. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Can't go wrong.......2007-07-14

This is a really great CD for the price. It has many of the famous Arias on it and although the singers may not be the best out there they are certainly very good. This is cheaper than the price of a take away lunch; you can't go wrong with this CD.

Most Famous???.......2007-05-14

The title of this cd is misleading and I found myself wondering whose list did they use. That is not to say that there aren't some real treasures included here. The duet from Lakme is lovely in every way, Mady Mesple in particular, very beautful and very french, and far superior to Sutherlands hooty approach. Scotto and Bergonzi are superb, the Tristan and Isolde of Vickers and Dernesch truly other worldly, and the presentation of the rose duet with the young Ludwig and the astonishing Teresa Stich- Randell had me playing it over and over and I still can't believe it, but the most famous??? This cd is definitly worth buying, and I hated giving it only 3 stars but if you're talking most famous you could fill a couple of cd's with Puccini, not to mention Verdi, Mozart, etc. before Bizet's Les Pecheurs des perles, beautiful as it is, made the most famous list.

Only one song knew well.......2007-05-14

I should have done more research. The last song is the only one I could easily recognize. Live and learn.

The Most Famous Opera Duets.......2007-01-05

This seller truly makes a purchaser confident in the product as well the time in which is promised.

Thanks again!!!!!

Good selection of opera highlights.......2006-11-04

Super performances by famous opera artists of the 20th century, most of them no longer performing and some of them deceased. I enjoy having their voices available at home.

Average customer rating: Beautiful music sung by a great soprano WHAT CAN I SAY? Rest in Peace Dear Bubbles (1929-July 2, 2007) two beautiful discs! Good example of the "Art of Beverly Sills"

Art of Beverly Beverly Sills Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Beverly Sills The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Beverly Sills Beverly Sills & Friends ASIN: B000075A7K Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. Mignon: Oui, Pour Ce Soir Je Suis Reine Des Fees...Je Suis Titania La Blonde
2. Manon: Allons! Il Le Faut-Adieu, Notre Petite Table
3. Manon: Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins-Obeissons Quand Leur Voix Appelle
4. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
5. Linda Di Chamounix: Ah! Tardai Troppo...O Luce Di Quest'Anima
6. Lucia Di Lammermoor: Regnava Nel Silenzio...Quando Rapito In Estasi
7. I Puritani: Fini...Me Lassa!
8. I Puritani: Vieni, Vieni Fra Queste Braccia
9. Roberto Devereux: L'amor Suo Mi Fe' Beata
10. Maria Stuarda: O Nube
11. Anna Bolena: Cielo A' Miei Lunghi Spasimi-Coppia Iniqua

Tracks:

1. Les Contes D'Hoffman: Les Oiseau Dans La Charmille
2. Les Contes D'Hoffman: Elle A Fui, La Tourterelle
3. Zaide: Ruhe Sanft, Mein Holdes Leben
4. Der Opernball: Im Chambre Separee
5. Die Lustige Witwe: Es Lebt' Eine Vilja
6. The Ballad Of Baby Doe: Gold Is A Fine Thing
7. Die Tote Stadt: Cluck, Das Mir Verblieb
8. Daphen: Was Blendet So...Ich Komme...Ich Komme
9. Sechs Lieder Op.19 No.2: Breit' uber Mein haupt Dein Schwarzes Haar

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful music sung by a great soprano.......2007-08-01

During the era of high-fidelity recording music lovers have been fortunate to have had available many fine recordings by several outstanding sopranos. But, in my opinion, Beverly Sills was the greatest soprano of them all. This 2-CD set contains a large collection of her most popular arias, all sung with the unique combination of vocal beauty, flawless technique, and healtfelt artistry which made Beverly Sills singing so special and beloved. If you are a fan of this great artist -- or simply like beautiful music beautifully sung -- please treat yourself to this wonderful 2-CD set now. I can't imagine any music lover being without it -- its that outstanding. Incidentally, it's also bargain priced.

WHAT CAN I SAY?.......2007-07-05

FOR THOSE WHO WANT A SAMPLER, IT IS THE BEST. YET, IT LEAVES YOU PINING FOR THE ITEMS SILLS NEVER RECORDED IN THEIR ENTIRETY. MORE STRAUSS, MORE OF EVERYTHING. A DEFINITIVE VOICE. HER LUCIA IS UNSURPASSED.

Rest in Peace Dear Bubbles (1929-July 2, 2007).......2007-07-03

I have always loved the flowing, plaintive music of bel canto, and no other singer perhaps captured the synthesis of fioritura and expression so perfectly as Beverly Sills. Callas may have been a supreme dramatist, but Beverly Sills had a better command of the fioritura that skyrocketed her career during the 60s and 70s. It is indeed sad that America has lost one of its national treasures yesterday when Beverly Sills passed away in Manhattan. She truly was one of the greatest. Just listen to her singing any one of Donizetti's three queens and you will know what I mean. She is exemplary not only in Donizetti though. Her Manon is still the best, her Violetta in par with Callas, her Louise the most idiomatic ever recorded, her Fille du Regiment a joy, Linda di Chamounix ecstatic, and Gilda a lesson in the art of light Verdi. She was a supreme painter of characters. Has there ever been a more brilliant Zerbinetta? And how many singers have been able to truly convey the youth of Elvira in Puritani? In Rossini, she was also unparalleled in L'Assedio di Corinto, the role that she made her La Scala debut in. Beverly Sills was one of a great many singers who belonged to a great golden age of singing, and I am thankful that I was born into the right time to hear her glorious work. This CD is a wonderful compilation of the brand of singing that she brought into the lives of many an opera fan for years and years to come.

I met this singer last fall in New York. A few months later, I saw her again hosting the opera quiz at the Met. Little did I know that about five months later, she would forever rest in the peace that she deserved for so long. Rest in peace Beverly. And brava...brava for the many years of wonderful singing that you gave us.

two beautiful discs!.......2007-02-18

Beverly Sills not only survived being a child prodigy - a rare enough thing among singing musicians - she triumphed in a big way. Her fertile and beautiful art is wonderfully represented on this double disc set from Deutsche Grammophon. I sense today a resurgence of appreciation for her art, and to call it well deserved is saying the least. The singing's jam packed with pure musicianship, attention to nuance, fidelity to composer and character - in a word, everything requisite to making the operatic art thrive, qualities in short enough supply today among many opera stars, and it makes this package even more attractive. Sills not only understood bel canto art, she accomplished it memorably. Highlights include 'Ah! Tardai troppo...' (Linda di Chamounix), &an unearthly 'Regnava nel silenzio...' (Lucia), which I might prefer to Sutherland's for its committment and munificence. The gone too soon Thomas Schippers conducts a great performance - how that man could possess whatever orchestra and score he worked with. Two arias from I Puritani - especially 'Vieni, vieni fra queste braccia' with the singing of the genius Nicolai Gedda as Arturo, and an opening to Anna Bolena's aria 'Cielo, a' miei lunghi spasimi' that wipes clean every memory of other versions. All that on disc 1! I had forgotten Sills' beautiful pianissimos, singing so musicianly and free of ego - her interpretation is always only her adherence to score and composer, and greater praise cant be given a classical singer. Disc 2 offers a definitive version of Korngold's 'Gluck, das mir verblieb' (Die Tote Stadt) among a number of fine versions out there. The slowest version available and I feel I'm hearing it for the first time, and with a true Viennese (Rudel) conducting! You can put this track alone on repeat and live out the day in freedom! If you dont know Sills' art, or dont remember it well and truly, this set is a fine place to begin what will become transfixion with a musical art that proves itself urgent and inextinguishable! Highest recommendation.

Good example of the "Art of Beverly Sills".......2007-01-27

Beverly Sills is one of the most well reputed coloratura sopranos of the past fifty years. This CD illustrates why she has attained such renown. First, it shows the range of her singing. While much of her work focused on Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, she sang about fifty roles in her career, before retiring in her late 40s. This 2 CD set provides a sense of the range of her work.

The first CD focuses on her operatic singing. The CD begins with a selection from Thomas' "Mignon," culminating in "Je suis Titania la blonde." Her voice is light and clear. She displays great agility. In the middle of this piece, she shows a decent but not great trill; she closes the "cut" with a series of terrific trills. Her ornamentation is nicely done.

Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix" was another of Sills' characters. "Ah! Tardai troppo. . .O luce di quest'anima" features more clean vocalization. The florid singing is nicely done, with well sung high notes and additional sound trills. A very agile voice on display! From Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," Sills sings "Regnava nel silenzio. . .Quando rapito in estasi." Her voice is smooth. In the aria, she produces a set of trill after trill, each one well done, but in their totality almost overdone (I love trills, but there were almost too many!). "Quando rapito in estasi" is well sung, with much well done florid singing, with appoggiaturas, trills, and other ornamentation.

The remainder of the CD features selections from Bellini's "I Puritani," and Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux," "Maria Stuarda," and "Anna Bolena." I can say pretty much the same about these pieces as already stated before. Excellent technique, wonderful ornamentation.

The second CD begins with the redoubtable piece, sung by "Olympia," from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann." Well done, with good vocal effects, catching the mechanical aspects of the music. Other pieces on this side come from Mozart, Heuberger, Moore, Korngold, and so on.

One piece worth mentioning, because it captures her approach to a lighter work, from Lehar's "The Merry Widow." She sings the song for what it is, and does not overwhelm it with her voice. Compare with what Richard Tucker did to the enjoyable but rather light song, "What Now My Love?", when he essayed singing pop tunes. Enjoyable for the thrill of his voice; pretty grisly in terms of his overwhelming the music itself. That does not happen here; there is a certain pathos in Sills' singing, as warranted by the song. It suggests the range of her singing.

All in all, a good sampling of "The Art of Beverly Sills." Hearing her voice again after many years reinforces my preexisting view that she ranks as one of the best coloratura sopranos of the past fifty years. There are terrific contemporary singers who sing the same repertoire and do it well. But Beverly Sills certainly compares very well with them. If interested in an introduction to Sillsiana, this is a good place to start.

Average customer rating: A Magnificent Collaboration Sweet A Desert Island Disc Ne plus ultra One of the great Lucias

Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Gaetano Donizetti , Beverly Sills , Carlo Bergonzi , Thomas Schippers , and London Symphony Orchestra Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato Massenet: Manon The Very Best of Beverly Sills Handel - Julius Caesar / Treigle · Sills · Forrester · Wolff · NYCO · Rudel The Great Recordings ASIN: B000060P5O Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

1. Part One: N.1 Preludio E Coro D'Introduzione: Percorrente Le Spiagge Vicine - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
2. Part One: N.2 Scena E Cavatina: Tu Sei Turbato! - E N'Ho Ben D'Onde - Piero Cappuccilli
3. Part One: No.2 Scena E Cavatina: Cruda, Funestsa Smania - Piero Cappuccilli
4. Part One: N.2 Scena E Cavatina: Il Tuo Dubbio E Ormai Certezza - Piero Cappuccilli
5. Part One: N.3 Scena E Cavatina: Ancor Non Giunse! - Beverly Sills
6. Part One: N.3 Scena E Cavatina: Regnava Nel Silenzio - Beverly Sills
7. Part One: N.4 Scena E Duetto - Finale I: Egli S'Avanza - Carlo Bergonzi
8. Part One: N.4 Scena E Duetto - Finale I: Sulla Tomba Che Rinserra - Carlo Bergonzi
9. Part Two: Act One, N.5. Scena: Lucia Fra Poco A Te Verra - Piero Cappuccilli
10. Part Two: Act One, N.6. Duetto: Appressati, Lucia - Piero Cappuccilli
11. Part Two: Act One, N.6. Duetto: Il Pallor, Funesto, Orrendo - Piero Cappuccilli
12. Part Two: Act One, N.7. Scena Ed Aria: Ebben? - Di Tua Speranza - Beverly Sills
13. Part Two: Act One, N.7. Scena Ed Aria: Ah! Cedi, Cedi O Piu Sciagure - Beverly Sills

Tracks:

1. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II, N.8. Coro E Cavatina: Per Te D'Immenso Giubilo/Per Poco Fra Le Tenebre - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
2. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II, No.9. Scena E Quartetto: Dov'E Lucia? - Qui Giungere Or La Vedrem.../Ecco Il Tuo Sposo - Piero Cappuccilli
3. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II. Sestetto Con Coro: Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento?/Chi Raffrena Il Mio Furore? - Piero Cappuccilli
4. Part Two: Act Two - Finale II, No.10. Seguito E Stretta Del Finale II: T'Allontana, Sciagurato - Maledetto Sia I'Istante - Piero Cappuccilli
5. Part Two: Act Two, No.11. Uragano, Scena E Duetto: Orrida E Questa Notte - Piero Cappuccilli
6. Part Two: Act Two, No.11 Urgano, Scena E Duetto: Ashton! - Si/Qui Del Padre Ancor Respira - Piero Cappuccilli
7. Part Two: Act Two, No.12. Coro: D'Immenso Giubilo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
8. Part Two: Act Two, No.13. Gran Scena Con Cori: Deh, Cessate Quel Contento - Justino Diaz
9. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: O Giusto Cielo! - Il Dolce Suono - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
10. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: Ardon Gli Incensi - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
11. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: S'Avanza Enrico! - Piero Cappuccilli
12. Part Two: Act Two, No.14. Scena Ed Aria: Spargi D'Amaro Pianto - Piero Cappuccilli
13. Part Two: Act Two, Scena - Recitativo: Si Tragga Altrove - Piero Cappuccilli
14. Part Two: Act Two, No.15. Aria E Finale: Tombe Degli Avi Miei - Carlo Bergonzi
15. Part Two: Act Two, No.15. Aria E Finale: Fra Poco A Me Ricovero - Carlo Bergonzi
16. Part Two: Act Two, No.15. Aria E Finale: Oh Meschina!/Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'Ali - Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Amazon.com

This Lucia was recorded in 1970, when Beverly Sills was at the peak of her vocal and dramatic powers. She had been singing the role of Lucia on stage for six years, and she knew the character. Here is a manic-depressive who is slightly crazy from the start, and Sills's embellishments to the vocal line (and there are tons of them; hardly a line is left as written), mostly composed especially for her, are always at the service of the drama. She is a far cry from the chirpy Pons and Peters (and even Sutherland, whose just-plain-singing of the role is unmatchable, but who was never all that interested in building character) and comes closer to Callas, but without the great Greek soprano's huge palette of colors or, for that matter, vocal limitations. Sills is gloriously fluent in the coloratura, the high notes are impeccable, and her reading of the words is truly involved and involving. Carlo Bergonzi has everything as Edgardo, while Piero Cappuccilli's Enrico is snarling and cruel. Schippers leads a very tight, exciting, complete performance, and for the first (and only) time on CD, the glass harmonica Donizetti asked for is used in the Mad Scene. This is a must for lovers of great singing. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A Magnificent Collaboration.......2007-07-24

This is one of those rare opera recordings where the conductor, orchestra, and soloists really perform magic by working together and building upon one another, rather than just doing their skilled work more or less apart. Schippers, Sills, Bergonzi, and the LSO really exhibit the same soul throughout this recording, which I suppose is a success I have to credit the late Mr. Schippers with. He does a magnificent job making sure all the parts come out with the full force and color of the bel canto style. Sills is glorious. Though perhaps not in possession of the thickest high notes, she has more passion than most other notable Lucias combined (except for Callas). She really does convince me that she is a zealous lover and thus leads up to the mad scene wonderfully.

Being a flutist, I would like to direct the listener's attention to the excellent Mr. William Bennett, principal flute on this recording, who truly works wonders with the part, which often parallels the soprano. Listen to "Regnava nel Silenzio" to hear what I mean. It is such a shame that Schippers used the glass harmonica in the mad scene instead of letting Bennett pull out all the stops, since Bennett is truly Sills's musical equal and could have maintained a chilling dialog in that scene. It a dubious return to intended instrumentation that really does not outdo the customary flute in this case. I find the use of the glass harmonica here especially ironic because in most recordings I would prefer it to whomever is playing flute, but they just HAD to use it here, where the flute is actually as wonderful a voice as Sills's own.

The sound quality is excellent, though perhaps a little dated (1970's recording). The price is also reasonable. Overall I would go so far as to say that this is a desert island disk, especially if you prefer fiery bel canto to the cold recitations that some other conductors and singers bring to this score (see Bonynge and Sutherland - a beautiful performance, but more or less bloodless as far as I can tell).

I don't see a reason not to get this set.

Sweet.......2007-06-30

The opening chords and strains, the sextet and the mad scene. These of course are what I love about Lucia, though all of it is beautiful. I've had this recording for months and just listened to it today. I doubt I'll listen to it again. I have lots of Lucias, and no favorites. Though I especially like Sutherland's 1959 recording of the mad scene, it's beautiful, and her trills hadn't got muddy yet. I'm only going to comment on the mad scene in this recording. It sounds more like a lullaby than the ravings of someone who'd just murdered her husband. I was surprised, because I'd read (apocryphal) that Sills had said she'd pound tables and sing off key to get the drama out. I prefer bel canto coloratura to table pounding, I don't care about the drama. At all. Still, that said, I was both stunned and disappointed in Sills' mad scene. It was, well, flaccid. (I love Sills, am listening to the 1st disc of Sillsiana right now, and I have the Pons recording and do not think she chirped!)

A Desert Island Disc.......2007-06-11

Like many other reviewers here, I am a serious bel canto fan. And like many of them, I have heard many Lucias live and have several recordings of the great Lucias: Callas, Sutherland, and Sills. This opera is, in my view, along with Norma, fundamental to understanding bel canto properly as a style in which virtuosity is the servant of drama. Not just empty display by prima donnas.

I have known and loved this opera since I was a teenager and to me, Sills is simply the best Lucia I have heard. I recall as a college student going to the listening library on many Friday afternoons and listening to this recording on LP over headphones until well into the evening, as it was not released on CD until a decade later. I was simply entranced.

Sills really is Lucia, the perfect realization of the "Ophelia" type so beloved by the Romantic imagination: a delicate, sensitive, emotional girl driven mad by cruelty and betrayal and crushed by events outside her control. Her tone is delicate, yet clear, and she sounds girlish (which Callas, for all her considerable art, could not quite convey). The high notes are firm and a bit bright, but never shrill or wobbly. The words absolutely clear, even in the hushed tones Sills uses so devastatingly. Her ornamentations express joy, terror, or agitation, perfectly evoking those heightened emotions. Her mad scene is really spooky. Again, only she and Callas sound like they are wandering about in a trance, living a demented fantasy. Along with Callas' Norma, in my view, it is the greatest bel canto performance on record. Sills, like Callas as Norma, really makes you think she IS Lucia.

What more can you ask for? Well, you get a perfectly stylish Edgardo in Bergonzi (although I feel that Pavarotti is unbeatably ardent, passionate, and even sexy in the role) and as so many have noted, a conductor who loves the opera and conducts like he does, excellent stereo sound, and a complete edition of the score. And how about that wonderfully spooky glass harmonica in the mad scene!

This recording needs to be in the collection of every opera lover and above all is required listening for any fan of bel canto. Sills, through words and music, makes us "see" DONIZETTI'S Lucia (not Beverly Sills, Diva) and feel her plight. That is what great operatic artists do. Run to get this one!

Ne plus ultra.......2007-01-03

I have four "Lucia"s on my shelf, and this is the one I always listen to when I want to experience the full drama of this bel canto classic. (We can safely ignore the opinions of those tin-eared listeners who don't grasp the shattering drama delivered by bel canto at its best.) Granted I may be somewhat influenced by having seen and heard Sills in the opera house, but her superiority in all "departments" in conveying Donizetti's dramatic achievement is not bettered anywhere, not by Callas and certainly not by Sutherland, whatever the glories of her singing. Sills conveys Lucia's incipient madness with the first notes she utters and her performance traces an uninterrupted arc from the fountain scene until she's led away after the Mad Scene. And she's fully seconded by everyone else who takes part, especially Bergonzi and -- best of all conductors in this score -- Thomas Schippers. If you want to know why bel canto opera has such a large body of fans, immerse yourself in in this recording as soon as possible.

One of the great Lucias.......2004-12-03

Many people, me included, have often wondered at the supreme ugliness of, even in her "prime", Maria Callas' voice. Of course, the rejoinder always has been "But did you see her in the house?"

Obviously, since she blew herself out at a comparatively early age, the answer is "no".

Now, we have a whole new group of nay-sayers telling us the Sills voice is too small, too thin, too ugly, too whatever. To those, I would simply say "But did you see her in the house?". Fair is fair.

I saw Ms. Sills many times in the house throughout her lengthy career. She did not possess a "perfect" voice. Who does?

But, during her greatest years, of which this recording is one of several examples, she possessed a beautiful and remarkably expressive lyric coloratura instrument. While a shade "lighter" than some, she had the almost uncanny ability of always being heard, even in the heaviest ensembles and over the loudest orchestras (which happened often when Julius Rudel was at the helm). Her voice seemed to bounce around the house. When you saw her in person.

Lucia was one of her most remarkable achievements. Anyone who ever saw her in the house knows of what I speak. Those who did not see her in the house should remain silent in their envy.

Now, make no mistake. I adored Sutherland. I would be completely unable to chose between the two, so different were their approaches to their art.

Of course, Sills' tireless efforts to popularize opera and bring a new audience to the opera house are well known.

Thank God I was around to see them both in the house. Many times.

And as for Anna Moffo. Well, she was a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. For a while.

Enough said.

Average customer rating: Andrea Bocelli - Sogno Not bad! pleasure to lilsten Bocelli - Aria Why...?

Andrea Bocelli - The Opera Album ~ Aria Manufacturer: Philips 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 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 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 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | ( B ) | 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 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 Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ponchielli, Amilcare | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | 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 French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Romanza Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung Cieli di Toscana Andrea Bocelli: Verdi Andrea Bocelli - Amore ASIN: B0000069CO Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

1. Rigoletto: Questa o quella
2. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
3. TOSCA: Recondita armonia
4. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
5. Madama Butterfly: Addio, fiorito asil
6. Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
7. I Puritani: A te, o cara
8. Der Rosenkavalier: Di rigori armato il seno
9. Fedora: Amor ti vieta
10. La Fanciulla del West: Ch'ella mi creda
11. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
12. Adriana Lecouvreur: La dolcissima effigie
13. La Boheme: Musetta! - Testa adorata
14. Lucia di Lammermoor: Tombe degli avi miei - Fra poco a me ricovero
15. Werther: Pourquoi me reveiller
16. Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
17. La Fille Du Regiment: Pour mon ame

Amazon.com

Andre Bocelli is no opera singer, but he shows far more potential in this album than does another pop-vocalist tenor-wannabe, Michael Bolton. For one thing, he can shake off the crooner mannerisms and really sing when performing music that calls for it. At his best, he has a rich, dark timbre and an easy, unforced top. At other times, however, the tone turns dry and thin and the high notes are constricted, the inconsistency suggesting a lack of technique. Never does one get the impression that he could be heard over a medium-sized orchestra without amplification. This isn't bad singing per se, but there is much better out there, readily available on disc. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Album Description

Exclusive Australian Gold pressing released to coincide with his first public appearance in Australia. He'll be performing at the opening ceremonies and then onto to tour the land down under. His back catalogue will be released & re-packaged in slipcases with his signature on them as well as all of them pressed on gold plated CD's. This pressing includes 17 tracks, all sung in his native Italian Tongue. 1998 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Andrea Bocelli - Sogno.......2007-06-27

I am 45 years old. The reason why this is something I am mentioning, is to let all of you reading my review know what age group I am in. It might be important to the age you are in knowing what I have to say. I have four Andrea Bocelli CD's and they are all wonderful. I love each of them. My mom turned me on to him, and, since I love Josh Groban, I decided to listen to Andrea Bocelli and see what all her fuss over him was about. I'm glad I did. I am half Italian and half Spanish. I don't know either language, but when I listen to both Andrea and Josh, I don't have to. They make the music tell a story, and instantly, you understand something about the words from just the sound of their voices. If you love Josh Groban, then Andrea Bocelli is someone you should give a listen to. His voice is soothing, powerful, and romantic. I am looking forward to getting more of his CD's. Great Stuff!!!

Not bad!.......2007-04-09

What I have heard about Andrea Bocelli is bimodal--some think that he is not up to the operatic repertoire and is way overrated; others see him as a fine singer, from a nontraditional background and career path. What I hear on this CD is fine singing, with some limitations. He was once a law school student; he played in piano bars. He took lessons from the great Franco Corelli. Some examples of his work illustrate his skills:

"Questa O quella" is a nice romp. His smooth voice moves through this aria nicely. His voice is not a big one. On the other hand, his musicianship seems fine (thank goodness none of the sobbing and catches that some tenors adopt).

In Puccini's "Che gelida manina" (from "La Boheme"), he again sings smoothly. He has a nice sound to his voice. The high note is a bit thin, but certainly not as bad as some critics would have it. A serviceable version, in short.

Then, the twin arias from "Tosca"--"Recondita armonia" and "E lucevan le stelle." Both are well sung. His version of "Recondita armonia" compares well with other versions. He certainly has no reason to hang his head. When he amps up the volume, his voice is not quite as rich as many other tenors, bit it is still fine. Top notes, as observed before, are a bit thin, but--again--hardly reason for lamentation. This is nicely sung. My notes for "E lucevan le stelle" simply say "Ibid." That is, one could write a very similar set of comments.

The last piece is from a different tradition--a selection from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," "Tome degli avi miei." Smoothly sung. A bit thin on higher notes. Overall, though, a nice job.

As I listen to his work, I think that Bocelli does a good job in the standard tenor repertoire. Is he a great tenor? No. Is he a good tenor? Yes.

pleasure to lilsten.......2007-01-19

This album is a pleasure. The selections are spirited and well executed. I was very satisfied with this purchse and would recommend it to any one who enjoys opera.

Bocelli - Aria.......2006-11-05

Introduced me to arias that were not known to me, and I find to be
quite beautiful. As usual, Bocelli does not fail.

Why...?.......2006-03-13

Why is there all this continuing controversy after so many years about whether or not Andrea Bocelli is - or is not - Operatically sound? All I know (and that's not saying much for me in this genre), is that after having listened to Amazon.com's sampling of the music on this Audio CD a few moments ago, I wept. Andrea Bocelli always makes me weep - because of his profound spiritual depth. And I don't care what anyone thinks on that issue. All I do know is this. The man sings from his soul...and nothing could surpass that - ever.

Average customer rating: Bright Star Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias First DGG album--very promising Remarkable! Beautiful voice, beautiful girl

Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias Anna Netrebko , Elina Garanca , Gianandrea Noseda , Wiener Philharmoniker , and Hector Berlioz Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( 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 Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( 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 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 General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sempre Libera Russian Album Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD] Anna Netrebko - The Woman, The Voice Verdi - La Traviata ASIN: B00008MLSH Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Idomeneo: Recitativo ed Aria "Quando avran fine omai" - Mozart
2. Don Giovanni: Recitativo accompagnato e Rondo "Crudele!" - Mozart
3. Benvenuto Cellini: Cavatine "Entre l'amour et le devoir" - Berlioz
4. La Sonnambula: Recitativo e Cavatina "Care compagne, et voi, ternei amici" - Bellini
5. Manon: Air du Cours-la-Reine "Suis-je gentille ainsi?" - Massenet
6. Lucia di Lammermoor: Scena e Cavatina "Ancor non giunse!" - Donizet
7. Faust: Ricitatif "Les grands seigneurs ont seuls des airs..." - Gounod
8. Rusalka: "Mesicku na nebli hlubokem" - Dvorak
9. La Boheme: "Quando me'n vo' (Musette's Waltz)" - Puccini

Amazon.com

Here, a year after her sensational Metropolitan debut as Prokofiev's Natasha from War and Peace, comes the debut solo recital album of 30-something soprano Anna Netrebko. She hails from southern Russia, and her emergence from the life of a conservatory student has a touch of the Cinderella tale—the bit, that is, about being discovered by Gergiev mopping floors for the Kirov as a part-time job and making her way into the Kirov's ranks. Later she became a favorite at San Francisco Opera, trying on for size a swath of comic and dramatic roles. Opera Arias parades Netrebko's way through a spectrum of vocal styles and characters. This mesmerizing lyric soprano engages--at times thrillingly grips--the listener with an imagination far greater than the disc's title (couldn't someone have dreamt up a less ridiculously bland handle?), but most significantly leaves an impression that the enterprise here isn't merely about singing. Netrebko's Ilia and Donna Anna are flesh-and-blood characters in real situations, as Mozart wanted them to be. The results are a bit more uneven with her bel canto heroines, where the required balance between Netrebko's emotional identification, so obviously a forte, and the musical phrasing thereof is a delicate one. Her shading of Lucia's mood swings, vocal and emotional, isn't consistently compelling. On the other hand, Netrebko uncovers gemlike facets not just in Gounod's "Jewel Song" but particularly in her stunning, passionately realized and beautifully phrased Manon (even if her trills disappoint). A shame that samples of her Russian repertory are missing here, though Netrebko's "Song to the Moon" from Dvorak's Rusalka concentrates and sets a mood with enviable mastery. Netrebko's musical intelligence and theatrical savvy seem destined to ensure her a magnificent career, so it's no surprise that many fans are already clamoring for more than the tease of an aria collection. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Bright Star.......2007-07-13

If you like opera, if you like the lyric soprano, if the vocal range of the colortura causes goose bumps to rise, Anna Netrebko is a must. Roberta Peters, Beverly Sills, Anna Moffo, Joan Southerland, Maria Callas, she takes a back seat to none of them,she sits he front seat with the best of them and guess what? She is beautiful too.

Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias.......2007-03-29

Her voice takes my breath away, I fell in love with her.
I highly reccomend it.

First DGG album--very promising.......2007-02-01

Anna Netrebko has rapidly become a first tier star in opera. This album, her first at DGG, illustrates why some rate her so highly; it also illustrates some of the questions that some have raised about her. All in all, though, a very nice CD.

A few selections illustrate:

Mozart, Idomeneo, "Quando avran fine omai." She displays a rich and clean voice. There is a very attractive quality to her voice manifest in this work.

Mozart, Don Giovanni, "Crudele? Ah no, mio bene!...Non mi dir." This is Donna Anna's poignant aria, given her circumstances. Netrebko displays rich tones. This is a well sung cut. "Non mi dir" shows off some agility in her voice.

Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor. "Ancor non giunse!. . .Regnava nel silenzio. . .Quando rapito in estasi" Something of a disappointment. Coloratura is not her forte (and see her "Sempre Libera" CD for further confirmation). She clearly shows off a rich and lush voice. I think that she displays some characterization here that is compelling. She hits high notes cleanly. But her ornamentation is indifferent, and she appears unable to trill. I know, some say that that is irrelevant. But compare Beverly Sills' version of this work, with almost too many trills extraordinarily well sung and her florid technique, and this version simply pales.

Bellini, La Sonnambula. "Care compagna. . .Come per me sereno." Again, Netrebko displays a rich voice. She displays an agile voice and the ability to hit the high notes. Her rendition of "come per sereno" is spirited.

Gounod, Faust. "The Jewel Song." Very smooth singing; animated singing. But the technique does not measure up to Anna Moffo's version--let alone Joan Sutherland's.

Puccini, La Boheme. "Musetta's Waltz." Yikes! What a version. Brava Netrebko. Her darker voice is very well suited to this. The characterization of Musetta seems on the mark. A wonderful cut.

All in all, this shows the promise of Netrebko. It also indicates where her strengths are and where she does not do so well (coloratura work). However, this is a very nice introduction to her work and her art.

Remarkable!.......2006-11-02

Perhaps her voice is not as candid as some other sopranos, but her rendition of the score and interpretative expression make her and exquisite hearing pleasure. This recording shows a more matured artist capable of capturing the role dynamics and emotions.

Yes, her voice is not as lyric as you might expect, and some roles may sound a little big heavy (sometimes maybe bordering verismo), but definitively at stated before hearing her is a gloriuos pleasure, almost as good as looking at her.

Beautiful voice, beautiful girl.......2005-11-22

When I heard Anna Netrebko singing Quando Men Vo I was stunned by a voice of stunning purity, great power and sheer beauty. The best Musetta I've heard! Her Song to the moon is stunning and I love her Bel Canto! Anna Netrebko has a very bright future ahead of her. Her Mozart is top class!

Average customer rating: Hampson: One of the sexiest voices in opera today. radiant Beautiful. Two fine singers create a special CD Simply Stunning!! Hadley/Hampson are among the best ever. Hadley & Hampson blend beautifully.

Jerry Hadley and Thomas Hampson - Famous Opera Duets (Tenor/Bass) Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta Standing Room Only Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast Highlights) In the Real World A Song of Naples - Neapolitan Songs ASIN: B000000SEV Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

1. La Boheme: 'O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni'
2. Belisario: 'Leberi Siete, Addio!'
3. Les Vepres siciliennes: 'Quel Est Ton Nom?'...'Henri'
4. Don Carlos: 'Le Voila! C'est l'Infant!'
5. Les Pecheurs De Perles: 'Au Fond Du Temple Saint'
6. L'Elisir D' Amore: 'Venti Scudi'
7. Lucia Di Lammermoor: 'Orrida E Questa Notte'
8. Dinorah: 'Quand L'heure Sonnera'
9. Die Fledermaus: 'Komm Mit Mir Zum Souper'

Customer Reviews:

Hampson: One of the sexiest voices in opera today........2006-02-06

This is a wonderfully varied album, one which I've given to several opera neophytes among my friends, as well as to my mother who has been an opera fan since the 1930s. The excerpt from Bizet's Pearl Fishers is gorgeous, everything the other reviewers say, but my personal favorite is the one from Don Carlo for its rollercoaster emotional dramatics (be sure and read the notes to this one so you know what's going on!), a showcase for the versatility of the performers. Hampson's performances here are subtly nuanced, self-assured, and sophisticated without losing a sense of fun, while Hadley's lovely tenor contains an irresistible ebullience. They are great foils for each other, and I'll bet they had a fine time making this album.

radiant.......2001-02-01

Although Jerry Hadley may not have the reputation of some of the world's other great tenors, his voice is truly beautiful and his straightforward, unegotistical style is refreshing. Everything about this disc is perfect, it is superbly recorded, the orchestration is just right, and the two singers (Hampson is, as he always is, masterful) blend flawlessly. The Pearl Fishers Duet, taken at a relatively leisurely pace, is absolutely riveting for its sheer beauty and probably ranks with the great recordings ever of this masterpiece.

Beautiful. Two fine singers create a special CD.......2000-07-26

I had never heard of Jerry Hadley prior to seeing an ad in one of the auctions. I bought the CD and became an instant lover of Hadley's voice. I am a Michael Crawford fan and also admire Michael Feinstein. Carreras and other greats have their places. Why didn't I hear about Hadley earlier?

I acquired this CD also on auction. Listening to it one thought came to mind. Sometimes two = better than one. The interplay and synergy displayed by tenor Hadley and baritone Hampson is marvelous. This CD represents a case where two voices = a four-power recording. The works should all be savoured.

Which of the nine tracks do I enjoy the most? All nine is not an acceptable answer. I admire the opening Puccini excerpt from La Boheme. Bizet's selection from Les Pecheurs de peries can stand with any. My favorite has to be the Strauss selection from Die Fledermous. Hadley and Hampson are more Broadway-type opera singers. Their duet in Die Fledermous may only be 3.36. You might put this track alone on repeat.

I highly recommend the CD. Maybe you will find other tracks more desirable than #1 (Pucinni), #5 (Bizet) and #9 (Johann Strauss). Try this. Maybe I will have to re-listen. That would be such sweet joy. It is going to be my next CD played (again and again). Enjoy.

Simply Stunning!! Hadley/Hampson are among the best ever........1998-11-07

These two, individually masters at solo expression, set a new standard for absolutely superb ensemble. Puccini's "Au fond du temple saint" from LES PECHEURS DE PERLES elicits strong emotions and tears every time I hear it in concert. And it does every time I listen to these two exceptional master interpreters.

Hadley & Hampson blend beautifully........1998-09-11

Hadley & Hampson blend as beautifully as it is possible for two voices to blend. Each wonderful voice is complimented by the other. Never has there been such a gorgeous recording of duets.

Average customer rating: Callas, di Stefano and Gobbi. Lucia di Lammermoor. An actress, and a woman sings Best Studio Recording Lovely recording Not THAT much shorter, the traditional cuts

Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tullio Serafin Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata Bellini: I Puritani Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo: Pagliacci (complete operas) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan Maria Callas 100 Best Classics ASIN: B00064N8S6 Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. Preludio
2. Percorrete Le Spiagge Vicine
3. Tu Sei Turbato!...E N'ho Ben Donde
4. Cruda, Funesta Smania
5. Il Tuo Dubbio E Omai Certezza
6. La Pietade In Suo Favore
7. Maestoso
8. Ancor Non Giunse!
9. Regnava Nel Silenzio
10. Quando Rapito In Estasi
11. Egli S'Avanza
12. Sulla Tomba Che Rinserra
13. Qui Di Sposa Eterna Fede
14. Ah, Talor Del Tuo Pensiero
15. Veranno E Te Sull'Aure

Tracks:

1. Moderato/Lucia Fra Poco A Te Verra
2. Appressati, Lucia
3. Il Pallor Fuesto, Orrendo...A Ragion Mi Fe' Spietato
4. Nobil Sposo...Cessa, Cessa!
5. Soffriva Nel Pianto
6. Che Fia?...Suonar Di Giubilo
7. Se Tradirmi Tu Potrai
8. Per Te D'Immenso Giubilo...Per Poco Fra Le Tenebre
9. Dov'E Lucia?...Qui Giungere Or La Vedrem
10. Ecco Il Tuo Sposo
11. Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento
12. T'Allontana, Sciagurato...Rispettate In Me Di Dio
13. Sconsigliato! In Queste Porte Chi Ti Guida?
14. Esci, Fuggi, Il Furor Chem M'Accende
15. D'Immenso Giubilo
16. Ah!...Deh, Cessate Que! Contento!...Dalle Stanze Ove Lucia
17. Oh! Qual Funesto Avvenimento!
18. Oh Giusto Cielo!...Il Dolce Suono
19. Ohime! Sorge Il Tremendo
20. Ardon Gli Incensi; Splendon Le Sacre Faci
21. Spargi D'Amaro Pianto
22. Maestoso...Tombe Degli Avi Miei
23. Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
24. O, Meschina! O, Fato Orrendo!
25. Dove Corri, Sventurato?
26. Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti I'Ali
27. Che Facesti?

Customer Reviews:

Callas, di Stefano and Gobbi. Lucia di Lammermoor........2007-06-08

Beautiful recording, fabulous voices, Callas was at her very best in this period

An actress, and a woman sings .......2007-01-10

Befoe Maria came onto the scene in 1952, I actually believed that only the "whistling teakettle" type of voice could sing this type of work. When I actually heard a woman's voice, I was transformed from that day.

Best Studio Recording.......2006-11-01

Without a doubt this is the best studio recording of the opera hands down. Callas, Di Stefano and Gobbi are in fine form and Serafin keeps things going at a good pace. The best RECORDING of the opera is of course the 1955 Berlin performance with Karajan conducting. The sound is quite good as Callas bootlegs go and everybody is ON FIRE. One of those magical moments that thankfully somebody taped. If you MUST have your stereo, go with the first Sutherland recording or the Gruberova/Kraus/Rescigno.

Lovely recording.......2005-03-30

I'm a huge bel canto fan and Lucia is one of my top 3 operas. (The others are NORMA and ANNA BOLENA) There is no other Lucia like Callas. Nobody embodies the melancholy, the tragic, fragile beauty and the torment of this doomed heroine more than she. And her coloratura and E-flats glitter and sparkle but never sound senseless or bland. Her partners (di Stefano, Gobbi) are in pristine form and Serafin conducts bel canto with unmatched perfection. This is THE Lucia to buy! A steal, grab it while you can!

Not THAT much shorter, the traditional cuts.......2005-03-17

One can say whatever one likes but IMHO that short review below doesn't do justice to the brilliance of this recording which is not 30 minutes shorter than the Sutherland-recording from 1971. The traditional cuts don't harm the score (The only addition I'd like to see would be the tower-scene), on the contrary, they focus the drama and don't prolong it unnecessarily. The three leads are in brilliant form, the conductor is unmatched. Brava! Brava! Bravissima!

Average customer rating: Harp Music Absolutely beautiful Beautiful contemplative music. Gorgeous! The Philly Sound-The Harp Column July/August 2002 Volume 10

Music for Solo Harp Elizabeth Hainen Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Harmonious Harp Harp Concertos The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration The Magic Of The Harp The Healing Harp ASIN: B0000666XV Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Lieberstraume No. 3
2. Harp Solo From Lucia Di Lammermoor
3. Nocturne
4. Impromptu, Op. 28 No. 3
5. Etude, Op. 25 No. 1
6. Allegro Assai
7. Romance
8. Rondeau
9. Fantasie, Op. 35
10. Etude No. 2
11. Etude No. 7
12. Serenade
13. Un Sospiro

Customer Reviews:

Harp Music.......2007-03-29

I thoroughly enjoy this CD. It is quite relaxing, and soothing. I use it when I do Yoga and when I meditate, but it is also nice just to listen to. I would highly recommend this title.

Absolutely beautiful.......2006-08-24

Now this person can play! No strumming to make airy sounds. Real classical music! Only the harp, and it's enough. Absolutely beautiful.

Beautiful contemplative music........2006-04-14

Elizabeth Hainen does a super job on this CD with a broad range of pieces composed originally for harp. There is enough diversity among the selections to keep the CD from becoming monotanous. I found the Impromptu Op. 28 by Hugo Reinhold to be a surprizingly delightful work with which I was unfamiliar prior to purchasing the CD. The selections range from classical works by Rosetti, intricate and complex, to more emotional romantic works by Liszt.

The solo harp has an odd immediacy and minimalism that can be quite meditative and pensive at times. Of course the solo harp can also be full of fluff and candy but there is little of that in this careful selection of music.

Louis Spohr's Fantasie Op. 35 has a meditative quality, in which the silence between the notes is tangible. I recomend the entire selection of music.

Gorgeous!.......2004-01-24

For a long time, I've loved music for the solo harp. For a long time, too, I've (please forgive me) not been a fan of the market of solo harp recordings. Why? Honestly, it comes down to the selection of peices. That is, too many solo harp records either tend to fall into a mode of ultra-glissando bombasticness, or are simply trying to be too 'pretty' and end up instead as pretty boring.

That is no more. This CD is neither. We have a wide range of classical and romantic pieces here. Instead of the 'showpiece' mentality of relying way too much on glissando heavy arpeggiation, these peices are very tasteful and melodic, all the while being well suited for harp (both single- and double-action by the way). Second, while a few of these peices are quite pretty and charming, there is enough of a mix here to keep things from being 'too' polite and ornament-like.

The show stealers? My favorites here are Rosetti's sonata 2 (and Rosetti really is a great classical period composer so you should check him out anyway), both Liszt arrangements, and Willhelm Posse's etudes. But as I said before, these peices range from a fantastically tense harp solo from a Donizetti opera to a Chopin etude. Quite diverse, and all of the pieces have a different beauty to them.

I've not even mentioned Elizabeth Hainen yet. What is most striking is that while these pieces cover such diverse territory, she plays each in a style completely appropriate to it. The Rosetti, for instance, she plays in the 'pretty' and lyrical fashion one would expect from a classical period etude, while the Liszt 'Sospiro', she plays with the grace and out-and-out emotionalism that Liszt himself likely would have wanted. Long and short, she keeps it appropriate at all times.

This recording is not to be missed, both for harp officionados and casual listeners.

The Philly Sound-The Harp Column July/August 2002 Volume 10.......2002-08-20

(excerpt)Perhaps to the credit-or detriment-of producers and engineers, solo harp recordings often seem to have an overly-present quality, leaning toward brighter timbres and crisp articulation. But Hainen's offering is indeed reminiscent of the Philadelphians' legendary and eponymous sound: Warm, broad, and yes, lush.
Appropriately enough, Hainen leads off the album with an old Philly favorite, the third of Liszt's three Liebestraume. Hainen shows admirable restraint and exemplary musicality in her tasteful rendition of what has become largely a Liberacean confection for many pianists. And indeed, there is something about her sound that sets her apart from most soloists and even other orchestral harpists.
Especially interesting for a Philadelphia Orchestra aficionado is how Hainen's playing reflects the present soundscape of a group once known primarily for its reading of Romantic works: Her playing is as expansive as it is lean, as flashy as it is reserved, and as technical as it is expressive. Indeed, the congnoscenti will tell you, accurately, that the Philadelphians have never sounded better. A most impressive crop of new principals have, in their brand-new concert hall, shown that the band still leads the pack in its ability to blend, dazzle, and alter its style as the music dictates. Elizabeth Hainen is a wonderful embodiment of the "new" Philadelphia sound and a perfect example of how the best musicians can make their instruments become a symphony orchestra, even on their own.

Average customer rating: I am in love with Anna simple stunning Ok but not a bel canto singer Having It All Talented singer, but should she choose her reportoire better?

Sempre Libera Giacomo Puccini , Giuseppe Verdi , Claudio Abbado , Sascha Reckert , Sara Mingardo , Mahler Chamber Orchestra , and Saimir Pirgu Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon 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 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 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias Russian Album Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD] Anna Netrebko - The Woman, The Voice Verdi - La Traviata ASIN: B000295TXC Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. E strano! - "Ah, fors'ui"
2. Sempre libera
3. Ah! Se una volta sola
4. Ah, non credea mirarti
5. Ah! non giunge uman pensiero
6. O rendetemi le speme...Qui la voce
7. Ah! tu sorridi
8. Vien, diletto, n ciel la luna
9. O giusto cielo! (Act 2)
10. OihmSorge il tremendo
11. Ardon gli incensi... (Act 2)
12. Spargi d'amaro pianto (Act 2)
13. Era pimo?
14. Piangea cantando nell'erma landa...
15. Ave Maria, piena di grazia
16. O mio babbino caro

Amazon.com

Anna Netrebko's second CD is even more impressive than her first. She still may not be an absolutely polished, finished artist, but she's working at it and presents here a very satisfying---even thrilling---program. She doesn't quite have the stature or insights for Verdi's Violetta yet, but aside from some smudged coloratura in low-lying passages she sings the first act scene quite well (capped with a well-placed, big E-flat). She's close to ideal in the Sonnambula and Puritani excerpts, where her girlishness is entirely right, her coloratura dazzling, and her ability to sound tearful really impressive. The Lucia Mad Scene (also notable here for its use of the glass harmonica for which it was composed in place of the usual flute) is quite wonderful, even if the runs are sometimes not as well-delineated as they should be. And although she's not vocally suited to Desdemona's Willow Song and Ave Maria, she does manage to darken her voice to fit the character and presents a very moving portrait. The CD ends with an utterly charming "O mio babbino caro." Artistry and everything else aside, her voice is just beautiful. Claudio Abbado's leadership is ideal. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I am in love with Anna.......2007-05-15

Did you see her in the Met's big screen broadcast of I Puritani? Then you know what I mean. Here is a just stunningly, impossibly gorgeous woman with a voice of liquid fire and gold who can sing with passion and precision while she's bending over and crawling around on the floor! If she weren't real I would guess she was the invention of the overinflamed imagination of a heterosexual opera queen (if such a being exists).

If you love getting great voice, buy this.

simple stunning.......2007-05-10

having just found this young womans CD in our local speciality store I was transformed from the mundaine life to the peak of ecstasy with her wonderful voice and the intense colours created by her own intensity.Here is a woman who can fill the heart with words that are pure gold and like velvet on the mind ,a truly wonderful voice and a stunning person to go with it .Here at last is a worthy successor to Dame Joan and others who gave opera to the world ,now we have in Anna Netrebko someone to give the passion and drama of opera to a new audience with the fire and fun of the pleasure this style of music can give.It is great to at last have an opera singer of this caliber who is unafraid to be herself and to let her own warmth and passion come through LONG May she continue to be the standard for others to attain.May she never change her love of singing and life

Ok but not a bel canto singer.......2007-03-21

Anna Netrebko's I Puritani selections are way below the art and skill of Callas, Sills, Sutherland, Caballe, and Gencer. She has no passion, no trills, no high notes that are deep and rich. Her best is in the Russian repertoire and possibley some undemanding Mozart.

Her broadcast from the Met Live of the I Puritani was alright, but scooping, avoidance of repetitions, running through passages like a locomotive, and an ending that would have brought the wrath of most opera houses in the world..scooping again, and a tight awful sounding high note. The same tentativenes is also here on this CD.She should know this. Her beauty and acting and allure are what interest the masses, not the voice, which is forgiven everything.

Too bad; she could be a lovely Tatyana some day.Also too, the Traviata is not that great; Anna Moffo , Renee Fleming, M. Caballe, and of course Maria Callas..Listen to these and hear the difference.

Having It All.......2007-01-22

This is a remarkable CD by the current "it" soprano. Anna Netrebko has it all. She is a wonderful singer, and a beautiful woman. Any star on the rise, particularly one with this much physical beauty and commercial promise, will always fall victim to criticisms that are more or less trivial. Believe me, I get it. When I first saw Anna, I wanted to be judgemental. After all, maybe she was just another pretty face being pushed by a record company. Then I heard her "Sempre libera" and became a fan.

There are criticisms of her trill, or her lack of a trill. Renee Fleming doesn't have a trill, and she has been the acclaimed queen for some time. Because of Anna's trill issues, she's criticized as lacking something that a coloratura should have. Well, she's not a coloratura. A good bel canto singer does not have to be a coloratura. There are criticisms of Anna's repertoire choices. You know why she picked this interesting melange for this CD? Because these are difficult scenes and arias, and she can do them. The only aria I didn't think "fit" is the "O mio babbino caro". She does it well, I just can't figure out what it's doing on this CD.

The "La Traviata" scene that starts the CD is absolutely magnificent. She is a wonderful Violetta, and sings this demanding scene with panache. She does the high E-flat at the end. Of course, she was coached by Scotto on this aria. Nice coaching if you can get it. No less remarkable are her scenes from "La sonnambula" and "I puritani". Her "Qui la voce" was beautiful. To listen to that gorgeous singing, and only focus on whether or not she has a trill is to miss the point of the music. I can definitely see why the Met is giving her the "Puritani" this season. Her scenes from "Lucia di Lammermoor" were technically perfect, and her mad scene very well done. The "Otello" scenes were amazing, particularly the floated pianos and pianissimos in the "Ave Maria". Abbado and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra are wonderful collaborators.

Ignore the criticisms and buy this CD! You'll be glad that you did. Highly recommended.

Talented singer, but should she choose her reportoire better?.......2007-01-10

Anna Netrebko has an attractive voice and a pleasing personality in this recording. But her performance also raises some questions.

First, she has a Callas-like habit (not a great compliment) when she ups her volume on higher notes of producing a rather unpleasant sound. In "Sempre libera," from "La Traviata," this is manifest. I compare this with the silky smooth lyric voice of Anna Moffo, from the 1960s and 1970s, who essayed this same piece in a manner much more attractive to the ear. Second, I could not hear a single trill on this CD (although maybe I missed something). In the colorature/bel canto repertoire, this is not a trifle. A trill is a standard part of a coloratura soprano's armamentorium. In that, again, she is like Callas, who scarcely issued forth a trill. "Spargi d'amaro pianto" is one of the classic cabalettas for coloratura sopranos. Sung without trills, it is not very satisfying. Some who have recorded the pyrotechnics of the "Mad Scene" have only displayed adequate trills (e.g., Anna Moffo or Angela Gheorghiu). Others, of course, have deployed wondrous effects, such as Joan Sutherland and Beverly Sills. Just so, the cabalettas in "La Sonnambula" and "I Puritani."

Certainly, Netrebko also exhibits considerable strengths. Other ornamentation is fine; she has an agile voice; she can hit all the notes, including the high ones. Her vocal sound is most attractive (outside the one example noted earlier of a certain harshness). Her singing in the pieces from "Otello" and "Gianni Schicchi" are very well done.

So, all in all, a nice CD, but one that does not seem to feature Anna Netrebko at her best.

Meditation Music:

1. Marilyn Horne Rossini Recital
2. Massenet: Cleopatre
3. Massenet: Thérèse
4. Maurice Ravel: L'Heure Espagnole
5. Mendelssohn: Die Hochzeit des Camacho (The Wedding of Camacho)
6. Montserrat Cabellé & José Carreras: Love Duets
7. Moussorgsky: Boris Godounov
8. Mozart: Così fan tutte
9. Mozart - Die Zauberflöte / Price, Serra, Schreier, Moll, Melbye, Adam, C. Davis
10. Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

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