Catalani: La Wally

Catalani: La Wally

On this CD:

  1. La Wally, opera (dramma musicale) in 4 acts
    Composed by Alfredo Catalani
    with Giorgio Tozzi, Renata Tebaldi, Jolanda Gardino, Renata Scotto, Mario del Monaco, Melchiorre Luise, Giangiacomo Guelfi

Catalani: La Wally,Giorgio Tozzi,Alfredo Catalani,Renata Tebaldi,Mario del Monaco,Giangiacomo Guelfi,Jolanda Gardino,Melchiorre Luise,Renata Scotto,Legato Classics,Classical,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera


The #1 Opera Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The beautiful gift of opera...
  • Pretty darn good
  • The Opera #1 Opera Album
  • Excellent assortment
  • Great Selections
The #1 Opera Album
Giacomo Puccini , Giuseppe Verdi , Léo Delibes , Georges Bizet , Umberto Giordano , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Jacques Offenbach , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Charles Gounod , Gaetano Donizetti , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Richard Bonynge , Herbert von Karajan , Alberto Erede , Lamberto Gardelli , Giuseppe Patane , John Mauceri , Zubin Mehta , Charles Dutoit , Gyorgy Fischer , Riccardo Chailly , Istvan Kertesz , Leone Magiera , Evelino Pido , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Renée Fleming , Cecilia Bartoli , Luciano Pavarotti , Jussi Bjorling , and Renata Tebaldi
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Most Famous Opera Duets
  2. The Most Famous Opera Arias
  3. The Best of Italian Opera
  4. Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
  5. The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000059RXO
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

  1. Carmen: Act 1: Prld - LPO/Sir Georg Solti
  2. La Traviata: Brindisi: Libiamo, Ne'lieti Calici - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
  3. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Luciano Pavarotti
  4. Lakme: Flower Duet: Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
  5. Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Jussi Bjorling
  6. Carmen: Habanera: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Tatiana Troyanos/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis
  7. Nabucco: Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va Pensiero - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hills
  8. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove Sono - Kiri Te Kanawa
  9. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
  10. Lohengrin: Bridal Chor: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
  11. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Renata Tebaldi
  12. Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Leo Nucci
  13. La Wally: Ebben?... Ne Andro Lontana - Angela Gheorghiu
  14. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor - Wiener Staatsopernchor/Norbert Balatsch
  15. Carmen: Flower Song: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Placido Domingo
  16. Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/Chor De La Radio Suisse Romande, Pro Arte De Lausanne Et Du...
  17. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
  18. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
  19. Les Pecheurs De Perles: C'est Toi... Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Gregory Cross/Gino Quilico

Tracks:

  1. Die Walkure: The Ride Of The Valkyries - Wiener Phil/Solti
  2. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete - Cecilia Bartoli
  3. Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Luciano Pavarotti
  4. La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti/Roland Panerai
  5. Il Trovatore: Anvil Chor: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
  6. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Jose Carreras
  7. Don Giovanni: La Ci Darem La Mano - Lucia Popp/Tom Krause
  8. Mattinata - Andrea Bocelli
  9. Faust: Soldiers' Chor - Ambrosian Opr Chor/John McCarthy
  10. L'elisir D'amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Roberto Alagna
  11. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! - Montserrat Caballe
  12. Don Giovanni: Champagne Aria: Finch'han Dal Vino - Bryn Terfel
  13. Cosi Fan Tutte: Trio: Soave Sia Il Vento - Renee Fleming/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Michele Pertusi
  14. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
  15. Tosca: Vissi D'arte - Kiri Te Kanawa
  16. Carmen: Toreador Song - Jose Van Dam/Tatiana Troyanos/Norma Burrowes/Jane Berbie/Thomas Allen/Pierre Thau/John Alldis...
  17. Madama Butterfly: Love Duet: Vogliatemi Bene - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti
  18. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Nat PO/Gianandrea Gavazzeni
  19. Rusalka: O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
  20. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
  21. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis

Amazon.com

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen The Greatest Opera Show on Earth, The Yellow Guide: Classical Music, Best of the Millennium, and now there's The No. 1 Opera Album. But that's no surprise, since Universal has some of the finest interpreters in its catalogue to draw from. This two-CD set (at the price of one), for example, brings together the likes of Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and many more. Yet the other key to a successful compilation is canny anthologizing, and here again, you have a nice selection to give you a smattering of opera's heavyweights from the Italian, German, and French repertory (there's even a step outside the standard framework with an aria from Dvorák's lovely Rusalka). Ranging from 1959 to 1997, the choices from back catalogue will doubtless be the entry ticket for many into this grandest of the arts. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The beautiful gift of opera..........2007-07-17

This 2-CD set is absolutely wonderful! You can close your eyes and feel like you're actually at the opera, listening to those beautiful voices bringing tears to your eyes. Nessun Dorma still stirs up emotions in me, no matter how many times I hear it. Great examples of opera to give someone wanting to get interested in this style of music.

4 out of 5 stars Pretty darn good.......2007-07-04

This CD set has a lot of familiar music on it, so if you're a newbie, you might want to try starting with this. There are some great pieces on the first CD. I usually don't even make it to the second.

2 out of 5 stars The Opera #1 Opera Album.......2007-06-07

The music is wonderful. The production is terrible!! The sound fades in and out and is very scratchy in some places.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent assortment.......2007-05-12

I'm not a big opera fan but I wanted to expose an assorted selection for my kids. This was perfect since it included several recognizable selections.

5 out of 5 stars Great Selections.......2007-03-31

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...
The Most Famous Opera Arias
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great for kids!
  • Mediocre Sound Quality
  • I was pleased
  • The Most Famous Opera Arias
  • Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias"
The Most Famous Opera Arias

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SCE
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

  1. Rigoletto: Act I - Caro nome
  2. Rigoletto: Act III - La donna e mobile
  3. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
  4. Carmen: Act I - Habanera: La voila...L'amour est oiseau rebelle
  5. Orfeo ed Euridice: Act III - Che faro senz Euridice
  6. Madama Butterfly: Act III - Un bel di, vedremo
  7. Romeo et Juliette: Act I - Ah! je veux vivre
  8. Le nozze di Figaro: Act II - Voi che sapete che cosa e amor
  9. Samson et Dalila: Act II - Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix
  10. Tosca:: Act II - Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore
  11. Aida: Act I-Celeste Aida
  12. Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Act I-Una voce poco fa
  13. Lakme: Act II - Ou va la jeune indoue?
  14. La Wally: Act I - Ebben? Ne andro lontano
  15. La Boheme: Act I - Che gelida manina
  16. Die Zauberflote: Act II-Die Holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great for kids!.......2007-06-27

I'm generally not a fan of music "samplers," but opera can be tough to introduce to children. And hey--even adults played cards, ate, and talked through the recitative sections of the early operas while they waited for the next aria! So I feel that getting kids hooked on opera through great arias probably can't hurt (the next 10 years or so will determine whether I'm right or not). My 4-year-old loves this CD; it's a delight to watch her imitate Anna Moffo (the sincerest form of flattery, for sure). Highly recommended resource for introducing young kids to opera. More top picks: Siberell's Bravo! Brava! A Night at the Opera, and the Black Dog Opera Library CDs.

2 out of 5 stars Mediocre Sound Quality.......2007-03-31

If you note the album was released in 1994, and includes selections from many years prior, you will understand that the quality of the sound engineering is not going to dazzle your ear.

It's a very nice collection to hum along to, but don't expect shivers down your spine as the sound quality is not sufficient to reproduce the dynamic range of these voices.

5 out of 5 stars I was pleased.......2007-02-18

I am by no means an opera expert, but found this to be a wonderful CD. Along with the songs I already knew I liked (such as a song from Carmen,) I found many others I enjoyed. In fact, Samson et Dahlila turned out to be my favorite. If you are just getting started or at any point in your adventure of opera, I would recommend this one.

5 out of 5 stars The Most Famous Opera Arias.......2007-01-05

I was completely surprised in the product as well as the time in which it was delivered.

I would not only refer this seller but I will come back myself.

3 out of 5 stars Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias".......2006-08-18

My daughter (6 y.o.) and I like opera; but sitting for two hours to watch Turandot is just not within the realm of possibilities for my 4 year old son right now... so I was looking for an opera CD for the car. He will sit and listen to short arias.

This was the first we purchased and it is okay but not great.

Problem #1 - where is Wagner. No Wagner?
Problem#2 - Elena Obraztsova - she sounds like Carmen's grandmother. Rather matronly for a vixen (imho--lol)

Three Stars. [C+] Great Price and good sound quality for the car. The operatic styles of some of the performers are antiquated and frilly sounding, but I would probably buy this CD again.

Note: We purchased and really preferred "The # 1 Opera Album". It has more selections and better artists in our opinion. Also it's a two CD set. Just something to consider.
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas
  • sublime
  • Good "Best Of"
  • The Very Best of Maria Callas
  • Classic Callas
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005Y1YQ
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

  1. Carmen: L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle
  2. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
  3. La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
  4. Samson Et Dalila: Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
  5. Tosca: Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore
  6. Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta
  7. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Porgi Amor
  8. Orphee Et Eurydice: J'ai Perdu Mon Eurydice
  9. Aida: Ritorna Vincitor!
  10. Adriana Lecouvreur: Respiro Appena... Lo So L'Umile Ancella
  11. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo
  12. Norma: Casta Diva
  13. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
  14. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
  15. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
  16. La Gioconda: Suicidio
  17. La Forza Del Destino: Pace, Pace Mio Dio!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas.......2007-03-31

There are moments on this recording that are virtually audio heaven.
Ms. Callas' voice goes beyond the normal concept of beauty.

5 out of 5 stars sublime.......2007-02-14

she is an angel , a voice without parallel , a collection very interesting of arias from different masters.

4 out of 5 stars Good "Best Of".......2007-02-09

Maira Callas was never a favorite of mine, but she is notable as a passionate, (but sometime shrill to my ears) performer. This collection is a good single record tribute to her operatic legacy.

4 out of 5 stars The Very Best of Maria Callas.......2006-08-20

Second on my list for CDs that should be recommended for people who want to start on a long trail of Callas to the Carmen with Gedda and Prétre. This has perhaps the best excerpts of all time from Maria Callas. The 'Ritorna vincitor' and 'Una voce poco fa' are to be treasured. Any long-time Callas fan will find this CD of little to no interest, because anything they haven't heard before, there's a better, low-audio-quality version of somewhere. 4 stars for that reason.

4 out of 5 stars Classic Callas.......2006-07-11

Countless assessments of Maria Callas' life and career, as well as re-issues of some of her definitive recorded performances have been fueled by the 25th anniversaary of her tragic and prophetic death alone in her Paris flat on September 16, 1977. One of those such discs, this 17 track retrospective compilation from the archives of EMI is among the best. Every character she portrays is bought to life by her incomparible ability both vocally and emotionally. Enjoy!
Tuscany: A Romantic Journey
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Favorites of the past
  • Seventh heaven
  • Excellent CD
  • Monica
  • Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!
Tuscany: A Romantic Journey

Manufacturer: Somerset Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007R8FC6
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

  1. O Mio Babbino from Gianni Schicchi - Puccini (4:09)
  2. Con Te Partiro - Sartori (4:05)
  3. Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana - Mascagni (4:22)
  4. La Donna E Mobile from Rigoletto - Verdi (2:24)
  5. Un Bel Di Vedremo from Madama Butterfly - Puccini (3:54)
  6. Nessun Dorma from Turandot - Puccini (3:26)
  7. Intermezzo from La Traviata - Verdi (3:55)
  8. Musetta's Waltz from La Boheme - Puccini (2:57)
  9. Caruso - Dalla (3:25)
  10. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana from La Wally - Catalani (3:49)
  11. O Sole Mio - Di Capua (4:19)
  12. Va'Pensiero from Nabucco - Verdi (4:17)
  13. Vesti La Giubba from Pagliacci - Leoncavallo (3:38)
  14. Una Furtiva Lagrima from L'Elisir D'Amore - Donizetti (4:24)
  15. Vissi D'Arte from Tosca - Puccini (3:21)
  16. Winter from The Four Seasons (Largo) - Vivaldi (4:22)

Product Description

Take a romantic journey across the fabled landscape of Tuscany with these beautiful, orchestral recordings of Italian classics. Instrumentation includes an orchestra.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Favorites of the past.......2007-07-19

All the famous favorites are here and done exactly as you remember them. I was hoping for something that put a new feel to the oldies and this was not it. If you are looking for great European relaxing music check out Mediterranean Nights by various artist and Azucar by Luciani.

5 out of 5 stars Seventh heaven.......2007-06-15

Lovely collection of music! Many pieces I already knew but would not have been able to play them all together; this CD has done that for me. I would have liked even more of the mandolin pieces playing some Italian favorites. This instrument is particularly beautiful (the mandolin) and is so Italian and mediterranean. Lovely vocalists for the arias of some of the nicest operas, too! It was all very beautiful and relaxing to listen to and I felt my self reminiscing the few times I spent in Tuscany and other parts of Italy. Thank you!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent CD.......2007-05-13

Have heard the songs before , however, this CD presents them in a very beautiful way. Loved it.

5 out of 5 stars Monica.......2007-01-25

We took a chance on this cd while in the Smoky Mountains. The best money ever spent. Each time we return to the Smoky's we make sure this cd travels with us. What beautiful music.

5 out of 5 stars Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!.......2006-02-24

This selection is by far the best in my collection.
The East Village Opera Company
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This is a great album
  • Great CD
  • Hooked
  • Not bad, vocals are severely lacking however
  • EAST VILLAGE OPERA CO.
The East Village Opera Company

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AMJE3W
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

  1. Overture (Redux)
  2. Nessun Dorma (Redux)
  3. Flower Duet (Redux)
  4. La Donna E Mobile (Redux)
  5. Un Bel Di (Redux)
  6. Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Redux)
  7. O Mio Babbino Caro (Redux)
  8. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana (Redux)
  9. Che Gelida Manina (Redux)
  10. Habanera (Redux)
  11. When I Am Laid Earth (Redux)
  12. E Lucevan Le Stelle (Redux)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This is a great album.......2007-04-26

I never liked opera before. I guess it's all about how the music is presented. The performances are top-notch, and taken from real operatic classics, but the way it is done makes it very nice to listen too. If you can only get one album of this genre, this is the one to get!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2007-03-16

I enjoy this different kind of opera music. Very nice and still giving you the feeling of the opera it self but in more modern way.

5 out of 5 stars Hooked.......2007-03-15

I love this CD. I have it in my car, and now know practically all of the Italian words by heart. Infectious and uplifting. Good tears and fun listening.

3 out of 5 stars Not bad, vocals are severely lacking however.......2007-02-28

I love music. I especially love classical music. When I find musicians who have taken classical music and presented it in a new way, I'm always excited. EVOC has done exactly that with these tried-and-true opera classics. The orchestrations are wonderful and the musicians obviously very talented. The vocalists, however, sometimes really don't deliver. All in all, it's a fun CD and I will certainly enjoy listening to it again and again.

5 out of 5 stars EAST VILLAGE OPERA CO........2007-02-13

I SAW THEM ON T.V. AND HAD TO HAVE IT - JUST A REFRESHING TREATMENT POF OPERA
Cello Adagios
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • really like it
Cello Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Violin Adagios
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ASIN: B0001WU1QK
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

  1. Carnival Of The Animals - Bruno Canino
  2. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Lynn Harrell
  3. Thais - Julian Lloyd Webber
  4. Adagio - Janos Starker
  5. Apres Un Reve - Bruno Canino
  6. Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
  7. Ave Maria - Julian Lloyd Webber
  8. Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
  9. Traumerei (Dreaming) - Bruno Canino
  10. Notturno: Andante - Julian Lloyd Webber
  11. Sicilienne - Bruno Canino
  12. An Die Musik, D547 - Bruno Canino
  13. Reverie - Julian Lloyd Webber
  14. Prayer - Bruno Canino
  15. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Bruno Canino
  16. Salut D'amour, Op.12 - Bruno Canino
  17. Valse Sentimentale, Op.15 No.6 - Samuel Sanders
  18. Kol Nidrei, Op.47 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

  1. Air (Air On A G String) - Julian Lloyd Webber
  2. Clair De Lune - Julian Lloyd Webber
  3. Elegie, Op.24 - Jullian Lloyd Webber
  4. Andante - Heinrich Schiff
  5. Romance In D Minor, Op.62 - Julian Lloyd Webber
  6. Beau Soir - Bruno Canino
  7. Sicilienne, Op.78 - Bruno Canino
  8. Panis Angelicus - Julian Lloyd Webber
  9. Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Julian Lloyd Webber
  10. Cantabile - Samuel Sanders
  11. Liebesleid - Samuel Sanders
  12. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Janos Starker
  13. Bereuse - Julian Lloyd Webber
  14. Cantilena - Julian Lloyd Webber
  15. Melodie, Op.20 No.1 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars really like it.......2007-03-05

This is the first classical cd I have ever bought. The two-disc album was a great price. I really love the performance of Lynn Harrell. I like the collection of Adagios because they are perfect to fall asleep to or study to.
Renée Fleming
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Glorious Renee
  • One of Miss Fleming's absolute bests!
  • An amazing cd and a great introduction into the world of opera
  • The New La Divina
  • Gorgeous
Renée Fleming
Giacomo Puccini , Jules Massenet , Georges Bizet , Alfredo Catalani , Ruggero Leoncavallo , Francesco Cilea , Charles Gounod , Giuseppe Verdi , Vincenzo Bellini , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Renée Fleming , and London Voices
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
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  5. Sacred Songs

ASIN: B00004YLU5
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Puccini: O mio babbino caro - Gianni Schicchi
  2. Puccini: Un bel di vedremo - Madame Butterfly
  3. Puccini: Quando men vo - Musetta's waltz - La Boheme
  4. Puccini compl. Alfano: Signore, ascolta - Turandot
  5. Leoncavallo: Stridono lassu - I Pagliacci
  6. Cilea: Io son l'umile ancella - Adriana Lecouvreur
  7. Catalani: Ebben? Ne adnro lontana - La Wally
  8. Massenet: Je suis encore etourdie - Manon
  9. Massenet: Adieu notre petite table - Manon
  10. Bizet: Micaela's aria - Carmen
  11. Gounod: Je veux vivre - Romeo & Juliette
  12. Verdi: come in quest'ora bruna - Simon Boccanegra
  13. Bellini: Casta Diva - Norma
  14. Verdi: Bolero - Les Vepres Siciliennes

Amazon.com essential recording

Surely, Renée Fleming has one of the most beautiful voices to be heard anywhere today. It combines velvety warmth, creamy richness, soaring radiance, and flawless purity, and seems to flow out without effort, every tone impeccably centered and in tune, capable of almost too much variety of color and nuance. Fleming's breath control is incredible; she can spin out long, arching phrases and build up climaxes with thrilling intensity. The program of this recital displays Fleming's vocal and dramatic gifts to full advantage, and includes both familiar and lesser-known arias from Italian and French operas. Although some of these are not in her repertoire, she clearly feels close to them. The three opening Puccini favorites from Gianni Schicchi, Madama Butterfly, and La Bohème are a bit fussy and over-inflected, hardly suited to the characters' simplicity; but, from then on, Fleming seems completely at one with both her tragic and her lighthearted heroines. She captures their warm inwardness, rapture, passion, ecstasy, and desperation; darkening and lightening her voice at will. Her top notes soar gloriously, her trills laugh. The orchestra is splendid, supporting her all the way and sounding wonderful. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Glorious Renee.......2007-03-28

I just love Renee Fleming's voice. It reminds me so much of the fabulous Anna Moffo - my personal favorite since childhood. My mother played Anna Moffo records for me while I was a tiny bit in my crib. So try to reprogram oneself after hearing such loveliness in the universe. Both ladies have a creamy voice, elegant phrasing and classical beauty. I agree with the prior reviewer that every soprano should record "O mio babbino caro". And if Renee did not record it, well then we'd be missing her version.
The more that I listen to Renee's music or see her in recitals, the more I adore the lady. The standouts on this disc are "Casta diva", "Lo son l'umile ancella", "Je suis encor tout etourdie", and "Ah! Je veux vivre", "Signore ascolta", etc.

5 out of 5 stars One of Miss Fleming's absolute bests!.......2006-05-09

This is definitely one of my all-time favorite Renee Fleming albums if not THE favorite! Her voice totally shines in every single aria on here, and she seems can totally drag you into the world of each of the characters. What can I say? Ms. Fleming just never fails to impress me. Everything that she sings she seems to be able to bring something unique to it.

5 out of 5 stars An amazing cd and a great introduction into the world of opera.......2006-04-20

I recommend this cd for those who want to get into opera but don't know where to start. Fleming tackles a diverse range of styles and never disappoints. Her Un bel di vedremo ranks up there with the best sopranos and is the standout track for me.

5 out of 5 stars The New La Divina.......2005-11-22

Renee Fleming is the most sheerly beautiful voice in opera since Montserrat Caballe. Her Casta Diva is stunning, and the high note at the end of Merci jeune amies is pure virtuoso. I love her Puccini, Massenet and Verdi as well. Fleming said that she doesn't class herself amongst "the greats", but I do!

5 out of 5 stars Gorgeous.......2005-09-30

This album says soprano standard repertoire all over it, but Renee will knock your socks off with her interpretations of these standard hits. Although she doesn't sing much Puccini, her Puccini arias are to die for. Her "Un bel di vedremo" (Madama Butterfly) gives me chills everytime I hear it. Her French arias are also breathtakingly gorgeous. Micaela's aria is so warm and beautiful, as is Juliette's. This is a fabulous recording, and I recommend it to everyone.
Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 4 stars and stuff, man
  • Nice segue to opera
  • Exquisite! My favorite of the Arias and favorite CD by far.
  • A great follow-up to an outstanding musical experience
  • Grandiose and inspiring
Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon
Paul Schwartz , Rebecca Luker , and Steve Barton
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002IQGFI
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

  1. Arianna
  2. Ebben
  3. Addio
  4. Horizon
  5. Barcarolle
  6. Cantilena
  7. Sviraj (Lullabye)
  8. Interlude
  9. Pavane
  10. Ave Maria
  11. Leiermann
  12. Lullabye (Sviraj)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 4 stars and stuff, man.......2007-05-06

review review review review blah blah blah blah and stuff, man.

5 out of 5 stars Nice segue to opera.......2007-01-10

I have never liked opera, but this music is a gentle introduction with enough contemporary addition to pique my interest. Very well done. I have also purchased the first Aria CD and also number 3.

5 out of 5 stars Exquisite! My favorite of the Arias and favorite CD by far........2006-11-06

This CD speaks to the heart. It expresses powerful emotions of longing, grief, and tenderness. A baring of the soul with such beauty. Clair Marlo's vocals in Lullabye (Sviraj) are absolutely divine. It sends me. Here we are treated to at least three different vocals, not just Rebecca Luker, and they blend and flow so beautifully. It's just wonderful. What a treat. Can't say enough about this CD. I love it.

5 out of 5 stars A great follow-up to an outstanding musical experience.......2006-03-15

ARIA volume 1 was certainly a winner and this follow-up CD is fantastic. I liked the first CD so much that every time I went to the record store or online at Amazon I would look to see if Paul Schwartz and written a sequel. Schwartz selects wonderful works from classical music and re-arranges them so that they maintain the essential spirit and intent of the original but are made accessible for the ears of contemporary listeners. Thus, you owe it to yourself to listen to these gems.

Rebecca Luker's super voice is wonderful as she weaves a mystical mood with Monteverdi's Lament of Arianna; Catalani's "Ebben ne Andro Lontano" from La Wally; "Addio" from Verdi's La Traviata; "Barcarolle" from Offenbach's Contes De Hoffman and "Ave Maria" by Caccini. I looked Luker up on the web and found that she has starred in various Broadway productions. Her voice is incredible and Schwartz integrates her angelic sound into the electronic instrumentation. The "Ave Maria" is somewhat odd, with the strong precussions, but the choir and Rebecca Luker keep it within bounds.

This CD differs from the first ARIA in that we are treated to several instrumental works arranged by Schwartz. "Horizon" is a moody composition anchored by viola and cello. "Cantilena" is a piano solo played by Schwartz, a charming piece that echoes back to Verdi's "Addio" as well as the Croatina Lullabye sung by Clair Marlo.

A second outstanding singer, Clair Marlo, delivers "Sviraj, a Croatian Lullabye" which Schwartz offers in two distinct arrangements, once in Croatian and then again in English.

Faure's "Pavane" is very well done with Marc Antoine playing the guitar solo. The work is improvised so that a contemporary jazz interpretation is offered.

Steve Barton's voice, accompanied by the oboe, offers us "Leiermann" from Die Wintereise by Schubert. This is a dreamy sad odd spacey work with lyrics about a freezing ancient shoeless hurdy-gurdy man. The work is full of mystery and retains Schubert's complexity.

Paul Schwartz makes the outstanding compositions of previous generations come alive for contemporary audiences.

4 out of 5 stars Grandiose and inspiring.......2005-01-31

This is type of music I expect to hear: strong, complex arrangements executed with passion and flair. I first heard Earthbound, and knew instantly that Paul Schwartz is up to something. His work far surpasses others in this genre.

I especially love the vocals here. Some of the intros are a tad cliche, but I can live with that. The voice is convincing and energetic, masterful even. This is one of the best CDs I have bought in years.
Renee Fleming: By Request
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Not all the arias were her best
  • DIDN'T QUITE FULFIL MY REQUEST
  • Fair Enough
  • Fleming's High Points Well Covered in Compilation CD
  • Beautiful indeed!
Renee Fleming: By Request
Vincenzo Bellini , Alfredo Catalani , Antonin Dvorak , George Gershwin , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Jules Massenet , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Giacomo Puccini , Sergey Rachmaninov , Richard Rodgers , Richard Strauss , Giuseppe Verdi , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Georg Solti , James Levine , Jeffrey Tate , Patrick Summers , Sir Charles Mackerras , Lee Ritenour , Chamber Orchestra of Europe , and Renee Fleming
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss
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ASIN: B0000C3ICO
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

  1. O Mio Babbino Caro
  2. Ebben? ... Ne Andro Lontana
  3. Porgi, Amor
  4. Come Scoglio
  5. Casta Diva
  6. E Strano...Ah Fors E Lui...Sempre Libera
  7. Un Bel Di Vedremo
  8. Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins...Gavotte
  9. Mesicku Na Nebi Hlubokem (O Silver Moon)
  10. Vocalise
  11. Cacilie
  12. Marietta's Lied
  13. Summertime
  14. Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria (Cantilena)
  15. You'll Never Walk Alone

Amazon.com

This is a compilation--plus three previously unreleased selections--of some of the glorious Renée Fleming's finest work, 15 selections covering 13 composers. The rose-in-full-bloom quality of the voice is staggeringly beautiful: Her rendition of Rusalka's "Song to the Moon" is justly famous and is, alone, worth the price of this CD. Other highlights are Marietta's Lied from Korngold's Die tote stadt, an odd arrangement of the aria from Villa-Lobos's Bachianas Brasilerias No. 5, Manon's Gavotte, and a knock-down-gorgeous reading of Gershwin's "Summertime." The three new recordings are of Violetta's big first-act scene from La traviata, which features one of the most perfect trills heard since Joan Sutherland, a thrilling Cäcilie (R. Strauss), and a version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is so over the-top that it might make you look away in embarrassment. On the basis of this CD, one would have to acknowledge that Fleming is more interested in--and more successful at--pure singing than she is at character delineation (Butterfly sounds oddly like Wally who sounds too much like Norma), but it's not hard to tell why she's a superstar. Her voice and technique are one in a million. --Robert Levine

Album Details

"by Request" is a Collection of Fleming's Greatest and Most Popular Recordings Including Works by Mozart, Bellini, Pucchini, Verdi and Dvorak. Featuring Recordings from Renee Fleming's Outstanding Decca Discography Together with Two Glorious Tracks Strauss "Cacilie" and Verdi's "la Traviata" a Role Fleming Performed to Critical Aclaim Earlier in 2003.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not all the arias were her best.......2005-01-15

There is something lacking. Although most of these are indeed her "Best" releases, some things could have been left out. Her O Mio Babbino Caro and her Casta Diva weren't her best efforts at all. Casta Diva, sung to perfection by other revered artists, sounded too breathy and fearful here. It has good chest notes, and it is definitely better than Joan Sutherland's Norma though. Her O Mio Babbino Caro is the usual aria sung in its usual way, without leaving any trace of awe at an ability of a singer to interpret the aria. Rachmaninov's Vocalise was good, and it was great of Decca to release her Song to the Moon on this disc. However, some new additions weren't all that good as well. For example, if you listen to her excerpt from La Traviata, you will find that she sounds like she was singing jazz when uttering out "Gioir!". I think Decca should have issued the live performance version of this instead. That was so much better. Also, they should have showcased more of the bel canto repertoire she had specialized in. That would have made this CD a gem!

4 out of 5 stars DIDN'T QUITE FULFIL MY REQUEST.......2004-11-22

THIS CD DEFINITELY BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN HER REPERTOIRE. SHE IS SOLID, WARM, AND BRILLIANT ON MOST OF THE SONGS. SINCE I OWN MANY OF HER CDS MOST OF THE TRACKS I HAVE IN DUPLICATE. EVEN SO EACH VERSION HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL TO IT. HER "O MIO" IS GREAT BUT GENERALLY I FEEL THAT KIRI TE KAWANA IS A LITTLE CLEARER THAN RENEE. HER "Ebben?...Ne Andrò Lontana" IS ALWAYS BRILLIANT FROM HER HIGH ENDS TO THE NECESSARY LOW NOTES TO FINISH THIS GLORIOUS TRACK. HER COUNTESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG AND POWERFUL CHARACTERIZATION AND HER BUTTERFLY TEETERS ON HAPPINESS AND PAIN. THESE RICH LYRIC ROLES DESERVE A SOPRANO LIKE RENEE. I WAS HOWEVER, VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SHE ADDED "SEMPRE LIBERA" TO THIS CD AS SHE'S NEVER BEEN A COMPELLING VIOLETTA AND CAN'T EVEN MUSTER THE HIGH "C" WE ALL EXPECT NOW A DAYS. HER RUSALKA IS ALWAYS MESMERIZING AND HER SIMPLICITY ON GLUCK'S "Das Mir Verblieb" WAS AN INCREDIBLE SURPRISE. I FOUND THE OTHER SONGS BORING DUE TO THE FACT THAT I DON'T LIKE THEM AND I KIND OF WISHED SHE WOULD HAVE REPLACED THEM WITH SOME BETTER WORKS. I MISSED HER SOFT AND DEFEATED "AVE MARIA" FROM OTHELLO OR HER FULL BODIED SPOILED MUSETTA IN "QUANDO MEN VO" OR HER RICH SADNESS IN "DOVE SONO"

4 out of 5 stars Fair Enough .......2004-10-01

This is a compilation. I can't say love them I think thatpeople want to be surprised by new things, instead of um things they already own.On the other hand a die hard fan wouldn't mind having an extra cd by their favorite artist.Fair Enough.There was one aria that was new to me"Cantilena Brasileras"by Villa Lobos that was very striking.Her voice flows like an unimpeded stream with a lush vibrato.Like I read in one kid's review "Renee has a silky,creamy, instrument that is very beautiful and caresses the ear",couldn't have said it better myself. I agree. One smart kid!!! One thing that I have to comment on that will not escape is the dull cover picture. Renee get a better photographer;you're far more beautiful than that. I'm sounding like her mother,dear lord! She is a fox!

4 out of 5 stars Fleming's High Points Well Covered in Compilation CD.......2004-09-06

Just one listen to the high points of this disc will make you realize why Renée Fleming is an opera superstar. Covering a ten-year period, this compilation disc covers a most fertile period for Fleming, absolutely one of the world's leading lyric and dramatic sopranos. What is particularly impressive is how many different styles she has covered, ranging from Italian bel canto to French Romanticism to Rodgers & Hammerstein. She effortlessly sings in six different languages, including what sounds like flawless Czech on Dvorak's "Měsíčku na nebi hlubokén" (which goes back to her family roots). Her powerful voice is expressive, almost buttery, which allows the listener to enjoy the coloratura agility she has mastered over the years and the tonal qualities she specifically defines for each aria. This is most evident on my two personal favorites - "Ebben?...Ne scoglio" from Catalani's "La Wally" (which will sound familiar to fans of the French eighties noir film, "Diva") where her crystalline voice complements the increasing power of the melody, and the haunting "Mariettas Lied" from Korngold's "Die tote Stadt".

Fleming also has a good sense of the characters she is portraying, for instance, on the "La traviata" aria, "È stano...Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera", one gets a strong sense of Violetta's conflict between the attractions of true love versus the free life of a courtesan. She also gets some sturdy help from tenor Joseph Calleja as Alfredo in this piece. But even in this number, the effect of her daunting runs and trills can be a bit overwhelming. She does keep this in check with the slower-paced tracks like "Casta diva" from Bellini's "Norma", which uses a choir in the background to great effect, and Rachmaninov's lovely "Vocalise". The well-worn "Summertime" from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" is nicely covered here, and it certainly invites comparisons to even Leontyne Price's definitive version. Fleming ends the disc with a rousing version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel" that grows a bit too bombastic for listening comfort. Regardless, this disc provides a nice sampling of what this truly great singer has done over the past decade. A treat for her fans and highly recommended for anyone who wants an ideal introduction to her range of talent.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful indeed!.......2004-07-19

I'm very happy with this CD. She has a lovely voice! And what a fox! ;)
Maria Callas - La Divina
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful i recommend it
  • Landmark Soprano. An essential work for opera listeners.
  • Terrific introduction to the art of Callas
  • Callas was the greatest
  • Great starter CD
Maria Callas - La Divina
Giacomo Puccini , Vincenzo Bellini , Georges Bizet , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Camille Saint-Saëns , Giuseppe Verdi , Charles Gounod , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Pietro Mascagni , Amilcare Ponchielli , Tullio Serafin , Georges Prêtre , Nicola Rescigno , Franco Ghione , Antonino Votto , Maria Callas , Alfredo Kraus , Ebe Ticozzi , Giuseppe di Stefano , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala , Orchestre National de la R.D.F. , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , and Lisbon Orquesta Sinfonica del Teatro Nacional de San Carlos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RT6
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di, vedremo (Atto ll)
  2. Carmen: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Acte l)
  3. La Wally: Ebben? ne andro lontana (Atto l)
  4. Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa (Atto l)
  5. Norma: Casta Diva (Atto l)
  6. Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix (Acte ll)
  7. Rigoletto: Caro nome (Atto l)
  8. La Traviata: Sempre libera (Atto l)
  9. Romeo et Juliette: Je veux vivre dans ce reve (Acte l)
  10. La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi (Atto l)
  11. Don Giovanni: Mi tradi quell'alma ingrata (Atto ll)
  12. Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete, o mamma
  13. La Gioconda: Suicidio! (Atto lV)
  14. Gianni Schicchi1: O mio babbino caro
  15. Turandot: In questa reggia (Atto ll)
  16. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore (Atto ll)

Amazon.com

If you want to know the reason behind all the fuss about Maria Callas, buy this CD. Callas's great gift was not purity of tone or emission, reliability, or sheer loveliness; it was, rather, her ability to change her vocal color and style to suit not only particular periods of opera but to get under the skin of the individual characters she portrayed. Here you will hear the 18-year-old Butterfly imagining the return of her beloved; the sultry, adult Carmen seducing all around her; the youthful Wally telling her cruel father that she will go off into the cold wilderness rather than give up her boyfriend; the sly Rosina planning to outfox her guardian; the priestess Norma performing a sacred rite; Dalila wrapping Samson around her little finger and more; Gioconda contemplating suicide when all hope is gone; Gilda recalling the name of the boy she's just fallen for; and the icy princess Turandot reliving the rape of her ancestor and swearing that no man will possess her. And you'll believe them all. At times Callas's vocalism is a bit wiry (Juliette sounds stressed, for instance); but, in all, this is like a visit with 16 women, all of them interesting, and all of them great singers! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful i recommend it.......2007-08-01

This cd is in my car changer and i play it daily. A wonderful introduction Madame Callas.

5 out of 5 stars Landmark Soprano. An essential work for opera listeners........2007-05-26

Maria Callas may be the only female 'superstar' working in my lifetime. In the 1950s and early 1960's, she had all the star power and paparrazi draw of Jackie and Marilyn, far outstripping the fame to the world at large of her primary rival, Renita Tibaldi. I am not an expert, or even an experienced amateur at evaluating operatic sopranos; however I've listened to several of the modern crop, and while the newbies probably do a better job of keeping on key, none of them can match the drama emoted by Ms. Callas on any given aria. All three releases are especially good buys, as they all run to over 72 minutes; however the recording quality does show its early (pre-multitrack, pre-digital) recording technology. Each is as good as the next regarding content, but 2 and 3 are a bit better in sound quality.

5 out of 5 stars Terrific introduction to the art of Callas.......2007-04-24

This album is entitled "Divina," not to be confused with "Divina 2," itself a very nice example of Callas at her best. This CD samples a variety of her roles, indicating the range of her art. A few examples. . . .

"Un bel di" from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" is very well done. She displays a rich voice and a passionate rendering of this aria. At greater volume, her voice remains under control and attractive sounding (something that does not always occur as her career developed further).

The "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is normally a mezzo soprano work. However, Callas features a good lower tone, and it works pretty well here. She shows nice breath control, too. The orchestral backing is exceptional.

"Sempre libera," from Verdi's "La Traviata," is a soprano's dream. Here, though, Callas' voice is not as attractive as in other cuts. There is some harshness with higher notes. Alfredo Kraus' singing, by the way, is most attractive. There is some unpleasantness with Callas technique in this work, although there is a nice characterization as well (this is the price you pay for Callas). She shows off some nice runs, but zero in the way of trills (some other sopranos display nice trills in this piece).

Finally, a very well done version of "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from Puccini's "La Boheme." Sweet sounds at the outset. She seems to capture the character well. Smooth singing, done well.

Thus, a good introduction to the art of Maria Callas. There are cuts here that feature some of the wondrous nature of her work. There are other cuts where one hears some unattractive aspects of her singing and one wonders about her technique. But, in the end, this is a good representation of the work of Callas.

5 out of 5 stars Callas was the greatest.......2007-02-06

It's amazing how the anti-Callas claquers continue to thrive. I'll side with Leonard Bernstein, who labeled Callas "The Bible of Opera," and who described her 1952 performance of La Sonnambula under his baton as "pure electricity." Unfortunately, recordings don't do justice to any artist, given the lack of spontaneity and a full audience, as well as a host of other reasons. Even Callas withheld many recordings from release because she was her own worst critic and they did not meet her high standards. I've been listening to opera for over 30 years and although I can appreciate the artistry of Tebaldi, Sutherland, Sills, Freni, Carteri, Moffo, Price, etc., some of whom had better pure voices, there was none that could match Maria's intensity, passion, range, personality, acting ability and pure emotion. Callas could sing bel canto colaratura but drop down to a near-mezzo voice that included many dramatic roles.

The Callas bashers will always be with us, but thankfully they will always be in the tiny minority. True connossiers of opera know there never has been and never will be as great a singer as La Divina.

5 out of 5 stars Great starter CD.......2005-11-24

As simplistic as this sounds, this is a perfect CD if you know you like opera, but don't know exactly what you want to hear. You'll definitely recognize some of the more popular arias, and will grow to love the others.

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