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Otello, opera
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra
with Edward Toumajian, Petranka Malakova, Katia Ricciarelli, Constantin Zaharia, Giannicola Pigliucci, John Macurdy, Justino Diaz, Ezio di Cesare, Placido Domingo
Conducted by Lorin Maazel
Otello,John Macurdy,Giuseppe Verdi,Lorin Maazel,La Scala Theater Orchestra,Katia Ricciarelli,Plácido Domingo,Constantin Zaharia,Edward Toumajian,Ezio di Cesare,Giannicola Pigliucci,Justino Diaz,Petranka Malakova,Angel Records,Classical,Classical Music,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio,Soundtracks & Film Scores
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Verdi: Requiem & Operatic Choruses
Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000003CUH Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Requiem: 1. Requiem & Kyrie
- Requiem: 2. Dies Irae
- Requiem: 3. Offertory
- Requiem: 4. Sanctus
Tracks:
- Requiem: 5. Agnus Dei
- Requiem: 6. Lux Aeterna
- Requiem: 7. Libera Me - 1. Libera Me - 2. Dies Irae - 3. Requiem Aeternam - 4. Libera Me
- Requiem: Spuntato Ecco
- Requiem: Patria Oppressa!
- Requiem: Fuoco Di Gioia
- Requiem: Va Pensiero
- Requiem: Gloria All'Egitto
Amazon.com
Robert Shaw learned from Arturo Toscanini, and in his stupendous 1987 recording for Telarc he managed to surpass the master on some points. He is unerring in his pacing and staging of climaxes, and draws phrasing and dynamics from the chorus that other conductors can only dream of. Points are made with exhilarating effect throughout the account: never has the bass drum in the Dies irae been as splendidly hammered as here, and the whooping brass in the Tuba mirum is breathtaking. The all-American solo quartet sounds a bit driven, especially the light-voiced Susan Dunn and Jerry Hadley, but their contribution is a strong one nonetheless. --Ted LibbeyCustomer Reviews:
A memorable album by Robert Shaw.......2007-04-16
Robert Shaw (1916 - 1999), of course, is practically a god in the choral world. And while he has done well as an orchestral conductor, his claim to fame to most will always be his work with choruses.
So here we have an operatic requiem written by one of history's greatest opera composers, conducted by one of history's greatest choral conductors. How does it turn out?
The Atlanta Symphony Chorus is very, very good. Their sumptuous sound becomes even more memorable thanks to the stunning reverberation of Atlanta Symphony Hall. Their Libera Me fugue was literally a wall of sound that seemed for a moment to encompass your entire world. The Dum Veneris passage following that was the best I'd ever heard: all four parts were distinct and incredibly powerful.
The four soloists, however, really stole the show for me. Susan Dunn and Diane Curry displayed a lot of passion in Recordare. They also created a wonderfully blended sound through their Agnus Dei duet, probably the best blend I'd ever heard so far.
Jerry Hadley is definitely one of my all-time favorite Verdi Requiem tenors. He reminded me of Richard Tucker in his commanding Kyrie entrance. His Ingemisco possessed a ringing power that left me breathless.
Paul Plishka was probably the "weakest" of the four. In Confutatis, it sounded like he was punching his voice. However, he sounded very good in the Offertorio.
And speaking of Offertorio, that was truly a soloist high point for me. The four singers literally turned into a mini-opera; it was quite dramatic hearing their voices trade back and forth.
The sound of the orchestra was truly a pleasure to hear. This music demands power and virtuosity, and the Atlantans provided both in spades. And drum lovers will be quite satisfied with the almost violent sound of the bass drum in Dies Irae.
The album also features five popular choruses from Verdi's operas. If, like me, you got carried away listening to the Requiem soloists, here's your chance to hear this remarkable chorus without any soloist distraction. The "Don Carlos" chorus (sung in Italian not French) was a rousing affair. "Patria oppressa" was appropriately subdued and melancholy. Fuoco di gioia proved the virtuosity of these choral masters. "Va pensiero" was smooth and rich. "Gloria all'Egitto" featured the chorus in all its mighty grandeur. The orchestra provides excellent accompaniment throughout. You will thoroughly enjoy listening to these choruses.
The recorded sound is absolutely fabulous. The four sections of the chorus are much more evenly miked than on most CDs. The great engineering makes the orchestra an audiophile's dream.
The liner notes contain texts and translations. However, a previous reviewer has found that the "Hostias" paragraph is missing the words "Fac eas, Domine, de morte transire ad vitam."
The tracks use an index system which I suspect is not available on most DVD players, the result being that the Dies Irae is put on a single 36 minute track.
This CD was recorded in April 1987 in Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA. The Requiem duration is 84'23", so the tempos are about average for this piece.
Great version.......2007-02-26
Superb.......2005-10-20
Don't miss the final track on the second disk!
Brings back memories.......2001-05-04
With all the flap over the recently released Gergiev recording of the Verdi Requiem on Philips, with its unfortunate choice of Andrea Bocelli - a pop singer masquerading as an operatic singer - as tenor soloist, it is once again - and always - a pleasure to turn to a truly definitive recorded performance, that of Robert Shaw. As points of reference whenever I turn to this performance, I always have in mind earlier recordings by Giulini and Solti, among others. (I include a truly visceral one by Karel Ancerl and the Czech Philharmonic, featuring Galina Vishnevskaya with a "Libera me" to die for, and the type of Slavic excitement that Gergiev tries for but fails.)
Verdi's Requiem is, without doubt, the most operatic of such works as have become part of the liturgical canon. But it doesn't necessarily follow from this that the best recordings are the ones which utilize operatic superstars. Were that the case, Solti's recording, with Joan Sutherland, Marilyn Horne, Luciano Pavarotti and Martti Talvela, would be unchallenged (particularly when one throws in the Vienna Philharmonic, as well as the typically excellent mid-60's sound that Decca was so good at). But, true to form, Solti just couldn't find the proper sensitivity and balance to make his performance the definitive one.
Shaw does what Solti could not do. In a work that requires efforts of equal quality by orchestra, soloists and chorus, there simply is no better chorus than a Shaw chorus. Shaw's four soloists, while perhaps not of the marquee value of the ones on the Solti recording, are outstanding. A previous customer reviewer certainly got it right when he said that Susan Dunn was a Verdi soprano to be reckoned with. And Diane Curry, Jerry Hadley and Paul Plishka are equally excellent. (Plishka, as I mention later, is one of my "memories.") Moreover, in a work which demands that the cataclysms of the Dies Irae and the tenderly supplicant closing pages of the Libera me be captured in proper proportions, none are better than Telarc at this challenge.
The personal friendship between Robert Shaw and the Cleveland-based Telarc team of Bob Woods and Jack Renner goes back to the days when Shaw was George Szell's assistant at the Cleveland Orchestra. Thus it was, when Woods and Renner introduced the "all-digital" Telarc label in the late 70's, that they turned to Shaw and his Atlantans as an enduring source for the recording of choral masterpieces. With the passing of Shaw some two years ago, it is now time that someone sum up his recorded legacy, which, under the aegis of Telarc, exceeds three dozen recordings. In my humble opinion, he will be remembered for a long, long time for three works that Telarc recorded with his forces: The Bach B Minor Mass, the Brahms German Requiem, and this Verdi Requiem.
Oh! The memories! For several years, at a time when Shaw's Atlanta forces were as good as they were to get, in the early 80's, I was fortunate to live in the Atlanta area, and to attend many of his concerts. And, in the fall of 1965, when Paul Plishka had just won a "young artist" award that was to lead to his Metropolitan Opera career, I was fortunate to have been a member of an amateur chorus which performed this work with a semi-pro orchestra and four young soloists. The names of the other three soloists were long ago relegated to the dustbin of history. But the bass soloist at that 1965 performance was none other than Paul Plishka. He's still banging the boards at the Met. One durable dude!
Once again, kudos to Mr. Grant for his superb review, and for his reminding me that I had some "unfinished business" to attend to.
Bob Zeidler
Apologies to Puccini........2000-12-04
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Match Point
Various Artists Manufacturer: Milan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000BU0C7K Release Date: 2005-12-20 |
Tracks:
- 'Mal Reggendo All'aspro Assalto' From 'Il Trovatore'
- 'Un Di, Felice' From 'La Traviata'
- 'Mia Piccirella' From 'Salvatore Rosa'
- 'Gualtier Malde!...Caro Nome' From 'Rigoletto'
- 'Mi Par D'udir Ancora' From I Pescatori Di Perle'
- 'Arresta ... Quali Sguardi!' From 'Guillaume Tell'
- 'O Figli, O Figli Miei!' From 'Macbeth'
- 'Desdemona Rea, Si, Per Ciel' From 'Otello'
- 'Una Furtiva Lagrima' From L'elisir D'amore'
Album Description
Match Point tells the story of social-status climber Chris, a modest tennis instructor. His marriage to Chloe gains him comfort and prestige in society, but his passion leads his astray into the arms of his soon-to-be sister-in-law, the very sexy American, Nola. In Match Point, which deals with luck, ambition and guilt, writer/director Woody Allen draws on the talent of actors Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Emily Mortimer, and in the role of Nola, Scarlett Johannson.Customer Reviews:
Music that calms me.......2007-02-08
Interesting Choices.......2007-01-05
Great for non experts.......2006-10-05
On-Point.......2006-05-12
For Those so Engrossed by the Film, Here are the Excerpts that Molded It.......2006-04-28
Woody Allen created his character Chris as a lover of opera and integrated that love for opera into the family of wealth he 'enters'. The story is so well written and Allen is so well versed in opera that his selections for excerpts greatly added to the depth of the film.
Here are the old recordings of Enrico Caruso singing arias from 'Il Trovatore', 'Salvator Rosa', 'Les Pecheurs de perles', 'Macbeth', and 'L'elisir d'amore'. In addition to these are excerpts from contemporary singers performing arias form 'La Traviata' (performed by Monika Krause and Georg Tichy), 'Rigoletto' (sung by Alida Ferrarini with Alexander Rahbari conducting), 'William Tell' and 'Otello' (performed by Igor Morozov and Janez Lotric with Johannes Wildner conducting the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra). Probably copyright laws prevented the use of the 'live performances' at Covent Garden we heard in the film with very fine young singers, here substituted with Slovak recording artists. But the mood is still there.
This soundtrack recording makes for nice reminiscing about a fine film while adding a bit of flavor to the usual classical music collection! Grady Harp, April 06
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Essential Verdi
Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000056JSW Release Date: 2001-02-13 |
Tracks:
- Rigoletto: La donna e mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
- Nabucco: Va pesiero - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- La forza del destino: Overture - Kirov Orchestra
- La Traviata: Un di felice - Joan Sutherland
- I Vespri Siciliani: Merce dilette amiche - Maria Chiara
- La Traviata: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Joan Sutherland
- Il Trovatore: Di quella pira - Jose Carreras
- Il Trovatore: Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
- Il Trovatore: Stride la vampa! - Stefania Toczyska
- Aida: Ritorna vincitor! - Leontyne Price
- Don Carlo: Dio che nell'alma infondere - Carlo Bergonzi
- La Traviata: Prelude - Orchestra E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
- Rigoletto: Caro nome - Joan Sutherland
- Don Carlo: O don fatale - Olga Borodina
- Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi! Celeste Aida - Carlo Bergonzi
- Emani: Ernani! Ernani involami - Joan Sutherland
- Un Ballo in Maschera: Di tu se fedele - Jussi Bjorling
- Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro ma prima in grazia - Margaret Price
- Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido - Luciano Pavarotti
- Aida: Gloria all'Egitto - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Tracks:
- Requiem: Dies irae - Wiener Philharmoniker
- La forza del destino: Pace pace mio Dio - Angela Gheorghiu
- Rigoletto: Questa o quella - Carlo Bergonzi
- Rigoletto: Bella figlia dell'amore - Luciano Pavarotti
- Otello: Ave Maria - Renee Fleming
- La Traviata: Parigi o cara - Frank Lopardo
- Macbeth: Ah la paterna mano - Luciano Pavarotti
- Il Trovatore: Squilli echeggi la tromba guerriera - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
- Don Carlo: O Carlo ascolta - Dmitri Hvorostovsky
- Requiem: Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
- Simon Baccanegra: Come in quest'ora bruna - Kiri Te Kanawa
- Macbeth: Salve o Re! Si colmi il calice - Lucia Aliberti
- Aida: O patria mia - Leontyne Price
- I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere - Placido Domingo
- Aida: Lo sguardo avea degli angeli - Montserrat Caballe
- La forza del destino: Solenne in quest'ora - Nikolai Putilin
- Macbeth: Patria opressa - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
- Il Trovatore: Tacea la notte - Katia Ricciarelli
- I due Foscari: Dal piu remoto esilio - Odio solo ed odio atroce - Jose Carreras
- Don Carlo: Spuntato ecco il di esultanza - Orchestra E Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Customer Reviews:
OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY........2006-01-20
Last summer we had an incredible 20th anniversary trip to Italy. As a side trip from Venice, we planned a night in Verona. Neither my wife or I had been to an opera.
Is this how its supposed to be...
...an incredible star filled night with a three quarter moon, the largest stage and outdoor theatrical production on the planet, all taking place in a roman colleseum (arena) built in 180 a.d., an incredible colorful set and production with a full symphony orchestra and voices that don't come easy. Aida.
Now I know what all the hpye is as you opera fans sure are lucky to have such a beautiful setting for all your productions.
Okay, we got spoiled. But I also found myself getting spoiled on the Italian composer Verdi.
For me, this set is not only a "take me back to Verona" trip, but a great introduction to Verdi's other works. With some of the biggest names in the opera world in starring roles, I listened to both discs twice the first night they arrived.
And, of course, we are planning a return trip to Verona in the very near future to see some more Verdi...perhaps Nabucco or Otello or Macbeth...I'll even settle for Aida again. It was such a magical experience and a superb introduction to opera and Verdi.
This set continues that magical moment for us and provides a great introduction to a master of the opera...Verdi.
Great music...stunning recording quality.......2002-11-01
Incredible.......2002-06-05
Just Stunning!.......2002-01-26
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Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection
Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000J911 Release Date: 1999-05-25 |
Tracks:
- Aida: Se quel guerriero io fossi; Celete Aida
- Manon Lescaut - Donna non vida mai
- Rigoletto - La Donna ? mobile
- Rigoletto - Ella mi fu rapita; Parmi veder le lagrime
- Cavalleria Rusticana - Siciliana: O Lola - Frederick Schauwecker
- Faust - Salut, demeure chaste et pure - Robert Merrill
- Pagliacci - Vesti la guibba
- La Boh?me - Che gelida manini - Licia Albanese
- Prince Igor - Vladimir's Recitative and Cavatina
- Andrea Cher - Come un bel di di maggio
- Martha - M'apparutt'amor
- L'elisir d'amore - Una furtiva lagrima
- Eugene Onegin - F, f (Lensky's aria)
- Turandot - Nessun Dorma
- Tosca - Recondita armonia
- Tosca - E lucevan le stelle
- Tosca - O dolci mani
- The Trout (Die Forelle)
- An Silvia: Was ist Silvia?
- Stchen D. 957/4
Tracks:
- The Pearl Fishers - Au fond du temple saint
- Tosca - Mario, Mario, Mario!
- Don Carlo - lo l'ho perduta!; Dio, che nell'alma infondere
- Manon Lescaut - Oh, sar pila!; Tu, tu, amore? Tu?
- La Boh - In un coup Mimtu pitorni
- La Forza Del Destina - Solenne in quest'ora
- Aida - La fatal pietra; O terra addio
- Turandot - Signore, escaolta!; Non piangere, Li
- Otello - Oh! monstruosa colpa!; Si, pel ciel marmorea giuro!
- A Dream
- Turandot - Nessun Dorma
- Zeignung, Op 10, No. 1/Dedica
Amazon.com
Surely Björling was one of the greatest tenors of his or any other time, not only for the clarion ring, the purity, and the melting lyricism of his voice, but for his effortless lightness, impeccable intonation, endless breath control, and natural phrasing and line, enhanced by old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive scoops and slides. On this generous two-disc set, he is heard in a huge selection of arias and some duets with distinguished colleagues; most of them were recorded separately, and a few are excerpted from complete opera recordings--unfortunately not very skillfully, stopping abruptly in mid-phrase if not mid-note. No matter; the miraculous thing is that Björling, whether singing an entire role or a single aria, can instantly create a character and bring him to vibrant life. He sings everything in the original keys--his high B-flats, B's, and C's are thrilling--and almost everything in the original language, including a few songs by Schubert, Strauss, and Grieg. Recorded live in recital, they are delightful--only one is too operatic. Among his partners, soprano Zinka Milanov and baritone Robert Merrill stand out. This recording presents an incomparable artist at his incomparable best. --Edith EislerCustomer Reviews:
Excellent older music.......2007-04-05
A Golden Voice!.......2006-07-31
(Some guy below is comparing Bjorling to DeStefano and Corelli and some others and was critical of Bjorling. The guy who wrote that must be suffering from hearing loss! ALL the tenors he mentioned are/were great artists. DON'T BELIEVE HIM...BELIEVE ME! :o) Email:boland7214@aol.
Heaven.......2004-12-13
To me, NO other tenor I've ever heard matches Bjoerling. His voice is one of the few that reduce me to tears just trying to EXPLAIN it to people. I've loved classical music since childhood but was never able to get into opera until I heard Jussi ... all the tenors alive today - feh, sorry, but to me they just sound like guys taking deep breaths and singing loud, not like "the voice of God" ...
The Ultimate Tenor Anthology.......2003-10-26
In the opening selection of this compilation; "Celeste Aida", this essentially lyric voice demonstrates for every heroic and dramatic tenor how to sing dramatic opera. It is a sheer singing lesson. In the strenuous recitative, he does not shout or use other non-musical effects, but shows that true dramatic expression is characterized by tonal intensiy and not by volume, although he had plenty enough of that. The beautiful and incredibly free flow of lyric tones in the Pearlfishers duet, the Faust cavatina and in the gorgeous "Che gelida manina" is absolutely exemplary. Yet, who could replicate the beauty of those effortless high C`s? I cannot think of anyone.
The only thing that could better this and give the set 5 stars in the book, is a compilation of the same selections, transferred from the original tapes and not excessively remastered as on this occasion. The sound is at times overly bright and the voice sounds thin and even sharp. But the singing is so far unmatched.
The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard.......2003-07-27
A total disappointment. I recommend Gigli and Del Monaco instead.
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The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias
Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000003EOH Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
- TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
- Rigoletto: Questa o quella
- Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
- L'africana: O paradiso
- La Juive: Rachel, quand du Seigneur
- La Boheme: Che gelida manina
- Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi; Celeste Aida
- Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
- La Favorita: Romanza: Spirto gentil, ne' sogni miei
- La forza del destino: O tu che in seno agli angeli
- Otello: Ora e per sempre addio
- Les pecheurs de perles: Je crois entendre encore
- La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
- Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
- TOSCA: Recondita armonia
- Faust: Salut, demeure chaste et pure
- L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
- Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
- Serse: Ombra mai fu (Largo)
- Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Amazon.com
There's a plethora of single-disc Caruso collections, but this one's the preferred choice for opera fans who treasure this golden- voiced epitome of Golden Age singing. It's a Greatest Hits collection to beat all Greatest Hits collections. Selections span Caruso's career, from the lyric effusions of 1906-7 to the darker-voiced later recordings, including one of his last records, the 1920 La Juive aria, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," which he invests with a heartbreaking poignancy that hasn't been bettered. Caruso shines brightest in the Italian repertory, capturing the pathos of Vesti la Giubba, the insouciance of the Duke's Rigoletto arias, and the hero's dilemma in Celeste Aida, among much else. But everything here is wonderful--great music, great singing. --Dan DavisCustomer Reviews:
Great to hear the Great Tenor.......2007-04-11
A childhood memory.......2006-05-28
Caruso was then, and I believe still is considered at the very top of operatic singers. And it is a remarkable experience to hear so many years later , and in a stronger and clearer way sounds which one heard long ago in childhood, and have for years only lived in the mind.
Great collection........2000-11-04
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Very Best of
Placido Domingo Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000083GOJ Release Date: 2003-04-22 |
Tracks:
- Ill Mio Tesoro
- Un'aura Amorosa
- Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
- La Ci Darem La Mano
- Vani Sono I Lamenti...Svegliatevi Nel Core
- Pays Merveilleux...O Paradis
- Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre...Salut ! Demeure Chaste Et Pure (Faust, Act III)
- Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere (Le Cid, Act III)
- None But The Lonley Heart
- Lensky's Aria
- Donna, Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescauy Act, II)
- Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce
- Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
- E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca, Act III)
- Ch'ella Mi Creda (La Fanciulla Del West, Act III)
- Dai Campi, Dai Prati (Mefistofele, Act I)
- Virgini Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito
- O Sink Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
- Was Am Besten Er Kann...Hoho! Hohei!
Tracks:
- Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
- Su, Profetessa...Di Tu Se Fedele
- Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
- O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
- Su, Cacciator...Fontainebleau!...
- Niun Mi Tema
- Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n
- Sckenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol
- Gern Hab'ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
- O Vaterland...Da Geh'ich Zu Maxim
- Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz
- Mi Aldea
- Cancion Del Sembrador
- No Puede Ser
- Serenata
- Copillas De Belen
- Coplas Del Pastor Enamorado
- En Aranjues Con Tu Amor
- Jealousy Tango
- La Golondina
Amazon.com
Placido Domingo is a phenomenon, and every aspect of his artistry is on display in this 2-CD compilation, which includes arias from his signature roles in Italian, French, German, and Russian operas, and songs from Viennese and Spanish operettas. The original recordings range from the early 1970s to the present and show that though over the years his bright golden voice has taken on a darker, more burnished glow, it has retained the melting lyricism, the heroic ring, the thrilling top notes, and the focused intensity that make it instantly recognizable. (Comparing the Verdi arias included here with their counterparts of later vintage in the all-Verdi set The Tenor Arias bears this out.) The program demonstrates his stylistic and expressive versatility and his ability to instantly establish character and mood, from Lenski's sorrow (in Eugene Onegin), Cavaradossi's heart-rending despair (in Tosca), Otello's shattering agony, to Tristan's passion, Siegfried's exuberance, Faust's ardor (first in French by Gounod, then in Italian by Boito). In three Mozart arias, Domingo spins endless, perfectly shaped phrases with incredible breath control, then adds an oddity: the famous duet between Zerlina and Don Giovanni, a role he has not performed. Five Viennese operetta songs, one of which he also conducts, are delightful; there is a smile of pleasure in his voice, but not a hint of kitsch. By contrast, Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" is spoiled by an orchestration that is pure Hollywood. In the final Spanish group, he is on home ground and incomparable. This is a glorious record, a must for all lovers of great singing. --Edith EislerCustomer Reviews:
A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo.......2007-07-04
This is a wonderful introduction to his artistry, and shows that he can sing well across a variety of styles and eras. Let's sample some cuts:
"Il mio Tesoro" (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) is a difficult aria to sing well. And Domingo is up to the challenge. He displays a smooth and rich voice. His is one of those distinctive tenor voices, like Tucker's or Pavarotti's, that is quickly recognizable. This is, as noted, a challenging piece and Domingo handles it well, showing off considerable vocal agility in the process.
From the same opera, "La ci darem la mano," a sweet duet with, in this instance, soprano Susan Graham. This seductive work is sung well by both parties and is a ravishing version.
From Puccini's "Tosca," "Recondita armonia." At the close, his voice rises above orchestra and chorus. Overall, well and richly sung.
And now for something very different. . . The "Forging Scene" from Siegfried. One may not think of Domingo as a heldentenor, but he does a serviceable job here. His voice sometimes appears a bit light, but, overall, he does estimable work. He catches Siegfried's spirit as he forges the shattered remains of his father's sword, "Nothung." When he sings the name of his sword at the close, with the leitmotif ringing out from the orchestra, it is an affecting moment.
Then, "Celeste Aida" (from Verdi's opera). A stentorian voice well deployed to meet the challenges of this wonderful aria. Some tenors scoop as they move from those lower to the higher notes; Domingo's voice is well controlled here. The final high note is well hit.
Strauss (Junior's) "Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n" is a romp! A fun piece and well sung by Domingo. He demonstrates, as before, excellent vocal agility.
Lehar's "O Vaterland" is also fun. It is a sprightly tune sprightly sung.
Finally, he ends the second CD with a traditional Spanish tune--"La Golondrina." He does not overpower this work with operatic technique. He sings it well and affectingly.
So, all in all, if one wants a good introduction to Placido Domingo's vocal oeuvre, this is a very strong starting point.
This is really the best........2007-05-16
If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD........2005-04-06
Rare And Great Domingo Classics.......2005-03-08
He is a great force in opera.
Even in his old age, he does'nt seem to be slowing down or call it quits. Recent performances (2000-2005) include Eugene Onegin, the lead in Queen of Spades, Rasputin in Debra Dratell's Nicolas and Alexandra, Idomeneo and his next role Parsifal. He is the singular tenor who mastered every repertoire- Mozart (Don Ottavio, Tamino...unfortunately Domingo as Don Giovanni is a miscast because he is too noble and romantic and GOOD to be a bad guy)..to Puccini heros (Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Dick Johnson in Fanciualla Del West, Rodolfo in Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot) Verdi heroes (Radames in Aida, Don Carlos, Stiffelio, etc) to the French repertoire...Gounod (Faust, Romeo) Meyerbeer heroes, Massenet hero (Des Grieux, Le Cid) and Saint Saens (Samson) the list goes on and on. When this man dies, an era will die with him. His legend will live on because he will leave behind dozens of albums, movies and memories......
A real Bobby Dazzler.......2004-02-19
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Aria
Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002IQGF8 Release Date: 2004-08-10 |
Tracks:
- Willow
- Un Bel Di
- Secret Tear
- Dido
- Pace Pace
- Pamina Blue
- Habanera
- Home
Customer Reviews:
Horrible Techno Muzak with Beautiful Singing.......2007-06-21
Not for the Opera purest..........2007-05-19
As for the disappointed opera fan/reviewer, this IS NOT opera and it was never intended to replace or even imitate true opera. Paul Schwartz was exposed to the opera, orchestral symphonies, rock music and dance clubs that were all within walking distance from his home as a young man. He simply took the sounds that appealed to him and put them together. Thus this, his first effort, leans heavily on traditional classical music that is familiar to a great number of people. I personally found his second release, "Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon", to be much more enjoyable. "Aria 3: Metamorphosis" was released five years after "New Horrizon" and shows a more matured sound and is highly enjoyable. Paul embarked on another venture through the "State of Grace" series during those five years which I haven't heard, yet. I love listening to all three Cd's with #2 and #3 being my favorites of the three. So if you are an opera purest, Paul Schwartz's "Aria" compositions are NOT what you are looking for. But, if you're a New Age enthusiast with even a little appreciation for classical music, then you'll probably enjoy this CD along with his other works.
Opera meets contemporary music for sophisticated listeners.......2006-11-12
buy this cd!.......2006-10-08
Incredible music from opera's master composers.......2006-03-04
The selection "Willow" from Verdi's Otello is haunting and mystical. "Un Bel Di" from Puccini's Madama Butterfly soars. Other works from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas; or Mozart's The Magic Flute; or Bizet's Carmen are arranged to be unique and evoke the context of the original opera.
Rebecca Luker's voice is superb. The electonic approach to these classics updates them, but never replaces the originals. They were not meant to replace only to offer a unique approach to classics.
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The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000003ERE Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint
- Tosca: Mario, Mario, Mario! - Zinka Milanov
- Don Carlo: Io L' Ho Perduta!, Dio, Che Nell' Alma Infondere
- Manon Lescaut: Tu, Tu, Amore? Tu? - Licia Albanese
- La Boheme: O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni
- La Forza Del Destino: Solenne In Quest' Ora
- Aida: La Fatal Pietra; Oterra Addio - Zinka Milanov
- Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!; Non Piangere, Liu - Renata Tebaldi
- Otello: Si, Pel Ciel Marmoreo Giuro!
Amazon.com
This disc is essential for Jussi Bjoerling fans--doesn't that include almost everyone?--and for anyone who wants a distinctive sampling from recorded opera's most eloquent age. Best are Bjoerling's duets with baritone Robert Merrill--especially the classic "Au fond du temple saint" from The Pearl Fishers--and the scene with Renata Tebaldi, "Signore, ascolta; non piangere, Liu," from Turandot. Although the sound is variable--and sometimes disappointingly, annoyingly glitch-ridden in these recordings made between 1950 and 1959--the voice, the style, and the passion of the inimitable Bjoerling more than make up for it. --David VernierCustomer Reviews:
Superb singing by my favorite tenor.......2006-12-29
gave me a copy of it. Each time I hear the CD, Bjoerling's singing astounds me, because
depsite his age, he was in excellent voice when he recorded the "Pearl Fishers Duet."
My only complaint about Bjoerling is that a year before my birth, he died. :)
exceptional recording of Bizet, Verdi and Puccini.......2006-10-23
Legendary opera stars Robert Merrill, Zinka Milanov, Licia Albanese and Renata Tebaldi have the kind of voices that one rarely hears these days in opera. It's such a pleasure to know that these singers have received immortality thanks to CD reissues like this one. As other reviewers have noted, these recordings have great historical value but don't expect miracles with the overall sound quality.
[RCA/BMG Classics GD87799]
The Kiss of Jussi.......2006-08-23
Notes on a classic.......2006-06-04
But the RCA Manon Lescaut from Rome was a wonderful exception. It is arguably the most satisfying collaboration in Bjorling's career, thanks to Jonel Perlea and the inspired Licia Albanese. Others might argue for the Aida with Milanov or the famous La Boheme with de los Angeles under Beecham. But for me the dramatic intensity of this Manon Lescaut is unparalleled. It's true that Albanese doesn't sound like a lush, full-voiced Puccini soprano, but she inhabits the role of Manon with astonishing realism and passion.
Pearl Fishers Duet.......2006-03-18
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The Ave Maria Album
Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000007QGY Release Date: 1998-08-11 |
Tracks:
- Ave Maria - Choir Of Men And Boys Of St. Thomas Episcopal Church
- Ave Maria - Helmuth Froschauer
- Ave Maria - Munich Radio Orchestra
- Ave Maria - George Stoll
- Ave Maria - Orchestra
- Ave Maria - The Ave Maria Album
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
Customer Reviews:
beautiful beautiful.......2007-06-27
Ave Maria.......2007-05-30
Ave Maria - penetrating hymns.......2006-01-26
the Ave Maria Album.......2005-10-03
version is your preference, you can probably find it on this
album. Excellent.
My Dad used to sing this while shaving.......2005-06-11
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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 Similar Items:
ASIN: B000295TXC Release Date: 2004-08-10 |
Tracks:
- E strano! - "Ah, fors'ui"
- Sempre libera
- Ah! Se una volta sola
- Ah, non credea mirarti
- Ah! non giunge uman pensiero
- O rendetemi le speme...Qui la voce
- Ah! tu sorridi
- Vien, diletto, n ciel la luna
- O giusto cielo! (Act 2)
- OihmSorge il tremendo
- Ardon gli incensi... (Act 2)
- Spargi d'amaro pianto (Act 2)
- Era pimo?
- Piangea cantando nell'erma landa...
- Ave Maria, piena di grazia
- 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 LevineCustomer Reviews:
I am in love with Anna.......2007-05-15
If you love getting great voice, buy this.
simple stunning.......2007-05-10
Ok but not a bel canto singer.......2007-03-21
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
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
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:
- Othmar Schoeck: Massimilla Doni
- Peggy Glanville-Hicks: The Transposed Heads
- Pfitzner: Palestrina / Schreier, Lorenz, Wlaschiha, Hübner, Noceck, R. Lang ; Suitner
- Placido Domingo, Vol. 2: Live Recordings 1967 - 1969
- Ponchielli: La Gioconda
- Puccini: Arias
- Puccini: Great Arias
- Puccini: Tosca
- Puccini: Tosca
- Richard Wagner: Das Rheingold (Part 1 of The Ring Of The Nibelungen)
Meditation Music
Orchestral Music of Miklos Rozsa
Paul Hindemith: Music For Viola, Volume 3
Shapeshifters Presents House Grooves [Import]
One Take Radio Sessions [EP] [Live]
Latin Tropical (Thunderbolt) [Import]