Puccini: Suor Angelica (Highlights)

Puccini: Suor Angelica (Highlights)

On this CD:

  1. Suor Angelica, opera Ave Maria, piena di grazia
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  2. Suor Angelica, opera Sorelle in umiltà
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Dina Grossberger, Diane Verdoodt, Rachel Fabry
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  3. Suor Angelica, opera Ed or, sorello in gioia
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Dina Grossberger, Rachel Fabry, Marianne Vliegen, Bernadette Degelin
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  4. Suor Angelica, opera O sorelle in pio lavoro
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Rachel Fabry, Miriam Gauci, Bernadette Degelin
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  5. Suor Angelica, opera Ho un desiderio anch'io!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Michaela Karadjian, Marianne Vliegen, Miriam Gauci, Bernadette Degelin
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  6. Suor Angelica, opera Laudata Maria! - E sempre sia!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Dina Grossberger, Diane Verdoodt, Rachel Fabry, Marianne Vliegen, Bernadette Degelin, Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  7. Suor Angelica, opera Suor Angelica! - Madre, Madre, parlate!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Michaela Karadjian, Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  8. Suor Angelica, opera Il Principe Gualtiero vostro padre
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Lucienne Van Deyck, Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  9. Suor Angelica, opera Nel silenzio di quei raccoglimenti
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Lucienne Van Deyck
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  10. Suor Angelica, opera Tutto ho offerto alla Vergine
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Lucienne Van Deyck, Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  11. Suor Angelica, opera Senza mamma, o bimbo, tu sei morto!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  12. Suor Angelica, opera Sorella, o buona sorella
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Miriam Gauci, Bernadette Degelin
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  13. Suor Angelica, opera La grazia è discesa dal cielo!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  14. Suor Angelica, opera Addio, ...buone sorelle
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

  15. Suor Angelica, opera Ah, son dannata!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
    with Miriam Gauci
    Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

Puccini: Suor Angelica (Highlights),Giacomo Puccini,Alexander Rahbari,BRT Philharmonic Orchestra,Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels),Miriam Gauci,Bernadette Degelin,Diane Verdoodt,Dina Grossberger,Lucienne Van Deyck,Marianne Vliegen,Michaela Karadjian,Rachel Fabry,Koch Discover Int'l,Classical,Classical Music,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera


Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Bravo
  • The best Suor Angelica is in Pappano's Trittico
  • Just maybe the greatest recorded "Trittico" ever
  • Life--It hits you hard
  • Long overdue...
Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano
Giacomo Puccini , Antonio Pappano , Roberto Alagna , Angela Gheorghiu , Bernadette Manca di Nissa , Felicity Palmer , José van Dam , Carlo Guelfi , Maria Guleghina , Cristina Gallardo-Domas , Neil Shicoff , Francesca Pedaci , Patrizia Ciofi , Roberto Scaltriti , Dorothea Röschmann , Sara Fulgoni , and Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IFQ0
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Bravo.......2007-06-11

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

5 out of 5 stars The best Suor Angelica is in Pappano's Trittico.......2005-08-26

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Just maybe the greatest recorded "Trittico" ever.......2003-10-09

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

5 out of 5 stars Life--It hits you hard.......2002-06-16

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

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

Music is like that.

5 out of 5 stars Long overdue..........2002-05-21

A modern recording of Il Trittico was long overdue, and has been fulfilled magnificently by Alagna, Georghiu, Pappano et al. The only negative reviewer of this disc really criticizes the composer (who he thinks is Verdi!) rather than the performances themselves. But, the question for a review is not "is this a good opera?" That is for the purchaser. Rather, the issue is, given that the purchaser wishes to purcahse a recording of the opera, is it a good recording. This is an excellent one and anyone interested should not hesitate.
Puccini: Great Opera Arias
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best opera album ever
  • Beautiful Music, Nice price
Puccini: Great Opera Arias

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YQLA
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best opera album ever.......2007-01-26

I have listened this album almost every day for the past 4 years. For begginers and amateurs in this kind of music, the album rocks in every song with the exception of track 2 and 5.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful Music, Nice price.......2007-01-04

I purchased this CD for my daughter while searching specifically for arias. She was very pleased and I find myself enjoying it as well.
A wonderful collection for a terrific price, super fast shipping too- as always.
Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great CD! Check it out!
  • Get this CD!
Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J28B
Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

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

5 out of 5 stars Great CD! Check it out!.......2003-01-24

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

5 out of 5 stars Get this CD!.......2000-01-23

This CD is absolutely wonderful! The range of songs on the CD show just how versitile Kiri Te Kanawa really is. Anyone who appreciates a beautiful voice will be rewarded by this CD time and time again. It is a must buy!
Puccini: Suor Angelica / Bonynge, Sutherland
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Second-rate to Gallardo-Domas and Pappano
  • A Sutherland treat
  • A beautiful and dreamlike recording
  • Tones like a crystal bell
Puccini: Suor Angelica / Bonynge, Sutherland

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006P4W
Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Second-rate to Gallardo-Domas and Pappano.......2005-08-26

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars A Sutherland treat.......2003-06-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 out of 5 stars A beautiful and dreamlike recording.......2001-09-07

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

4 out of 5 stars Tones like a crystal bell.......2000-07-12

In Suor Angelica Puccini ranges from childlike playfulness to deepest despair in a short opera easily enjoyed in one sitting. And the voices on this CD are all clear and harmonious. However I feel Bonynge's interpretation focuses on voice rather than mood. Rather than spritely as in other versions, here the tempo feels held back, dampening some of the excitement, so the listener feels as if nostalgically looking back at a distant event rather than being alive in the moment's laughter, excitement, and agony. However Dame Sutherland, of course, is incomparable, with a voice like clear light.
Montserrat Caballé: Ultimate Collection
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A fab collection of the loveliest soprano voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
  • LA SUPERBA!
  • Madame Caballé is great!!!
  • Amazing collection!
  • Cannot be called an "ultimate" collection
Montserrat Caballé: Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J914
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A fab collection of the loveliest soprano voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.......2005-12-23

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

5 out of 5 stars LA SUPERBA!.......2005-11-22

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

5 out of 5 stars Madame Caballé is great!!!.......2003-04-06

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

5 out of 5 stars Amazing collection!.......2003-04-05

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

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

4 out of 5 stars Cannot be called an "ultimate" collection.......2003-02-05

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

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

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

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

Perhaps the major Opera labels should start letting fans put together the track lists for these "best of" collections! We could do a much better job.
Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Incomparable LEONTYNE PRICE: "The Stradivarius of Singers"!!
  • Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection
  • The true prima donna asoluta
  • Fabulous singing, Overblown orchestras
  • Fabulous!
Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J912
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Incomparable LEONTYNE PRICE: "The Stradivarius of Singers"!!.......2006-08-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection.......2005-07-20

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

Rolande M. Collins

5 out of 5 stars The true prima donna asoluta.......2002-05-23

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

4 out of 5 stars Fabulous singing, Overblown orchestras.......2002-04-10

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous!.......2002-01-19

The only alternative to Joan Sutherland. An equally gorgeous and fabulous voice. A true diva that puts me to tears. Sensational recital of so many gems.
La Tebaldi
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Tebaldi at her best!
  • Tebaldi the Great
  • A legacy for the ages!
  • Best Collection
  • Modified rapture
La Tebaldi

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Best of Tebaldi
  2. Very Best of
  3. Verdi: Il Trovatore
  4. Grandi Voci: Renata Tebaldi
  5. La Boheme

ASIN: B0000041Y8
Release Date: 1991-08-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Tebaldi at her best!.......2007-04-07

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

5 out of 5 stars Tebaldi the Great.......2007-02-19

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

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars A legacy for the ages!.......2001-02-23

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Best Collection.......2001-01-11

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

3 out of 5 stars Modified rapture.......2000-04-24

I bought this collection of Tebaldi's Decca recordings with the hope to experience some great singing. However, I can't help feeling a bit disappointed in the end. There are some thrilling performances here, for example, the dark, passionate renditions of the arias from La Gioconda and L'arlesiana, but overall, the achievements are rather uneven. Tebaldi certainly possesses a most beautiful and powerful voice, something to take bath in. Yet, she evinces little of the psychological insights, intense pathos and interpretive individuality of Claudia Muzio, Meta Seinemeyer, Maria Callas and Leonie Rysanek. Compare her performance of 'Ma dall'arido Stelo divulsa' from Verdi's 'Un Ballo in Maschera' with that by Leonie Rysanek (On RCA Living Stereo): The aria is magnificently vocalised by Tebaldi, but it is Rysanek who effectively combine vocal opulence with dramatic insights, evincing Amelia's exteme desperations. Perhaps Tebaldi was constrained by the restrictions and protocols of recording studios and unable to realise her full dramatic potentials --- in this case she is best heard on live recordings where we could experience her in full flight. Furthermore, the 1964 Come back album items on the second disc demonstrate a voice that has lost much of its pristine freshness and youthfulness, even though there are exciting things to hear. Still, the beauty of the voice and the sincerity of utterances are there for us to experience. For ardent Tebaldi fans, this is definitely a must, but for those looking for truly great singing and acting, you might want to look elsewhere for Tebaldi's live recordings and Maria Callas, etc.
Puccini: Arias
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Puccini is made for Callas
  • A wonderful recital recorded at the right time
  • The re-issue of this supreme recital is even better!
  • Callas and Puccini - Magical
  • Amazing but the remastered version is even better!
Puccini: Arias

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SA2
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

  1. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide (Atto II)
  2. Manon Lescaut: Sola, preduta, abbondonata (Atto IV)
  3. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedremo (Atto II)
  4. Madama Butterfly: Con onor muore (Atto II)
  5. La Bohhme: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi (Atto II)
  6. La Bohhme: Donde lieta usci (Atto II)
  7. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma
  8. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
  9. Turandot: Signore, ascolta (atto I)
  10. Turandot: In questa reggia (Atto II)
  11. Turandot: Tu che di gel sei cinta (Atto III)

Amazon.com essential recording

Though Puccini is one of the composers most associated with Callas, he was not the one closest to her heart. Even the title role of Tosca that showcased her talents so brilliantly (including during her vocal decline) didn't figure among her favorites. You'd never know, though, from this aria collection recorded in 1954--Callas's vocal prime--that was inexplicably overshadowed by her complete opera recordings. Even among the best of singers, aria collections take on a certain vocal sameness; Callas often has a different voice for every character. Her Mimi in La Boheme is all lightness and ingenuousness; the timbre of her Suor Angelica (which she sang onstage only once) has a similar but distinctly different lightness, also conveying a sheltered life. Once in a while one hears signs of vocal fatique, but generally, the flapping vibrato that afflicted Callas's high notes only a few years later is well under control, as she's guided through these selections by her longtime mentor, Tullio Serafin. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Puccini is made for Callas.......2005-08-29

We all know that The La Divina does not put Puccini among her favorites. But this recording is the best Puccini Suprano recital recording ever. This shows Callas in prime of her voice. As a matter of fact I could agree with other reviewers that this recital overshadows some of the complete recordings she has done. When one listens to In questa reggia no one can deny that Callas is the greatest of them all. For fans who could not afford to buy the Recitals 1954-1969 [BOX SET] and and decides to collect the recital recordings one by one. I strongly suggest to first purchase this one. For me this is the best among the set.

5 out of 5 stars A wonderful recital recorded at the right time.......2004-10-04

Well, Puccini we all know so what's the point? ;) When Callas recorded this first recital for EMI she was in supreme voice and it shows in every aria. Be it Manon Lescaut in her dying aria or Mimi's gentle "Mi chiamamo Mimi". You haven't heard Madama Butterfly without listening to Callas' recording of Cio Cio San's suicide. It'll bring tears to your eyes. Here we have a soprano who could sing both Liu and Turandot, and her recording of "In questa reggia" is way better here than on the complete recording of the opera which she made several years later. My personal highlight is Liu's tearful "Tu che di gel sei cinta" where I finally understand how Liu feels, why she is killing herself to protect the man she loves. (!)

5 out of 5 stars The re-issue of this supreme recital is even better!.......2004-05-20

My review:

This remastering by Callas' first ever recital for EMI is absolutely divine. In even better sound (It is a studio-recording) and stunning presence we can hear Callas' voice as well as never before. The highlights are definitely Manon's "Sola, perduta...", Butterfly's suicide, Tosca's prayer, Turandots "In questa reggia", Lius "Tu che di gel sei cinta", the love-duet from Tosca etc. I believe Callas'first "Sola, perduta..." is absolutely ravishing. Young Callas had such a rich, glorious sound! But not only that, listen how she phrases "No! Non voglio morir!" And "Tutto e finito!" with so much morbidezza and drama! Absolutely sublime! As Butterfly she is more the loving mother than any other Butterfly I've heard before or since, listen to how she phrases "Guardami! Amore addio, addio piccolo amor!". This would melt a heart of stone! I'm also totally floored by her "In questa reggia", this shows why Italy adored her as Turandot in the late forties. She triumphed as Turandot and Norma (!) in the same week at the Teatro Colon! Imagine Nilsson, Turner or Marton doing Norma! Impossible? Well, Callas made it possible. I could go on and on but you get the idea. This his the finest Puccini-Recital ever recorded. And to those who think that Callas lacked the warmth necessary for Puccini's heroines: Listen to the duet from La Boheme, Callas' voice is glowing there, like velvet!

Buy it at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001HAH78/cm_aya_asin.title/002-5737532-8946412?v=glance&s=music

5 out of 5 stars Callas and Puccini - Magical.......2004-05-20

As a singer myself let me express how annoyed and sickened I am by the constant Callas-bashing by this person who keeps posting masty reviews on all her stuff. If he does this once again his favourites will suffer for it, I can play this game too! I love so many sopranos, Callas is my fave but I'm floored by the angelic Mimi of de los Angeles, the fabulous Tosca of Tebaldi, the Lakme of Sutherland ETC. ETC. I'm offended by this ignorant's accusations and lies. This CD, Callas' first ever recital for EMI, is of wondrous beauty. The gentleness in "Si mi chiamamo Mimi", the icy elegance in "In questa reggia", the pathos and morbidezza in her Butterfly and Manon are amazing. And her Lauretta is charming. It's perfectly alright not to like Callas but to start one hate-tirade after the other is tasteless, ignorant and idiotic. If he continues this, his favourites will get their share of bashing, mark my words! Even my patience has its limits!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing but the remastered version is even better!.......2004-05-20

This beautiful recital was recently re-released in a remastered edition. Type Callas Puccini, you'll find it easily.
Overtures & Intermezzi
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Overtures & Intermezzi

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Intermezzo
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    ASIN: B00005NPK4
    Release Date: 2003-01-07

    Tracks:

    1. Overture
    2. Meditation
    3. Overture
    4. Overture
    5. Intermezzo
    6. Intermezzo
    7. Intermezzo
    8. Intermezzo
    9. Overture
    10. Overture, Op.26
    Marton · Scotto · Te Kanawa ~ Favorite Puccini Arias by the World's Favorite Sopranos
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A nice collection of Puccini heroines
    • Beautiful renditions of Puccini arias
    Marton · Scotto · Te Kanawa ~ Favorite Puccini Arias by the World's Favorite Sopranos
    Giacomo Puccini , Sir John Pritchard , Lorin Maazel , Giuseppe Patanè , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Renata Scotto , Kiri Te Kanawa , Eva Marton , José Carreras , Plácido Domingo , Ingvar Wixell , Gillian Knight , Renato Simoni , Marco Praga , Munich Radio Orchestra , Ambrosian Opera Chorus , Wiener Philharmoniker , and London Philharmonic Orchestra
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. The #1 Opera Album

    ASIN: B0000027UJ
    Release Date: 1991-11-15

    Tracks:

    1. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
    2. La rondine: Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
    3. La Boheme: Mi Chiamano Mimi
    4. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz (La Boheme) - Te Kanawa
    5. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci
    6. Madama Butterfly: Spira Sul Mare
    7. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo
    8. Madama Butterfly: Flower Duet
    9. Madama Butterfly: Con Onor Muore Chi Non Puo Serbar Vita Con Onore Tu, Tu
    10. TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
    11. Manon Lescaut: In Quelle Trine Morbide
    12. Manon Lescaut: Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata
    13. Le Villi: Se Come Voi
    14. Suor Angelica: Senza Mamma, O Bimbo, Tu Sei Morto
    15. Turandot: Tu, Che Di Gel Sei Cinta
    16. Turandot: In Questa Reggia

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A nice collection of Puccini heroines.......2000-09-22

    Puccini loves his heroines and gives them the most gorgeous music in his operas. This very nice compilation album offers all famous arias of Puccini's heroines except "Signor, Ascolta" from Turandot . The singers are very good. All arias sung by Kiri Te Kanawa are from her recital album with Sir John Pitchard, including her signature pieces, "O mio babino caro" and "Ch'il bel sogno di Doretta". Scotto is very moving as Butterfly and Suor Angelica. Her "Tu, tu, piccolo iddio" and"Senza mamma, o bimbo" will break your heart. The weak link here is Eva Marton, good Turandot and Tosca but obviously miscasted as Mimi and Liu. Her voice is too dramatic for these fragile heroines.

    4 out of 5 stars Beautiful renditions of Puccini arias.......1999-10-30

    These great divas bring out the best in the romantic and splendid music that Puccini composed. The orchestral arrangements are just as they should be and not over done. Overall, a great recording.

    Meditation Music:

    1. Puccini: Tosca
    2. Puccini: Tosca [Enhanced]
    3. Richard Strauss: Salome
    4. Richard Strauss: Salome, Op. 54
    5. Richard Strauss: Salome, Op 54
    6. Rossini: Armida
    7. Rossini - Aureliano in Palmira / d'Intino · Ciliento · di Cesare · Nazzika · Zani
    8. Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia / Hampson, Menzter, Hadley, Praticò, Ramey; Gelmetti
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