Verdi: Nabucco

1. Nabucco, opera (Nabucodonosor)
   Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
   Performed by San Carlo Theater Orchestra & Chorus
   with Gino Bechi, Maria Callas
   
   
2. Don Carlo, opera Tu che la vanità...
   Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
   Performed by North German Radio Symphony Orchestra
   with Maria Callas
   
   

Verdi: Nabucco,Gino Bechi,Giuseppe Verdi,San Carlos Theater Orchestra & Chorus,Sinfonieorchester des Norddeutschen Rundfunks,Maria Callas,Melodram,Classical,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera

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Average customer rating: The beautiful gift of opera... Pretty darn good The Opera #1 Opera Album Excellent assortment Great Selections

The #1 Opera Album Giacomo Puccini , Giuseppe Verdi , Léo Delibes , Georges Bizet , Umberto Giordano , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Jacques Offenbach , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Charles Gounod , Gaetano Donizetti , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Richard Bonynge , Herbert von Karajan , Alberto Erede , Lamberto Gardelli , Giuseppe Patane , John Mauceri , Zubin Mehta , Charles Dutoit , Gyorgy Fischer , Riccardo Chailly , Istvan Kertesz , Leone Magiera , Evelino Pido , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Renée Fleming , Cecilia Bartoli , Luciano Pavarotti , Jussi Bjorling , and Renata Tebaldi Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | 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Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B000059RXO Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

The beautiful gift of opera..........2007-07-17

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

Pretty darn good.......2007-07-04

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

The Opera #1 Opera Album.......2007-06-07

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

Excellent assortment.......2007-05-12

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

Great Selections.......2007-03-31

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...

Average customer rating: masters of classical music A good basic collection An excellent introduction to classical music Very Beautiful!!!!!1 Still Stuck on Beethoven

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set) Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
2. Piano Concerto In A Major, K 488: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
3. Flute Concerto In D Major, K 314: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
4. Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
5. Clarinet Concerto KV 622: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
6. Serenade, K 375: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
7. Turkish March - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
8. Violin Concerto, K 216: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
9. Divertimento, K 334: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
10. Horn Concerto, K 447: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
11. Cassation, K 99: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Tracks:

1. Overture No. 4 In Major: Rejouissance - J.S.Bach
2. Overture No. 3 In D Major: Air - J.S.Bach
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro - J.S.Bach
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach
5. Overture No. 2 In B Minor: Menuet & Badinerie - J.S.Bach
6. Prelude In C Major - J.S.Bach
7. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - J.S.Bach
8. Prelude In C Minor - J.S.Bach
9. Overture No. 1 In C Major: Passepied - J.S.Bach
10. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio - J.S.Bach
11. Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter, Chorale - J.S.Bach
12. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: II. Allegro - J.S.Bach
13. Violin Concerto In E Major: I. Adagio - J.S.Bach
14. St. Matthew Passion: Finale Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder' - J.S.Bach

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
2. Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
3. Violin Romance No. 2 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
4. 'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
5. Minuet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
6. Symphony No. 8 In F Major: Allegretto scherzando - Ludwig Van Beethoven
7. Coriolan: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
8. Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
9. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
10. Egmont: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

1. Die Fledermaus: Die Fledermaus (Excerpts) - Johann Strauss
2. Wine, Woman And Song - Johann Strauss
3. Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauss
4. The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss
5. The Gypsy Baron: Introduction - Johann Strauss
6. Annen Polka - Johann Strauss
7. Vienna Blood - Johann Strauss
8. The Gypsy Baron: Einzugsmarsch - Johann Strauss

Tracks:

1. Tannhauser: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
2. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Prentices - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
3. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude Act 3 - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
4. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Aufzug der Meistersinger - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
5. Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
6. Lohengrin: Prelude - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
7. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude And Liebestod - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
8. Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo - Peter Tchaikovsky
2. String Serenade: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
3. Violin Concerto: Andante - Peter Tchaikovsky
4. The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction - Peter Tchaikovsky
5. The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action - Adagio - Peter Tchaikovsky
6. The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
7. Capriccio italien Op. 45 - Peter Tchaikovsky
8. Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Scene No. 10 - Peter Tchaikovsky
9. Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
10. Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Peter Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

1. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: Spring - VIVALDI, Antonio
2. Siciliano - VIVALDI, Antonio
3. Concerto In D Minor:: (Allegro Assai) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
4. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Summer - VIVALDI, Antonio
5. Oboe Sonata In B Flat Major, RV 34: Adagio - Allegro - Largo - Allegro - VIVALDI, Antonio
6. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: Autumn - VIVALDI, Antonio
7. Oboe Concerto: Allegro non tasto - Largo - Allegro non molto - VIVALDI, Antonio
8. Concerto In D Minor: (Largo e spiccato) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
9. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: Winter - VIVALDI, Antonio

Tracks:

1. Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20 - Frederic Chopin_
2. Three Nocturnes, Op. 9: No 3 In B Major - Frederic Chopin_
3. Twelve Etudes, Op. 10: No 5 In G Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
4. Twelve Etudes, Op. 25: No 10 In B Minor - Frederic Chopin_
5. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major - Frederic Chopin_
6. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
7. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrops' - Frederic Chopin_
8. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
9. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
10. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor - Frederic Chopin_
11. Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31 - Frederic Chopin_
12. Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18 - Frederic Chopin_
13. Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Frederic Chopin_
14. Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 3 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
15. Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 4 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
2. Impromptu In E Flat Major - Franz Schubert
3. Standchen - Franz Schubert
4. Trout Quintet: Tema con variazioni - Franz Schubert
5. 'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 1 - Franz Schubert
6. Moment Musical In A Flat Major - Franz Schubert
7. 'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 2 - Franz Schubert
8. Moment Musical No. 3 In F Minor - Franz Schubert
9. 'Rosamunde': Ballet Music No.2 - Franz Schubert
10. Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
2. Nabucco: Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate - Verdi, Giuseppe
3. Aida: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
4. II Trovatore: Verdi! le fosche notturne (Gypsies' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
5. II Trovatore: Or co' daddi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
6. Aroldo: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
7. La Traviata: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
8. La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle - Verdi, Giuseppe
9. La Traviata:: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Verdi, Giuseppe
10. La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori - Verdi, Giuseppe
11. La forza del destino: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe

Customer Reviews:

masters of classical music.......2007-03-26

A nice collection for the classical listener. Great variety of composers and the music quality of the cds are very good.

A good basic collection.......2006-11-10

With selections from numerous composers, it is an easy way to familiarize oneself with some of the most popular classical works and excerpts. A pleasant listen for the initiated too.

An excellent introduction to classical music.......2006-10-18

This is an excellent introduction to classical music. Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1.......2006-10-05

If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven.......2006-08-22

I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...

My interest started in this genre of music because I'm researching my ancestry in Prussia and this is the music of those times. Never mind my ancestors were poor peasants who probably never got the chance to hear such wonderful music... when listening to these CDs, I'm taken back in time... to a royal court in Europe... to another place in time. The music is inspiring, relaxing, invigorating.

I have yet to listen to all the CD's in the set. I'm stuck on Beethoven! Wasn't he AWESOME!?!

I think this set is a wonderful introduction to classical music!!!!!

Average customer rating: A memorable album by Robert Shaw Great version Superb Brings back memories Apologies to Puccini.

Verdi: Requiem & Operatic Choruses Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw Fauré · Duruflé - Requiem / J. Blegen · J. Morris · Atlanta SO · Shaw Bach: Mass in B minor / McNair, Ziegler, Simpson, Aler, Stone, Paul; Shaw Mozart: Requiem / McNair, Watkinson, Araiza, Lloyd; Marriner Mozart - Requiem / Augér, Bartoli, Cole, Pape, Wiener Phil., Solti ASIN: B000003CUH Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Requiem: 1. Requiem & Kyrie
2. Requiem: 2. Dies Irae
3. Requiem: 3. Offertory
4. Requiem: 4. Sanctus

Tracks:

1. Requiem: 5. Agnus Dei
2. Requiem: 6. Lux Aeterna
3. Requiem: 7. Libera Me - 1. Libera Me - 2. Dies Irae - 3. Requiem Aeternam - 4. Libera Me
4. Requiem: Spuntato Ecco
5. Requiem: Patria Oppressa!
6. Requiem: Fuoco Di Gioia
7. Requiem: Va Pensiero
8. 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 Libbey

Customer Reviews:

A memorable album by Robert Shaw.......2007-04-16

I sometimes wonder why any top choral conductor would want to conduct, least of all record, a piece where the soloists invariably command center stage at the expense of the chorus.

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

There are version of Verdi's Requiems in that market. I consider this to be onre the best ones I have heard. What adds to this perfomance is the quality of the manufacturer's transfer.

Superb.......2005-10-20

I don't have anything to add to the excellent reviews, I just want to chime in with my vote. This was rated as the top recording of this piece when I bought it on recomendation of a tenor friend back in 1990 or so and it is probably the best sustained operatic performace I have found thus far. The power and the majesty of this piece needs to be heard to be believed. So... Buy it, make sure the neighbors are out, turn the lights out, it in your best listening spot, turn up the volume and press play.

Don't miss the final track on the second disk!

Brings back memories.......2001-05-04

How could I possibly top the splendid review by Dominic Grant below? And his later graceful apology for a mere typo? Well, I just cannot. But I'd like to share my own thoughts, anyway.

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

Further to my review of the 18th of June below,it's just been brought to my attention by a kind reader that I have inadvertently ascribed the composition of the famous aria,"Nessun Dorma" from Turandot to Verdi himself.First of all,my sincere apologies to Puccini (probably still revolving in his grave !),and my apologies to you for grossly offending your musical sensibilities as you pass this way.That will teach me to spend a little longer editing my reviews before submitting them !

Average customer rating: Favorites of the past Seventh heaven Excellent CD Monica Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!

Tuscany: A Romantic Journey Manufacturer: Somerset Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bella Tuscany: Music Inspired by Tuscany Provence: A Romantic Journey Under the Tuscan Sun Mediterranean Nights Dinner In Italy ASIN: B0007R8FC6 Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

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

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews:

Favorites of the past.......2007-07-19

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

Seventh heaven.......2007-06-15

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

Excellent CD.......2007-05-13

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

Monica.......2007-01-25

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

Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!.......2006-02-24

This selection is by far the best in my collection.

Average customer rating: OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY. Great music...stunning recording quality Incredible Just Stunning!

Essential Verdi Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Ultimate Puccini Collection Essential Puccini Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... The Most Famous Opera Duets The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B000056JSW Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

1. Rigoletto: La donna e mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
2. Nabucco: Va pesiero - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
3. La forza del destino: Overture - Kirov Orchestra
4. La Traviata: Un di felice - Joan Sutherland
5. I Vespri Siciliani: Merce dilette amiche - Maria Chiara
6. La Traviata: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Joan Sutherland
7. Il Trovatore: Di quella pira - Jose Carreras
8. Il Trovatore: Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
9. Il Trovatore: Stride la vampa! - Stefania Toczyska
10. Aida: Ritorna vincitor! - Leontyne Price
11. Don Carlo: Dio che nell'alma infondere - Carlo Bergonzi
12. La Traviata: Prelude - Orchestra E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
13. Rigoletto: Caro nome - Joan Sutherland
14. Don Carlo: O don fatale - Olga Borodina
15. Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi! Celeste Aida - Carlo Bergonzi
16. Emani: Ernani! Ernani involami - Joan Sutherland
17. Un Ballo in Maschera: Di tu se fedele - Jussi Bjorling
18. Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro ma prima in grazia - Margaret Price
19. Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido - Luciano Pavarotti
20. Aida: Gloria all'Egitto - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Requiem: Dies irae - Wiener Philharmoniker
2. La forza del destino: Pace pace mio Dio - Angela Gheorghiu
3. Rigoletto: Questa o quella - Carlo Bergonzi
4. Rigoletto: Bella figlia dell'amore - Luciano Pavarotti
5. Otello: Ave Maria - Renee Fleming
6. La Traviata: Parigi o cara - Frank Lopardo
7. Macbeth: Ah la paterna mano - Luciano Pavarotti
8. Il Trovatore: Squilli echeggi la tromba guerriera - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
9. Don Carlo: O Carlo ascolta - Dmitri Hvorostovsky
10. Requiem: Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
11. Simon Baccanegra: Come in quest'ora bruna - Kiri Te Kanawa
12. Macbeth: Salve o Re! Si colmi il calice - Lucia Aliberti
13. Aida: O patria mia - Leontyne Price
14. I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere - Placido Domingo
15. Aida: Lo sguardo avea degli angeli - Montserrat Caballe
16. La forza del destino: Solenne in quest'ora - Nikolai Putilin
17. Macbeth: Patria opressa - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
18. Il Trovatore: Tacea la notte - Katia Ricciarelli
19. I due Foscari: Dal piu remoto esilio - Odio solo ed odio atroce - Jose Carreras
20. 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

I don't know opera.

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

This is a marvelous compendium of Verdi's opera works that even the serious opera fan wouldn't turn his nose up at. These are the top contemporary soloists singing with first tier orchestras. When I saw the Decca label, I expected reasonable quality, but this disk is stunningly well engineered. Most of the vocals match the best jazz cds for immediacy and intimacy, and the orchestras are equally well done.

Incredible.......2002-06-05

I don't say incredible about too many things, but Verdi was the zenith of Italian Opera and Solti and the Chicago Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic are the quintessential ensembles for modern classical performance. Not to mention that most of the voices showcased have their own lines of CDs (Pavarotti, etc.) This CD is the best Verdi album available, and it has EVERYTHING. BUY THIS CD!

Just Stunning!.......2002-01-26

In my opinion this recording is stunning. I am not usually a fan of compilations in classical music, as they're usually watered down representations made under the presumption that the listener would find the full-blown version intimidating or boring. This one, however, is not only an exception in my view, but a recording that deserves a high place of honor in every serious listener's collection. The representation of artists, both vocal and orchestral, is breathtaking and impressive for the span of years. A great big thank you to the people at Decca responsible for putting this collection together, as it is obvious to this listener that a great deal of thought and care went into looking for the most beautiful version of every piece on here. I have purchased two copies, one for home and one for the office, and have gotten two friends similarly hooked. I am also feverishly searching for more pairings of Joan Sutherland and Carlo Bergonzi. In the meantime, I'm on to Essential Puccini!!

Average customer rating: Horrible Techno Muzak with Beautiful Singing Not for the Opera purest... Opera meets contemporary music for sophisticated listeners buy this cd! Incredible music from opera's master composers

Aria Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon Aria 3: Metamorphosis State of Grace II: Turning to Peace State of Grace Earthbound ASIN: B0002IQGF8 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Willow
2. Un Bel Di
3. Secret Tear
4. Dido
5. Pace Pace
6. Pamina Blue
7. Habanera
8. Home

Customer Reviews:

Horrible Techno Muzak with Beautiful Singing.......2007-06-21

This is a Dr. Jeckal and Mr. Hyde CD. The singing is so incredibly beautiful but it's totally ruined with synthetic background "music". The drum machine parts are so bad it's like listening to a joke from Saturday Night Live.

Not for the Opera purest..........2007-05-19

A doctor buddy of mine and I were working the ER one weekend and he put this CD on. Now, I love just about any kind of music EXCEPT Opera and Country music depresses me after a few songs. Now, this CD sure smacked of opera but I was not offended. In fact, the longer I listened, the more I liked it. I didn't much care for the treatment of Bizet's "Carmen" but that was the only song I didn't care for just because I loved the original classical and just didn't like this arrangement. I guess I was primed for this sound through Yanni's "Aria" from his Dare to Dream CD. Thus the blending of contemporary instrumental music with an operatic voice or voices was born.

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

I listen to this CD over and over again. Traditional opera voices backed by modern instruments makes for distinct music that appeals to sophisticated adult ears. You don't need to be an opera fan to enjoy this beautiful, unique style of music. A true opera fan below was disappointed, but after buying Aria, I became interested in opera and added a couple of authentic aria CDs to my collection.

buy this cd!.......2006-10-08

When i first heard this CD i hated it. i had heard about it from several people and decided to buy it. i actually bought the box set that has all three Aria cd's. As i checked this cd out, the woman ringing me up said this was the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard and told me i'd love it. i told her i was more of a metal fan. Here i was, a fan of Metallica and Danzig and Tool, buying opera!? i did like the programming on this cd. the drum beats are clean and accompany the music just right; not too loud and not too quiet. the vocals, which at first i didn't like, are really endearing and beautiful. Rebecca Luker sings many of the songs here. i enjoyed this cd more and more with each listen. I like the fact that the lyrics were translated in the booklet so i could understand the words. Bottom line: this is an excellent CD! i would recommend this to anyone. give it a few listens and let it take you. Ignore what you think you know about opera and let his music enter you and enchant you and speak to you. your heart and soul will thank you. let the vocals of Rebecca Luker wash over you and show you the true emotional range of the human voice.

Incredible music from opera's master composers.......2006-03-04

If I could give this CD 10 stars, I would certainly do so. Five stars is not sufficient to describe this wonderful work of art. I am an opera fan but I am certainly not offended by these contemporary arrangements which brings these wonderful works to a modern audience.

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.

Average customer rating: comment to (editorial) reviews Brava Dimitrova!! Bible Opera Packs A Punch More than Exciting Essential Verdi

Verdi - Nabucco / Cappuccilli, Domingo, Dimitrova, Nesterenko, Valentini-Terrani, Deutschen Oper Berlin, Sinopoli Giuseppe Verdi , Giuseppe Sinopoli , Piero Cappuccilli , Placido Domingo , Ghena Dimitrova , Evgeny Nesterenko , Lucia Valentini-Terrani , and Berlin State Opera Chorus Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Verdi: Macbeth Verdi - Simon Boccanegra / Freni, Cappuccilli, Carreras, Ghiaurov, van Dam, Foiani, Teatro alla Scala, Abbado Verdi - Don Carlo / Domingo · Caballé · Raimondi · Milnes · Verrett · Estes · Giulini Verdi - Aida / Caballé · Domingo · Cossotto · Ghiaurov · Cappuccilli · Roni · NPO · Muti Verdi - Falstaff / Gobbi · Schwarzkopf · Moffo · Karajan ASIN: B000001G4N Release Date: 1984-03-12

Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Sinfonia
2. Nabucco: Part One: Introduzione 'Gli arredi festivi giu cadano infranti'
3. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Cavatina: 'Sperate, o figli!'
4. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Cavatina: 'D'Egitto la sui lidi'
5. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Cavatina: 'Qual rumore?'
6. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Cavatina: 'Come notte a sol fulgente'
7. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Terzettino: 'Fenene! O mia diletta'
8. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Terzettino: 'Guerrieri, e preso il Tempio!...Prode guerrier'
9. Nabucco: Part One: Recitativo E Terzettino: 'Lo t'amava!'
10. Nabucco: Part One: Coro: 'Lo vedeste?'
11. Nabucco: Part One: Finale: 'Viva Nabucco!'
12. Nabucco: Part One: Finale: Si finga...Tremin gl'insani del mio furore!'
13. Nabucco: Part One: Finale: 'O vinit, il capo a terra!'
14. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 1 - Scena Ed Aria: 'Ben io t'invenni'
15. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: 'Anch'io dischiuso un giorno'
16. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: 'Chi s'avanza?'
17. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: 'Salgo gia del trono aurato'
18. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Recitativo e preghiera: (Introduzione)
19. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Recitativo e preghiera: 'Vieni, o Levita!'
20. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Recitativo E Preghiera: 'Tu sul labbro de' veggenti'

Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - 'Che si vuol?...Il maledetto non ha fratelli'
2. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Scena e finale: ' Deh, fratelli, perdonate!'
3. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Scena e finale: 'S'appressan gl'instanti'
4. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Scena e finale: ''S'oda or me!'
5. Nabucco: Part Two: Scene 2 - Scena e finale: 'Chi mi toglie il regio scettro?'
6. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 1 - Introduzione: 'E l' Assiria una regina'
7. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 1 - Scena e duetto: 'Eccelsa Donna'
8. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 1 - Scena e duetto: 'Donna, chi sei?'
9. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 1 - Scena e duetto: 'Oh, di qual' onta aggravasi'
10. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 1 - Scena e duetto: 'Ah, qual suon!'
11. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 1 - Scena e duetto: 'Deh, perdona'
12. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 2 - Coro e profezia: (Introduzione)
13. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 2 - 'Va, pensiero, sull' ali dorate'
14. Nabucco: Part Three: Scene 2 - 'Oh, chi piange?...Del futuro nel buio discerno'
15. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: (Introduzione)
16. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: 'Aon pur queste mie membra!'
17. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: 'Dio di Giuda!'
18. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 1 - Scena ed aria: 'Cadran, cadranno i perfidi...O prodi miei, seguitemi'
19. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 2 - Finale ultimo: (Introduzione) - 'Va, la palma del martirio'
20. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 2 - Finale ultimo: 'Oh, dischiuso e il firmamento!'
21. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 2 - Finale ultimo: 'Ah, torna Israello'
22. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 2 - Finale ultimo: 'Immenso Jeovha'
23. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 2 - Finale ultimo: 'Oh! chi vegg'io?'
24. Nabucco: Part Four: Scene 2 - Finale ultimo: 'Su me...morente...esanime'

Amazon.com

Nabucco was Verdi's third opera, and it's filled with one great, energy-filled melody after another; if the drama is a bit crude (the characters are one-dimensional at best), the emotions are sincere and the passions run high enough to make one forgive Verdi's youthful enthusiasm. The role of Abigaille, Nabucco's evil daughter, is a voice-wrecker, but the animal-like Ghena Dimitrova sounds as if she could sing it in her sleep. She hurls the high Bs and Cs at us as ferociously as the Bs and Cs two octaves lower--this is a stunner of a performance. As the title character, Piero Cappuccilli sings with his usual big, unsubtle tone; one wishes for more sensitivity. Placido Domingo, who will apparently sing anything written in the tenor clef, makes as much of the little part of Ismaele, and bass Evgeny Nesterenko fills out the High Priest's music superbly. Giuseppe Sinopoli's leadership is probing, nuanced, and, when needed, as big as all outdoors. This is a pip of a performance, highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

comment to (editorial) reviews.......2006-05-25

In your editorial you call Nesterenko a superb High Priest. I believe he was playing the role of Zaccaria, while the High Priest was sung by Kurt Rydl.
In the the review below I read "the very young Domingo and Lucia Popp shining in the early stages of their careers". According to my information Domingo was 41 at the time (same age as Dimitrova, by the way), while Lucia Popp was even 2 years older. Are we talking about the same performance?

Brava Dimitrova!!.......2005-10-25

I've listened happily for many years to the Gardelli/Gobbi/Suliotis Nabucco. That version is so great, that I only listened to this one to hear Sinopoli. Well, this one is just a great. Neither is perfect, but they're both so damned good, you really can't go wrong with either.

Of special interest in this Nabucco are the very young Domingo and Lucia Popp shining in the early stages of their careers. But they are definitely not the main players in this opera (although Domingo does have the tenor lead). Comparing the two, I prefer Gobbi's Nabucco, but I find no real fault with Cappuccilli's voice or portrayal.

I thought that Abigaille belonged to the late Elena Suliotis (who did sound at times very much like Callas), but Ghena Dimitrova was a revelation. She is just superb as the mostly evil (till the very end when dying) role of the spurned Abigaille, the apparent daughter of the Nebuchadnezzar, but who is really the daughter of slaves! (Let me know if you find this twist in the Bible! Just possibly the story has been enhanced a bit for both dramatic and political reasons.)

Suliotis may have a slight edge dramatically, but I think the edge goes to Dimitrova vocally in this very demanding role. Powerful and dynamic and displaying great technique and vocal agility (as described by other reviewers), she is also softly touching and sings beautifully in such arias as "Anch'io dischiuso un giorno."

Why did I wait so long to listen to this Nabucco! It truly flies on golden wings.

Oh, yeah, and Sinopoli definitely didn't disappoint.

Bible Opera Packs A Punch.......2005-08-11

Verdi's first big hit was Nabucco, based on the biblical account of the Hebrew captivity in Babylon by the imperious and vainglorious King Nebuchenessar. Nabucco is the Italian form of that name. While this is HIS opera, the web of characters form a powerful theme of love and thirst for power and longing for freedom. Isrele is the tenor part, a young Hebrew slave, in love with Ferena, sung by a mezzo soprano. Abigaille is the wicked daughter of King Nabucco, and her role is regarded as the most fiendishly difficult soprano role Verdi ever wrote, full of thunderous declamations high above C, and fully lyric with strong chest register. The cast in this early 80's recording is a dream cast, making this the best studio recording of Nabucco available today. Placido Domingo is singing a part that is not really the star, but he sings with passionate intensity and all his usual radiant flair. His was a voice that Verdi wrote for tenors, and Domingo himself considered Verdi to be his strongest vehicle as a tenor. In this recording we dont get the masculine ardor of Aida's Radames, or the refinement and passion of Alfredo in Traviata or the intensity of Otello nor even the ingellect of a Don Carlo or Don Alvaro from Forza Del Destino, but we have a fine character with religiosity and romantic feelings. The arias are well-executed by Domingo. He keeps up with the faster portions of the music. It seems to me listening to all this - Verdi was really trying desperately to make a hit. He had not had any success prior to this opera. The music is very dramatic, with far too many fortissimos even. Every aria and ensemble ends in such a BANG that it would seem the opera ends earlier than it should. Of course, the Overture is lovely. The highlights of this opera include great choruses. The first one in Act 1 and the more famous Va Pensiero, the Hebrews cry for freedom which even rises to nationalistic Italian heights.

Other than the tremendous talents of Placido Domingo, this recording is blessed with the fine voice of bass-baritone Piero Cappuccili in the eponymous role. As Nabucco, the evil, arrogant king, he is majestic and sometimes paternal (Verdi baritones ALWAYS sound paternal and it doesnt help that the music written fo them are mellow). Cappucilli is another great Verdi singer that together with Domingo make this recording exceptional. Opposite the more dragon-lady-like Ghena Dimitrova, he seems to be weak though....as in the scene "Prisoner ? Si! Prisioner SI!!"
But Cappuccili holds his own and is in fine shape in this recording. He is also the best Macbeth, and his voice is prominently displayed in a DG recording he sang opposite Shirley Verret's imperious Lady Macbeth.

The ladies in this recording are electrifying. Ghena Dimitrova, a Bulgarian-born soprano, is the best Abigaille ever recorded or performed. Not even Callas reaches the technical bravura and character integrity she essays. Her voice is strong, full and powerful. It is even said that Dimitrova had the highest and strongest dramatic soprano voice. Her career was short-lived because of all the intense roles she sang (Turandot, Tosca, Norma, Lady Macbeth). Abigaille she sang numerous times and it was even her signature role. Mezzo soprano Lucia Valentini-Terrani is prolly the weakest in the bunch, but she masters the role of Ferena with aplomb. I cant complain. I love everything about this recording, including the somewhat wooden Terrani. This recording deserves more recognition. Opera lovers go out and get this recording. Pass it on.....

More than Exciting.......2002-04-26

I have listened to a few versions of this opera, even pirated scenes with Maria Callas. It is really an opera of vitality. Verdi may have still had many crudities in the way he wrote. He may have even been over the top at times. Yet, he is unmistakeably exciting. As he third attempt at opera, I would say, even if he did use the "required styles of the day" he produced a wonderfully vivid work. Of course, the characters are one dimensional (if even that deep), but they are exciting and enjoyable. The sound is excellent, and the singing is every bit on par with the excitement of the music. Of course, the person who makes the opera is Ghena Dimitrova, and not because anyone else is less good. They are all great! She just seems to make that voice-wrecker music seem easy, and even gentle on the voice. There is no strain at all! However, I read somewhere when this recording was first reviewed that she had been ill, and that making the recording was difficult. I have no clue if that is true, but I can assure anyone who buys this recording, if it is, they will not be able to tell. She blazes through the role and carries you away. Just for those who are not familiar with her in real life performances, she has a voice that would knock your socks off. It is HUGE! It isn't just loud, and seemingly could go on for ever getting louder and louder without difficulty or strain. It is EXCITING! She can also draw back the sound to a whisper, like Caballe, and send a tingle up your spine. This recording gets close to sharing those real life experiences with the listener. This is well worthy the money!

Essential Verdi.......2002-02-06

This is fantastic singing from beginning to end. Sinopoli conducts this Opera like Italys reuninion still depend on it and dont waste your time looking for another copy. This is a VERY good version and is hard yo beat. The sound is great.

Average customer rating:

Story Of Verdi In Words And Music Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Story of Tchaikovsky Story Of Johann Strauss In Words And Music The Story Of Brahms Story Of Dvorák In Words And Music Story Of Wagner In Words And Music ASIN: B000001KDJ Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. La forza del destino: Overture
2. Aida: Ballet
3. Otello: Drinking Song
4. Otello: Ave Maria
5. La forza del destino: Overture
6. Requiem: Requiem aeternam
7. Un Ballo in Maschera: Eri tu, Che Macchiavi
8. Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
9. Aida: Ballet
10. Rigoletto: La Donna e Mobile
11. Requiem: Agnus Dei
12. Anvil Chorus
13. La Traviata: Libiamo (Drinking Song)
14. La Traviata: Sempre Libera
15. La forza del destino: Solenne in Quest'Ora
16. La forza del destino: Pace, Pace, Mio Dio
17. Aida: Celeste Aida
18. Aida: O Patria Mia
19. Requiem: Dies Irae
20. Otello: Opening
21. Falstaff: L'Onore! Ladri!
22. La Traviata: Addio Del Passato
23. Il Trovatore: Stride la Vampa
24. Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
25. Aida: Chorus And Triumphal March From Act II
26. La forza del destino: Pace, Pace, From Scene 4
27. Aida: Qui Radames verra, From Scene 3

Average customer rating: Great collection but the title's a misnomer

Essential Opera Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Opera Essential Mozart Opera Essential Puccini Essential Bach Essential Verdi ASIN: B0009A41V0 Release Date: 2005-08-09

Customer Reviews:

Great collection but the title's a misnomer.......2006-07-17

The producers of Essential Opera 1 and 2 finally decided to give us a wonderful gift and combined the two for the price of one. The effect is an exciting collection for opera lovers and opera beginners alike. Thank you, producers.

However, I can't agree that the collection lives up to its name. How can it be essential when where is Maria Callas in the line-up? Absent Maria, any opera collection that deems itself "essential" deludes itself. Callas is as indispensable to opera as, say, Picasso is to cubism. To paraphrase Franco Zeffirelli, Callas showed us the maximum of what opera is. Callas IS essential opera.

This misnomer is made the more stark and jarring when one sees that a contemporaneous rival, Renata Tebaldi, is given two tracks to sing and Callas, none. Tebaldi was Callas' rival like Clementi was Mozart's--whoever remembers the rivals now? History has judged well who the masters are. So I listen to arias in this CD, arias that Callas have incomparably defined like Tosca's Vissi d'Arte, La Wallys's Ebben Ne'andro Lontana", to disappointment.

I'd give this disc four and a half stars for Callas' omission, but the Amazon rating system does not allow it. In any case, Tatiana Troyano's Habanera, Cecilia Bartoli's "Una Voce Poco fa," Krause, Popp, and Fassbaender's "Saove sia il vento," and Sutherland and Berbie's Lakme duet, and ten other tracks still make this compilation wonderful, exciting, and highly commendable. Do yourselves a favor and get this cd.

Average customer rating: Always on my CD changer Wonderful compilation - Great intro! loved it NEW LOVER OF OPERA Music to Wed By

Aria: A Passion for Opera Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Charpentier, Gustave | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Delibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Aria II: A Passion for Opera The Most Famous Opera Duets Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments The Most Famous Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B000002S5M Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. Carmen: Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'Amour
2. I Pagliacci: Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
3. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo
4. L'Elisir D'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima
5. Nabucco: Va Pensiero From Nabucco
6. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
7. Rigoletto: La Dona E Mobile
8. Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum
9. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
10. Lakme: Flower Duet
11. Turandot: Nessun Dorma
12. Norma: Casta Diva
13. Gianni Schicchi: A Vete Torto!
14. Tosca: Vissi D'Arte
15. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle
16. La rondine: Chi Il Bel Sogno
17. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira

Amazon.com

If you've ever heard an opera excerpt in a film or TV commercial and wondered from whence it came, this compilation will probably provide your answer. The disk is an extensive superstar sampling of opera's greatest arias, featuring beloved stars from 1958-1987. Newbies will delight in hearing the young Freni's developing, but not yet perfected, artistry; Corelli's soaring tenor emoting in "Vesti la guibba" and "Nessun Dorma"; and Callas being Callas in "Habanera" and "Casta Diva." Megatalents Caballé, Gobbi, Di Stefano, and Domingo round out the mix. It even includes the Lakme duet and the chorus from Nabucco, in case arias aren't enough. An enjoyable variety. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Always on my CD changer.......2005-08-31

I bought this CD long ago as a neophyte in opera appreciation. I had just seen Turandot and wanted the recording primarily for "Nessun Dorma", which I also love because of its use in the film, "The Killing Fields". But I have also appreciated the exquisite renderings of the other songs on the album. Callas. Caballe. Freni. Often, when a compilation like this comes out, one senses that the interpretations are second rate. In this case, it is just the opposite, or at least it seems that way to me.

The CD contains well known songs like "Vesti la Giubba" from Pagliacci, and "Un bel Di" from Madame Butterfly, but there are lesser known, and beautiful songs as well, such as "Viens, Malilika...sous Dome Epais" from Lakme', an absolutely gorgeous duet for two sopranos. I would highly reccomend this CD if you want to learn more about opera, or if you simply want some beautiful vocal music to listen to.

Wonderful compilation - Great intro!.......2004-11-09

This compilation features operatic legends like Domingo, Caballe, Freni, Corelli, Callas etc. at the