Gaetano Donizetti: Lucia de Lammermoor

1. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera
   Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
   Performed by Ambrosian Opera Chorus, New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Jose Carreras, Montserrat Caballe, Claes-Haakan Ahnsjo, Ann Murray, Vicente Sardinero, Vincenzo Bello, Samuel Ramey
   Conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos, Ed Spanjaard
   
   

Gaetano Donizetti: Lucia de Lammermoor,Gaetano Donizetti,Jesús López-Cobos,Ambrosian Opera Chorus,New Philharmonia Orchestra,Montserrat Caballé,Claes-Håkan Ahnsjo,José Carreras,Ann Murray,Samuel Ramey,Vicente Sardinero,Vincenzo Bello,Polygram Records,Classical,Classical Music,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio

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

The Most Famous Opera Duets Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Delibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Scotto, Renata | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera The #1 Opera Album Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments ASIN: B000002SCA Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks again!!!!!

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Beautiful Collection of Songs A Legend in all.....La Callas. Excellent compilation of La Divina's arias Some people have no business reviewing this BELLA BELLA BELLA!

Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century 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 Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Catalani, Alfredo | C to G | 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 Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gluck, Christoph W. | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Meyerbeer, Giacomo | M to P | 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 Saint-Saens, Camille | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best Of Maria Callas Maria Callas - La Divina Maria Callas: The Legend Puccini: Arias The Most Famous Opera Duets ASIN: B00000631B Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

1. Norma: Casta Diva (Atto I): Norma
2. La Sonnambula: Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno (Atto I): La Sonnambula
3. Il Barbieri Di Siviglia: Una Voce poco fa (Atto I): Il barbiere di Siviglia
4. Lucia di Lammermoor: Regnava nel silenzio...Quando, rapito in estasi (Atto I): Lucia di Siviglia
5. Rigoletto: Gualtier Mald...Caro Nome (Atto I): Rigoletto
6. La Traviata: E Strano!...Ah, Fors'e lui...Sempre libera (Atto I): La traviata
7. La Boheme: Si, Mi chiamo Mimi (Atto I): La boheme
8. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci (Atto III) (Mimi's Farewell): La boheme
9. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel di Vedremo (Atto II): Madama Butterfly
10. TOSCA: Vissi D'arte (Atto II): tosca
11. Turandot: In questa reggia (Atto II): Turandot
12. La Wally: Ebben? ne andro lontana (Atto I): La Wally
13. Andrea Chenier: La mamma morta (Atto III): Andrea Chenier

Tracks:

1. Orphee et Eurydice: J'ai perdu mon Eurydice (Acte V)
2. Alceste: Divinites du Styx (Acte I)
3. Dinorah: Ombra leggiera (Atto II) (Shadow Song)
4. Romeo et Juliette: Ah! Je veux vivre (Acte I) (Waltz Song)
5. Faust: Les grand seigneurs...Ah! je ris (Acte III)
6. Lakme: Dov'e l'indiana bruna? (Atto II) (Bell Song)
7. Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence (Acte I)
8. Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix (Acte II)
9. Les Pecheurs De Perles: Me voila seule...Comme autrefois (Acte II)
10. Carmen: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)(Acte I)
11. Carmen: Les tringles des sistre tintaient (Acte II)
12. Le Cid: De cet affreux combat...Pleurez mes yeux! (Acte III)
13. Manon: Je ne suis que faiblesse...Adieu, notre petite table (Acte II)
14. Louise: Depuis le jour (Acte III)

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Collection of Songs.......2006-07-15

I have listened samples of 5 Callas CDs before buying this one. This one has a very beautiful collection of songs on just 2 CDs. he sings with so much expression. Most the recordings are from the fifties and early sixties when her voice was very young and lovely. I'll try to get her on DVD so I can see her sing.

A Legend in all.....La Callas........2005-04-24

I would just like to refer to an article that was published by a German Newspaper in 1959, mentioned on the Callas Edition (CED:100342)
'...her voice is of unparalleled beauty, having an inimitable, completely own timbre of sopranos and altos...a performance of superior musical quality..a phenomenon amongst contemporary singers'
' ...One of the most spectacular Verdi arias, of Elizabeth from Don Carlo, and one, In Germany tottaly unknown, terrific scene from Bellini's opera Il Pirata were enough to enchant huge numers of television viewers, who can say at her next performance: 'we have seen La Callas''(Hamburg concert 1959)
'- from the contra-alt-f to the f - thats Callas' voice range, spanning over 37 half-tones. Callas herself has drawn the range of her voice. In her concert repertoire the contra-alt-f can be found in e.g. the aria from I Vespri Siciliani. In an aria from Rossini's opera Armida she reaches the 'F'. five half-tones above the high C. Normal voices couldnt possibly even whistle this high F. Though there are other singers, whose voices contain these three octaves - Erna Sack with her coloratura soprano, the lyrical singer Ema Berger and the dramatical singer Zinka Milanov from the New York Metropolitan Opera - simple fact is that the phenomenon Meneghini-Callas lies in her fabulous vocal versatility. She is a coloratura singer, drama-player and lyrist in one person - and an exceptionally talented ac-tress at that.'
Excuse from a journalist of the German Newspaper for the Diva :

Article Title : 'I am sorry!'

'I owe Maria Callas an apology. She is a unique vocal talent, a great artist. She is a primadonna. And she has her moods. Moods for which i ask her to forgive me. Because i misunderstood them - and many others too. That much i gathered from her latest television concert. Even in the flickering of the screen this woman's nervousness and enormous effort were visible.
La Callas is a fragile, rather shy person. Her moods are fear of failure. The moloch audience expects her to always go to any lenght, show the brilliance others just dont have. She is not allowed to get weak. Decent country singers are not decapitated for a false note. La Callas, on the other hand, is the identifying mark of the extraordinary. Even the slightest hint of a mistake would cost her her uniqueness, her stardom....a perverse triumph for all bathtube singers.
That explains her inhibitation to perform when she isnt well, her cancellations when she is not in the right mood. I understand them now. If she werent moody, she wouldnt be a primadonna, would not be La Callas.
Stars like her do not fit in our world of standards and programmed data. They pay dearly for their moods, have to put up fights and, undoubtedly, shed many a tear. So one more, my apologies, Maria Callas'
(Hans im Bild)
That's all folks!:D

Excellent compilation of La Divina's arias.......2005-03-21

This is one of the best compilations EMI has ever made for Maria Callas' arias. Each and every aria lets us listen to the best of her voice from each period of her career. An excellent collection!

Holly Mathews doesn't know how to appreciate art. Kathleen Battle and Renee Fleming themselves have admitted to the supremacy of Callas' singing over theirs, even if their voices seem more beautiful than La Divina. Why else would Callas be a legend and they wouldn't? They are equally good in their own right, but none of them would surpass the accuracy of La Divina's singing and phrasing. Holly Mathews' left side of the brain must be made of clay or foam, dead material that couldn't absorb any beauty.

Some people have no business reviewing this.......2005-01-25

My goodness, what is a non-musical person like Holly Mathews doing in this board? Do you know what other album she has reviewed? Hayley Westenra! And she's not even an opera singer! She obviously doesn't know her business! Disgraceful review! Ignore it! It obviously was not based on good judgement. I'm sure she is a pop fan who just likes tender music. Oh, her insulting language! What an ignorant Maria basher!

Anyway, this is an excellent compilation of SOME of Maria Callas' greatest arias. Although I do wish some arias like Pace Pace Mio Dio were included here, I do think it is a very good compilation all in all. Although she has many detractors, they still have to admit that Callas is the sheer embodiment of singing and drama. She was an actress...a panther on the stage. Listen to her La Mamma Morta and her Suicidio...those brought chills to my spine when I listened to them. Maria is the only singer in the history of opera besides the great Caruso-tenor Franco Corelli who touched me, moved me even. This is probably the reason why I love Maria Callas' music so much. If you want to hear Medea's anger and Norma's anguish and Butterfly's hopeful blindness, listen to Maria Callas. If you just want a golden voice, then go to Renata Tebaldi or Joan Sutherland. And don't even compare her with Charlotte Church or Hayley Westenra! The distaste of some people!

BELLA BELLA BELLA!.......2004-11-23

THIS WAS THE FIRST ALBUM I EVER BOUGHT FEATURING ANY OPERATIC SOPRANO. I WAS 15 AND WAS GIVEN MY VERY FIRST CLASSICAL PIECE "CARO MIO BEN" WHICH WAS NOT AN OPERA ARIA BUT DUE TOTHIS SONG I WAS SUDDENLY IN LOVE WITH OPERA. I HAD HEAR OF HER A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST BUT MY IDEA OF A GOOD SOPRANO AT THE TIME WAS SARAH BIRGHTMAN (YES I KNOW I KNOW!!!BUT I WAS YOUNG!)BUT IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO REALIZE HOW WRONG I WAS!! THIS CALLAS RECORDING HAD THE MOST PROFOUND EFFECT ON ME WHICH LED TO MY OBSESSION WITH MY OWN OPERATIC ASPIRATIONS. IT WAS STRANGE AS SHE DID NOT SOUND LIKE A FAT WOMAN SCREAMING HER HEAD OFF IN FULL BODY ARMOR. YES YES...I AND MANY MANY SAD AMERICANS HAVE THOUGH OF THIS WHEN GIVEN THE WORD OPERA. (NOW NOW, WE ALL FELT LIKE THAT AT SOME POINT) I NEVER REALIZED THAT THERE COULD BE SUCH PASSION. HER NORMA WAS IS SO BEAUTIFUL IN IT'S SIMPLICITY AND UNDERLINING STRENGTH. HER TAKE ON "COME OER ME SERENO" AND "UNA VOCE POCO FA" WERE SWEET AND APPROPRIATELY INNOCENT. HER BEL CANTO ROLES WHICH INCLUDED HER FANTASTIC LUCIA (ALTHOUGH LATER I WOULD PREFER SUTHERLAND) AND GILDA JUST THRILLED ME. I HAD NO IDEA SOMEONE COULD ACTUALLY SING THOSE PIECES! OF COURSE UP UNTIL THIS POINT I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW OPERA COULD SOUND LIKE THAT!! (SILLY ME!) I WAS SURPRISED TO REALIZED I KNEW THE ARIAS SHE SUNG FROM LA BOHEME, LA TRAVIATA, AND MADAME BUTTERFLY. THEY DIDN'T MAKE A HUGE IMPRESSION BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE FIREWORKS I WAS LOOKING FOR BUT I STILL FOUND THEM TO BE BEAUTIFUL. AFTER ALL OF THIS I LANDED ON CALLAS' TAKE OF TOSCA'S "VISSI D'ARTE". IT WAS AND HAS BEEN THE ONLY TIME I'VE BEEN SO MOVED BY A PERFORMER THAT I CRIED. IT WAS SO PURE BUT THE PAIN WAS SO EVIDENT THAT IT JUST CHILLED ME. I MUST HAVE LISTENED TO IT THOUSANDS OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND STILL HAVE YET TO HEAR A MORE STIRRING RENDITION. DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING FIRST CD I MUST ADMIT I KIND OF IGNORED THE SECOND HALF. EVENTUALLY I DID GET TO IT AND FOUND WHAT I FELT WAS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN. MY WHOLE BEING LIVED FOR LAKME'S BELL SONG. AFTER LISTENING TO HER I WAS CONVINCED THIS WOMAN WAS MAGICAL BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW SHE OR ANY HUMAN COULD SING LIKE THAT! HER SECOND DISC WAS INTERESTING BECAUSE IT WENT FROM WHITE HOT COLORATURA TO MEZZO? AAHHH BUT YES SHE WENT THERE. INTO THE INTENSITY OF SAMSON ET DELILA. I THOUGHT THEY WERE BEAUTIFUL!!! OF COURSE I KNOW PREFER MARILYN HORNE TO CALLAS ON THOSE SONGS....BUT IT SHOWED ME THAT NOT EVERY SONG HAS TO BE HIGH TO BE BEAUTIFUL. I LOVED AND STILL DUE LOVE THIS COLLECTION....IN FACT I HAVE BOUGHT IT THREE TIMES AS MINE DETERIORATED QUICKLY 'CAS I PLAYED THEM SO MUCH! AND I'VE GIVEN THIS COLLECTION TO COUNTLESS FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS IS THE BEST COLLECTION OF CALLAS' WORK AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE AND ANYONE! VIVA LA DIVA!

Average customer rating: La Stupenda at her best this is the one to buy La Stupenda lives up to her name La Stupenda, Amore, amore, amore La Stupenda - well deserved title for Joan

La Stupenda ~ The Supreme Voice of Joan Sutherland Gaetano Donizetti , Jules Massenet , Giuseppe Verdi , Richard Bonynge , and Joan Sutherland Manufacturer: Decca 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 Gliere, Reinhold | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by 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 Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cassinelli, Ricardo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | 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 More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gliere, Reinhold | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rodgers, Richard | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cassinelli, Ricardo | ( C ) | 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 Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Joan Sutherland - The Greatest Hits The Art of the Prima Donna The Great Recordings Great Duets & Trios / Sutherland, Horne, Pavarotti Joan Sutherland: BBC-Recitals 1958, 1960, 1961 ASIN: B00005OC0E Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

1. Attila: Santo Di Patria... Allor Che I Forti Corrono - Joan Sutherland
2. Lakme: Viens, Mallika... Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
3. Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille - Joan Sutherland
4. Die Zauberflote: O Zittre Nicht, Mein Lieber Sohn... Zum Leiden Bin Ich Auserkoren - Joan Sutherland
5. Linda Di Chamounix: Ah! Tardai Troppo... O Luce Di Quest'anima - Joan Sutherland
6. Semiramide: Serbami Ognor Si Fido - Joan Sutherland/Marilyn Horne
7. Beatrice Di Tenda Bellini: Eccomi Pronta... Deh, Se Un'urna - Joan Sutherland/Ambrosian Singers
8. La Fille Du Regiment Donizetti: Pour Ce Contrat Fatal... Ah! Salut A La France - Joan Sutherland/Chor Of The ROHCG
9. La Traviata: Un Di Felice - Joan Sutherland/Carlo Bergonzi
10. The Bohemian Girl: I Dreamt I Dwelt In Marble Halls - Joan Sutherland
11. Home Sweet Home - Joan Sutherland
12. Casanova: Nuns' Chorus - Joan Sutherland/Ambrosian Light Opr Chor
13. Lucia Di Lammermoor: (O Giusto Cielo!)... Il Dolce Suono Mi Colpi Di Sua Voce!... Ardon Gl'incensi.. - Joan Sutherland/Chor De L'Opera De Paris/Rene Duclos

Tracks:

1. Norma: Sediziose Voci... Casta Diva - Joan Sutherland/Chor Of The ROHCG/Douglas Robinson
2. Alcina: Tornami A Vagheggiar - Joan Sutherland
3. Con For Coloratura Soprano, Op.82: Andante - Joan Sutherland
4. Con For Coloratura Soprano, Op.82: Allegro - Joan Sutherland
5. Lucia Di Lammermoor: Sulla Tomba... Ah! Verranno A Te Sull'aure - Joan Sutherland/Luciano Pavarotti
6. Rigoletto: Gualtier Malde... Caro Nome - Joan Sutherland/Riccardo Cassinelli/Christian Du Plessis/John Gibbs/Ambrosian Opr Chor
7. Esclarmonde Massenet: Esprits De L'air! Esprits De L'onde! ... Roland! Roland! Roland! - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/John Alldis Chor
8. Operette: Where Are The Songs We Sung? - Joan Sutherland
9. The Boys From Syracuse: Falling In Love With Love - Joan Sutherland/Ambrosian Light Opr Chor
10. I Puritani: Son Vergin Vezzosa - Joan Sutherland/Margreta Elkins/Pierre Duval/Ezio Flagello
11. Turandot: In Questa Reggia - Joan Sutherland/Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Choir/Wandsworth School Boys' Choir/Russell Burgess
12. Tristan Und Isolde: Mild Und Leise Wie Er Lachelt - Joan Sutherland
13. Adriana Lecouvreur: Poveri Fiori - Joan Sutherland
14. La Sonnambula: Ah! Non Giunge Uman Pensiero - Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards

Customer Reviews:

La Stupenda at her best.......2007-05-06

This 2 CD set is entitled "La Stupenda," which creates extremely high expectations. Joan Sutherland meets those expectations on this CD; she is, indeed, "La Stupenda." One of the interesting aspects of this set is Dame Joan's singing some non operatic works (such as "Home Sweet Home" or "Where Are the Songs We Sung?" or "Falling in Love with Love"). In the end, this is a wonderful compilation of the art of Joan Sutherland.

First, let's consider a sampling of the cuts on these CDs.

"O Zittre Nicht" is from Mozart's "Magic Flute" and it is a challenge to sopranos, with its series of staccato high notes. Sutherland essays this well. There are some nice trills; she hits the high notes well. The series of (treacherous) high notes toward the end is handled very nicely by Sutherland. In short, she scintillates, with a closing high note well hit.

From Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix," she sings "O luce di questi'anima." Her voice and technique are well suited for Donizetti (and Bellini). The cantabile is smoothly sung. The cabaletta is rollicking. Her coloratura technique is on target; the ornamentation is compelling. There are trills, runs, high notes and other ornamentation well done. The close is nice (although there may be a bit of a scoop on the final high note).

From "Beatrice di Tenda" (by Bellini), we hear ""Eccomi pronta. . .Deh, se un'urna." The cantabile is sung well. She hits notes clearly. The spirited cabaletta follows. Sutherland exhibits somewhat less ornamentation than usual, but trills are well done and, overall, the piece is nicely sung. The close features clean high notes.

"Home Sweet Home." This kind of illustrates Joan Sutherland's work nicely. I can hardly make out the words (and it is sung in English). But it is an interesting version. She sings the song straight, without overpowering the song with operatic technique (an occasional trill actually works out well).

Elsewhere, I have commented on her 1959 version of the "Mad Scene" from "Lucia di Lammermoor" (from her album "The Greatest Hits").

"Falling in Love with Love" is an interesting cut. This is a classic Rodgers and Hart song. Sutherland sings it pretty well, and one can pick up the words cleanly. However, one might compare this with Anna Moffo's version, which is more musical. Sutherland's version is a bit too operatic for what the song is about.

Finally, "Ah non giunge" from Bellini's "La Sonnambula," a great coloratura tune! This is taken at a sprightly pace. Sutherland exhibits good coloratura technique. There is nice ornamentation. She precisely nails high notes. In the repeat, the florid singing ramps up. This is a compelling version, with series of staccato high notes to close the work out.

Thus, this 2 CD set is a welcome entrée to the body of work of Dame Joan Sutherland. Sometimes (as with "Home Sweet Home") one has a hard time picking out the words. But with Sutherland, the skills and techniques create a compelling oeuvre that is well worth attending to.

this is the one to buy.......2007-04-18

I'm not an opera expert I just enjoy it. La Stupenda has the best of Joan Sutherland in a two CD set and it's amazing. She looked like a nice, quiet housewife but an indescribalbe voice. Her aria from Norma gave me chills and her version of "I Dreamed I Dwelt in Marble Halls" is flat out one of the prettiest things I've ever heard.

La Stupenda lives up to her name.......2006-11-12

Joan Sutherland was undeniably one of the greatest operatic sopranos of the 20th century. This comprehensive two-CD retrospective of her long career will delight her many fans, and serve as a fitting introduction for those unfamiliar with her artistry. The two CDs span a period of nearly thirty years, from 1959 to 1988, with the majority of the 27 tracks recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, when her voice was at its' astounding best. Sutherland was renowned first and foremost as a dramatic coloratura, and her supple technique is brilliantly illustrated in selections such as the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor; Doll Song from The Tales of Hoffmann; Queen of the Night aria from The Magic Flute; and the seldom-performed Concerto for Coloratura Soprano by Gliere. As her career progressed, her voice became larger and more powerful, as demonstrated by the Liebestod from Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, and In Questa Reggia from Puccini's Turandot. Lastly, Sutherland was a diva who was not afraid to let her hair down once in a while, and we are treated to lighter selections such as Where are the songs we sung? by Noel Coward, and Falling in love with love, by Rogers and Hart. Highly recommended for all lovers of great singing.

La Stupenda, Amore, amore, amore.......2006-01-28

I adore this woman's voice. And I love this cd. I was really happy to find an aria of "Esclarmonde" which is virtually impossible to find as well as some of the more lesser known works of hers such as Mozart's Queen of Night, although I wish she had done a recording of the revenge aria (Der Holle Roche) The whole cd was wonderful to hear but if I had to make on complaint it's that I didn't buy her Isolde's Liebestod but the woman can sing Lucia better than just about anyone so I'll forgive her for not sticking with the Wagner. In fact I am thrilled that she chose Lucia over Isolde because frankly acting and interperation was never her strong suit, it was the pure beauty of her voice. It's always a grand pleasure to listen to Joan kick butt in any coloratura arias but of course she set the bar so high that there is yet a coloratura since her that can do those arias half as well. She has spoiled me for life and that's why she is La Stupenda.

La Stupenda - well deserved title for Joan.......2006-01-12

I am not an opera expert by any stretch of the imagination - but I love opera. I love the expertise and beautiful voices of these hardworking singers. When I first heard Joan sing, it was from a recording she made late in her career and I honestly thought, what's the big deal about her? So, I decided to get The Art of Prima Donna album, and all I have to say is WOW! In her prime, this woman was a fantastic singer! While she wasn't the dramatist like Callas was (I also love Callas), her range and the way she hit each note so precisely was amazing! So, I bought La Stupenda. I loved the piece she did from Handel's Alcia and the fantastic Rossini duet she did with Marilyn Horn. The entire album is wonderful. I particularly like how Joan's high notes are never screechy - she makes those high notes sound so effortless. I also appreciate how she had such control over her vibrato - not too trilly (I like trilly - especially by Beverly Sills - however, not every song should be all trill). Finally, I think that Joan was one of the few sopranos that didn't try to drown everyone out. When she sang a duet, she blended with the other singer - how rare! Not all singers seem to be able to accomplish that - duets shouldn't be a competition. This album is worth every penny. Joan was one of the great singers of the 20th century and she deserves her title of La Stupenda!

Average customer rating: Another supeb tenor. The one. A New Star voice Quite Good Promising debut by new lyric tenor

Italian Opera Arias Manufacturer: EMI Classics 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rolando Villazon - Gounod · Massenet Arias Rolando Villazon: Opera Recital Opera Recital [Includes Bonus DVD] Verdi: La Traviata Gitano ASIN: B00018TIOA Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

1. Lamento: E La Solita Storia
2. Recitativo E Romanza: Inosservato...Angelo Casto E Bel
3. Aria: Quanto E Bella
4. Aria: Una Furtiva Lagrima
5. Recitativo Ed Aria: Tombe Degli Avi Miei...Fra Poco
6. Aria: Il L'ho Perduta...Io La Vidi
7. Aria: Io L'ho Perduta...Io La Vidi
8. Aria: O Figli...Ah! La Paterna Mano
9. Scena Ed Aria: Ella Mi Fu Rapita...Parmi Veder
10. Canzone: La Donna E Mobile
11. Scena, Aria E Cabaletta: Lunge De Iei...De' Miei Bollenti...O Mio Rimorso
12. Aria: Che Gelida Manina
13. Aria: E Lucevan Le Stelle
14. Aria: Anche Tu Beppe Giungi...O Amore
15. Aria: Vergini, Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito

Amazon.com

This is a glorious debut recital by a tenor, from whom, if he sings the right roles and keeps way from jet-setting and too much singing, might just be the lyrico-spinto tenor we've been waiting for. He has the class of Carlo Bergonzi and a ringing tone which is somewhere between Domingo's big, dark sound and Pavarotti's brightness; he sings with a true mezza voce (not a falsetto); he always obeys the composer's markings and delineates character. He seems incapable of vulgarity, refusing to gulp or sob when a musically expressive gesture will do. The opening aria here--from L'Arlesiana--is so beautifully, touchingly sung that it's a heartbreaker; he doesn't take the usually opted-for high note near the end, but never fear: in the Traviata and Bohème excerpts, Villazon offers big, whopping high Cs. This CD is a knockout; let's hope it's only the beginning of an illustrious career, both recorded and live. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Another supeb tenor........2007-05-13

We can be thankful that the old guard of the opera stage has been replaced by a trio of youthful artists. Villazon along with Calleja and Florez makes a great addition to the world of opera.

The one........2006-06-24

He's the real deal. Domingo-like burnished voice, great actor. Not just hype, he's genuinely worthy of all the praise.

A New Star voice.......2005-09-25

Rollando Villazon can't fail to impress a listener. He is an enourmous breath of fresh air for people waiting for a new generation of Opera superstars to emerge. Those somewhat dissapointed by the somewhat ncomfortable edge to Salvator Licitra's voice, may take refuge in the freshness of Villazon.
I don't really want to ruin the magic of his singing, with caddy comparisons, but it is sufficient to say that he excellent. Many compare his to Domingo, to that I would say that Villazon has an ease to his top that Domingo never had, but perhaps lacks the focus and thickness of Domingo's lower registers.
Overall what hits you most about Villazons performance, is the induviduality of his interpretations and voice. The top of his voice has a ring and tone that sets his apart from the pack.
To my ear, he sounds at his best in the Mid Period verdi, where the cut of voice come through in the long high-lying passage, (expecially the cut from Traviata,
Enjoy this incredible singer

Quite Good.......2005-05-26

A very promising debut album with some excellent burnished tenor sound. To the reviewer who went on and on about Mr. Villazon only being in his 20's -- I hate to burst your bubble, but he was born in 1972, which makes him 33! And, by the way, the age of the singer is not a "huge" advantage; let us remember that some of our greatest singers didn't come into their element until their 40's (e.g., Flagstad, Milanov...)

Promising debut by new lyric tenor.......2005-05-05

Rolando Villazon immediately made himself a name we should all watch out for, after his appearance on a NY City Opera telecast of Boheme, as Rodolfo. Since then he has become a regular artist in leading lyric roles at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, has sung two parts at the Met already, and obviously has much ahead for him. The voice itself has a number of virtues, evenness of tone across the different registers, and the ability to encompass long lines without taking unnecessary breaths and showing the control to taper many lines off softly. It has also taken on perhaps a prematurely dark quality, in contrast with what I remember of the La Boheme telecast.

This recital of Italian opera arias presents Villazon near the alpha of his career (one appearance as the Steersman on the Barenboim Flying Dutchman before, for Teldec) and the conductor at his omega - the just deceased Marcello Viotti, at the age of 52, who suddenly replaced Sinopoli in Berlin for the second of two performances of Verdi's Aida in 2001. Sinopoli had passed away at 54 the night of the first performance that weekend in Berlin.

On first impression, Federico's lament from Cilea's L'Arlesiana is taken too slowly, and yet from repeated listening to this disc, it is one of nearly half a dozen selections that contribute the most to making this an interesting recital. The lachrymose manner and delivery here, though, sets a little too much of an overall tone for the rest of the recital, including its several or so lighter numbers. Said to also be a Caruso favorite, the aria from Donizetti's Duca d'Alba is a real highlight as close to being Schubertian in feeling as some Verdi - as late into Verdi's work as Forza and Don Carlo. Villazon's singing here is as warmly ardent as you'll find anywhere on this disc, and his personal identification with the character of Don Carlo, several tracks later, is as complete as that of its best interpreters of the recent past, Placido Domingo especially.

The two Elisir d'amore selections are pleasant vocally, but too dark, especially the start to so many phrases of "Una furtiva." The remorse felt during the opening aria of the Tomb Scene from Lucia, after a slightly uncertain start, is entirely felt. Oronte's brief aria from Verdi's Lombardi is handled with an easy, pleasant swagger from both Villazon and Viotti, leading one to expect similar lightness in selections that soon follow, and which is not entirely forthcoming; the beginning of the recitative to "Parmi veder" from Rigoletto shows a palpable anxiety in this peculiar moment for the Duke in which he finds himself. Intonation falters momentarily at the end of this aria. "Ah! la paterna mano", after good recitative, gets pushed a little too forward, robbing the crest of several lines in it their full expressive potential. Contrast of expression between Alfredo's aria and cabaletta from Traviata is so minimal, almost to have been erased altogether; Viotti here, so deft and highly musical an accompanist he is for most of the rest of this disc, is similarly disengaged. Connecting music between aria and cabaletta and repeat of the latter both get awkwardly cut.

That leaves four verismo tracks for the remainder of this disc. Most distinctively sung is "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca, but frequently quite close to sounding a copy of Domingo's interpretation. The honeyed placement for the top of the staff, once the voice takes on the melodic line, could hardly remind you of anyone else. "Che gelida manina" is also given a fine performance here, but begins to lose all consonants on a couple of words right before the ascent to the high C in the aria. After hearing Dino Borgioli and Cesare Valletti as Fritz, each more of a benchmark than Pavarotti, it is hard to identify the villager Fritz, from how disinteresed Villazon sounds. A slight cut is taken between two portions of recitative before Fritz's Act III aria. "Quando al soave anelito" from Mascagni's Nerone, obviously a rarity, is one for which I can only find a Domingo recital before. Here, the singing is fine, but the youthful sense of wonderment for Nero, in his vision of Venus, as wordly-wise a fellow he is, gets understated. Accompaniments to these four arias are mostly as fine as the others, but all come to abrupt endings, the endings of Boheme and Amico Fritz which lose all their shimmer here.

Much criticism here, but there is also much hope felt from listening to this disc, for a bright future for Mr. Villazon still. He is only seldom a conscientious and musical performer, but as opposed to what the liner notes might say, part of being musical in singing such selections or opera in general, is being specific for each character being portrayed here. Villazon should also take note that his singing is most interesting and also most easy to distinguish from his widely celebrated mentor, when he sings lightly. First impressions are strong - I first anticipated awarding this disc five stars - but unfortunately it just barely deserves four. Sound quality, if a bit heavily miked for climaxes and a bit recessed for the orchestra, especially at closings to arias, is warm and full.

Average customer rating: Classic coloratura singing by Dame Joan Great Sutherland Recordings Joan Sutherland in her Prime!! Amazing!!! La Stupenda! Exquisite combination of lyricism and coloratura

Joan Sutherland - The Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Decca 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 Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Piccinni, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 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 Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Offenbach, Jacques | M to P | 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 Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: La Stupenda ~ The Supreme Voice of Joan Sutherland The Very Best of Beverly Sills The Very Best Of Maria Callas The Art of the Prima Donna Just for the Record: The Golden Voice ASIN: B000006P4S Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

1. Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim
2. La buona figliuola: Furia di donna
3. Norma: Casta diva
4. I Puritani: Son vergin vezzosa (Polonaise)
5. La Fille Du Regiment: Pour ce contrat fatal...Ah! salut a France
6. Lakme: Ah!...Ola jeune Indoue (Bell Song)
7. Rigoletto: Gualtier Mald.Caro nome
8. Faust: Dieu! que de bijoux!...Ah! je ris de me voir si belle (Jewel Song)
9. La Traviata: E' strano!...Ah, fors'ui...Sempre libera
10. Les Contes d'Hoffman: Les oiseaux dan la charmille (Doll Song)
11. Lucia di Lammermoor: Il dolce suono mi colpi di sua voce!...Ardon gl'incensi (Mad Scene)

Customer Reviews:

Classic coloratura singing by Dame Joan.......2007-01-21

Joan Sutherland was one of the wonders of coloratura technique in the 1950s and 1960s. Some say that the 1960s represent the peak of her accomplishments. The cuts on this CD represent that period, so this is Dame Joan at her best. Music ranges from Handel to Bellini to Delibes to Donizetti to Verdi, with Gounod, Piccinni, and Offenbach thrown in for good measure. She was not great on characterization (no Tebaldi, Callas, or Moffo here), but, oh, that voice! Some illustrative examples follow. . . .

She began as a dramatic soprano, so that there is a lot of punch behind her coloratura technique. It is amazing that she exhibits such agility, given that background. "Let the Bright Seraphim" from Handel spotlights that agility, as well as one of the best trills of the past 60 years. While some CDs that feature coloratura singing may end up with excessive ornamentation, ornamentation at some level is di rigueur. And a trill is a key part of the coloratura soprano's armamentarium. Also present on this cut is a command of high notes, precisely hit.

Bellini's opera, "I Puritani," includes a "polonaise," entitled "Son vergin vezzosa" that shows off Sutherland's gifts to good effect. Coloratura techniques, again, are evident. The repeat features increased ornamentation and a clean hit on the final high note. The "Bell Song" from Delibes' "Lakme" is included on this CD. Some stunning trills are featured; again, she hits the notes well, including the high ones. This ends with a nice trill and high notes well done.

Verdi's opera, "Rigoletto," features wonderful music, including ""Gaultier Malde. . .Caro nome," where an innocent is messed around with by a genuine cad. But the music is wondrous, one of Verdi's best tunes. Sutherland hits trill after trill. Well conceived and executed effects. From "La Traviata," also by Verdi, a nice rendering of "Sempre libera." Again, characterization is not her forte; for Violetta, go to others like Renata Scotto and Anna Moffo for that. Once more, trills that are glorious are manifest. An agile voice and well done high notes.

The "Mad Scene" from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor"? Here is one of the iconic recordings. This was one of Sutherland's genuine "greatest hits." Again, forget characterization and acting; that was never her strength. Listen to the voice and the singing. "Spargi d'amaro pianto," the culminating segment of the "Mad Scene," is absolutely stunning. Trills, runs, high notes cleanly hit, other ornamentation (e.g., appoggiaturas) are exemplary.

I have not listened to Sutherland's work in some time and I had begun to wonder if I had romanticized her skills as I was listening to more contemporary coloratura sopranos singing the same repertoire. However, listening to this CD reassures me that I am not simply some old-timer going into the past. While there is talent today (including the voices of Netrebko, Fleming, Dessay, and others), Dame Joan Sutherland is one of "the real deals" among coloratura sopranos.

Great Sutherland Recordings.......2006-08-02

For starters, I am not not a die-hard Sutherland fan,
for various reasons not to be discussed here. However,
it's impossible to deny her status as one of the
quintessentially impeccable soprano voices of
recorded history. Many of her recordings are
prototypes of how certain arias "should sound."
Above all, I love her clarion-like vocal presentation.
Her virtuoso trills and technical ability are
hall of fame-worthy.

This CD displays much of her famed vocal
ability. Although, a couple of the tracks
seemed personally out of place for me, several
other tracks are wonderful showpieces of her talent.

"Ou va la jeune hindoue" from Lakme is text book perfect. She lifts the roof about 10 meters on the final E; over a full orchestra! (Outstanding work.) "Il dolce suono" from Lucia di Lammermoor is incredible. Her control of pitch and dynamics are almost frightening. She displays power and vocal grace in equal parts. Her "Casta Diva" is well done, but I can't help but compare it to that of Maria Callas. Sutherland is the soprano
archetype in term of technique, however,
her emotional delivery is not always on the par
with other great sopranos. Nonetheless, the "Casta Diva"
track is still superb and pleasant to the ears.

This is an excellent collection of recordings. I believe that both new and veteran fans of Joan Sutherland will be pleased.

Highly recommendable.

Joan Sutherland in her Prime!! Amazing!!!.......2006-07-21

Joan Sutherland is truly the voice of the twentieth century. Up until hearing this album, I had only heard recordings of her from the 80's, and frankly, I wasnt impressed. I have since learned that she was is her prime in the 60's and early 70's.

Her sound during her vocal prime is so bright and amazing. Her high notes are truly umatched by any other singer, and she has such expresssion. Although her diction is somewhat lacking, she makes up for it in vocal splendor. WOW!

She goes from heavy, bright Verdian arias like Sempre Libera to a light, high aria like the Doll Song. She is truly an amazing vocalist with unparalled vocal versatiltiy.

He sound from the 80's was very covered and her high notes sometiems seemed almost strained. If not strained, they were very small and dainty. While she was in her prime, her high notes were big and bawdy, and thats how us opera folks like it!

If you are looking for a reasonable priced compilation of Ms. Sutherlands finest work, then look no more. This is the one for you. It has excellent recordings of Verdian Soprano arias, Coloratura arias, and lots of Bel Canto vocal fireworks. Her recording of the Bell Song from Lakme is alone worth the purchase. The whole thing is great.

La Stupenda!.......2006-06-04

I have to say that Dame Joan Sutherland has one of the most amazing voices ever with such a range. This collection is my first but not my last. In fact, I would use this cd when the upstairs neighbors would start getting loud and I assure you that it probably made them quieter down. Anyway, God Bless Dame Joan Sutherland who has accomplished so much more than anybody. No wonder, her nickname is La Stupenda.

Exquisite combination of lyricism and coloratura.......2004-02-03

Here Sutherland proves that she wasn't a "mere" lyric coloratura songbird but a full-voiced dramatic soprano d'agilita. Singing Violetta's aria and the Jewelsong she manages an exquisite balanche between glittering acuti and lyric ardour. This is by far one of the best recitals ever recorded and no opera-collection is complete without it!

Average customer rating: Valuable compendium Rareties available on CD at last! Heavenly WHO ELSE CAN SING LIKE THIS TODAY?

The Art of Joan Sutherland Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( 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 Paisiello | Paisiello, Giovanni | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Piccinni, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | 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 Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Academy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Joan Sutherland: BBC-Recitals 1958, 1960, 1961 The Art of the Prima Donna Serate Musicali Bellini - Norma / Sutherland, Tourangeau, Bonynge The Voice of the Century ASIN: B000654OUQ Release Date: 2005-03-15

Customer Reviews:

Valuable compendium.......2007-01-24

This set is extremely valuable, not only as an overview of Dame Joans career but because it contains three complete LP sets that have been very hard to find. The sets are the 2 LP French opera (operetta) set, the Mozart album and the Wagner album. Although some of these do not show her to her best advantage (the Wagner set) they all have some very beautiful things and the French items are superb. The annotations and photos are interesting as well and there are some piano songs with Bonynge that are released here for the first time along with a scene from a live Covent Garden Norma.

Rareties available on CD at last!.......2006-03-29

While Joan Sutherland has recorded a number of impressive aria collections throughout the many years of her recording career, they tend to get lost in the shuffle of the countless reissues Decca/London has endlessly repackaged. While some of the original collections have appeared intact on CD--"The Art of the Prima Donna," "The Age of Bel Canto," "Love Live Forever" (her operetta collection that was originally titled "The Golden Age of Operetta"), to name a few--others are currently represented in the CD catalogue by only a few selections on discs that also include excerpts from complete opera recordings or duplicates of selections from other original collections. As a result, it has been impossible to assemble a CD collection of her recordings without a LOT of duplication, and some of the most interesting collections are still unavailable (e.g. "Command Performance" and "Serate Musicale").

While this newest set does include a lot of bits of this and that, ranging from her very first LPs to excerpts from complete recordings most Sutherland fans already have and a few "live" performances, what is perhaps most significant about it is that it features the complete contents of the "Sutherland Sings Wagner" LP--a real repertoire departure for her--and the double-LP album called "French Opera Gala" (in the U.S.--the British title was "Romantic French Arias"), neither of which, to the best of my knowledge, has been available on CD before. "Opera News" magazine once ran an article in which they asked various stars to name the one album that they felt best represented their artistry for future generations, and Dame Joan selected the "French Opera Gala," so for Sutherland fans, this is a long-awaited treat.

I'm not going to waste space saying how miraculous I consider Dame Joan's artistry. If you are familiar with her work already, you know whether you adore her or not; and if you aren't, this massive set is probably not the best place to start (that would be "The Art of the Prima Donna" album that introduced her to most listeners decades ago)--especially since this newest set doesn't contain the lyrics, a must for newcomers. Let's hope Decca/London gets around to releasing the rest of her recordings intact instead of endlessly scrambling and repackaging the same selections over and over.

Heavenly.......2006-01-31

I first heard of Dame Sutherland while on the internet while listening to a internet radio station. I was instantly a fan, her control, technique, and tone is perfectly executed and rivals the equally fantastic Maria Callas. She has a powerful voice and presence that will evoke every emotion from her listeners. Highly recommended to all Opera Diva fans.

WHO ELSE CAN SING LIKE THIS TODAY?.......2005-04-10

This is Decca's second multi disc evaluation of this fantastic singer's long career and many recordings. True that a lot on the first set is duplicated here, but there are a few exceptions here and there that make it a worthy addition. Of particular interest are the very early items of Handel and Italian baroque arias, some forgotten song recordings and a live performance of the duet from Norma. It can't be said too many times - who can sing like this today? For sheer vocalism it's hard to find anyone on the same wavelength. This set will give very young opera goers an idea of what they missed.

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( 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 Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Franco Corelli The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli Giuseppe Di Stefano Sings Neapolitan Songs Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor The Very Best of Nicolai Gedda ASIN: B0000A5BXQ Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Addio, Mignon
2. Ah! Non Credevi Tu
3. Io Son Solo...Ah! Dispar, Vision
4. E La Solita Storia (Lamento Di Federico)
5. Lunge Da Lei...De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
6. Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
7. Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'Ali
8. Son Gia Lontani!...Corre A Valle
9. Intanto Amici Qua...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
10. Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
11. Recondita Armonia
12. E Lucevan Le Stelle
13. Dovunque Al Mondo
14. Addio, Fiorito Asil
15. Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
16. La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
17. Una Parola Sola...Or Son Sei Mesi
18. Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero
19. Avete Torto!...Firenze E Come Albero
20. Non Piangere, Liu
21. Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

1. Questa O Quella
2. Ella Mi Fu Rapita!...Parmi Veder Le Lagrime
3. La Donna E Mobile
4. Ah Si, Ben Mio
5. Di Quella Pira
6. Di' Tu Se Fedele
7. Teco Io Sto...Non Sai Tu Che Se L'Anima Mia...Oh, Qual Soave Brivido - Maria Callas
8. Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
9. Che Gelida Manina
10. In Un Coupe?...O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Rolando Panerai
11. Donna Non Vidi Mai
12. Oh, Saro La Piu Bella - Maria Callas
13. No! Pazzo Son! Guardate!
14. A La Barcillunisa
15. Cantu A Timuni
16. 'O Sole Mio
17. Marechiare
18. Core 'Ngrato
19. Torna A Surriento

Average customer rating: Operatic icon. Performer against which others are measured. La Divina set the stage The queen of opera Essential! The entire La Divina series is AMAZING!

La Divina 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Charpentier, Gustave | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gluck, Christoph W. | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Saint-Saens, Camille | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Thomas, Ambroise | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Maria Callas - La Divina Maria Callas: La Divina 3 Maria Callas: The Legend The Very Best Of Maria Callas The Passion of Callas ASIN: B000002RTT Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. Alceste: Divinites du Styx Acte 1
2. Carmen: Les tringles des sistres tintaient Acte ll
3. Ernani: Surta e la notte......Ernani! Ernani, involami Atto l
4. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide Atto ll
5. Aida: Ritorna vincitor Atto l
6. Orphee et Eurydice: J'ai perdu mon Eurydice Acte lV
7. I vespri siciliana: Bolero: Merce, dilette amiche Atto V
8. Louise: Depuis le jour Acte lll
9. La Boheme: Donde lieta usci Atto lll
10. Mignon: Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania Acte ll
11. La Traviata: Teneste la promessa...Addio, del passato Atto lll
12. Don Carlo: O don fatale Atto lll
13. Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence Acte l
14. La Sonnambula: Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno Atto l
15. Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco: respiro appena...Io son 'lumile ancella Atto l
16. Lucia di Lammermoor: Spargi d'amaro pianto Atto lll

Customer Reviews:

Operatic icon. Performer against which others are measured........2007-05-26

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

La Divina set the stage.......2007-01-05

Maria Callas, as I understand it (I'm not a music expert), helped create a new interest in the bel canto tradition of Donizetti and Bellini at mid-twentieth century. This album represents those composers, plus many others as well.

Callas' range in choice of operatic material is great indeed. Selections on this CD run from Gluck to Donizetti to Bizet and Puccini. Her voice, uneven on occasion, does not define her importance. As noted, she helped spark a renewed interest in bel canto works. The irony is that she did not have great coloratura skills. In the selection from Lucia di Lammermoor, a trill is scarcely heard. Think a few years later, to Joan Sutherland, later still to Beverly Sills, and more recently to sopranos such as Angela Gheorghiu. They all have much better technique, trill well, and exhibit much more agile coloratura singing. But Callas was an important predecessor.

More important than technique is the passion that many heard in her voice and her presence on stage. This is a good introduction to the range of Callas' repertoire and a reminder of this fiery singer from decades ago.

The queen of opera.......2004-05-16

Absolutely beautiful! Divine is the only word to do her justice! Viva La Divina, BRAVISSIMA!

Essential!.......2004-04-04

All three La Divina Albums are essential indeed! I bought them all and enjoy them! A very beautiful, dramatic voice!

The entire La Divina series is AMAZING!.......2004-02-26

I bought all three La Divina Releases and they're all splendid. Brilliant, for Callas and beyond!

Average customer rating: A Great Introduction to Opera Excellent Potpourri

Opera Obsession! - Opera d'Oro's Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Opera D'oro ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Opera Obsession Act II Opera Obsession! Act III The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera The Most Famous Opera Duets ASIN: B000062Y9J Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

1. Aida: Celeste Aida - Placido Domingo
2. The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Alfredo Kraus
3. La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Renata Tebaldi
4. Manon: Io Son Sol... Ah Dispar, Vision! - Luciano Pavarotti
5. La Fille Du Regiment: Il Faut Partir - Fernando Corena
6. La Traviata: Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici - Jose Carreras
7. Maria Stuarda: Oh Nube! Che Lieve - Montserrat Caballe
8. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Franco Corelli
9. Don Giovanni: Dalla Sua Pace... - Alfredo Kraus
10. Mefistofele: Die Campi, Dai Prati - Carlo Bergonzi
11. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Franco Corelli
12. Arabella: Und Du Wurst Mein... - Montserrat Caballe
13. Tannhauser: Dich Teure Halle - Gundula Janowitz
14. La Damnation De Faust: Merci, Doux Crepuscule! - Nicolai Gedda
15. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Mirella Freni
16. Otello: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Jon Vickers
17. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giuseppe Di Stefano
18. Rigoletto: E Il Sol Dell'anima - Maria Callas
19. Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tu Che A Dio... - Luciano Pavarotti

Customer Reviews:

A Great Introduction to Opera.......2004-11-28

This CD serves as a great beginner's guide to opera. there is plenty to choose from on this CD. Placido Domingo starts off the CD with his trademark "Celeste Aida." Next, Alfredo Kraus and Giuseppe Taddei sing "Au fond du temple saint," in Italian instead of French. Renata Tebaldi follows in "Ebben? ne andro lontana." You can't have a opera CD without Luciano Pavarotti, and you get him in "Io son sol...Ah dispar, vision!" from Manon. A great trio from La fille du regiment, "Il faut partir" follows, starring Beverly Sills, Fernando Corena, and Grayson Hirst. Jose Carreras and Renata Scotto follow in the Brindisi from La Traviata. Montserrat Caballe graces the #7 spot in "Oh nube! che lieve" from Maria Stuarda. Franco Corelli is excellent is "Nessun dorma" from Turandot. Alfredo Kraus returns again in "Dalla sua pace" from Don Giovanni. This is one of my favorite arias on the CD. Carlo Bergonzi follows in "Die campi, dai prati" from Mefistofele. Franco Corelli follows in the role he was made for: Manrico's "Di quella pira" from Il Trovatore. Montserrat Caballe and Siegmund Nimsgern sing in one of the only German arias on the CD: "Und du wurst mein..." from Arabella. Gundula Janowitz sings in "Dich teure Halle," the other German aria on this CD. I can't believe Nicolai Gedda isn't on this CD more than once. He sings "Merci, doux crepuscule" from La damnation de Faust. Mirella Freni comes next in "Si. Mi chiamano Mimi" from La Boheme. My favorite tenor, Giuseppe di Stefano comes in the next two clips: "E lucevan la stelle" from Tosca, and, with Maria Callas, "E il sol dell'anima" from Rigoletto. How can this great recording end? With Pavarotti in "Tu che a Dio" from Lucia di Lammermoor of course.

Excellent Potpourri.......2004-09-12

Do not be misled by the incredibly low price on this album; the recording quality is quite good. I would have liked more information in the liner notes (especially the year of the performance), but that is a minor quibble when compared to hearing some of the best opera stars of the last century for less than a matinee movie ticket.

So, indulge and enjoy!

Meditation Music:

1. Georg Friedrich Handel: Xerxes
2. Gershwin: Porgy and Bess [Soundtrack]
3. Gilbert & Sullivan: The Yeomen of The Guard / Marriner
4. Gioacchino Rossini: Barber of Seville
5. Giordano: Fedora [Import]
6. Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: La Serva Padrona
7. Giuseppe Verdi: La Traviata
8. Giuseppe Verdi: Nabucco
9. Golden Operetta
10. Gounod - Faust / Studer · Leech · van Dam · Hampson · Mahé · Denize · Barrard · Capitole de Toulouse · Plasson

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Singles A's & B's [Import]

Fin De Siecle A Venise: Late 16th Century Venetian Harpsichord Music

Elena Nicolai In Opera

Music: The Partying Without Inhibition or Dignity

Disco 1999 [Import]

Essentials

Flamenco X Derecho [Import]

Clouds

Especially for You

Flash Gordon [Soundtrack]

Double Dribble

Colección Inmortales [Import]

Good Times

Long Drink of the Blues

Some Other Time: A Tribute to Chet Baker