Puccini: Turandot

Puccini: Turandot

On this CD:

  1. Turandot, opera Gira la cote
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  2. Turandot, opera Perché tarda la luna?
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  3. Turandot, opera Signore, ascolta!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Montserrat Caballe
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta

  4. Turandot, opera Non piangere, Liù!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Montserrat Caballe
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta

  5. Turandot, opera Ah! per l'ultima volta
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Pier Francesco Poli, Piero de Palma, Tom Krause, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Montserrat Caballe, Luciano Pavarotti
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  6. Turandot, opera Olà, Pang! Olà, Pong!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Pier Francesco Poli, Piero de Palma, Tom Krause
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta

  7. Turandot, opera Ho una casa nell'Honan
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Pier Francesco Poli, Piero de Palma, Tom Krause
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta

  8. Turandot, opera In questa reggia
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  9. Turandot, opera Gelo che ti dà foco
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  10. Turandot, opera Figlio del cielo!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti, Peter Pears, Joan Sutherland
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  11. Turandot, opera Nessun dorma!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  12. Turandot, opera Quel nome!
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Tom Krause, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Montserrat Caballe, Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  13. Turandot, opera Tanto amore segreto
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti, Tom Krause, Montserrat Caballe, Joan Sutherland
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  14. Turandot, opera Tu che di gel sei cinta
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Pier Francesco Poli, Piero de Palma, Tom Krause, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Montserrat Caballe, Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

  15. Turandot, opera C'era ngeli occhi tuoi
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Luciano Pavarotti, John Sutherland
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta

  16. Turandot, opera Diecimila anni
    Composed by Giacomo Puccini
    Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
    with Joan Sutherland
    Conducted by Zubin Mehta, John Alldis

Puccini: Turandot,Giacomo Puccini,John Alldis,Zubin Mehta,London Philharmonic Orchestra,Joan Sutherland,Montserrat Caballé,Luciano Pavarotti,John Sutherland,Nicolai Ghiaurov,Peter Pears,Pier Francesco Poli,Piero de Palma,Tom Krause,Polygram Records,Classical,Classical Music,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio


Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The End of the Big Voice?
  • Fla Gator Lady
  • 20 Great Tenor Arias
  • Plesantly surprised...
  • Absolutely Agree About Corelli
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by FlotowAll Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MeyerbeerAll Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance
  2. The Most Famous Opera Duets
  3. The Most Famous Opera Arias
  4. The #1 Opera Album
  5. The Best of Italian Opera

ASIN: B000007OTX
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

  1. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
  2. Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
  3. Carmen Bizet: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
  4. Luisa Miller: O! fede negar potessi .. Quando le sere al placido
  5. La Traviata: Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti
  6. Martha: M'appari
  7. Giordano: Amor ti vieta
  8. L'Africaine: Mi batte il cuor .. O paradiso
  9. La Favorita: Favorita del re . . . Spirto gentil
  10. Werther: 'Pourquoi me reveiller'
  11. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem Schein'
  12. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: O Dieu! De quelle ivresse
  13. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
  14. Pagliacci: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
  15. Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
  16. Aida: Se quel guerrier .. Celeste Aida
  17. TOSCA: Recondita armonia
  18. L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
  19. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
  20. Turandot: Nessun dorma

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The End of the Big Voice?.......2007-04-16

This CD, which is truly fine overall, reminds me of Marilyn Horne's lament that we have probably seen the end of the big voice and it makes me sad. I agree with the reviewer who refers to "microphonies". And more justice could be done to Bjorling's voice with a better transfer. But at some point, music becomes a matter of taste and I prefers singers who have the instrument and the support and the training, whether formal or not, to just let fly and take a chance on making a mistake. Domingo can be wonderful and so can his musicianship but he tends to be so stiff. I have to wonder at the virulence and asperity with which some people go after Pavarotti. It's true that late in his career he made some questionable recordings but the answer to that is simple: don't buy them. At his best, he belongs for all time in the top echelon of tenors. I love this CD and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great (big) voices.

5 out of 5 stars Fla Gator Lady.......2007-01-12

Highly recommend this CD with these beloved arias of the greatest tenors in opera. I have owned this CD for a couple of years and purchased another for a friend who always requests that I play it ... perfect for listening in the car, dinner, bridge games, relaxation ... just so perfect. You won't be disappointed in this one.

5 out of 5 stars 20 Great Tenor Arias.......2007-01-09

A great disc,combination of the greatest tenors of the 20th century and some of the most beautiful music ever written in any century,a must addition to any opera lovers collection.

5 out of 5 stars Plesantly surprised..........2006-01-14

I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.

First it is a great buy. A booklet with pictures of each tenor, a small bio, the year recorded and TRANSLATIONS of each aria are provided. This is really nice. It seems more & more that translations are being left out. Being a former opera singer, I may know most of the words, but sometimes it's just nice to read along (sometimes it's just nice to listen too).

Being on the Decca label, there is admittedly quite a few Pavarotti selections. Out of 20 selections, he has 6 of them. But I love Pavarotti, so this is no problem for me. These are all early recordings & his voice is magnificent! Being a singer, I still marvel at his ability to sing "All'armi!" on a high D and still say the 2nd syllable "mi" on such a note! WOW. There is also of course his very sweet, impassioned and lyrical turn as Rodolfo in "La Boheme" as well as the lesser known (although I still have it on casette) "La Favorita" which has a particularly high tessitura.

Also featured are a young Plácido Domingo singing a VERY nice "Flower song/ La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Carmen. He usually sounds too pushed for me on the top notes (as one might expect from a Pavarotti fan, I like free top notes) but in this recording he is pretty darn fabulous. He also sings an aria from "Tales of Hoffman/Les Contes d'Hoffman" and I have always felt that he, like Neil Schicoff, were well suited to this role.

Lamentably there are only one selection each from Carreras, Correlli, Monaco, Aragall & Kollo. Especial kudos to the young recording they feature for Aragall. He had a very free and nice high tenor well suited to Verdi. Of course as his career went forward with the natural darkening of his voice and the "heavier" roles, he did start to develop a wobble. But this recording is before that. His top, his phrasing are all beautifully done in his featured aria from "La Traviata."
Mario del Monaco's "E lucevan le stelle" is hauntingly beautiful and has such a wonderful pianissimo in it that it makes you just want to gasp for beauty's sake. I now know every tenor I've heard sing this aria was trying to emulate what he did.

This is a great CD because it does bring together on one CD some of the greatest singers of the 20th/21st century. Bergonzi, di Stefano, Björling, in addition to the previously mentioned artists is quite an impressive collection. I'm sure there's only one of each for Carreras, Aragall (I believe they are formerly EMI/Angel artists) and perhaps some of the others because they are "imported" from another label. There's so much Pavarotti on this CD because he IS a Decca artist.

A highly recommended CD, affordable, not the usually obscure and unpolished artists that are sometimes found on compilations. Plus acutal linear notes and translations. Nicely done, Decca!!!

4 out of 5 stars Absolutely Agree About Corelli.......2005-05-27

Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did! As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!
The #1 Opera Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The beautiful gift of opera...
  • Pretty darn good
  • The Opera #1 Opera Album
  • Excellent assortment
  • Great Selections
The #1 Opera Album
Giacomo Puccini , Giuseppe Verdi , Léo Delibes , Georges Bizet , Umberto Giordano , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Jacques Offenbach , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Charles Gounod , Gaetano Donizetti , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Richard Bonynge , Herbert von Karajan , Alberto Erede , Lamberto Gardelli , Giuseppe Patane , John Mauceri , Zubin Mehta , Charles Dutoit , Gyorgy Fischer , Riccardo Chailly , Istvan Kertesz , Leone Magiera , Evelino Pido , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Renée Fleming , Cecilia Bartoli , Luciano Pavarotti , Jussi Bjorling , and Renata Tebaldi
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Allen, ThomasAllen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CzechCzech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 20% OffMore Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Delibes, LéoDelibes, Léo | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Donizetti, GaetanoDonizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Dvorák, AntonínDvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Gounod, CharlesGounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Leoncavallo, RuggieroLeoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mascagni, PietroMascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mozart, Wolfgang AmadeusMozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Offenbach, JacquesOffenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Puccini, GiacomoPuccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Rossini, GioacchinoRossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Verdi, GiuseppeVerdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Wagner, RichardWagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Allen, ThomasAllen, Thomas | ( A ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Most Famous Opera Duets
  2. The Most Famous Opera Arias
  3. The Best of Italian Opera
  4. Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
  5. The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000059RXO
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...
Sarah Brightman Classics
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD
  • Best Brightman CD
  • Sarah Brightman is a Classic
  • Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman
  • Nice Cover
Sarah Brightman Classics
Sarah Brightman , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Francisco Tarrega , George Frideric Handel , Fryderyk Chopin , Sergey Rachmaninov , Giacomo Puccini , Antonin Dvorak , Andrew Lloyd Webber , Ludwig van Beethoven , Joseph Marie Canteloube , Francesco Sartori , and Paul Bateman
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by AlbinoniAll Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Canteloube, JosephCanteloube, Joseph | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TarregaAll Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RachmaninovAll Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
EtudesEtudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GuitarGuitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CzechCzech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Brightman, SarahBrightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
ClassicalClassical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Time to Say Goodbye
  2. Eden (US Release - 16 tracks)
  3. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection
  4. Diva: The Singles Collection
  5. La Luna

ASIN: B00005RD78
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

  1. Ave Maria (new recording)
  2. La Wally (from Time To Say Goodbye)
  3. Winter Light (new recording)
  4. Anytime, Anywhere (from Eden)
  5. Alhambra (new recording)
  6. Lascia Ch'io Pianga (from Eden)
  7. Dans La Nuit (new recording)
  8. Serenade/How Fair This Place (from La Luna)
  9. O Mio Babbino Caro (new recording)
  10. La Luna (from La Luna)
  11. Pie Jesu (new recording)
  12. Figlio Perduto (from La Luna)
  13. Nessun Dorma (new recording)
  14. Bailero (from Eden)
  15. Time To Say Goodbye (New solo version--previously unavailable)

Amazon.com

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're a fan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's "Ave Maria,' "Winter Light," a fresh take on her signature song "Pie Jesu" (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). "Alhambra" and "Dans La Nuit"--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date. -Sarah Chin

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

More from Sarah Brightman

Time to Say Goodbye

Diva: The Singles Collection

Eden

Diva: The Video Collection

Live from Las Vegas

La Luna (Live in Concert)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD.......2007-03-15

Sarah Brightman's talent is limitless. Her soprano and/or alto voice is among the best and she lets it show in 'CLASSICS'. CLASSICS is a beautiful, easy listening, and peaceful CD. CLASSICS is one to listen to in tranquil or relaxing moments. "CLASICS" is a collection of great pieces of music written by great composers (Shuburt, Handel, Chopin, Puccini, and the like). I have listened to CLASSICS about 15 times now and it always puts me in a quiet and peaceful mood (I am ~50 years old).

5 out of 5 stars Best Brightman CD.......2007-02-07

A classical composition which showcases the beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman. A timeless CD which will continue to be a favourite over the years.

5 out of 5 stars Sarah Brightman is a Classic.......2007-01-02

Sarah Brightman is at her best in "Classics." From Dvorak's "Rusalka" (Opera B.203) to Beethoven's haunting Op 52, slow movement (Symphony #7), Brightman's voice and lyrical style are a joy. I particularly enjoy her performances of Schubert's Ave Maria and Andrew Lloyd Weber's Pie Jesu. This is a great add to my collection of serious music.

5 out of 5 stars Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman.......2006-12-30

After purchasing this CD for my iPod for iTunes, I must say that I'm a little bit dissapointed. 7 new recordings and 8 old ones, ones that I already happen to have. I do like the fact that they're all on one CD! Some of her new recordings, including, "Ave Maria", "Winter Light", "Alhambra", "Dans La Nuit", and the new recording of "Pie Jesu" are just too breathy for my taste. It seems as with every changing CD, Sarah's voice changes. I'm not saying that the result is bad; it actually gives the songs more of a dream like quality, but I'm used to the younger, more Andrew Lloyd-Webber integrated Sarah. Scooping continually occurs in new recordings of "O Mio Babbino Caro", and "Nessun Dorma". In some tracks from La Luna, like "Figlio Perduto", Sarah's voice is TOTALLY dominated by harmonizing recordings that sound almost mechanical.

OVERALLY - The new songs sound O.K. and the old recordings are just as good as they were back then. This album is still a great buy!

3 out of 5 stars Nice Cover.......2006-12-27


I'm a heterosexual guy who's not an opera aficionado - I only mention these facts because I seem to be right in the bull's-eye of the target market for this product. Sarah B. has a nice voice and she's pretty. Both of these are featured prominently on this CD. The cover and several pages in the insert are devoted to what must have been a very long and expensive photo shoot (and Photoshop) of a semi-clad Sarah looking marvelous. (The CD also comes with a flyer so you can buy various Brightman "Classics" apparel - perhaps not for the heterosexual male).

As far as the music goes: not bad, not great. I don't claim to have the most discerning ears for this sort of music, but everything was OK by me. However, the pieces on the CD with which I'm somewhat familiar, such as "O Mio Babbino Caro," didn't sound quite as good as other versions I've heard (and that includes by Charlotte Church, not just opera stars). Also, the solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye" didn't sound nearly as good to me as the duet with Bocelli.

In sum, there were 3-4 songs I liked enough to rip to MP3s - which is enough so that I didn't feel ripped myself...

Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • delivery went ok
  • A knockout performance
  • The night that started it all!
  • Great singing from the three tenors
  • Excellent. Like summer sunshine. manna from heaven!
Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta
Francesco Cilea , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Giacomo Puccini , Franz Lehar , Vencenzo De Crescenzo , Salvatore Cardillo , Ernesto de Curtis , Agustin Lara , Pablo Sorozabal , Umberto Giordano , Leonard Bernstein , Vincenzo d' Annibale , Anonymous , Andrew Lloyd Webber , Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomizhsky , Juan De Dios Filiberto , Louis Louiguy , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Rudolf Sieczynski , Joseph M. Lacalle , Eduardo di Capua , Zubin Mehta , Plácido Domingo , Luciano Pavarotti , and José Carreras
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MeyerbeerAll Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Three TenorsThree Tenors | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Three TenorsThree Tenors | Q to T | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994
  2. The Best of the Three Tenors
  3. Three Tenors: In Concert
  4. The Three Tenors Christmas
  5. Paris 1998

ASIN: B0000041XX
Release Date: 1990-09-05

Tracks:

  1. Il Lamento Di Federico
  2. O Paradis
  3. Recondita Armonia - Luciano Pavarotti
  4. Dein ist Mein Ganzes Herz
  5. Rondine Al Nido - Luciano Pavarotti
  6. Core 'ngrato
  7. Torna A Surriento - Luciano Pavarotti
  8. Granada
  9. No Puede Ser
  10. L'impovviso
  11. E Lucevan Le Stelle
  12. Nessun Dorma
  13. Finale Medley: Maria - Tonight, 'O paese d' 'o sole, Cielito lINDO
  14. Memory, Ochi tchorniye, Caminito
  15. Mattinata ; Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein, Amapola, 'O sole mio
  16. Encore: 'O sole mio
  17. Encore: Nessun Dorma

Amazon.com

Magic was created one starlit night in July 1990, when Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and José Carreras met onstage at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and became the Three Tenors. They eschewed competitive instincts and cooperated in the spirit of mutual admiration to create one of the greatest musical events ever. This concert is an awe-inspiring orgy of the greatest hits for the tenor voice. Domingo and Pavarotti sing perfectly. The audience wins as these vocal supermen compete to seduce the hearts of the audience. One moment Domingo brings thrilling fire and pain to "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca; the next, Pavarotti rises to heavenly heights in an inspired rendition of "Nessun dorma" from Turandot. Carreras is the competent little brother, one step behind the greatness of the big brothers from opera's Ponderosa. His singing isn't as captivating as that of the big boys; but his enthusiasm and passion are unrivaled. Mehta exquisitely captures the largeness of this bonanza through the grandiose orchestra. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars delivery went ok.......2006-11-14

the item was delivered to me on-time and with no problems. however,i was looking for a DVD and not a audio Cd. might be good to clearly differentiate when the product is being advertised or shown.

5 out of 5 stars A knockout performance .......2006-05-28

Like so many of the reviewers here I am not an opera aficionado. But I sensed immediately the night I saw this concert on television that this was one of those 'remarkable' artistic events. Domingo and Pavarotti both have such strength and beauty in their voices that they overwhelm. Carreras adds flavor and enthusiasm.
One of the most remarkable music performances I have seen.

5 out of 5 stars The night that started it all!.......2005-11-02

You can read the technical information about the contents of this CD above. That is not what this review is about. I became intrested in opera about 1 1/2 years ago because of happening upon Mario Lanza. Since then, I have experienced many great truly operatic voices, including the "King," Pavarotti.
If you are just discovering opera, suffice it to say; Buy this album!!! It was the concert that launched the 3 Tenors phenomenon. It is full of uplifting, heart- tugging favorites, and you will find yourself listening to it over and over. Buy the dvd as well. It imparts absolute electricity! I am a young pianist and vocalist, and this concert is truly inspiring to me! You won't regret one penny you spend on this!

5 out of 5 stars Great singing from the three tenors.......2005-06-23

This cd is a must-have for anyone interested in opera - or beautiful singing. And when you're at it - why don't buy the dvd from the concert? It will make you appreciate the cd even more.

First of all I have to comment on the editorial review of this cd. I felt the reviewer is "belittling" José Carreras here by saying he's one step behind the big brothers and his singing isn't as captivating as that of the big boys.....?!?!? Of course I can only speak for myself, but I feel she's way out of line. And I'm starting to wonder if she's been listening to the cd at all? In my opinion you have to be dead not to be touched by his rendition of "Lamento di Federico" and "L'improvviso". If anybody can deliver a line it has to be Carreras. When it comes to his interpretation of "Granada" even conductor Zubin Mehta was gobsmacked. Watching the dvd you can see him putting down his baton and applauding. He even steps down from his podium to hug José.

I have to say I'm not too keen on the two other tenors, although I have to admit I loved Pavarotti's "Torna a Surriento" and "Rondine al nido". The thing about Pavarotti is that he has a great singing technique and he's also in possession of this "push-button" which make him sing a lot of high notes, but that alone isn't enough to stir emotion.

As for Domingo, even if he's giving it all in every song, and his "No puede ser" was great,I think he's a bit too much on the nasal side. He's okay when they all perform together, but his "E lucevan le stelle" is sending shivers down my spine - and not of delight. I'm practically unable to sit still and listen to his solos. If you really want "fire and pain" you should check out Carreras in the Tosca-recording from -80, or his recording from -76. It's really breathtaking and I promise you'll end up in tears!

At the end of this concert the three tenors perform a medley together. Their voices blend perfectly and it's powerful to listen to them giving it all. A lot of people are talking about their mis-pronounciations. I for one, think it only adds to the charm of the performers. Pavarotti has some problems with the English songs (okay, big problems..), Domingo stumbles in the words in the beginning of "Wien Wien nur du allein", and (this you'll see in the dvd) in the same song Carreras is actually reading the text from a piece of paper as he's singing and his facial expressions when getting his head around the German words are really hilarious. O sole mio as an encore is fabulous when Pavarotti pushes his button and shakes out all his high notes.... And I love it when the two other join forces and repeat his stunt to perfection.

All in all this is a wonderful album. And well worth 5 stars.... José alone gets 10 stars!!!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent. Like summer sunshine. manna from heaven!.......2004-05-28

This CD is terrific on so many levels. In celebration of one of the world's great sporting events - the World Cup of football (soccer to us stateside), three great tenors and one masterful conductor (Zubin Mehta) were brought together in one of the world's great cities - Rome -- for a special evening that we are blessed to have been able to listen to again and again.

The concert was held during the World Cup in 1990 at the Baths of Caracella, which are ruins of the once great Roman baths. In this beautiful setting Luiciano Pavrotti, Jose Carreas and Placido Domingo came together for one of the best CD's ever made.

The singing is exquisite. The passion of the crowd in this live performance should equal the reaction of the listener. This is art at its highest level. It is a celebration of great music, not just of opera, but in my opinion, the soaring human spirit. What power to move the soul! You don't need to be an opera fan to enjoy this music. If you like any kind of music, you cannot help but be affected by the power of this special evening. And what an evening, those in attendance were lucky to have been there!!

The casual listener will already know some of these arias, as they are from some the great operas of all time. However, I believe even the most hardenend opera fan, unless he or she is a real stiff, cannot be helped to be but moved by this music.

It is heavenly! I recommend this CD to you, because in my humble opinion, it will bring sunshine to your heart!!! : )
The Ultimate Puccini Collection
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh"
  • Fantastic!
  • HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
  • "Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!
  • Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality
The Ultimate Puccini Collection
Giacomo Puccini , Herbert von Karajan , Riccardo Chailly , Stephen Barlow , Tullio Serafin , Lorin Maazel , Sir Edward Downes , Giuseppe Patane , Zubin Mehta , Alberto Erede , John Mauceri , Plácido Domingo , José Carreras , Kiri Te Kanawa , John Alldis Choir , Luciano Pavarotti , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Bologna Community Theater Orchestra , Ettore Bastianini , Carlo Bergonzi , Renato Cesari , Fernando Corena , Cesare Siepi , Renata Tebaldi , Gianna D'Angelo , Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra , Franco Corelli , Alfredo Mariotti , Regine Crespin , Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden , London Symphony Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Rome Opera House Orchestra , Pilar Lorengar , Berlin Philharmonic Brass Ensemble , Mirella Freni , Rolando Panerai , Jussi Bjorling , Leontyne Price , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Caballe, MontserratCaballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Crespin, RegineCrespin, Regine | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Freni, MirellaFreni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Gheorghiu, AngelaGheorghiu, Angela | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Nilsson, BirgitNilsson, Birgit | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Price, LeontynePrice, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Sutherland, JoanSutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Te Kanawa, KiriTe Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Essential Verdi
  2. Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
  3. Puccini Without Words
  4. Puccini: Great Opera Arias
  5. The #1 Opera Album

ASIN: B000007OU1
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

  1. Turnadot: Nessun Dorma!
  2. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
  3. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
  4. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
  5. Tosca: Recondita Armonia
  6. Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
  7. TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
  8. La rondine: Il Sogno Di Doretta
  9. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
  10. La Boheme: Si, Mi Chiamano Mini
  11. La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Love Duet, Act I
  12. Ch'ella mi creda libero
  13. TOSCA: Ah, Quegli Occhi...Qual'occhio Al Mondo - Love Duet, Act I
  14. TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
  15. Madame Butterfly: Vogliatemi Bene - Love Duet, Act I
  16. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci
  17. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
  18. Turandot: In Questa Reggia

Amazon.com essential recording

Ordinarily, it pays to be wary of collections such as these, which often promise a lot but deliver a mishmash of disconnected excerpts. This disc, however, is something of an exception: you really do get just about all of Puccini's best arias, which is possible, because he didn't write so many operas that choosing the best moments becomes a matter of the producer's personal taste. Also, Puccini's operas are so popular that every major label has excellent complete recordings of all of them, so in making this compilation it was possible to cast from strength: all the singers here are fine. In fact, the only proviso that needs to be made before you rush out and add this disc to your collection is that it's wrong to assume that all of Puccini's best tunes lie in his arias. The opening 10 minutes of any one of his operas will tell you that's not true. So by all means enjoy this disc--then start sampling the operas complete. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh".......2005-11-08

"Quando m'en vo" is not omitted from this CD; it is just called "Musetta's waltz song." It is the same aria.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic!.......2003-10-14

This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

5 out of 5 stars HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND.......2003-09-04

The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

3 out of 5 stars "Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!.......2002-06-13

The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written. But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues. I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc. So, is the music the ultimate? YES! Is the recording the ultimate? NO!

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality.......2002-02-18

I love opera! I love Puccini! Not only is the vocalism important to me, but the quality of the recording as well. I enjoy my hi-tech sound system. I like to feel as if I am sitting in the front row of the first balcony when I listen to opera. This CD is excellent! The vocalists were well chosen. The technical performances are eloquent and emotional, as Puccini should be. However, the quality of the recording is not very good. No matter how you adjust your sound system, the recording is a bit tinny and as a result, the emotional high points of the arias are not as vibrant as they could be if the recording were of better quality. I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves Puccini and who is not as finicky as I!
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas
  • sublime
  • Good "Best Of"
  • The Very Best of Maria Callas
  • Classic Callas
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GluckAll Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century
  2. The Most Famous Opera Arias
  3. The Best of Italian Opera
  4. The Most Famous Opera Duets
  5. The #1 Opera Album

ASIN: B00005Y1YQ
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countless assessments of Maria Callas' life and career, as well as re-issues of some of her definitive recorded performances have been fueled by the 25th anniversaary of her tragic and prophetic death alone in her Paris flat on September 16, 1977. One of those such discs, this 17 track retrospective compilation from the archives of EMI is among the best. Every character she portrays is bought to life by her incomparible ability both vocally and emotionally. Enjoy!
Puccini - Turandot / Sutherland · Pavarotti · Caballé · Ghiaurov · Krause · Pears · LPO · Mehta
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This is not to be missed
  • One of the Great Recordings of the 20th Century
  • Barbaric AND Beautiful
  • Why you should get this recording..............
  • Good except for Sutherland
Puccini - Turandot / Sutherland · Pavarotti · Caballé · Ghiaurov · Krause · Pears · LPO · Mehta
Giacomo Puccini , Zubin Mehta , Luciano Pavarotti , Joan Sutherland , London Philharmonic Orchestra , John Alldis Choir , Montserrat Caballé , Tom Krause , Nicolai Ghiaurov , Peter Pears , and Wandsworth School Boys' Choir
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
SopranosSopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Caballe, MontserratCaballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Sutherland, JoanSutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Ghiaurov, Karajan
  2. Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
  3. Verdi - Rigoletto / Sutherland, Pavarotti, Milnes, LSO, Bonynge
  4. Verdi - Aida / Caballé · Domingo · Cossotto · Ghiaurov · Cappuccilli · Roni · NPO · Muti
  5. Puccini: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert von Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

ASIN: B0000041Q3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Turandot: Act I: 'Popolo di Pekino!' (Un Mandarino) - Act I: 'Indietro, cani!' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge)184276 - Puccini
  2. Turandot: Act I: 'Gira la cote!' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge) - Act I: 'Perche tarda la luna?' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge) - Puccini
  3. Turandot: Act I: 'O giovinetto! Grazia, grazia!' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge) - Puccini
  4. Turandot: Act I: 'Figlio, che fai?' (Timur, Calaf) - Puccini
  5. Turandot: Act I: 'Fermo! Che Fai? T'arresta' (Ping, Pang, Pong) - Act I: 'Non indugiare!' (Le ombre dei morte - Phantoms - Les ombres des morts - Die Schatten der Toten) - Puccini
  6. Turandot: Act I: 'Signore, ascolta!' (Liu) - Puccini
  7. Turandot: Act I: 'Non piangere, Liu!' (Calaf) - Puccini
  8. Turandot: Act II, Scene 1: 'Ola, Pang! Ola Pong!' (Ping) - Puccini
  9. Turandot: Act II, Scene 1: 'Ho una casa nell 'Honan' (Ping) - Puccini
  10. Turandot: Act II, Scene 1: 'O mondo, o mondo...' (Ping, Pang, Pong) - Act II, Scene 1: 'O tigre! O tigre!' (Ping, Pang, Pong) - Puccini
  11. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: Introduzione - Puccini
  12. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'Gravi, enorme ed imponenti' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge) - Puccini
  13. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'Un giruamento atroce mi costringe' (L'Imperatore) - Puccini
  14. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'Popolo di Pekino' (Il Mandarino) - Puccini

Tracks:

  1. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'In questa Reggia' (Turandot) - G. Puccini
  2. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'Straniero, ascolta' (Turandot) - G. Puccini
  3. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'Gloria, gloria, o vincitore!' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge) - Act II, Scene 2: 'Figlio del cielo! Padre augusto!' (Turandot) - G. Puccini
  4. Turandot: Act II, Scene 2: 'Tre enigmi m'hai proposto' (Calaf) - G. Puccini
  5. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: Introduzione: 'Cosi comanda Turandot' (Gli araldi - Heralds - Les Herauts - Die Herolde) - G. Puccini
  6. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'Nessun dorma!' (Calaf) - Act III, Scene 1: 'Tu che guardi le stelle' (Ping, Pang, Pong) - G. Puccini
  7. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'Principessa divina!' (Ping) - Act III, Scene 1: 'Tanto amore segreto' (Liu) - G. Puccini
  8. Turandot: Act III, Scene1: 'Tu che di gel sei cinta' (Liu) - G. Puccini
  9. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'Liu! Liu! Sorgi!' (Timur) - G. Puccini
  10. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'Principessa di morte' (Calaf) - G. Puccini
  11. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'Che e mai di me?' ( Turandot, Calaf) - G. Puccini
  12. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'Del primo pianto' (Turandot) - G. Puccini
  13. Turandot: Act III, Scene 1: 'So il tuo nome!' (Turandot) - G. Puccini
  14. Turandot: Act III, Scene 2: 'Diecimila anni al nosotro Imperatore!' (La folla - People - La foule - Die Menge) - G. Puccini

Amazon.com essential recording

Joan Sutherland is not usually considered a Puccini singer, and in fact she sang the role of Turandot only in the recording studio. But for that assignment she had exactly what was needed: a voice that seemed to have no upper limits and a personality that concealed vulnerability under an air of icy detachment. She also had an ideal set of colleagues, notably Luciano Pavarotti, whose "Nessun dorma" has become practically his signature tune. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This is not to be missed.......2007-07-11

It is no exaggeration to consider this 1973 recording of Giacomo Puccini's swan song the most sublime interpretation available. It is barely an exaggeration to consider it one of the finest operatic recordings ever produced, ranking with Sir Georg Solti's praised 1963 reading of Wagner's Siegfried, with Wolfgang Windgassen, Birgit Nilsson, Hans Hotter, and Gerhard Stolze; Herbert von Karajan's 1970 rendition of Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov, with Nicolai Ghiaurov, Galina Vishnevskaya, and Ludovic Spiess; Riccardo Muti's heavenly 1974 Aida, with Montserrat Caballé, Plácido Domingo, and Fiorenza Cossotto; Claudio Abbado's 1977 undertaking of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra with Piero Cappuccilli, Mirella Freni, and José Carreras; and Karajan's indescribable 1979 production of Debussy's Pélleas et Mélisande, with Frederica von Stade, Richard Stilwell, and José van Dam. Only the 1982 Turandot with Karajan leading the Wiener Philharmoniker can compare; the cast boasted Domingo, Barbara Hendricks, Ruggero Raimondi, Heinz Zednik, and Francisco Araiza, but the work was hampered by incompetent lyric soprano Katia Ricciarelli at the title helm.

Zubin Mehta leads the London Philharmonic Orchestra in a jarring, exotic production of Turandot which tends to run at a faster tempo than other noted recordings and attacks the listener with a rampaging tapestry of wondrous sound. From the opening bars, the listener is plunged into a swirling, gory China of antiquity, with a maroon sky articulating the chaos within the forbidding fortress that is Turandot's palace, lined with the decapitated heads of her luckless suitors impaled on spikes. The John Alldis Choir is triumphant (as it is in most of its endeavors) in the opera's frequent choral sectors, especially "Gira la cote, gira, gira!" (the bloodthirsty ranting of the incensed Peking populace, a great requiem of death); "Perchè tarda la luna?" (a hauntingly gorgeous, sumptuous chorus in which the populace invokes the appearance of the moon, the signal for the execution to take place); "O giovinetto! Grazia, grazia!" (in which the furor of the populace melts into a bitter pity as the handsome, understandably petrified principe di Persia emerges with Pu-Tin-Pao, the executioner); "Non indugiare!"(the unsettling and misty chorus of the ghosts of Turandot's suitors; one can almost envision the eerie specters floating in the air amidst the perfume of their beloved mistress); and "Così comanda Turandot" in Act III (the cruel, anagogic chorus of the heralds; one can only imagine the subterranean torture chambers and dungeons in which Turandot's furies were realized and inflicted upon the ignorant populace of Peking). The Wandsworth School Boys' Choir is charming and atmospheric during their Act I incantations to Turandot's beauty ("Là sui monti dell'Est").

Dame Joan Sutherland is not a soprano one might immediately place in the role of the Chinese pythoness, for she never performed the daunting part on stage and made only this single noted recording in the role. She possessed a flittering, melodic coloratura voice, much unlike the Wagnerian mortars of Birgit Nilsson and Eva Marton. However, she is thrilling at the title helm; she sings with such furor, such madness, such indescribable revulsion, that it is nearly impossible to accept her as the same soprano who so sweetly and genially floated through the effervescent persons of Violetta Valéry, Gilda, and Donna Anna. "In questa reggia" rolls out like blood-spattered embroidery as she recounts the tawdry tale of her doomed ancestress; her cry of "Straniero, ascolta!" is like a lightening rod of dread. She is thrilling as her psychology is revealed after the answering of the three riddles ("Figlio del Cielo! Padre augusto!"); for the first time in her lonely, imperious existence, she is afraid, for she is no longer in complete control of her destiny.

Luciano Pavarotti breathes such ineffable fire, youth, and passion into the bright-eyed prince Calaf that one can only wonder how some could prefer Franco Corelli's rather ornery interpretation. During "Nessun dorma," the greatest aria Puccini ever composed for the male voice and one of the finest in all opera, he is wondrous, beguiling, and awe-inspiring as the enamored, barding Tartar prince. However, the finale of the opera is where the two vocal masters truly shine. (It was penned, of course, by Franco Alfano, after the death of Puccini.) Their duet ("Principessa di morte!" ... "Che è mai di me?" ... "Del primo pianto") is a glorious, almost Shakespearean exchange; the intense chemistry between the two is apparent and it is obvious why they made so many recordings together. Sutherland is absolutely horrifying in her cry of "So il tuo nome." For a blood-curdling instant, the old Turandot returns, even after the passionate kiss from Calaf and the tearful confession of her innermost fears. For an instant, she is the murderess again, vengeful and sanguinary as ever.

Montserrat Caballé may have seemed, at first, to be an indulgence as the noble little Puccinian heroine, Liù; however, her performance of the signature pleading, searching aria ("Signore, ascolta!") would force even the most caustic cynic to sympathize with the pathetic little slave girl. Only Mirella Freni and Galina Vishnevskaya (though she is recognized more infrequently for doing so) have provided comparable performances. Her Act III confession ("Tanto amore segreto, e inconfessato ... Tu che di gel sei cinta") allow the listener to peer into the purely invincible but paradoxically fragile heart of the veritable Puccinian angel, a descendent of Mimì and Madama Butterfly. Her suicide is the culmination of one of the grandest cruelties in all opera: she lived a life in the pursuit of a single love which could only be truly realized and acknowledged through her supreme sacrifice.

Nicolai Ghiaurov makes a Chinese Boris Godunov out of the deposed Tartar king Timur. Sir Peter Pears, the inimitable British tenor, provides his commanding, mystical voice to the role of the venerable Emperor Altoum in his brief Act II introduction ("Un giuramento atroce mi costringe"). Sabin Markov is imposing as the law-giving Mandarin in the opening lines of Act I ("Popolo di Pekino!").

Tom Krause, Piero de Palma, and Pier Francesco Poli are the three masks, the not entirely convincing but altogether charming ministers: Ping, Pang, and Pong. The average listener may not consider the first scene of Act II to be a highlight of the opera. It possesses not a single line from Calaf, Liù, or Turandot; it is, in actuality, only a long, capricious trio for the aforementioned three. However, it is a treasure trove of delightful Puccinian melodies that are often overlooked because of a lack of star power. "Olà Pang! Olà Pong!" (in which the three ministers prepare for either a marriage or a funeral, then contemplate the tragic recent years of China's history under the Stalinesque grasp of Turandot), provides a strong, numinous introduction; "Ho una casa nell'Honan" (in which the ministers contemplate their peaceful, happier lives outside Peking, "all surrounded by bamboo") allows the three singers to shine individually, each sculpting the personality of his own mask; "O mondo...O mondo" (in which the ministers remember chidingly the colorful personalities of Turandot's failed suitors and other madmen in love) is a masterpiece in Oriental charisma and melody; and "Addio, amore, addio, razza!" (in which the ministers bid farewell to the divine lineage and honor of China) and "O tigre! O tigre!" (in which the ministers fantasize about conducting a marriage for Turandot [rather than the impending funeral] and she and her husband making love in the gardens of the palace), provide a musing, coy finalization to the scene.

The brilliance of this recording, in short, can be heard plainly in Act I, during the visual, mimed entrance of Turandot to the thumping and plucking of the strings. This was truly a brilliant move by Puccini; the frigid princess remains wrapped in her icy mystery and virginal lonesomeness and disappears as abruptly as she appeared, like an arcane shade, until the middle of Act II. The same magic can be heard in the electrifying finale of the first act; Pavarotti's three cries of "Turandot!" are accentuated by three volcanic eruptions from the gong. While the scene closes with an oppressive theme, one can almost see the leering face of Turandot, viewing the man she believes will be her next victim.

5 out of 5 stars One of the Great Recordings of the 20th Century.......2007-05-06

This recording exemplifies the limitless possibilities of the recording medium. Sutherland never sang the role of Turandot live. She certainly could have but the focus of most of her international career was the music of the 18th century. This performance came as a huge surprise to the public when it was first issued on LPs in the 1970s. She's nothing less than a phenomenal Turandot. Her singing is flawless. Perfect.

For me, bad habits and self conscious effects plagued much of Caballe's singing. Her voice was never a beautiful instrument but she used her voice beautifully. Sometimes the famous pianissimo singing she was famous for sounded overly luxuriant and outside the meaning of the words and music. There are times on the recording where vowels and consonants become sounds. Her performance here is good but I much prefer Tebaldi whose incredibly beautifully voice is used for full expression. Caballe's voice is more calculated. Effective yes, but I can still hear the wheels turning.

The main attraction of this recording for many is the youthful Calaf of Luciano Pavarotti. By the time of this recording, Pavarotti was perhaps the most famous opera singer in the world and here he is caught in full youthful bloom. The tone rivals the great tenors of the century. His singing is fully expressive with an irresistible lushness and expansive quality. The high notes have ping and in general, he gives a gorgeously sung and dramatic portrayal.

I have never warmed up to Mehta's bombastic approach to everything he conducts but here it works extremely well and the playing of the New Philharmonia Orchestra and John Aldiss Choir is superb.

Is this recording better than RCA's famous living stereo edition? No, but it clearly is equal to that recording. In fact, this is one of the best opera recordings of the century.

5 out of 5 stars Barbaric AND Beautiful.......2006-12-05

For many years, my "Turandot" of choice was the old RCA set with Nilsson, Bjorling, and Tebaldi. Loud, brash, garish, colorful, the score is the epitome of Grand Opera, and the power of Nilsson's performances as the "Ice Princess" is still regarded by most opera fans as "the only one," to quote Eva Marton.

This recording taught me that the opera is also beautiful.

Turandot is a fantastic change for Dame Joan, and she sings it with passion, vehemence, warmth, and exquisitely easy high notes. The voice in the theater was indeed quite large, especially in the middle range, with a top that slimmed down to a silvery sheen above the staff. But for this recording, you get the overall sense that Sutherland was holding something back all these years - until now. Pavarotti is simply as great as he ever was - the voice in the theater was exactly like his recordings. His Calaf is thrilling from beginning to end. Caballe's Liu outshines Tebaldi by virtue of the most sublime pianissimi ever recorded: the final note of "Signore ascolta" goes on forever. Ghiaurov and Pears are luxury casting, but the rest of the cast are no slouches either. Even Piero de Palma, the most recorded character tenor in history, is on hand to sing Pong, a solid experienced veteran, and a real artist. Zubin Mehta manages to integrate the brash colors of this score and refine them to glowing effect, without loss of grandeur.

This recording should be placed in the hall of fame as one of the best studio performances of all time.

5 out of 5 stars Why you should get this recording.....................2006-06-27

Sutherland would never sing Turandot in the theatre and personally, I don't think she cracks it here in this recording. However, vocally she seems to have no limits, especially when singing the taxing high passages and for Turandot, this is enough. My preference is more along the lines of Nilsson, Marton and maybe Eaglen. Likewise, Pavarotti does not come close to Bjoerling, Heppner or Corelli with his interpretation of Calaf, but he sings well. Caballe and Mehta are the real reason to get this recording; Caballe sings superbly and Mehta conducts a fine reading of Puccini's lush score.

3 out of 5 stars Good except for Sutherland.......2006-05-26

I bought this a long time ago, and I'm scandalized by the plethora of positive reviews.

I was surprised by how whiny and pathetic Sutherland sounds. Perhaps it is the lack of runs and turns. Her Italian diction is horrible. Plus I hate how she attacks her notes, as if they are preceded by acciaccatura. She is evidently miscast. Nilsson spent her career defining Turandot. The verity and constancy of her notes are such a delight, and Sutherland's recording only serves to underscore this.

On the other hand, Caballe was excellent. She is the best Liu I've ever heard. Her singing was particularly rousing. I wish she could make her breathing less audible though.

The rest is OK. The audio quality is excellent.
Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)
  • Luciano Pavorotti
  • Luciano is the best!
Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by FlotowAll Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MeyerbeerAll Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by RossiniAll Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works Featuring Luciano PavarottiAll Works Featuring Luciano Pavarotti | Pavarotti, Luciano | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Bixio, Cesare AndreaBixio, Cesare Andrea | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Cardillo, SalvatoreCardillo, Salvatore | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Capua, Eduardo diCapua, Eduardo di | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Curtis, Ernesto deCurtis, Ernesto de | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Best of the Three Tenors
  2. Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti
  3. Pavarotti: Greatest Hits
  4. Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs
  5. The Best of Luciano Pavarotti: 20th Century Masters/The Millennium Collection

ASIN: B0007V5WB4
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

  1. La donna obile
  2. Una furtiva lagrima
  3. "Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)
  4. Donna non vidi mai
  5. Che gelida manina
  6. O soave fanciulla
  7. Mi batte il cor...O Paradiso!
  8. M'appari
  9. Quando le sere al placido chiaror d'un ciel stellato
  10. Se quel guerrier io fossi!..Celeste Aida
  11. Forse la soglia attinse
  12. Recitar! - "Vesti la giubba"
  13. Come un bel di maggio
  14. Ah mes amis - Pour mon
  15. Di quella pira
  16. Nessun dorma!

Tracks:

  1. Torna a Surriento
  2. Santa Lucia luntana
  3. La Danza
  4. L'ultima canzone
  5. Non t'amo pi
  6. Mattinata
  7. 'O sole mio
  8. 'A vucchella
  9. Core 'ngrato
  10. Nel blu, dipinto di blu
  11. Vivere
  12. Il Canto
  13. Caruso
  14. Buongiorno a te
  15. Ti adoro
  16. E lucevan le stelle
  17. Questa o quella (Ballata)
  18. Parmi veder le lagrime

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour).......2007-06-27

Wonderful Pavarotti sings the best of the best. His voice never ceases to amaze me. Listening pleasure at it's finest.

5 out of 5 stars Luciano Pavorotti.......2007-02-17

All the songs are wonderful, can never become tired of listening to his songs. Excellent.

5 out of 5 stars Luciano is the best!.......2007-01-20

I can't speak more highly of this collection of Pavrotti's songs. I keep this two CD pack in my car so I can enjoy it on my way to and from work. Even after I have arrived, I find myself sitting in my car waiting for a song to end. Walking out on a song seems sacriligious. While I grew up listening to Caruso and Lanza, there is no question that Pavrotti is the Master! Although, I do have to admit Pavrotti has the greater advantage of modern recording technology to better present his talent than Caruso and Lanza had. However, Lanza definitely didn't have the power that Pavrotti has. With Caruso, we will never know... I highly recommend this collection of Pavrotti's, if you are a Pavrotti fan. If you aren't, buy it anyway and become one:)


















Tuscany: A Romantic Journey
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Favorites of the past
  • Seventh heaven
  • Excellent CD
  • Monica
  • Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!
Tuscany: A Romantic Journey

Manufacturer: Somerset Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by DonizettiAll Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Bella Tuscany: Music Inspired by Tuscany
  2. Provence: A Romantic Journey
  3. Under the Tuscan Sun
  4. Mediterranean Nights
  5. 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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