Roberto (10th Anniversary) '97

1. Mulher de 40

2. Cheirosa

3. Quando Digo Que Te Amo

4. Amor Antigo

5. Come É Grande O Meu Amor Por Voncé

6. O Terço

7. Tem Coisas Que a Gente Náo Tira Do Coraçáo

8. Comandante Do Seu Coraçao

9. Assunto Predileto

10. O Homem Bom

Roberto (10th Anniversary) '97,Roberto Carlos,Sony International,Bolero,Brazilian,Latin,Latin Pop

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Average customer rating: RIP, BEVERLY SILLS 1929-2007 Brava Sills! Sills fits my bill The Great American Soprano My Favorite Woman

The Great Recordings Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon 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 General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | 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 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 Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Beverly Sills Art of Beverly Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Beverly Sills: Made in America ASIN: B0001Y4JG6 Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

1. Son Vergin Vezzosa - Paul Plishka
2. Eccomi... Oh! Quante Volte
3. Mira, O Norma
4. Santo Di Patria... Allor Che I Forti Corrono... Da Te Questo
5. Contro Un Cor Che Accende Amore - Nicolai Gedda
6. Che M'apporti? - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
7. Quel Sangue Versato Al Cielo S'innalza - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
8. Vorrei Spiegarvi, Oh Dio, K.418
9. Amor, Op.68 No.5

Tracks:

1. Martern Aller Arten
2. E Strano! E Strano!
3. Ah, Fors'e Lui
4. Follie! Follie!
5. Sempre Libera
6. Ces Murs Silencieux - Pardonnez-moi, Dieu De Toute Puissance - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
7. Toi! Vous! - Oui! Je Fus Cruelle Et Coupable! - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
8. N'est-ce Plus Ma Main? - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
9. Robert, Toi Que J'aime
10. Tu Ne Chanteras Plus?
11. Chere Enfant Que J'appele
12. Meine, Lippen, Die Kusen So Heiss
13. Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
14. Always Through The Changing

Customer Reviews:

RIP, BEVERLY SILLS 1929-2007.......2007-07-03

The great American diva's passing was announced today.

This wonderful CD set is a perfect compilation of her art as can be found anywhere. Her finest roles and performances are captured here, most of them derived from the Westminster/Audio Treasury recordings from her prime. Listening to them again demonstrates to me why she was so special, and such an inspiration to music lovers everywhere.

Brava Sills!.......2007-02-02

A very nice compilation of Sillsiana. The different cuts on this CD provide a nice illustration of her work. Let me briefly describe my response to a sampling of the works on this CD:

Bellini, I Puritani, "Son vergin vezzosa." Wonderful. Sutherland owns this--but so does Beverly Sills. Contemporary sopranos such as Netrebko and Gruberova have also sung this on their respective CDs, and while their product is nice, it simply does not compare. Sills is remarkably agile with her voice; the trills are well done; she cleanly hits high notes; the overall effect can only be described as wonderful.

Bellini, Norma, "Mira, o Norma". This is smoothly sung and very melodic. The technique that she exhibits does not overwhelm the music.

Rosini, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, "Contro un cor che accende amore." Again, her agile voice is well deployed. The florid singing is well done.

Donizetti, Roberto Devereaux, "Che m'apporti." Her clean, light voice matches well with this aria. Smoothly sung. Her "Quel sangue versato al cielo s'innalza," which follows, is well done. High notes cleanly hit, a smooth line.

Verdi, La Traviata, "E strano. . . .Sempre libera." Again, what agility! In "Sempre libera," she reveals a rich voice and, again, wonderful agility. This is an animated version of one of Verdi's showcase pieces.

Lehar, Giudetta. "Meine Lippen." A lot of fun! This is smoothly sung.

In the final analysis, this is a nice potpourri of Beverly Sills' repertoire. Those not familiar with her work will find this a nice entree to her oeuvre; those familiar with her will find this a good compilation.

Sills fits my bill.......2006-03-13

This recording is another in an all too small CD collection of Sills recordings. I eagerly await more.

The Great American Soprano.......2005-10-01

This is a great collecition featuring arias from the Classical and Romantic periods. Fabulous!!!!!

My Favorite Woman.......2005-08-05

I would have to say that when I first heard Beverly Sills sing, I was entranced. I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I became angry at any rustling around me, because I was afraid I would miss one note. It was so addictive....that is what she is....addictive! A c.d. will never properly capture her style. She is an amazing leader in opera, taking it into a new frontier and I believe this c.d. showcases that.

Average customer rating: Beautiful music sung by a great soprano WHAT CAN I SAY? Rest in Peace Dear Bubbles (1929-July 2, 2007) two beautiful discs! Good example of the "Art of Beverly Sills"

Art of Beverly Beverly Sills Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Beverly Sills The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Beverly Sills Beverly Sills & Friends ASIN: B000075A7K Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. Mignon: Oui, Pour Ce Soir Je Suis Reine Des Fees...Je Suis Titania La Blonde
2. Manon: Allons! Il Le Faut-Adieu, Notre Petite Table
3. Manon: Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins-Obeissons Quand Leur Voix Appelle
4. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
5. Linda Di Chamounix: Ah! Tardai Troppo...O Luce Di Quest'Anima
6. Lucia Di Lammermoor: Regnava Nel Silenzio...Quando Rapito In Estasi
7. I Puritani: Fini...Me Lassa!
8. I Puritani: Vieni, Vieni Fra Queste Braccia
9. Roberto Devereux: L'amor Suo Mi Fe' Beata
10. Maria Stuarda: O Nube
11. Anna Bolena: Cielo A' Miei Lunghi Spasimi-Coppia Iniqua

Tracks:

1. Les Contes D'Hoffman: Les Oiseau Dans La Charmille
2. Les Contes D'Hoffman: Elle A Fui, La Tourterelle
3. Zaide: Ruhe Sanft, Mein Holdes Leben
4. Der Opernball: Im Chambre Separee
5. Die Lustige Witwe: Es Lebt' Eine Vilja
6. The Ballad Of Baby Doe: Gold Is A Fine Thing
7. Die Tote Stadt: Cluck, Das Mir Verblieb
8. Daphen: Was Blendet So...Ich Komme...Ich Komme
9. Sechs Lieder Op.19 No.2: Breit' uber Mein haupt Dein Schwarzes Haar

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful music sung by a great soprano.......2007-08-01

During the era of high-fidelity recording music lovers have been fortunate to have had available many fine recordings by several outstanding sopranos. But, in my opinion, Beverly Sills was the greatest soprano of them all. This 2-CD set contains a large collection of her most popular arias, all sung with the unique combination of vocal beauty, flawless technique, and healtfelt artistry which made Beverly Sills singing so special and beloved. If you are a fan of this great artist -- or simply like beautiful music beautifully sung -- please treat yourself to this wonderful 2-CD set now. I can't imagine any music lover being without it -- its that outstanding. Incidentally, it's also bargain priced.

WHAT CAN I SAY?.......2007-07-05

FOR THOSE WHO WANT A SAMPLER, IT IS THE BEST. YET, IT LEAVES YOU PINING FOR THE ITEMS SILLS NEVER RECORDED IN THEIR ENTIRETY. MORE STRAUSS, MORE OF EVERYTHING. A DEFINITIVE VOICE. HER LUCIA IS UNSURPASSED.

Rest in Peace Dear Bubbles (1929-July 2, 2007).......2007-07-03

I have always loved the flowing, plaintive music of bel canto, and no other singer perhaps captured the synthesis of fioritura and expression so perfectly as Beverly Sills. Callas may have been a supreme dramatist, but Beverly Sills had a better command of the fioritura that skyrocketed her career during the 60s and 70s. It is indeed sad that America has lost one of its national treasures yesterday when Beverly Sills passed away in Manhattan. She truly was one of the greatest. Just listen to her singing any one of Donizetti's three queens and you will know what I mean. She is exemplary not only in Donizetti though. Her Manon is still the best, her Violetta in par with Callas, her Louise the most idiomatic ever recorded, her Fille du Regiment a joy, Linda di Chamounix ecstatic, and Gilda a lesson in the art of light Verdi. She was a supreme painter of characters. Has there ever been a more brilliant Zerbinetta? And how many singers have been able to truly convey the youth of Elvira in Puritani? In Rossini, she was also unparalleled in L'Assedio di Corinto, the role that she made her La Scala debut in. Beverly Sills was one of a great many singers who belonged to a great golden age of singing, and I am thankful that I was born into the right time to hear her glorious work. This CD is a wonderful compilation of the brand of singing that she brought into the lives of many an opera fan for years and years to come.

I met this singer last fall in New York. A few months later, I saw her again hosting the opera quiz at the Met. Little did I know that about five months later, she would forever rest in the peace that she deserved for so long. Rest in peace Beverly. And brava...brava for the many years of wonderful singing that you gave us.

two beautiful discs!.......2007-02-18

Beverly Sills not only survived being a child prodigy - a rare enough thing among singing musicians - she triumphed in a big way. Her fertile and beautiful art is wonderfully represented on this double disc set from Deutsche Grammophon. I sense today a resurgence of appreciation for her art, and to call it well deserved is saying the least. The singing's jam packed with pure musicianship, attention to nuance, fidelity to composer and character - in a word, everything requisite to making the operatic art thrive, qualities in short enough supply today among many opera stars, and it makes this package even more attractive. Sills not only understood bel canto art, she accomplished it memorably. Highlights include 'Ah! Tardai troppo...' (Linda di Chamounix), &an unearthly 'Regnava nel silenzio...' (Lucia), which I might prefer to Sutherland's for its committment and munificence. The gone too soon Thomas Schippers conducts a great performance - how that man could possess whatever orchestra and score he worked with. Two arias from I Puritani - especially 'Vieni, vieni fra queste braccia' with the singing of the genius Nicolai Gedda as Arturo, and an opening to Anna Bolena's aria 'Cielo, a' miei lunghi spasimi' that wipes clean every memory of other versions. All that on disc 1! I had forgotten Sills' beautiful pianissimos, singing so musicianly and free of ego - her interpretation is always only her adherence to score and composer, and greater praise cant be given a classical singer. Disc 2 offers a definitive version of Korngold's 'Gluck, das mir verblieb' (Die Tote Stadt) among a number of fine versions out there. The slowest version available and I feel I'm hearing it for the first time, and with a true Viennese (Rudel) conducting! You can put this track alone on repeat and live out the day in freedom! If you dont know Sills' art, or dont remember it well and truly, this set is a fine place to begin what will become transfixion with a musical art that proves itself urgent and inextinguishable! Highest recommendation.

Good example of the "Art of Beverly Sills".......2007-01-27

Beverly Sills is one of the most well reputed coloratura sopranos of the past fifty years. This CD illustrates why she has attained such renown. First, it shows the range of her singing. While much of her work focused on Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, she sang about fifty roles in her career, before retiring in her late 40s. This 2 CD set provides a sense of the range of her work.

The first CD focuses on her operatic singing. The CD begins with a selection from Thomas' "Mignon," culminating in "Je suis Titania la blonde." Her voice is light and clear. She displays great agility. In the middle of this piece, she shows a decent but not great trill; she closes the "cut" with a series of terrific trills. Her ornamentation is nicely done.

Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix" was another of Sills' characters. "Ah! Tardai troppo. . .O luce di quest'anima" features more clean vocalization. The florid singing is nicely done, with well sung high notes and additional sound trills. A very agile voice on display! From Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," Sills sings "Regnava nel silenzio. . .Quando rapito in estasi." Her voice is smooth. In the aria, she produces a set of trill after trill, each one well done, but in their totality almost overdone (I love trills, but there were almost too many!). "Quando rapito in estasi" is well sung, with much well done florid singing, with appoggiaturas, trills, and other ornamentation.

The remainder of the CD features selections from Bellini's "I Puritani," and Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux," "Maria Stuarda," and "Anna Bolena." I can say pretty much the same about these pieces as already stated before. Excellent technique, wonderful ornamentation.

The second CD begins with the redoubtable piece, sung by "Olympia," from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann." Well done, with good vocal effects, catching the mechanical aspects of the music. Other pieces on this side come from Mozart, Heuberger, Moore, Korngold, and so on.

One piece worth mentioning, because it captures her approach to a lighter work, from Lehar's "The Merry Widow." She sings the song for what it is, and does not overwhelm it with her voice. Compare with what Richard Tucker did to the enjoyable but rather light song, "What Now My Love?", when he essayed singing pop tunes. Enjoyable for the thrill of his voice; pretty grisly in terms of his overwhelming the music itself. That does not happen here; there is a certain pathos in Sills' singing, as warranted by the song. It suggests the range of her singing.

All in all, a good sampling of "The Art of Beverly Sills." Hearing her voice again after many years reinforces my preexisting view that she ranks as one of the best coloratura sopranos of the past fifty years. There are terrific contemporary singers who sing the same repertoire and do it well. But Beverly Sills certainly compares very well with them. If interested in an introduction to Sillsiana, this is a good place to start.

Average customer rating: 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 Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | 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 All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works Featuring Luciano Pavarotti | Pavarotti, Luciano | ( P ) | 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 General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bixio, Cesare Andrea | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cardillo, Salvatore | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Capua, Eduardo di | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Curtis, Ernesto de | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Three Tenors Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti Pavarotti: Greatest Hits Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs 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:

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.

Luciano Pavorotti.......2007-02-17

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

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:)

Average customer rating: Beyond Buena Vista....Sensuous, fresh, modern... This is what Latin jazz should sound like...!

Zamazu Roberto Fonseca Manufacturer: Enja/Justin Time ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Temperamento Mi Sueño Elengo Above and Beyond: An Evening in Grand Rapids Segu Blue ASIN: B000OONP04 Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Misa Popular
2. Tierra En Mano
3. Clandestinos
4. Llegó Cachaito
5. Así Baila Mi Madre
6. Congo Árabe
7. Zamazu
8. Suspiro
9. Ishmael
10. El Niejo
11. Mil Congojas
12. Triste Alegría
13. Zamazamazu
14. Dime Que No

Album Description

Following in the long lineage of great Cuban pianists, from Jorge Bolet to Gonzalo Rubalcaba, the brilliant young pianist Roberto Fonseca has been called "the most promising and important talent in Cuban music." On Zamazu, the former member of the Buena Vista Social Club -- he replaced Rubén Gonzalez after his departure -- distinguishes himself as a spectacular player, composer, arranger and bandleader. With bassist Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, Brazilian percussionist Carlinhos Brown, vocalist Omara Portuondo and Spain's flamenco guitar sensation Vincente Amigo.

From his thoughtful, Herbie Hancock-inspired harmonies on "Tierra En Mano" to his driving groove on the churning bata-fueled "Clandestino" to his exotic, Oriental flavored "Congo Arabe," Fonseca incorporates a wealth of musical influences on Zamazu. There's a touch of American gospel in the passionate title track, an undercurrent of infectious Brazilian groove along with a tinge of American funk on the spirited "Zamazamazu" and an elegant old school feel on the Cuban guajira "Dime Que No." The darkly alluring and introspective "Llego Cachaito," a showcase for the great Cuban bassist Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, is a delicate number that reveals Fonseca's sensitive side while the frantically uptempo interlude "Asi Baila Mi Madfre" is a knuckle-buster that showcases his prodigious keyboard technique. Clarinetist and longtime musical partner Javier Zalba helps conjure up feelings of melancholy and longing on the haunting "Suspiro" and "El Niejo" while Fonseca also turns in a dramatic son montuno reading of Abdullah Ibrahim's "Ishmael," which is augmented by eight-piece string section. And in one of the most emotionally charged moments on Zamazu, he teams with Buena Vista Social Club singer Omara Portuondo for a poignant reading of "Mil Congojas," a tune that Fonseca used to play as an intimage duet in concert with the late Ibrahim Ferrer up until the singer's passing in August, 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Beyond Buena Vista....Sensuous, fresh, modern..........2007-06-05

Fresh from producing, arranging and playing on Ferrer's posthumously released album of boleros Mi Sueño, Fonseca now delivers his fourth album, "Zamazu", a disc as innovative and exciting as "Mi Sueño" is dreamy and traditional.
With Fonseca posed, Justin Timberlake-style, on the cover in leather Byblos hat and black Agnès B coat (the Parisian designer became his self-appointed stylist after being blown away by a concert in France), "Zamazu" redefines Latin jazz with 14 wide-ranging but eminently spiritual pieces recorded in Havana and Brazil.
Most are original compositions: paeans to family, friends and Santeria, the Afro-Cuban religion that merges Catholicism and African beliefs and informs Fonseca's life. All are uplifting and beautiful, modern and outward-looking.
As a legacy of his international travels with Ferrer, "Zamazu" embraces sounds from elsewhere, feeding flamenco, Celtic or North African influences into a fluid and compelling personal style.
Buena Vista were keepers of the soundtrack to a long-isolated country and were celebrated for their traditionalism.
But Roberto Fonseca could pull up a piano stool at a jazz club anywhere in the world and trounce the competition with his gift for melody, virtuosity, invention.

This is what Latin jazz should sound like...!.......2007-05-20

An impressive album by Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca, who took over the piano chair in the Buena Vista Social Club after Ruben Gonzales left in '01. Fonseca draws on seemingly limitless styles and resources, and a soulful sense of melody that sets this album apart from many run-of-the-mill Latin jazz workouts: he plays with soul and sensitivity, exploring a rich emotional reservoir that will offer plenty of rewards to receptive listeners. If you're looking for new Latin jazz material that really does justice to both traditions (and doesn't just mash them together), check this album out!

Average customer rating: One of the best opera records ever A Top Recording A PRECIOUS GEM AND LE VILLI HIGHLIGHTS AS A BONUS A truly fabulous recording Wow - what a recording!

Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano Giacomo Puccini , Angela Gheorghiu , Roberto Alagna , Antonio Pappano , London Symphony Orchestra , William Matteuzzi , Inva Mula , Patrizia Ciofi , Monica Bacelli , Toby Spence , Riccardo Simonetti , Enrico Fissore , Patrizia Biccire , and Alberto Rinaldi Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | ( G ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano Verdi: Macbeth Puccini: Edgar Wagner: Lohengrin Puccini - Tosca / Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Ruggero Raimondi, David Cangelosi, Antonio Pappano, Royal Opera ASIN: B000002RYA Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

1. La rondine: Act One: Ah! no! no!...Non dite questo
2. La rondine: Act One: Chi il bel sogno di Doretto
3. La rondine: Act One: Chi il bel sogno di Doretto
4. La rondine: Act One: No. Adesso non burlatemi
5. La rondine: Act One: Un momento: scusi
6. La rondine: Act One: Come fate a sopportarla?
7. La rondine: Act One: Denaro! Nient'altro che denaro!
8. La rondine: Act One: E poi?... Basta inito
9. La rondine: Act One: Ah! Ruggero Lastouc
10. La rondine: Act One: Forse, come la rondini
11. La rondine: Act One: Parigi! a cittei desideri
12. La rondine: Act One: Poeta raffinato
13. La rondine: Act One: Buona sero
14. La rondine: Act One: Forse come la rondine
15. La rondine: Act One: T'amo!...Menti!
16. La rondine: Act One: Chi mi riconoscerebbe?
17. La rondine: Act Two: Fiori freschi!
18. La rondine: Act Two: Chi Mai vista!
19. La rondine: Act Two: Scusatemi...Scusate
20. La rondine: Act Two: Nella dolce carezza
21. La rondine: Act Two: Ti prego: dignat
22. La rondine: Act Two: Che caldo! Che stet!
23. La rondine: Act Two: Perchai cercate di saper
24. La rondine: Act Two: Dio! Lei! Guardala!
25. La rondine: Act Two: Gihe il caso ci unische
26. La rondine: Act Two: Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso
27. La rondine: Act Two: Rambaldo!..Ah! M'aiutate!
28. La rondine: Act Two: Nella trepida luce d'un mattin
29. La rondine: Act Two: Paulette! nostri amici

Tracks:

1. La rondine: Act Three: Senti? Anche il mare respira sommesso
2. La rondine: Act Three: E siam fuggiti qui per nasconderlo
3. La rondine: Act Three: No. Un segreto
4. La rondine: Act Three: Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi alla mia casa
5. La rondine: Act Three: [Orchestra]
6. La rondine: Act Three: Che pigli? Che fare?
7. La rondine: Act Three: qui?...Non so!
8. La rondine: Act Three: No! Non m'inganno!
9. La rondine: Act Three: Amore mio!
10. La rondine: Act Three: Figliuolo, tu mi dici
11. La rondine: Act Three: Donale il bacio mio!
12. La rondine: Act Three: No! Non dir questo!
13. La rondine: Act Three: Ma come puoi lascarmi?
14. La rondine: Morire
15. La rondine: Le villi: Preludio
16. La rondine: Le villi: Ecco la casa dio
17. La rondine: Le villi: Torna ai felici di
18. La rondine: Le villi: L'abbandono ( Parte Sinfonica 1)
19. La rondine: Le villi: La tregenda ( Parte Sinfonica 2)

Amazon.com

This is one of the problem operas of Puccini's maturity, something he began writing while under the spell of Lehar's The Merry Widow that never quite came together as a piece of theater. But the score contains some of Puccini's most congenial music and attractive scoring. An alert, resourceful new presence on the opera scene, conductor Antonio Pappano is just the one to make the best possible attempt at holding it together. Stars Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna show you why the opera world was so excited about them before they started cancelling: She has a dusky voice and quivering vulnerability; he has virility and taste. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

One of the best opera records ever.......2002-04-04

This is in my opinion not the best opera Puccini wrote but its not att all bad. Its no Tosca, La Boheme, Turandot etc but it doesnt matter because it is a quite good one AND most importent is that performance is absolutly fantastic on this disc.

Pappano conducts FANTASTIC, GREAT AND Alagna AND Gheorghiu sings ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC too and so do rest of the cast.

I had a lot of opera records and find a better opera record, talking about singing and conducting (and sound of this excellent record,) you need to look for Björlings best records and/or some of Pavarottis and Domingos best.

Some people dont like Alagna/Gheorghiu but in this case you should give this couple a fair chance because they sing wonderful on this disc.

Mayby everything was right, magic on this session.. their voices is probably at their peak level here? and mayby Pappano did something extra good too in his will and support.

Anyway... fact is that this performance is beutiful and this is NOT a matter of taste because ANYONE with music ear could understand that.

Buy it because of its fantastic performance. If you dont do so you def. miss something really good.

A Top Recording.......2002-01-26

I can dispense with relating the story of La Rondine as that has been admirably done by earlier reviews. But it is difficult for me to account for the harsh criticism offered by some reviews of this set. When this recording of La Rondine appeared in 1997, it was warmly greeting by critics and was (and is still) considered to be the best of the available recordings. The opera was an attempt to emulate the operettas of Lehar and Johann Strauss, and with La Traviata holding particular influence. There was a multitude of influences on La Rondine, even to making it into a comic opera along the lines of Rosenkavalier. However, it more closely resembles Traviata in its story and musical language.

It is the singing by Angela Gheorghiu (as Magda) and Roberto Alagna (as Ruggero) that make this an idea recording. The way they approach and sing their parts convey what Puccini had in mind: Magda's role more complex and filled with emotional expression, and Ruggero an ardent young student. I don't think the singing could be better expressed than on this recording. Antonio Pappano brings out subtle shadings in the score and the recording is bright and clear. The earlier recording by Maazel has its virtues but the better characteriztion of these roles to the Pappano recording.

The fillers are of interest as well. Morire? (a first version of a song Puccini included in the Vienna performances of La Rondine) is superbly sung by Alagna with Pappano at the piano. The excerpts from La Villi, Puccini's first opera, are tantalizing with Roberto Alagna, once again, giving a great account of his abilities as Roberto. Listening to La Villi makes one wish that Pappano would record this work. I can enthusiastically recommend this recording to anyone.

A PRECIOUS GEM AND LE VILLI HIGHLIGHTS AS A BONUS.......2002-01-21

The two musically and vocally sumptuous CDs under review include the enchanting La Rondine, a mature Puccini' score, plus highlights of the tragic opera Le Villi, the composer's first opera. The recording offers a glorious trail of musical discovery to the listener because performance and recording of both operas are rare. Any list of lyrical opera masterpieces does not include either of them. How wrong can people be? It is the first time I heard both operas.

Puccini's publisher Tito Ricordi thought very little of La Rondine and dismissed it as bad Lehar. This opinion is sheer nonsense. La Rondine is a delightful, inspired musical composition in the typical expansive lyricism of the great master. The score evokes the artistic sense, delicate tastes, passionate refinements and French boudoirs of La Belle Époque in Europe (1900-1914). Make no mistakes. The unsurpassable lyrical style of Puccini is there: Heartfelt recitatives, tender phrases with bold colours, ample extensions, top notes of volume, power and timbre. The music is reminiscent of the effusive delicacy mixed with passion of Madama Butterfly.

Now to the plot concisely. Ruggero meets the courtesan Magda at a Parisian ball. Thinking that love has blossomed, they flee to the coast away from city vicissitudes. Ruggero utters "Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi alla mia casa" offering his beloved a life of family affection. Magda is an art- loving, modern charm woman and cannot renounce to her ambiguous circles. They part.

Roberto Alagna as Ruggero sings warm, lirico spinto notes without a French nasal but more with a Franco-Italian pulpy sound. He cannot claim entry yet into the "espada", a group of legendary tenors including Gillion, Escalais, Fleta, Lazaro and Lauri-Volpi. They emitted steel bladed top notes. Alagna is very convincing in the role, which portrays the naïve and immature young man from the provinces. Angela Gheorghiu as Magda sings with pure and soaring notes. She is beautiful, has long black hair and a ravishing scenic personality. She is very convincing as the charming courtesan.

The highlights of Le Villi are part of the second CD and a magnificent bonus. The prelude and two symphonic intermezzi are included. They are admirable pieces of orchestral invention and workmanship. In the first intermezzo, the Abandonment, the orchestra begins quietly, female voices join in, surges to passionate chords and dies away with the chorus' distant echo. In the second, the Witches' Sabbath, the orchestra pours forth an overflowing rush of sounds and extremely talented polyphonic mixtures with great clarity, as in all Puccini's music. "Torna ai felici di' dolente il mio pensier" the protagonist Roberto laments in sorrow on his return home. He had left, fallen for an adventuress and forgotten Anna, his first love. The sweet Anna waited in vain and died heartbroken at the coming of winter. Anna' spirit appears with those of other deserted maidens, Le Villi, and in revenge draws him to a fatal dance.

Alagna sings the aria with surprisingly passionate accents as the masochistic self-tormented Roberto (Le Villi). Alagna sounds distinctly and superbly Puccinian. The conductor Pappano's tempi are magnificent and throw both operas under a new light of incredible musical beauty (listen to the intermezzo, the Abandonment, of le Villi). More stupefying is his sense of opera as musical theatre. The expressive strength, the space he concedes to the singers, the sense of arioso and a sound explosion without limits fly to the listener's ears and heart. The CD sound is resounding and faultless.

The beautiful booklet contains photos of the principal singers, secondary roles, conductor and artistic scenes. The critical review and synopsis are in English. The libretto is in both English and Italian. The CDs track numbers are usefully bolded at the margins of the libretto. BUY AND LISTEN TO LA RONDINE AND LE VILLI ON THESE CDs. YOU WILL GET A STUPENDOUS, NOVEL EXPERIENCE AND DISCOVER MORE OF PUCCINI!

A truly fabulous recording.......2001-09-11

I am in deep shock at some of the poor reviews regarding this magnificent recording of La Rondine. On my stereo the voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu sound absolutely divine. This recording is anything but boring--perhaps some of the other reviewers need to look into replacing their stereo systems with ones that can capture fully the ravishing voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu. While La Rondine is not one of my favorite operas, this recording is nonetheless one of the finest and most beautiful that I own. Alagna and his wife may be controversial and not well liked, yet any unbiased reviewer cannot fail to appreciate the fine singing on this CD. If you are a fan of Puccini, don't hesitate to purchase this CD. If you are unfamiliar with this opera, this is the version you want to have, as it is in a class of its own. Put aside any negative feelings towards Alagna and Gheorghiu and just listen to the singing, which is certain to win you over. Even my non-operatic friends have commented favorably on this CD upon hearing it, and that should speak volumes to anyone interested in this edition.

Wow - what a recording!.......2001-08-10

I'm having trouble believing that other folks reviewing this opera have listened to the same recording that I have. There's an intimate tenderness to it that makes you hold your breath when you're listening. The famous 'Chi bel sono' aria that comes at the beginning is incredibly tasteful...it makes shivers go up and down your spine. I've listened to other recordings of this same aria and have found none that come anywhere close. In particular Kiri Te Kanawa's is grossly oversung. It's like comparing a gossamer silk handkerchief to a kitchen sponge.

Puccini admitted patterning this opera after Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Some folks have professed not being able to see the connection. It's a no-brainer to me though, though it'd be impossible to put into words. They both make you feel the same...you get the same damned grin on your face when you listen to both, you feel that the music is perfection, that there's not a note out of place. And Puccini's attains a delicate intimacy that pulls you in much closer than any other operas.

I feel this is Puccini's strongest work musically..that he's gone waaaay beyond what he was able to do in other operas. He's been able to do subtle, understated but delicious things in this chamber opera that he just couldn't do before. I'm extremely glad I found this opera, and especially glad that I found this recording. Buy it. Don't bother with any other recordings.

Average customer rating: beautiful beautiful Ave Maria Ave Maria - penetrating hymns the Ave Maria Album My Dad used to sing this while shaving

The Ave Maria Album Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | 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 Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ponselle, Rosa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ponselle, Rosa | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ave Maria The Fabulous Danny Boy Album The Ultimate Sacred Christmas Album ~ Ave Maria Ave Maria Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ ASIN: B000007QGY Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Choir Of Men And Boys Of St. Thomas Episcopal Church
2. Ave Maria - Helmuth Froschauer
3. Ave Maria - Munich Radio Orchestra
4. Ave Maria - George Stoll
5. Ave Maria - Orchestra
6. Ave Maria - The Ave Maria Album
7. Ave Maria
8. Ave Maria
9. Ave Maria
10. Ave Maria
11. Ave Maria
12. Ave Maria
13. Ave Maria
14. Ave Maria
15. Ave Maria
16. Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

beautiful beautiful.......2007-06-27

This CD was a gift for someone who loves the classic Ave Maria, and it delivers an assortment of the most beautiful recordings of the hymn ever made. Just lovely!

Ave Maria.......2007-05-30

Some very good renditions of various versions, but some were rerecordings and not remastered, so were grainy and sounded like old 33.3 RPM recordings. I was disapppointed in those, but most were excellent for my purpose in becoming familiar with the music.

Ave Maria - penetrating hymns.......2006-01-26

Other CD's have various versions of Ave Maria, as does this one. What distinguishes this CD is the quality of the recordings, the reverent tone of the vocalists, and the impressive blending of the singers and orchestras. Some versions inpsire an awesome silence, attracting our focus on these hymns and their solemnity. Ave Maria continually provides a respite from the world--it is so intense. These Ave Maria hymns are captivating enough by their music alone. The meaning adds the intended spiritual dimension. This album comes highly recommended.

the Ave Maria Album.......2005-10-03

My husband and I listen to this all the time .. whatever
version is your preference, you can probably find it on this
album. Excellent.

My Dad used to sing this while shaving.......2005-06-11

This beautiful aria is interpreted 16 ways by several renown singers and composers, so I'm sure you'll find your own personal favorites among the different versions. Each rendition has its own descriptor, and I found myself thinking "riveting", "exhilerating", "captivating", "evocative", "inspiring", or even "heartbreaking" for the same compelling music. To me, even the old fashioned, ragged recordings herein had a certain charm, and I don't mind the 'scratchiness' at all. I believe my Dad would sing Franz Schubert's 'Ave Maria' as interpreted by tenor Jerry Hadley -- I swear it literally brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. As a child, I remember the delight I took in hearing my Dad sing with all the passion and drama of an artiste -- and you know, for a man who didn't even know all the lyrics, he sounded pretty darn good in our old bathroom! Seriously, this is a wonderful collection, even without the reminiscent sentimentality. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating: How LUCKY We ARE to have THESE recordings! The great Beverly Sills on Cd in these masterpieces! The Most Wonderful Compilation of the Tudor Queens "3 Queens, 1 Soprano" Please give it a rest!

Donizetti - Three Queens (Anna Bolena ~ Maria Stuarda ~ Roberto Devereux) Charles Mackerras , and London Symphony Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Massenet: Manon Rossini: L'Assedio di Corinto The Ballad of Baby Doe Handel - Julius Caesar / Treigle · Sills · Forrester · Wolff · NYCO · Rudel ASIN: B000050I2W Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. Anna Bolena: Sinfonia (Overture) - Beverly Sills (Anna)
2. Anna Bolena: Act 1 - Scene 1 - Introduzione - Beverly Sills (Anna)
3. Anna Bolena: Ella di me, sollecita - Beverly Sills (Anna)
4. Anna Bolena: Si taciturna e mesta - Beverly Sills (Anna)
5. Anna Bolena: Deh! Non voler costringere - Beverly Sills (Anna)
6. Anna Bolena: Come, innocente giovane - Beverly Sills (Anna)
7. Anna Bolena: Legger potessi in me! Non v'ha sguardo - Beverly Sills (Anna)
8. Anna Bolena: O! qual parlar fu il suo! - Beverly Sills (Anna)
9. Anna Bolena: Si: l'avrete - Beverly Sills (Anna)
10. Anna Bolena: La mia fama e a' pie dell'ara - Beverly Sills (Anna)
11. Anna Bolena: Ella pure amor m'orrfia - Beverly Sills (Anna)
12. Anna Bolena: Ah! qual sia cercar non oso - Beverly Sills (Anna)
13. Anna Bolena: Act 1 - Scene 2 - Chi veggo?...in Inghilterra - Beverly Sills (Anna)
14. Anna Bolena: Da quel di che, lei perduta - Beverly Sills (Anna)
15. Anna Bolena: Ah! cosi nei di ridenti - Beverly Sills (Anna)
16. Anna Bolena: Desta si tosto - Beverly Sills (Anna)
17. Anna Bolena: Io sentii sulla mio mano - Beverly Sills (Anna)
18. Anna Bolena: Or che reso ai patri i lidi - Beverly Sills (Anna)
19. Anna Bolena: Questo di per noi spuntato - Beverly Sills (Anna)

Tracks:

1. Anna Bolena: Act 1 - Scene 3 - E'sgombro il loco... - Beverly Sills (Anna)
2. Anna Bolena: Ah! parea che per incanto - Beverly Sills (Anna)
3. Anna Bolena: Basta...basta...tropp'oltre vai... - Beverly Sills (Anna)
4. Anna Bolena: Anna! - Riccardo! - Beverly Sills (Anna)
5. Anna Bolena: S'ei t'aborre, io t'amo ancora - Beverly Sills (Anna)
6. Anna Bolena: Ah!...per pieta del mio spavento - Beverly Sills (Anna)
7. Anna Bolena: Alcun potria ascoltarti - Beverly Sills (Anna)
8. Anna Bolena: Tace ognuno - Beverly Sills (Anna)
9. Anna Bolena: In quegli sgardi impresso - Beverly Sills (Anna)
10. Anna Bolena: In separato carcere - Beverly Sills (Anna)
11. Anna Bolena: Act 2 - Scene 1 - O! Dove mai ne andarono - Beverly Sills (Anna)
12. Anna Bolena: O mie fedeli - Beverly Sills (Anna)
13. Anna Bolena: Dio, che mi vedi in core - Beverly Sills (Anna)
14. Anna Bolena: Sul suo capo aggravi un Dio - Beverly Sills (Anna)
15. Anna Bolena: Dal mio cor punita io sono - Beverly Sills (Anna)
16. Anna Bolena: Va, infelice, e teco reca - Beverly Sills (Anna)

Tracks:

1. Anna Bolena: Act 2 - Scene 2 - Ebben? dinanzi ai giudici - Beverly Sills (Anna)
2. Anna Bolena: Scostatevi...il Re giunge... - Beverly Sills (Anna)
3. Anna Bolena: Ambo morrete - Beverly Sills (Anna)
4. Anna Bolena: Al Consiglio sien tratti - Beverly Sills (Anna)
5. Anna Bolena: Sposa a Percy - Beverly Sills (Anna)
6. Anna Bolena: Per questa fiamma indomita - Beverly Sills (Anna)
7. Anna Bolena: Stolta! non sai... - Beverly Sills (Anna)
8. Anna Bolena: Ah! pensate che rivolti - Beverly Sills (Anna)
9. Anna Bolena: Act 2 - Scene 3 - Tu pur dannato a morte - Beverly Sills (Anna)
10. Anna Bolena: Vive tu, te ne scongiuro - Beverly Sills (Anna)
11. Anna Bolena: Nel veder la tua costanza - Beverly Sills (Anna)
12. Anna Bolena: Chi puo verderla - Beverly Sills (Anna)
13. Anna Bolena: Piangete voi? - Beverly Sills (Anna)
14. Anna Bolena: Al dolce giudami castel natio - Beverly Sills (Anna)
15. Anna Bolena: Qual mesto suon?... - Beverly Sills (Anna)
16. Anna Bolena: Cielo, a miei lunghi spasimi - Beverly Sills (Anna)
17. Anna Bolena: Coppia iniqua - Beverly Sills (Anna)

Tracks:

1. Maria Stuarda: Overture - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
2. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Preludio - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
3. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Qui si attende - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
4. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Si, vuol di Francia il Rege - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
5. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Ah! quando all'ara scorgemi - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
6. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Fra voi perche - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
7. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Hai nelle giostre - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
8. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Questa immago - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
9. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Sei tu confuso? - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
10. Maria Stuarda: Act 1: Quali sensi - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
11. Maria Stuarda: Act 2: Allenta il pie, Regina - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
12. Maria Stuarda: Act 2: Oh nube! - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
13. Maria Stuarda: Act 2: Ah! non m'inganna la gioia! - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
14. Maria Stuarda: Act 2: Da tutti abbandonata - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
15. Maria Stuarda: Act 2: Qual loco e questo? - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
16. Maria Stuarda: Act 2: E'sempre la stessa - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)

Tracks:

1. Maria Stuarda: Act 2 - Deh! I'accorgli! - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
2. Maria Stuarda: Va, preparati furente - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
3. Maria Stuarda: Act 3 - E pensi? E tradi? - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
4. Maria Stuarda: Quella vita - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
5. Maria Stuarda: Si!...Regina! - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
6. Maria Stuarda: D'una sorella, o barbara - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
7. Maria Stuarda: La perfida insultarmi - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
8. Maria Stuarda: Che vuoi? - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
9. Maria Stuarda: Oh mio buon Talbo! - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
10. Maria Stuarda: Quando il luce rosea - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
11. Maria Stuarda: Vedeste? Vedemmo - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
12. Maria Stuarda: Anna?...Qui piu sommessi favellate - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
13. Maria Stuarda: Deh! Tu di un umile preghiera - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
14. Maria Stuarda: Oh colpo!... - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
15. Maria Stuarda: Giunge il Conte - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)
16. Maria Stuarda: Ah! se un giorno da queste ritorte - Christian du Plessis (Cecil)

Tracks:

1. Roberto Deveraux: Overture - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
2. Roberto Deveraux: Act 1 - Geme!...pallor funereo - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
3. Roberto Deveraux: All' afflito e dolce il pianto - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
4. Roberto Deveraux: Duchessa...Alle fervide preci - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
5. Roberto Deveraux: L'amor suo mi fe beata - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
6. Roberto Deveraux: Nunzio son del Parlamento - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
7. Roberto Deveraux: Donna reale, a' piedi tuoi... - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
8. Roberto Deveraux: Un tenero core - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
9. Roberto Deveraux: Roberto...Che?...fra le tue braccia! - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
10. Roberto Deveraux: Forse in quel cor sensibile - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
11. Roberto Deveraux: Duca, vieni... - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
12. Roberto Deveraux: Qui ribelle ognum ti chiama - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
13. Roberto Deveraux: Tutto e silenzio - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)
14. Roberto Deveraux: Dacche tornasti, ahi misera! - Richard Val Allan (A Servant Of Nottingham)

Tracks:

1. Roberto Devereux: L'ore trascorrono - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
2. Roberto Devereux: Ebben? - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
3. Roberto Devereux: Segui!... - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
4. Roberto Devereux: Non venni mai si mesto - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
5. Roberto Devereux: Ecco l'indegno!... - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
6. Roberto Devereux: Scellerato!...Malvagio!... - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
7. Roberto Devereux: Va, la morte sul capo ti pende - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
8. Roberto Devereux: Ne riede ancora il mio consorte! - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
9. Roberto Devereux: Non sai che un nume vindice - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
10. Roberto Devereux: Ed ancor la tremeda porta - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
11. Roberto Devereux: A te diro' negli ultimi singhiozzi - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
12. Roberto Devereux: Bagnato il sen di lagrime - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
13. Roberto Devereux: E sara in questi orribili momenti - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
14. Roberto Devereux: Vivi, ingrato, a lei d'accanto - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
15. Roberto Devereux: Che m'apporti? - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)
16. Roberto Devereux: Quel sangue versato al ciel - Beverly Sills (Elizabeth, Queen Of England)

Amazon.com

Gaetano Donizetti didn't actually set out to compose a cycle based on the tragic histories of the Tudor Queens. The three works gathered here--including his breakthrough opera, Anna Bolena, Roberto Devereux, and the long-neglected Maria Stuarda--were created at various points in his maniacally prolific career, and each has its own rather complicated, haphazard genesis. But the belated reappreciation given to these works at New York City Opera during the heyday of the bel canto revival--a crucial step in the overall revival of Donizetti as well--conferred a sort of post facto sense of unity thanks to the signature contributions of Beverly Sills. These roles were, quite unpunningly, her crowning achievement. Yet despite a brief efflorescence of celebrity (even extending to a Time magazine cover) when she was considered perhaps the rival to Joan Sutherland, Sills slipped through the cracks. For all her formidable acting skill--a substantial aspect of her accomplishment in these interpretations--she never quite made it to the era of opera telecasting, and her problematic recorded catalog and relatively early retirement from the stage hindered the Sills legend from extending to a new generation.

But now, there's no excuse to overlook the Sills achievement. Coupled with the belated reissue of her early triumph in The Ballad of Baby Doe, this Donizetti box set gives a fuller portrait of the artist Sills. This is quite simply a can't-miss bonanza for Donizetti-heads and, for that matter, fans of beautiful singing. The original project started off with Roberto Devereux--recorded in London in 1969--and continued until the summer 1972 recording of Anna Bolena, but this is the first time the old LPs have been made collectively available on CD in remastered format. The box includes facsimiles of the original lengthy liner notes (with astute background, commentary, and translations--full libretti included--by William Ashbrook) and a bonus booklet of photos from the original NYC Opera productions.

Just as the musical content varies in quality from opera to opera, indeed within each opera, the level of performance is by no means seamless or at the same peak pitch throughout. Some listeners will prefer the less liberal but profoundly attentive and intuitively rich conducting of Charles Mackerras in Devereux, while others will overlook the rather surprisingly sloppy string ensemble and figuration committed by the London Symphony in Anna Bolena for the hectic energy and pacing Julius Rudel could conjure. The challenges demanded by Donizetti's heavy writing for Elisabetta in Devereux can manifest as strain, but this part also registers Sills's vocal acting with a powerful punch: just listen to the range of emotional content she sails through in the scene of her conflicted first duet with Roberto, beginning with "un tenero core" (Act I). One of the joys here is zeroing in on your own favorite passage, scena, flicker of insight: perhaps it's Anna in prison, the outburst of two queens meeting in the park outside Fotheringhay (who cares if history has been amended to suit dramatic license?), or Elisabetta's horrifying realization upon the execution of her beloved. And despite some unevenness in the casting, this set offers a number of other vocal treasures to set beside Sills's artistry: the utterly compelling Giovanna (Jane Seymour) of Shirley Verrett in Anna Bolena, Eileen Farrell's return to the studio for Maria Stuarda's imperious Elizabeth (interesting to compare with Sills's earlier slant on the queen from Devereux), Paul Plishka's imposing Henry the 8th, Peter Glossop's scheming Nottingham. If you're not already an addict, this set will bring you back for fix after fix. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

How LUCKY We ARE to have THESE recordings!.......2007-07-07

Well, I guess it's time I added my comments on these recordings.

First, however, I'd like to say that I do not understand "bashing". This has been going on, in my remembrance at least, since Callas/Tebaldi in the 50's. How stupid is this! Does one REALLY think that two different singers, with two different voices and/or approaches to a role can be, truthfully, compared to one another? I have never understood this kind of thinking. I LOVE Callas (in nearly everything she sang), but she had an ugly voice....do I let this bother me or lead me to compare her to others??? NO! She was, unquestionably, the greatest singing actress of our time, period! Tebaldi...was there EVER a voice as beautiful as hers?? Sills...Was there ever a voice as light and as fresh as hers??? Sutherland?? She wasn't called La Stupenda for nothing, folks. I could go on, but I think the point is made. Every one of these singers (and others) are themselves, with their own interpretations of roles. Some sing some roles better than others, but bashing??? I don't think so!!! This shows one's uncomfortable shallowness quite clearly, I believe.

The review:

Sills had a wonderously light and silvery voice, that I find quite her own. I simply love her Baby Doe, and her Traviata, as her voice is simply made for the parts. Her Lucia is, also, really good. Casting her as the three Tudor Queens was a wonderful thing, it made her a real solid star at the New York City Opera. She was the only one singing these roles at the time, and it was good for her career, and, also, good for the music world to become familiar with these three great tragic, long neglected, works of Donizetti.

But, as they were really beyond the capability of her instrument, she, eventually, damaged her voice with the parts, especially Elizabeth in Roberto Deveraux. This is, I guess, inevitable, as most singers do at some point in their careers, delve deeply into waters beyond their capability, and the downward progression begins. Repeatedly, singer after singer has done this.

That aside, let me say that we are so very fortunate to have these three recordings, even with their flaws (and there certainly are flaws), both as a remembrance of Beverly Sills, and her colleagues, but also documentation of her performances and the presentation of Donizetti's works. All three of these works are so rarely performed, much less recorded, that they are a treasure for sure.

Personally, Roberto Deveraux, I feel, hangs together the strongest in Mackerras' leadership. Sills is, admittedly, pushing the limits of her capabilities...but, by doing the role in sessions, she is really very good on the recording. Admittedly, in a live performance, straight through, there is the electricity of interaction with other characters on stage, taking the heights up a notch, and this is where she really did the damage to her voice. Her compatriots here are all really serviceable...we are so lucky to have this recording, why be objectionally picky? DG has done a remarkable job remastering this particular recording. I remember the ABC pressing on LP years ago, and am pleased with the care attended here to the remastering.

Maria Stuarda, is, again, another special recording....Eileen Farrell came out of retirement to do this recording as a favor to Beverly, and we are very lucky to have them paired together. I must admit that I wish Mackerras was again at the helm here, however. There is no doubt in my mind that the whole would have been greater with his control and "color" on the orchestra. But, with the only other exceptions the old Callas with great cuts, and the Sutherland, we have few choices, and we take this recording most gladly. It is commendable.

I feel that Anna Bolena is the weakest of the three works, but it has some extrodinary things in it, particularly the confrontation in the garden! Man, the first time I heard this, I stood right up out of my chair! Paul Plishka was a wonderful Henry, and Shirley Verrett certainly made her mark with Jane Seymour. Again, most commendable.

I, as stated above, remember the old ABC LP pressings....they were terrible, as we all know! It is so wonderful to have these recordings, again, this time in pristine, lovingly remastered editions. Thank You, DG/Universal for lavishing the care on these lovely old recordings that you have for our enjoyment.

A tremendous, and fitting, tribute to Beverly Sills.

I might add that I feel you might wish to pick up this set very soon, as lately things have been getting re-issued in budget sets without libretti and informational booklets, and this is a shame, especially with a great set like this one. Also, noting the complaints about them being so "expensive"....come on, folks, wise up!!! You're getting three operas here for $80 or less, through secondary dealers, just how expensive does one really think this is? OK, enough preaching! Enjoy this set, and be thankful that we have it! ~operabruin

The great Beverly Sills on Cd in these masterpieces!.......2007-07-03

It is July 3rd and Beverly Sills has passed away..it is very sad, but, when you listen to these cds nothing about her career as a singer was at all sad.

I treasure these and all of her other works. She was the glory of American opera.

Buy all of her cds and see how persuasive they are, how ravishing, and how generous. Her presence on the Met Live Broadcasts was so invigorating, and her wonderful praise of Anna Netrbko, and others singing her repertoire. It is hard to imagine Lincoln Center without her, a presence so positive, so high vibration...

The stars are brighter with her as our representative in the heavens!

The Most Wonderful Compilation of the Tudor Queens.......2006-12-26

Donizetti revolutionized the way dramatic opera was written when he penned the scores of Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda, and Roberto Devereux. These were the operas that put tragedy on the map after a long history of Italian opera constantly refurbished for a comic ending to please the tastes of the public. Donizetti's magnificent music, with its complex runs and melodramma-infused composition, changed all of that, and history owes much of the great Verdi and Puccini dramas to Donizetti. Take the confrontation between Maria Stuarda and Elisabetta, for example. This scene alone was the inspiration for the several great soprano-mezzo confrontation scenes that would grace the plots of Aida and Don Carlo, to name a few of the operas that Donizetti influenced. Anna Bolena, one of my favorite operas, was the first opera that put tragedy on the operatic map, eliminating the necessity to give operas comic endings (remember that Tancredi had to be revised by Rossini to please the public). Roberto Devereux, a product of Donizetti's more mature musical skills, combines many of these great attributes that makes Donizetti so exciting and gives the prima donna a chance to display her vocal and dramatic prowess.

Of course, the very critical art lover would scrutinize the Donizetti librettos with disdain after he slashed these operas and turned fact around to give way to dramatic fireworks. But who cares if he did this especially if Mary Stuart calls Elizabeth a "vil bastarda!?" With such dramatic pyrotechnics in these operas, one would imagine that perhaps a heftier voice with the Norma metal is needed to make these roles more vivid, such as that of Maria Callas. Beverly Sills, however, makes these roles so real, regal, and dramatically powerful that one forgets all the shortcomings that come as a result of the lightness of her voice. Among these three recordings, if I had to pick any one of them, I would say that her greatest achievement is her Roberto Devereux made with Sir Charles Mackerras. Every vocal gesture, inflection, emotion, and firework is covered by Sills with a grace and technique that escapes several of today's Elizabeths. She is the queen incarnate, and if it did cut ten years out of her career, I am only glad that she sang the queen. She is partnerred by a cast that is not up to her level, but her singing alone makes her queen worthwhile. A definitive recording there.

Her Maria Stuarda is also perhaps the most satisfying account of the opera that I've heard. With Eileen Farrell as Elizabeth hurling dynamites whenever her mouth opens and Sills is superb form as Maria, I would say that this recording is my favorite Maria Stuarda on disc. The confrontation scene is simply to die for, and the last act with Sills saying her prayer is heartfelt and beautiful. Ceccato is not the most exciting conductor, but Stuart Burrows makes a very sensitive and graceful Leicester. I must add this though: if you really want to find a great Maria Stuarda, you must search very hard for a live recording of the opera from New York made in 1972 with Beverly Sills and Marisa Galvany as the colliding queens. The heat of that recording is simply out of this world and if you cannot find it, I am willing to burn you a copy. Just send me an email.

Anna Bolena is no weak link either. Some people would compare this to Maria Callas' live Scala performance, a legendary night which in my opinion would never be repeated again. Sills was no Callas in terms of voice, but she was equipped with a voice that could handle the role in her own special way. Sills had a very touching Anna Bolena with a conductor, supporting cast, and a complete score that makes her Bolena essential. Her Giovanna Seymour is Shirley Verrett, a perfect foil to Sills vocally and dramatically. Verrett also sounds younger than Simionato, which is an asset to this recording of the opera. My favorite recording though, is another pirate recording. This recording is a live performance from New York with the superb, magnificent, mind-blowing soprano Marisa Galvany as Bolena, Olivia Stapp as Seymour, and Samuel Ramey's definitive Henry. A recording that must not be missed, and one that you must hunt for.

"3 Queens, 1 Soprano".......2003-08-23

Sills was most renowned for her fiery portrayal as Elizabeth, and i believe she worked the hardest on that particular role. She researched the character, studied her personality, practiced gestures, practically slept with the books under her pillow. And here, we can hear the results (without even seeing!). Of course, Beverly already was great with voice acting to begin with, but add on top of it all the research, commitment, and unflawed singing...you get a truly astounding recording!

In Maria Stuarda, check out the confrontation scene. This is one of the most dramatic moments in opera. And there's the added bonus of having the underrecorded but extremely talented dramatic soprano Eileen Farrell as Elizabeth. Hear how they lash out at each other. Incredibly exciting! And Maria's final scene is touching. In one NYCO performance a woman cried out, "NO!" just when Maria's head was going to be chopped off (lights go out-blackout). If this isn't dramatic I don't know what is.

For me the most exciting scene in Anna Bolena is the mad scene. This is actually just as great as Lucia's mad scene, in my opinion. Anna, though being in jail, has illusions of herself being with King Henry. When reality comes crashing back on her, WOW, get ready for the intense madness. Coppa Iniqua is heartbreaking. Sills uses a weeping timbre, and outbursts of anger in her voice, all to incredible effect.

I have begun listening to opera only about 3 years ago. I feel very happy that these 3 recordings together gave me a sense of what opera can be- incredible musical theatre. Beverly Sills and the 3 Queens will always have a special place in my heart.

Please give it a rest!.......2003-08-13

This is a Callasfan speaking. I love Callas and Sills, I think this and "The art of the Primadonna" (With Joanie) is supreme. But hear me out: I think it's obvious that only the famous Callas-recs on Emi are slandered and the efforts on other labels judged fairly, even if the reviewers didn't like Callas. Lets get back to balance and fairness. I never wrote a one-star review on Beverly and I never will. Here and there I complained and fought against fanatism. Neither Callas-fanatism nor Sutherland-fanatism nor Sills-fanatism is good. Neither of them was perfect. Both had their pros and cons. Please, you guys, edit your reviews and write them fairly. Thus we'll prevent an even greater outrage. Us operafans should stick together. I'm willing to start. Please, lets be on this together!

Average customer rating: COMPLETE Brandenburg Concertos . . . Wundebar! There seems to be two dominant Brandenburg styles Brandenburg Gems Excelente versión de los Brandenburgo

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos (Complete) Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Handel: Water Music, The Music for the Royal Fireworks, The Alchymist, Three concerti a due cori, Two arias for wind band Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Beethoven Collection: Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Complete Recording (Box Set) Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque ASIN: B000004164 Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Allegro
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Adagio
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Allegro
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Menuetto Polacca
5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Allegro
6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Andante
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Allegro assai
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Allegro
9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Andante
10. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Allegro
11. Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042: Allegro
12. Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042: Adagio
13. Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042: Allegro assai

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Allegro
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Andante
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Presto
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, BWV 1050: Affetuoso
6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B flat, BWV 1051: Allegro
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B flat, BWV 1051: Adagio ma non tanto
9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B flat, BWV 1051: Allegro
10. Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041: Allegro
11. Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041: Andante
12. Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041: Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

COMPLETE Brandenburg Concertos . . ........2006-02-24

Excellent. I enjoy Bach but haven't been able to get the complete Brandenburg Concertos. This is excellent listening for classical music lovers.

Wundebar!.......2005-11-20

I would just like to tell anyone interested in this recording that it is an excellent one. The musicianship is superior, and the sound is fantastic. The listener however, should be aware of the stylistic tendencies of the recording.
If you are looking for the historical kind of recording, this probably is not the ideal choice. The tempos tend to be on the slower side, and mostly modern instruments are used. Nevertheless, if you are not primarily interested in a historically accurate recording, this is wonderful.
All of the pieces have their own distinct character. I personally enjoy Concerto number 4: the recorders give it a light, almost "adorable" kind a feel, as ridiculous as that may sound. Number 5 has a great presentation of the harpsichord. Number 6 is also a rather interesting piece because it involves no violins. Don't underestimate that concerto's poignancy and ability however; the lower strings are more than capable of expression on their own.
I could go on about this recording extensively, but, for the reader's sake as well as mine, I'll end it now. In short, it's a great recording, and I highly recommend it.

There seems to be two dominant Brandenburg styles.......2002-09-30

There's the slow, baroque and very medieval sounding playing and then there's the modern, faster paced playing. I think both are laudable, so I would probably recommend you look at this one and the Anthony Newman one. I personally prefer the Anthony Newman one, as it provides very strong horns and harpsichord with an upbeat tempo. Just thought I'd mention this as most of the Brandenburg stuff I hear over the radio or in 90% of CD's is the slow baroque style.

Brandenburg Gems.......2001-01-01

I wanted to get a complete set of the Brandenburg Concertos, and lucky for me, I picked up this bargain-priced two CD set. This recording is great! I Musici plays with an informed baroque style, but not so much so that they get bogged down in the reactionary, scholarly prerogatives of much of the period instrument movement. The horns ring effortlessly, brightly, and clearly, the sound of the flute is enchanting without using excessive vibrato, and the strings are completely unified creating the full effect of Bach's masterpiece. The violin concertos are taken at a slow tempo, and I Musici, it can be argued, is guilty of overdoing the sentimentality. But the performances of the violin concertos, none-the-less, are solid. This recording is a steal.

Excelente versión de los Brandenburgo.......2000-09-07

La orquesta de cámara I Musici durante muchos años fue considerada una de las mejores de todo el mundo, y aunque se le relaciona sobre todo con la obra de Vivaldi, también interpretaba obras de otros compositores desde el barroco hasta el romanticismo; tal es el caso del presente disco, en el cual esta orquesta se enfrenta a los conciertos de Brandenburgo de Bach. Debo decir que su interpretación resulta muy buena, tomando en cuenta que estos discos se grabaron originalmente en 1965; sin embargo, la calidad de la grabación es excelente, si perdonamos la baja resolución de las grabadoras de la época. Lo realmente sensacional de estos discos es la aparición de Maurice André en el concierto No. 2, de Franz Brüggen en el No. 4 y de Felix Ayo y Maria Teresa Garatti en prácticamente todos los conciertos, lo cual obviamente se traduce en una versión que raya en el virtuosismo. Si a esto añadimos un precio muy razonable por dos discos compactos, encontramos que esta resulta una forma ideal de conocer por primera vez esta obra. Adicionalmente, en estos discos vienen los 2 conciertos para violín solista que Bach compuso, aunque la grabación de estos últimos es todavía más antigua (de 1958).

Average customer rating: Best Cherubino... wonderful music Close Your Eyes and Listen Terrific value, beautiful quality. Exceptional recording

Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro / Pace, de Carolis, Frontali, Morandi [Highlights] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Hungarian State Opera Orchestra , Pier Giorgio Morandi , Patrizia Pace , Natale de Carolis , Donato di Stefano , Ingrid Kertesi , Roberto Frontali , Denes Gulyas , Tamas Bator , and Jozsef Mukk Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Arias The Shawshank Redemption: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Most Famous Opera Duets Rossini: The Barber of Seville (Complete opera); Beverly Sills; Nicolai Gedda; James Levine; London Symphony Orchestra Mozart: Don Giovanni [Highlights] ASIN: B00004NK2F Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Cinque, Dieci...
3. Bravo, Signor Padrone!
4. Se Vuol Ballare, Signor Contino
5. La Vendetta
6. Non So Piu Cosa Son
7. Non Piu Andrai
8. Porgi Amor
9. Voi, Che Sapete
10. Venite, Inginocchiatevi
11. Susanna, Or Via Sortite?
12. Hai Gia Vinta Causa!
13. Vedro, Mentr'io Sospiro
14. Riconosci In Questo Amplesso
15. E Susanna Non Vien!
16. Dove Sono I Bei Momenti?
17. Sull'aria...
18. Tutto E Disposto
19. Aprite Un Po' Quegl'occhi
20. Giunse Al Fin Il Momento
21. Deh Vieni Non Tardar
22. Pace, Pace, Mio Dolce Tesoro!
23. Final Scene: Gente! Gente!

Customer Reviews:

Best Cherubino..........2007-05-06

No kidding. This album has the best Cherubino part compared to the other Le Nozze di Figaro copycat. After you've listened to Non so più cosa son, you would feel bad hearing the other rendition of the same song.

wonderful music.......2006-06-20

you do not have to be an opera expert to appreciate this cd , as a person who is just beging to appreciate fine opera this is a wonderful choice . waht is nice amazon gives you the opportunity to listen to the tracs prior to buying it. i am extremelly pleased with this item and im sure you will be to. sincerly christian john nielsen

Close Your Eyes and Listen.......2006-05-28

If right now you need to know joy and timelessness, a heart filled with light, beauty that has been and will be always, overflowing with the splendor you are fashioned from, knowing all that is your own, that you are only in the least important sense alone, with nothing to fear other than never perceiving any of this, close your eyes and listen to the Duettino Sull'aria from Le Nozze di Figaro...

Terrific value, beautiful quality........2004-04-16

This CD is a wonderful value with top-notch recording. The Cherubino character (mischievous lovestruck youth) is especially delightful on this CD. I fell in love with "Sul Aria" in The Shawshank Redemption, and later saw this opera live. Though it's only a highlights album, I found it rather complete, with solid linear notes (plot summary for you to follow along), and ALL of the beloved songs I had remembered. I recommend this one!

Exceptional recording.......2003-09-29

The quality of this recording is exceptional. Naxos recordings are often played on classical music stations for good reason. The performances are excellent.

Average customer rating: All in the Family

William Primrose: Viola Transcriptions Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lillian Fuchs: Complete Music for Unaccompanied Viola The Elegant Viola: Yizhak Schotten, Viola Twelve Fantasias performed on viola A Portrait of the Viola Music for Viola & Piano ASIN: B000FGGKEY Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

1. Nocturne: Andante
2. Litany For All Soul's Day: Adagio
3. Marcia - Allegro
4. Adagio
5. Allegretto Alla Polacca
6. Traume: Lento
7. Huella: Movido Y Energico
8. Ao Pe Da Fogueira: Allegro Comodo
9. La Campanella
10. Bachianas Brasileriras No.5: Aria (Cantilena): Adagio
11. Adagietto From L'Arlesienne Suite No.1
12. Tango: Allegro Moderato
13. Polo: Allegro Moderato
14. Malaguena: Amabile
15. Zapateado: Allegro Moderato
16. None But The Lonely Heart
17. Wie Melodien Zieht Es Mir, No.105, No.1

Amazon.com

The comparative paucity of the viola repertoire, especially of the romantic period, has made violists expert poachers in the literature of others. William Primrose, one of the greatest violists of his or any other time, was a prolific, skillful transcriber. He said he was motivated by the desire to showcase his instrument's underrated potential and his own prodigious technique, and also by envy - of cellists, singers, and especially violinists: in the transcriptions on this record, much of the writing is so stratospheric that the viola becomes a would-be violin. Diaz is a superb, brilliant violist and negotiates the top register easily, but it still sometimes sounds shrill and unnatural, especially since he tends to become aggressive in the chords and double stops. He is at his best in the slow, singing pieces; they most effectively display his warm, pure, variable tone and expressive eloquence, which never becomes sentimental. The program includes Borodin's "Nocturne" from the string quartet, with the viola playing the cello part, and songs by Schubert, Wagner, Brahms and Tchaikovsky, all played with simplicity and elegance. In Villa-Lobos' Brasileiras, the viola takes the soprano part, leaving the piano to impersonate eight cellos. Only the transcription of Beethoven's "Notturno" Op. 42, arranged from the String Trio Op. 8, doesn't work; the distribution of the music between the instruments is uneven and unbalanced. Among the bravura pieces, Paganini's "La Campanella" seems unsuited to the viola and sounds labored, but two Spanish dances, transcriptions of transcriptions by Heifetz, have a fine idiomatic flavor, as does Efrem Zimbalist's Suite "Sarasateana" - that demonstration of how to make famously difficult virtuoso pieces even more difficult - in his own transcription for Primrose. Pianist Robert Koenig is a splendid partner. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

All in the Family.......2006-07-31

Although probably not a household name, Roberto Díaz is one of the best violists these days. He was principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra until recently and is the newly-appointed head of the Curtis Institute. Part of what makes this CD so interesting are the family connections involved. Díaz's father, the Chilean violist Manuel Díaz, was a one-time viola student of William Primrose, and was Roberto's first teacher (as Primrose's father was HIS teacher!). Further, the viola Díaz is playing on is Primrose's very own primary performing viola, one made by brothers Antonio and Hieronymus Amati in about 1600 and now owned by Díaz.

None of this would matter except for the music contained herein. It is a set of transcriptions for viola and piano made by Primrose for his own use in solo performances. As Amazon has not as of the date of this review listed those contents I will do so:

Borodin: Nocturne: Andante (from String Quartet No. 2)
Schubert: Litany for All Soul's Day: Adagio
Beethoven: Notturno, Op. 42 (arr. from the Serenade, Op. 8)
Wagner: 'Träume' (from the Wesendonck Lieder)
Aguirre/Heifetz: Huella: movido y energico
del Valle/Heifetz: Ao Pé da Fogueira: Allegro comodo
Paganini: La Campanella (fr. Violin Concerto No. 2)
Villa-Lobos: Aria from 'Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5'
Bizet: Adagietto from 'L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1'
Efrem Zimbalist: Sarasateana
Tchaikovsky: None but the Lonely Heart
Brahms: Wie Melodien zieht es mir

The Zimbalist is interesting for a couple of reasons. For one thing, Zimbalist is one of Díaz's predecessors as president of the Curtis Institute; the roster itself includes such distinguished musicians as Josef Hofmann, Randall Thompson, Efrem Zimbalist, Rudolf Serkin, John DeLancie, Gary Graffman. Second, the Zimbalist pieces are not strictly speaking Primrose transcriptions. Violinist Zimbalist had made his arrangement of the Paganini pieces for his own use, but when Primrose was teaching at Curtis he asked Zimbalist to arrange them for viola and that's how they came into being.

Highlights: The first track is an absolutely riveting performance of the justly admired Andante from Borodin's Second String Quartet, familiar to many as the basis of 'This is My Beloved' from 'Kismet.' In the original the ingratiating melody is played by the quartet's cellist, but here it is sung gorgeously by Díaz's viola, almost making one forget the original. The Paganini 'La Campanella' comes across as an almost new piece, with the plangent tones of the viola somehow transforming this familiar piece into something entirely different. Díaz's virtuosity really shines here.

I had a little problem with the transcription of the aria from 'Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5' if only because I can't hear it without wanting, rather, to hear the sound of a soprano and all those cellos in the original. As expert as the marvelous collaborative pianist Robert Koenig is, he can't supersede the sound of the celli, although that's not his fault. Díaz gives it a good performance, but he's no soprano!

If ever there was a song that cried out to be heard in the dusky and melancholy tones of the viola, it is 'None But the Lonely Heart.' My god, this is wonderful! It actually brought tears to my eyes! I also uttered a sigh at the beauty of the soulful rendition of the languorous Bizet 'Adagietto'.

Viola recordings aren't all that numerous and probably don't figure high on most record buyers' Want Lists, but this one qualifies for a strong recommendation. You won't be disappointed.

Scott Morrison

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