Pure Orchestra

On this CD: 1. Book of Days
Composed by Enya, Roma Ryan
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
2. After the Sunrise
Composed by Yanni
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
3. Picture This
Composed by Jim Brickman
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
4. Silk Road
Composed by Kitaro
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
5. Song for Jennifer
Composed by John Tesh, J. Eric Schmidt
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
6. Marching Season
Composed by Yanni
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
7. Watermark
Composed by Nicky Ryan, Eithne Bhraonain
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
8. Longing / Love
Composed by George Winston
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
9. The Mummer's Dance
Composed by Loreena McKennitt
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
10. Dancin' In The Stars
Composed by Chip Davis
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
11. Havana
Composed by Kenny G.
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
12. Angel Eyes
Composed by Jim Brickman
Performed by Symphony Orchestra
13. Blue
Composed by John Tesh, J. Eric Schmidt
Performed by Symphony Orchestra

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The thinking behind Pure Orchestra is as follows: select 11 familiar melodies composed by New Age-related artists, arrange them for a 60-member orchestra, then hope something special happens. Alas, nothing much does. This installment from John Tesh's music factory is a decent, well-intentioned effort that may find fans among listeners drawn to symphonic renditions of pop music. Yet for anyone who holds dear the compositions addressed on Pure Orchestra (Enya's "Book of Days," Jim Brickman's "Picture This," "Marching Season" by Yanni, and so on), these lightweight, soundtrack-like interpretations will probably only make you long to hear the originals. Tesh's role here is only as a producer, not a performer, though he does include two original, though uneventful, pieces of his own ("Song for Jennifer" and "Blue"). Kenny G's "Havana" sounds as though its re-creation was being handled by 101 Strings. Meanwhile, the interpretations of two Yanni tracks pale compared to what can be found on Live at the Acropolis, and truly affecting solo pieces such as Brickman's "Angel Eyes" and "Longing/Love" by George Winston gain nothing by orchestral treatment. Sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone. --Terry Wood

Product Description
Lose yourself in a dynamic swirl of strings, horns and percussion as performed by a 60-piece Symphony Orchestra! Powerful melodies transform 13 memorable songs from the world's most popular new age composers into fully orchestrated, symphonic

Pure Orchestra

Pure Orchestra,The John Tesh Project,Chip Davis,Roma Enya / Ryan,Kenny G.,Kitaro,Loreena McKennitt,Nicky / Bhraonain, Eithne Ryan,John / Schmidt, J. Eric Tesh,George Winston,Yanni,Symphony Orchestra,Garden City Music,Contemporary Instrumental,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Pure Orchestra

Tracks:

Die zauberflote: der holle rache
die musikdose
Like A Bird
lakme: ou va la jeune hindoue?
Serenata Mexicano
la perle du bresil: charmant oiseau
pavlovich biassy
die fledermaus - la chauve-souris: Adele's Laughing Son - Air d'adele - 'mein herr marquis'
Valentine's Aria (Ere I leave my native land)
Jewel Song (O Heavenly Jewels)
salut, demeure chaste et pure (Emotions Strange)
Final Trio (My Heart Is Overcome With Terror)

Customer Reviews:

reviving an old memory.......2007-06-08

This is a recording of an old vinyl which was in my collection. It was good to see that it was available, on CD, just as I remembered it sounding
Thanks.

So BAD she's GOOD .......2007-04-21

This is the most remarkable singing in all of recorded history. So BAD she's GOOD, Florence Foster Jenkins bankrolled herself into mini-stardom selling out her invitation-only once-a-year recitals until she became so legendary, she sold out Carnegie Hall to an audience snickering into their handkerchiefs. These recordings showcase that as BAD as Jenkins is, she gets WORSE . . . brilliantly so! With sensitive and serious accompaniment, Jenkins' voice is like a cross between a clucking chicken and a squeak toy played by Rusty Hinge. Each tune reveals a new vocal weakness (at best) or a deeper absurdity (at very best); these selections are a Punk miracle of self-delusion. I am grateful to all the brave reviewers who gave 5 stars 'cause they're right in its essential laughter factor; if you have a funny bone you cannot NOT laugh while listening to this lady sing!

my ears and belly hurt.......2007-04-11

My ears hurt from this absolutely abominable performance, and my belly from laughing.

A must for all music lovers.......2007-01-05

I first heard this album (LP) about 20 years ago on the radio. I recently recalled it and did a search on Amazon and to my amazement it and other titles were available. I purchased this disc for my wife's Christmas present 2006. We both cannot stop laughing every time we listen to it. I highly recommend this disc to anyone who loves the classics and has a hidden desire/dream that one day they too will be discovered and perform in large concert halls to utter amazement of the audience. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Florence's voice caused my dog to shake in fear........2007-01-02

This woman's voice was so bad that my dog started to shake in fear...then he ran and hid in my parent's room. I gave my friend the cd as a Christmas present and she said it ruined her Christmas. I, on the other hand, have never laughed so hard at someone's lack of musical ability! I've never heard anyone sound so horrible! Now, I don't want to give her all the credit..because when I heard Thomas Burns sing I FELL TO THE GROUND AND LAUGHED UNTIL I CRIED! I guess that's why I am giving it 5 stars. Anything that can make me laugh until I cry is worth its weight in gold!!!

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Average customer rating:

Excellent older music
A Golden Voice!
Heaven
The Ultimate Tenor Anthology
The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Jussi Björling Rediscovered
The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
The Very Best of Franco Corelli

ASIN: B00000J911
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

Aida: Se quel guerriero io fossi; Celete Aida
Manon Lescaut - Donna non vida mai
Rigoletto - La Donna ? mobile
Rigoletto - Ella mi fu rapita; Parmi veder le lagrime
Cavalleria Rusticana - Siciliana: O Lola - Frederick Schauwecker
Faust - Salut, demeure chaste et pure - Robert Merrill
Pagliacci - Vesti la guibba
La Boh?me - Che gelida manini - Licia Albanese
Prince Igor - Vladimir's Recitative and Cavatina
Andrea Cher - Come un bel di di maggio
Martha - M'apparutt'amor
L'elisir d'amore - Una furtiva lagrima
Eugene Onegin - F, f (Lensky's aria)
Turandot - Nessun Dorma
Tosca - Recondita armonia
Tosca - E lucevan le stelle
Tosca - O dolci mani
The Trout (Die Forelle)
An Silvia: Was ist Silvia?
Stchen D. 957/4

Tracks:

The Pearl Fishers - Au fond du temple saint
Tosca - Mario, Mario, Mario!
Don Carlo - lo l'ho perduta!; Dio, che nell'alma infondere
Manon Lescaut - Oh, sar pila!; Tu, tu, amore? Tu?
La Boh - In un coup Mimtu pitorni
La Forza Del Destina - Solenne in quest'ora
Aida - La fatal pietra; O terra addio
Turandot - Signore, escaolta!; Non piangere, Li
Otello - Oh! monstruosa colpa!; Si, pel ciel marmorea giuro!
A Dream
Turandot - Nessun Dorma
Zeignung, Op 10, No. 1/Dedica

Amazon.com

Surely Björling was one of the greatest tenors of his or any other time, not only for the clarion ring, the purity, and the melting lyricism of his voice, but for his effortless lightness, impeccable intonation, endless breath control, and natural phrasing and line, enhanced by old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive scoops and slides. On this generous two-disc set, he is heard in a huge selection of arias and some duets with distinguished colleagues; most of them were recorded separately, and a few are excerpted from complete opera recordings--unfortunately not very skillfully, stopping abruptly in mid-phrase if not mid-note. No matter; the miraculous thing is that Björling, whether singing an entire role or a single aria, can instantly create a character and bring him to vibrant life. He sings everything in the original keys--his high B-flats, B's, and C's are thrilling--and almost everything in the original language, including a few songs by Schubert, Strauss, and Grieg. Recorded live in recital, they are delightful--only one is too operatic. Among his partners, soprano Zinka Milanov and baritone Robert Merrill stand out. This recording presents an incomparable artist at his incomparable best. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Excellent older music.......2007-04-05

He is obviously one of the best of his time and puts to shame some of the newer singers. You get alot for your money on this CD too. I highly recommend it for a Sunday morning to enjoy your coffee, newspaper, and scones :}

A Golden Voice!.......2006-07-31

In opera circles everyone knows about Jussi Bjorling. But, I am writing this for the many people who never heard of him. He died in 1960 at the age of 49 so he hasn't been around for 46 years. Thus, the younger generation have only heard of Pavarotti, Domingo, Correras and some newer fellows. Believe me, the sweet, honeyed, golden voice of Bjorling will impress you. His voice..his "instrument".....is...is....what can I say, it's "beautiful". If you haven't heard him before you have an enormous treat ahead of you! If you love the beautiful sound of a "trained" voice, you'll love this guy! Enjoy!
(Some guy below is comparing Bjorling to DeStefano and Corelli and some others and was critical of Bjorling. The guy who wrote that must be suffering from hearing loss! ALL the tenors he mentioned are/were great artists. DON'T BELIEVE HIM...BELIEVE ME! :o) Email:boland7214@aol.

Heaven.......2004-12-13

I used to buy two separate CDs for people I was introducing to Bjoerling - the Pearl Fishers one, and the one with the Nessun dorma on it... So I was delighted when this 2 CD set came out.

To me, NO other tenor I've ever heard matches Bjoerling. His voice is one of the few that reduce me to tears just trying to EXPLAIN it to people. I've loved classical music since childhood but was never able to get into opera until I heard Jussi ... all the tenors alive today - feh, sorry, but to me they just sound like guys taking deep breaths and singing loud, not like "the voice of God" ...

The Ultimate Tenor Anthology.......2003-10-26

For anyone who has for some reason fallen in love with some other tenor voice, the discovery of Jussi Bjoerlings voice may be heartbreaking. This is not a tenor who can only sing superbly in lyric opera or only in dramatic opera, or only in song and lieder. This singer can sing whatever he wants and more; he does it equally brilliant whatever to the vocal demands may be. That, more than anything makes him absolutely unique in the record history.
In the opening selection of this compilation; "Celeste Aida", this essentially lyric voice demonstrates for every heroic and dramatic tenor how to sing dramatic opera. It is a sheer singing lesson. In the strenuous recitative, he does not shout or use other non-musical effects, but shows that true dramatic expression is characterized by tonal intensiy and not by volume, although he had plenty enough of that. The beautiful and incredibly free flow of lyric tones in the Pearlfishers duet, the Faust cavatina and in the gorgeous "Che gelida manina" is absolutely exemplary. Yet, who could replicate the beauty of those effortless high C`s? I cannot think of anyone.
The only thing that could better this and give the set 5 stars in the book, is a compilation of the same selections, transferred from the original tapes and not excessively remastered as on this occasion. The sound is at times overly bright and the voice sounds thin and even sharp. But the singing is so far unmatched.

The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard.......2003-07-27

This tenor is a tiny patch if compare to Corelli or Del Monaco, not to even mention Pavarotti. His high notes are strain to the max and he sounds like he's singing in half falsetto.
A total disappointment. I recommend Gigli and Del Monaco instead.

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo
This is really the best.
If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD.
Rare And Great Domingo Classics
A real Bobby Dazzler

Very Best of
Placido Domingo
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
Bravo Domingo
Perhaps Love
The Domingo Songbook
The Best of the Three Tenors

ASIN: B000083GOJ
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Ill Mio Tesoro
Un'aura Amorosa
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
La Ci Darem La Mano
Vani Sono I Lamenti...Svegliatevi Nel Core
Pays Merveilleux...O Paradis
Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre...Salut ! Demeure Chaste Et Pure (Faust, Act III)
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere (Le Cid, Act III)
None But The Lonley Heart
Lensky's Aria
Donna, Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescauy Act, II)
Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce
Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca, Act III)
Ch'ella Mi Creda (La Fanciulla Del West, Act III)
Dai Campi, Dai Prati (Mefistofele, Act I)
Virgini Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito
O Sink Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
Was Am Besten Er Kann...Hoho! Hohei!

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Su, Profetessa...Di Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Su, Cacciator...Fontainebleau!...
Niun Mi Tema
Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n
Sckenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol
Gern Hab'ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
O Vaterland...Da Geh'ich Zu Maxim
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz
Mi Aldea
Cancion Del Sembrador
No Puede Ser
Serenata
Copillas De Belen
Coplas Del Pastor Enamorado
En Aranjues Con Tu Amor
Jealousy Tango
La Golondina

Amazon.com

Placido Domingo is a phenomenon, and every aspect of his artistry is on display in this 2-CD compilation, which includes arias from his signature roles in Italian, French, German, and Russian operas, and songs from Viennese and Spanish operettas. The original recordings range from the early 1970s to the present and show that though over the years his bright golden voice has taken on a darker, more burnished glow, it has retained the melting lyricism, the heroic ring, the thrilling top notes, and the focused intensity that make it instantly recognizable. (Comparing the Verdi arias included here with their counterparts of later vintage in the all-Verdi set The Tenor Arias bears this out.) The program demonstrates his stylistic and expressive versatility and his ability to instantly establish character and mood, from Lenski's sorrow (in Eugene Onegin), Cavaradossi's heart-rending despair (in Tosca), Otello's shattering agony, to Tristan's passion, Siegfried's exuberance, Faust's ardor (first in French by Gounod, then in Italian by Boito). In three Mozart arias, Domingo spins endless, perfectly shaped phrases with incredible breath control, then adds an oddity: the famous duet between Zerlina and Don Giovanni, a role he has not performed. Five Viennese operetta songs, one of which he also conducts, are delightful; there is a smile of pleasure in his voice, but not a hint of kitsch. By contrast, Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" is spoiled by an orchestration that is pure Hollywood. In the final Spanish group, he is on home ground and incomparable. This is a glorious record, a must for all lovers of great singing. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo.......2007-07-04

Placido Domingo, of course, is one of the finest tenors of the latter part of the 20th century. This 2 CD set well captures his talent, showing the range of his singing. We hear cuts from Puccini and Verdi to Tchaikovsky and Wagner to Strauss and Handel. And even a traditional Spanish sung and some operetta thrown in for good measure!

This is a wonderful introduction to his artistry, and shows that he can sing well across a variety of styles and eras. Let's sample some cuts:

"Il mio Tesoro" (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) is a difficult aria to sing well. And Domingo is up to the challenge. He displays a smooth and rich voice. His is one of those distinctive tenor voices, like Tucker's or Pavarotti's, that is quickly recognizable. This is, as noted, a challenging piece and Domingo handles it well, showing off considerable vocal agility in the process.

From the same opera, "La ci darem la mano," a sweet duet with, in this instance, soprano Susan Graham. This seductive work is sung well by both parties and is a ravishing version.

From Puccini's "Tosca," "Recondita armonia." At the close, his voice rises above orchestra and chorus. Overall, well and richly sung.

And now for something very different. . . The "Forging Scene" from Siegfried. One may not think of Domingo as a heldentenor, but he does a serviceable job here. His voice sometimes appears a bit light, but, overall, he does estimable work. He catches Siegfried's spirit as he forges the shattered remains of his father's sword, "Nothung." When he sings the name of his sword at the close, with the leitmotif ringing out from the orchestra, it is an affecting moment.

Then, "Celeste Aida" (from Verdi's opera). A stentorian voice well deployed to meet the challenges of this wonderful aria. Some tenors scoop as they move from those lower to the higher notes; Domingo's voice is well controlled here. The final high note is well hit.

Strauss (Junior's) "Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n" is a romp! A fun piece and well sung by Domingo. He demonstrates, as before, excellent vocal agility.

Lehar's "O Vaterland" is also fun. It is a sprightly tune sprightly sung.

Finally, he ends the second CD with a traditional Spanish tune--"La Golondrina." He does not overpower this work with operatic technique. He sings it well and affectingly.

So, all in all, if one wants a good introduction to Placido Domingo's vocal oeuvre, this is a very strong starting point.

This is really the best........2007-05-16

I have many of Mr. Domingo's recordings but I really love this one. He seems to get better with age. Some of the songs are on some of my other recordings but they seem new and fresh on this CD. I really think this is the best of Placido Domingo.

If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD........2005-04-06

Placido Domingo has been around for so long, it is easy to take this great artist for granted. I totally agree with the previous reviews of this album; I can also say that I had the opportunity to hear him live in concert on April 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and his voice is still stunning. His opening aria that night was the prayer from El Cid, "O Souverain," which he dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II. This piece is the 8th selection on CD 1, and is from a 1997 live recording. His thrilling finish blew me away when I listened to it the first time, and and the crowd on the recording reacts the same way the Mississippi audience did when we heard him. That aria alone is worth the price of this CD set.

Rare And Great Domingo Classics.......2005-03-08

EMI's "The Very Best Of" series is a wonderful way for the opera lover/novice or even connoisseur in training to get acquainted with the great singers of opera in the 20th century. It is possible that in a few years, the great singers of today (from the 90's up to now and further into the future) will grace the album covers of The Very Best Of...The Very Best Of Renee Fleming, The Very Best Of Salvatore Licitra, etc. This is not exactly the best of Domingo. It is more of a collection of rare and wonderfully expressive arias from operas that range all over the map- Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Massenet. Now, here's the reason why so many people adore Domingo, myself included - Domingo is a Renaissance Opera Tenor. He has sung almost every tenor role in the opera universe. Even if he is, to some, the "tenor who sang with Pavoratti in the three tenors" he proves he's the strongest of the bunch, the most dedicated, the most prolific and most artistic. Domingo has a beautiful voice, with secure high register and dark, masculine middle chest voice and exciting dramatic electricity! He's sung more than 50 operas, in addition operetta and Spanish Zarzuela (the Spanish equivalent to musicals or operetta which is where he got started and his parents sung in Zarzuela) and he has also recorded Spanish mainstream love songs for Latin audiences. A winner of Grammies, an actor in movies about operas that he starred in (Tosca, La Traviata, Otello) and the most active tenor on tv broadcasts, he is just incredible and powerful.
He is a great force in opera.

Even in his old age, he does'nt seem to be slowing down or call it quits. Recent performances (2000-2005) include Eugene Onegin, the lead in Queen of Spades, Rasputin in Debra Dratell's Nicolas and Alexandra, Idomeneo and his next role Parsifal. He is the singular tenor who mastered every repertoire- Mozart (Don Ottavio, Tamino...unfortunately Domingo as Don Giovanni is a miscast because he is too noble and romantic and GOOD to be a bad guy)..to Puccini heros (Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Dick Johnson in Fanciualla Del West, Rodolfo in Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot) Verdi heroes (Radames in Aida, Don Carlos, Stiffelio, etc) to the French repertoire...Gounod (Faust, Romeo) Meyerbeer heroes, Massenet hero (Des Grieux, Le Cid) and Saint Saens (Samson) the list goes on and on. When this man dies, an era will die with him. His legend will live on because he will leave behind dozens of albums, movies and memories......

A real Bobby Dazzler.......2004-02-19

Fans of Mr. Domingo would be lucky to find a selection of music that more profoundly explores and exhibits the diversity of his vocal ability and interpretation than is offered on these two discs. Delicious displays of Mozart, ringing renditions of the most challenging high Italian roles, powerfully rounded accounts of some of the heavy German/Russian repetoir, and some noticably nostalgic songs from the light Spannish tradition provide an impressive catalogue of the great man's rich, focussed, technically impecable and singularly beguiling vocal talent. Those who are yet to form an opinion on any particular genre of the operatic spectrum would do well to start here, so eclectic is this album. Also, you might be reassured to know that, should you become an admirer of P.D.'s talent as a result of listening to this compilation, (it is difficult to resist), you will have no trouble finding other recordings by him. A record-breaker with more than 110 roles to his repetoir (40 is a respected total for an opera singer), he is the most recorded tenor in history, leaving more than 80 complete accounts to date of operas in the Italian, French, German and Russian traditions.

Average customer rating:

Voice of the 20th Century..
The OTHER essential Bjoerling CD; 10 stars! 20!

Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias
Giacomo Puccini , Umberto Giordano , Francesco Cilea , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Friedrich von Flotow , Gioachino Rossini , Nils Grevillius , and Jussi Bjorling
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Arias | 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

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection
Jussi Björling Rediscovered
The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
Very Best of
Jussi Björling: Opera Arias

ASIN: B000002S05
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Act II: 'Una furtiva lagrima': L'Elisir d'Amore
Act III: 'Ah! si ben mio coll'essere': Verdi: Il Trovatore
Act I: Di tu se fedele': Un Ballo in Maschera
Act I: 'Se quel guerrier': Aida
Act I: 'Recitar!...Vesti la giubba': I Pagliacci
Act I: 'Che gelida manina': La Boh
Act I: 'O soave fanciulla': La Boh
Act I: 'Recondita armonia': Tosca
Act Three: 'E lucevan le stelle': Tosca
Act Three: 'Ch'ella mi creda libero': La Fanciulla del West
Act Three: 'Nessun dorma!': Turandot
Act Three: 'Amor ti vieta': Fedora
Act II: 'E la solita storia': L'Arlesiana
'Mi batte, il cor... O paradiso': L'Africaine
Act III: 'Salut! demeure chaste et pure': Faust
Act III: 'Je suis seul!...Ah, fuyez, douce image': Manon
Act III: 'M appari tutt'amor': Martha
Cujus animan: Stabat Mater

Customer Reviews:

Voice of the 20th Century.........2000-07-13

Björling tops most polls as "singer of the 20th century", and justly so. Whether one prefers his velvety,lyrically smooth voice of the 30s and 40s, or his more full-bodied, darker power-tenor of the late 50s (he was ready to take on Lohengrin and Otello just before his death), no other human voice has left a legacy of Björling's caliber in recording history.

This collection is a wonderful presentation of the young Björling. His voice was said to have a direct appeal to emotions. Listen to "Ch'ella mi creda libero" with its almost extraterrestial "lift" and try to keep the lump in your throat from growing!

The-37 "O Paradiso" is a fantastic display of power blended with beauty - which is also the case with the Tosca arias presented here.

"Che Gelida Manina" is by many regarded as Björling's signature aria, just as "La Boheme" was said to be his signature opera. The -36 version here shows Björling aged 25 with wonderful silvery tone and grasp of message, problems with Italian pronounciation or not.

Björling never lapsed into self parodic sobbing or exaggerated shouts or gliding "loops" to get a message across. He insisted on sticking to what the composer actually had written down...and within these vocal restraints, Björling still managed to portray an unexplored universe of human feelings. "Vesti La Giubba" is a good example of this: no sobbing or bitter laughter but downright hartbreaking nonetheless. True art!

His -44 studio version of "Nessun Dorma" makes an interesting comparison with his -59 recording from the complete Turandot. Touch and go which one to go for as the second or third best version of "...Dorma" ever in recording history. The shining beacon is in my opinion from a radio concert in Sweden in 1944, where Björling for once actually DOES go beyond the strict readings of the work. His final B just stretches on and on and on into eternity - read heaven.

As for his famous ringing high notes, his final D flat on Cujus Animan may be THE one most beautiful sound I've ever heard from a human being!

If you do not have any Björling CDs, this may be a perfect introduction to his art.

And where to go from there? Well,"O Paradiso" is one of many excellent collections from the 50s. There's also a Norwegian compilation called "jussi's Beste" (which sold to platinum in Norway 35 years after his death...). This CD contains among other highlights the wonderful Christmas song "O Helga Natt", in which the final high note is sung with such force that it threatens to blow your speakers to oblivion, never mind your ears...(if it is the last sound I will ever hear, it is OK by me...).

If you want a complete opera recording, you just have to invest your hard earned cash (or bank credit as is the case with me) on Beechams "La Boheme".

Someone said elsewhere that once you have listened to Björling, you may never want to listen to any other tenor...ever: HOW VERY TRUE!

The OTHER essential Bjoerling CD; 10 stars! 20!.......1999-03-15

Along with the "Pearl Fishers Duet" CD, to me this is the other essential Bjoerling. (The more than 2 dozen friends who've received those 2 CDs as a gift can testify to that!)

The "Vesti" is completely heartbreaking, maybe because there's none of the histrionic sobbing that usually accompanies it. And of course there is that 1945 recording of "Nessun dorma!", which I have seen referred to as one of the 5 greatest recordings of all time. The arias from Tosca are also outstanding. The only addition that would make this perfect CD "even more perfect" would be the inclusion of the Gonoud "Ah! Leve-toi, soleil!"

Although I have loved classical music since I was a kid, until Jussi every tenor I ever heard sounded like an opera parody. Jussi is different; he doesn't make you think "Now there's a guy taking a deep breath and singing loud." To steal a line from Amadeus, when he opens his mouth you "hear the voice of God"; absolute, divine beauty, untainted by ego or eccentricity. that seems to flow without strain or effort.

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Average customer rating:

In reference to the complete recording...
Ceccato The Tempo Turtle Almost Spoils La Traviata
Beverly Sills in her definitive Violetta
Great Highlights Album

Verdi: La Traviata (Highlights)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Verdi: Rigoletto (Highlights)
Bizet: Carmen (Highlights)
Verdi: Rigoletto (Highlights) / Sutherland, Pavarotti
Art of Beverly
The Very Best of Beverly Sills

ASIN: B00005NPK0
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Prelude
Libiamo, Ne' Lieti Calci
Che E Cio?
Un Di, Felice
E Strano! E Strano!...
Ah, Fors'E Lui...
Follie! Follie!
Sempre Libera
De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
Pure Siccome Un Angelo... Non Sapete Quale Affeto... Dite Alla Giovine
Di Provenza Il Mar
Teneste La Promessa...
Addio Del Passato
Parigi, O Cara

Customer Reviews:

In reference to the complete recording..........2007-07-12

For those with the brassiest, most ostentatious appetites, Maria Callas has provided the most overwhelmingly vocalized and passionate Violetta Valéry, the "lady of the camellias," comparable even to her fire-blooded Tosca. Callas' vocal merits, of course, are forever plagued with scrutiny. Dame Joan Sutherland, whose coloratura register scaled the alpine heights of Verdi's tragic heroine, has been, for many more, the loveliest and most lusciously endearing Violetta on record. (Her recording with Luciano Pavarotti under the baton of her husband, Richard Bonynge, is, indeed, highly lauded.) However, Beverly Sills, the illustrious American coloratura soprano, is equally esteemed in the role. Sills, for many listeners, possessed a vocal register which encircles the best sectors of Callas' and Sutherland's interpretations. Sills' voice could twitter and flutter into the most elevated levels of the female tessitura; equally, she possessed a marvelously rich lower register and a keen, eloquent sense of bravado and dramatic proportion.

During her renowned Act I aria ("È strano! È strano!...Ah, fors'è lui che l'anima"), Sills sings with all the pathos and frustration of a woman, alluring and intoxicating in her charm, pampered and convivial, but frozen in la dolce vita, suddenly confronted with a genuine expression of guileless adoration. "Follie! Follie! Delirio vano è questo!...Sempre libera" is often considered Verdi's greatest accomplishment for the soprano voice; it is a sprightly, buoyantly hedonistic repudiation of true love and the embracement of gratification and indulgence. Sills truly proves herself to be "America's Queen of Opera." Brava, bravissima!

The letter scene ("`Teneste la promessa'"..."Addio, del passato bei sogno ridenti"), a vocal portrait of utter desolation, with Violetta reading Giorgio Germont's correspondence against a backdrop of deep, misty strings and a single, weeping violin, is crestfallen and morose. Sills captures the true essence of the traviata - the "woman who strayed" from virtue and purity but who, in her final hour, though she is abandoned by all who formerly loved her, repents in remorse and dissolution and is redeemed through clemency.

Nicolai Gedda's amber, pellucid voice has forever been one of the most mellifluous in the operatic sphere. He matches Sills when both of them were comparatively past their vocal prime, though their conglomerated deftness is arguably unsurpassed. Gedda is ravishing as the devoted and infatuated Alfredo Germont in his succulent Act II aria "De' miei bollenti spiriti"; conversely, with "Oh mio rimorso! O, infamia!", an aria of unutterable, hysterical choler, Gedda sings with all the fury and wrath of a scorned and betrayed lover now aware of what was so obviously hidden from his juvenile and naïve eyes. Only Pavarotti has been comparably livid and blood-curdling in the final high note. In the second scene of Act II, Gedda growls and hisses his way through "Ogni suo aver tal femmina," a bitter, ignoble aria of malice.

Sills' and Gedda's individual performances are enriched by their intense chemistry. They are opulently matched during the instantly recognizable Brindisi ("Libiamo ne' lieti calici"), and they scale the euphoric walls of abandon. Their delicate, lyrically redolent Act I duet ("Un dì, felice, eterea") is also fantastic, with Gedda passionately accosting Sills who returns flippant rejection. They also combine in a sensuous tapestry of Verdian melody, echoing their former passions and the limitless decadence of their golden months together, during their measurelessly tender and impassioned Act III duet ("Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo"), a final attempted repudiation of the irreversible end of their romance.

Few baritones have ever encompassed the character of Giorgio Germont as affectionately as Rolando Panerai. The seasoned Italian baritone's rendering of the character, often by other singers chiseled into existence as a canned, self-aggrandizing, and pompous villain, is ultimately affectionate and benevolent; he is torn between his desire for his son's happiness and the well-being of his daughter and family name. Panerai's voice, resplendent and robust, add the perfect mixture of contemptible blue-bloodedness and beleaguered humanity to the deceptive role as he expresses the dire situation ("Pura siccome un angelo") in Act II; the landed man his daughter wishes to marry refuses to acquiesce unless Alfredo returns to his ancestral home and leaves the whore and vamp that is the infamous Violetta. Panerai also sings Germont's signature Act II aria ("Di provenza, il mar, il suol"), one of Verdi's most gorgeous for the baritone voice, with zealous and patriarchal passion.

He and Sills are also quite affecting during their doomed Act II encounter. During "Un dì, quando le veneri," Germont attempts to lure Violetta from Alfredo's arms with the threat the he will eventually fall out of love with her, for men are naturally fickle and careless with lovers. Sills is tragically shattered as the pitiful Sybarite who made the terminal mistake of choosing pure love over base gluttony. In one of opera's most heartbreaking moments, Violetta, utterly ravaged by despondency, agrees to the old gentleman's terms ("Ah! Dite alla giovane, sì bella è pura"); she shall, indeed, leave Alfredo, and, from her splintered heart, once gay but now stabbed, die alone in unrequited agony.

The recording boasts a luxurious cast of supporting singers, including the aristocratic Richard Van Allan as the Marquis d'Obigny, the resonant Robert Lloyd as Doctor Grenvil, the urbane Delia Wallis as Flora Bervoix, Keith Erwen as Viscount Gastone de Létorières, and Terence Sharpe as Baron Douphol.

Aldo Ceccato leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with refinement; the playing is occasionally insipid, but it is solidly efficient and far from lackluster. The Prelude to Act I is serene in its simpering bereavement. The Prelude to Act III invokes extreme melancholy; it is a friable and brittle orchestral passage of uncertainty and fate. (The canned "chatter" and "conversation" during the onslaught of Violetta's and Flora's jollifications grows tiresome, however.) The John Alldis Choir is predictably in superior form during the chorus of the departing dinner guests ("Si ridesta in ciel l'aurora"); the sensual chorus of the gypsies ("Noi siamo zingarelle"); the piquant, bombastic chorus of the matadors ("Di Madride noi siam mattadori"), with Van Allan, Lloyd, Wallis, and Erwen vocally imbibing; and the chorus of the Parisian revelers ("Largo al quadrupede").

However, the recording's greatest moments can be defined in two significant ensembles. The first finalizes Act II ("Alfredo, Alfredo, di questo core"), with Violetta professing her undying and eternal love for Alfredo, Alfredo expressing his debilitating remorse for shaming her publicly, Giorgio consumed with bitterness for the tragedy he has wrought, and the chorus expressing profound pity for Violetta and vindictive hostility toward Alfredo. The second is the epochal operatic tear-jerker in Act III ("Prendi, quest'è l'immagine"), though Sills, Gedda, and Panerai are never schmaltzy or maudlin. Violetta, at the ultimate threshold, gives Alfredo a medallion containing her portrait; she then instructs him to marry again. When he has found another maiden "in the flower of life," he should give her the medallion, thus she can understand that she will forever be protected by an angel in Heaven.

What more impressive Verdian moment could one encounter?

Ceccato The Tempo Turtle Almost Spoils La Traviata.......2005-08-22

This is a good bargain if you're searching for a taste of Traviata.
The cast is very good with Beverly Sills as Violetta, Nicolai Gedda as Alfredo, and Rolando Panarei as Germont.
Beverly Sills handles the demanding technical passages of act 1 and act 2 very well though her singing is not as dazzling or spectacular as Joan Sutherland's but that has more to do with the conductor's intermittant sluggish tempos which drain the sparkle,intensity, and flow out of some of the arias.
Where Sills triumphs over Sutherland is in the dramatic department as we experience a more sensitive and revealing portrait of the tragic Violetta which truly reaches the listener's heart.
Nicolai Gedda is fabulous as Alfredo producing heroic beautiful tone,elegant phrasing, and convincing sensitive characterization and Rolando Panarei makes an imposing Germont with that rich full bodied baritone pulling thru the vocal tightropes with ease meanwhile producing a compelling and colorful portrait of the old man.
The packaging is not generous as their is no text translation but a track by track summary that is extremely skimpy in its details but you do get a little biography on Sills and Gedda as well as a few details about the composer Giuseppe Verdi.
The extracts that were selected for this release are well chosen though the final aria "Prendi quest'e L'immagine" is not present which is a notable flaw as listener's should be able to hear the final moments of La Traviata when Violetta dies.
Oh well, what can you do except complement this release with another highlights cd or just break down and get the complete opera which is actually the best choice since it is one of Giuseppe Verdi's greatest compositions and he is the king of all opera.
Enjoy!
I hope this review was helpful to you and happy opera hunting.

Further Quality Listening:Complete Traviata's=Cotrubas,Milnes,
Domingo,Kleiber on DG + Callas,Di Stefano, Giulini live on ancient mono Emi but worth it+ Sutherland,Bergonzi,Pritchard on Decca.
IL Trovatore with Bjorling,Milanov,Warren,Cellini on Rca,
Rigoletto with Pavarotti,Sutherland,Milnes on Decca,
Aida with Domingo,Caballe,Muti on Emi, La Boheme with Domingo,Caballe,Solti on STEREO Rca or with Bjorling,De los Angeles,Beecham on MONO Emi if you don't mind the inferior sonics.

Beverly Sills in her definitive Violetta.......2004-06-08

Giuseppe Verdi's LA TRAVIATA is given the lush treatment in this sparkling highlights album starring Beverly Sills and Nicolai Gedda, under the baton of Aldo Ceccato and the Royal Philharmonic.

Beverly Sills made sure that LA TRAVIATA and the role of consumptive courtesan Violetta Valery was a constant in her performing repertoire. She sang the role countless times in her glittering career. She's especially fetching with Violetta's petulant "Follie! Follie" and her death scene in "Parigi o cara" is like attending a master-class.

Nicolai Gedda makes for a thrilling Alfredo, proving his mettle with "De' miei bollenti spiriti", and his sparkling duet with Sills in "Sempre libera".

For Beverly Sills and TRAVIATA admirers, this CD is hard to beat.

Great Highlights Album.......2003-05-29

This disc features Highlights from one of the best available recording of La Traviata, and features Beverly Sills, Nicolai Gedda and Rolando Panerai.

Beverly Sills is a lovely Violetta. Here she sings with passion and grace. This is a performace heavy vocalization, and her acting sometimes stands out above the music which some may object to. She is at her best with "Addio del passato", her dying song. Nicolai Gedda sings with his usual strong voice. Rolando Panerai is the greatest addition to the opera, and the most stunning Germont on recording. His duet with Beverly Sills is splendid, and his "Di Provenza il Mar" takes the music of Verdi to the heights it deserves to attain. As he beckons his son to return home, his voice ranges from sadness to passion to near desperation. There could be no better Germont.

The highlights album is perfect for anyone who likes to listen to "La Traviata" casually without following along with the entire story. Every important song appears on the album, and the only song that is missed is the chorus of partygoers in Act 2.

A person would have no regrets if they owned this highlights disc, or even the full recording of "La Traviata" with Sills, Gedda and Panerai.

Average customer rating:

Pure beauty
WHAT A GIFT!
Incredible voice - Incredible CD
The Best
Charlotte is NO match...

Pure

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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My Gift to You
Hayley Westenra
Odyssey
Celtic Treasure
Mozart's Lullaby

ASIN: B0000TCP9A
Release Date: 2003-11-10

Tracks:

Across the Universe of Time
Never Say Goodbye
Beat of Your Heart
Pokarekare Ana
Who Painted the Moon Black?
River of Dreams
Benedictus
Hine E Hine
Dark Waltz
Amazing Grace
My Heart and I
In Trutina
Heaven
Wuthering Heights
Pokarekare Ana [*] - Russell Watson, Hayley Westenra

Tracks:

Silent Night [*]
Away in a Manger [*]
Mary Did You Know? [*]
Mummers' Dance [*]

Album Description

A major artist in her native New Zealand, with a performance portfolio that includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Russell Watson. Hayley's voice so inspired New Zealand opera diva Dame Malvina Major she offered to tutor her. The first edition of this album was one of the fastest selling records in the classical genre of all time, surpassing even Charlotte Church! This limited edition includes one bonus track on disc one, 'Pokareare Ana' (duet with Russell Watson), & a bonus four track Christmas CD featuring, 'Away In A Manger', 'The Mummers' Dance', 'Mary Did You Know?', & 'Silent Night'. 19 tracks in all. Decca. 2003.

Album Details

Limited Edition Version of the Debut Album from New Zealand Singer Hayley Westenra Comes with a Bonus Disc featuring Four Christmas Songs, Including a Version of the Loreena Mckennitt Song "The Mummer's Dance". Also Includes "my Heart and I" which Does Not Appear on the USA Version.

Customer Reviews:

Pure beauty.......2005-09-06

Ever since Charlotte Church turned into a tabloids' darling and a wannabe pop star, there's been a gap opened for a young, sweet-faced soprano. The best bet on filling it seems to be Hayley Westenra, a young singer/dancer from New Zealand.

The result: "Pure," an album that is reminiscent of early Sarah Brightman, back when she did folk songs and showtunes. Westenra sticks close to her classical sound with songs like the delicate "In Trutina" and the traditional New Zealand song "Pokarekare Ana," which is rendered with the backing of a a rather muddled male chorus and some swelling strings.

However, Westenra doesn't neglect more modern songs, and she does well in classical pop as well as straightforward classical. The big difference seems to be a bit of synth and a delicate guitar melody, in songs like the charming "Beat of Your Heart" and dreamy "Why Painted the Moon Black?" It's a smooth, thoroughly sweet crossover effect.

Westenra also eschews the usual round of classical-pop songs, like "Nella Fantasia." I love that song, but it's been done so many times. Instead, she opts for Maori lullabies, Vivaldi ballads, the neglected "Mummer's Dance" and the orchestral cathedral grandeur of "Benedictus." She even covers Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights," adding a modern feel to the finale.

That is not to say that every choice is an excellent one. "Wuthering Heights" has Westenra trying to sound more Bush-ian, while "Amazing Grace" is too simple vocally. Aside from those, her choices of song are excellent -- rich, uplifting and beautiful, and backed by a wide range of orchestral musicians, especially the strings.

There is also an accompanying EP, in which Westenra covers four Christmas ballads, and does them all justice. Her vocals are well suited to the dignified lyrics of songs like "The Mummer's Dance" and "Silent Night," although a bit less for the still-lovely "Mary Did You Know" and "Away in a Manger."

Her vocals themselves are not operatic, but they are strong, clear and sweet, without pretensions or dramatic flourishes. The effect is stunning, more given to magic and sweetness than to keeping to classical standards. Since this was recorded when Westenra was only sixteen, one wonders how good she'll be in ten years.

Despite comparisons to Charlotte Church, Hayley Westenra is more like Sarah Brightman -- a sweet-voiced singer, straddling the fence between classical and pop. An enchanting experience.

WHAT A GIFT!.......2004-12-20

I RECEIVED THESE 2 CDS AS A GIFT AND I LISTEN TO THEM FREQUENTLY. HER PERFORMANCE WITH RUSSELL WATSON (ON DVD)ON HIS TOUR IS WONDERFUL. I CAN'T WAIT FOR A NEW ALBUM. WOULD LIKE TO GET HER NEW SONG, BRIDAL BALLAD, FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Incredible voice - Incredible CD.......2004-04-29

I recently saw Hayley on TV and had to immediately buy this CD. Her voice is so clear and pure, and her songs are filled with lyrical emotion.

It is an absolutely incredible CD that any music lover should have in their collection. My favorite song is Wuthering Heights.

The Best.......2004-04-27

Her album is the best, voice of an angel.......you can totally relakes to her music.

Charlotte is NO match..........2003-12-15

Hayley is just phenomenal. There is no doubt that she surpasses every other female artist in her genre. This CD is astonishing. My two favorite songs are "Heaven" and "Wuthering Heights". The first Hayley Westenra song I ever heard was "Heaven". It would not be the last. Her voice is like that of an angel. She has a smooth, serene sound, and she has an incredible range. If you want a more classical sound, you want her. It's not that gaudy stuff that people generally think of. This stuff has a beat... and it's not pumping with bass. If you're a fan of Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, or Mario Frangoulis... try Hayley Westenra, you won't regret it. I just can't wait 'til she comes to the states... that'll be a good day. She has a few Italian songs, but she's not heavy on the foreign stuff like some of the other artists of Opera / Classical. She's got a wonderful voice for a little girl... I'm a huge fan, Hayley! You roped me in, in about 2 minutes time!

Average customer rating:

UNA VOZ PRIVILEGIADA CAIDA DEL CIELO
a voice with potential really beautiful I love your voice
disappointed
Please look to the excellent mezzos for the best music money can buy.
Sarah Brightman's mini-me!!!!!

La Diva
Katherine Jenkins
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Premiere
Living a Dream (Eng)
Second Nature
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Serenade

ASIN: B0007RTB88
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Time To Say Goodbye
Caruso
Va Pensiero
House Of No Regret
O Sole Mio
En Aranjez Con Tu Amor
Seguidilla
Song To The Moon
Calon Lan
Hymn To The Fallen
Laudate Dominum
You'll Never Walk Alone

Customer Reviews:

UNA VOZ PRIVILEGIADA CAIDA DEL CIELO.......2007-06-23

Si los dioses tuvieran el deseo de cantar sin duda utilizarian una voz como la de Katherine; que disco tan maravilloso y exquisito; uno de los mejores discos clasicos que he escuchado, piezas tan grandiosas como TIME TO SAY GOODBYE (mi favorita del disco), desde excelentes valses como VA PENSIERO (soberbia) y SEGUEDILLA (me transpota a la epoca de los elfos), preciosas baladas como la trascendental EN ARANJUEZ CON TU AMOR (la mas preciosa del disco), la melancolica CARUSO y la tradicional y encantadora O SOLE MIO (la cual Elvis Presley grabara con el nombre IT'S NOW OR NEVER en los 60's, pero la version de Katherine es una muy digna competidora); impresionantemente solemne es HYMN TO THE FALLEN (dedicada a los soldados que dieron su vida en la segunda guerra mundial), brillantes himnos sacros como LAUDATE DOMINUM, muy bonitas melodias suaves en ingles como HOUSE OF NO REGRETS, SONG TO THE MOON (recuerda mucho a Enya) y CALON LAN (puro clasisismo barroco) y para cerrar con broche de oro la popularisima YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE (de la cual Ray conniff hizo una magnifica version en los 60's) que en la voz de Kathy es sencillamente gloriosa; una maravillosa e impactante orquestacion, destacando los conocimientos que la diva tiene del italiano, español e Inglés; un disco IDEAL para todo amante de la musica clasica y una forma excelente en que se pueden iniciar los principiantes de este género.

a voice with potential really beautiful I love your voice.......2007-05-19

I brought your ablums and I listen to them all over again, I love your voice so beautiful charming,and alot of people havent heard of you and dont like you, your a beautiful girl katherine jenkins, and I am sure you are best friends with charlotte church,the rock singer,I hope if you hear about church going back to opera, you might go back with her to do an ablumn,but you have got much more class because I know she went into a alot of bad stuff,but it would be good to meet you, because your voice is just abolsetly beautful,i wish that you could see the pope because he is a wonderful man, thankyou.

disappointed.......2007-02-24

I paid for this item but never received it! A month and a half later I'm still waiting! Can anyone help?

Please look to the excellent mezzos for the best music money can buy........2006-05-31

Over the past ten years, I have been asked to listen to albums of what the public has been misled to believe is classical vocal music (such as this one) because those who have purchased the albums have thought I would appreciate them as I am a singer. This album and the others by this singer are not opera, nor are they classical. This singer is pop. I have held my tongue and waited for this trend of popera to pass, but it isn't and I'm vexed at the comparison of singers such as Ms. Jenkins to legitimate voices.

If you are looking for some truly exceptional music by singers who have actually been on stage in an opera outside of grad school, try Stephanie Blythe, Vivica Genaux, Susan Graham, Jennifer Larmore, Ewa Podles and more I'm certainly forgetting. This CD is misleading many people about what opera really is. Ms. Jenkins would never sing the role of Carmen on stage, and should not be recording it.

Sarah Brightman's mini-me!!!!!.......2005-11-09

What a bad record!
If she chooses to record Sarah Brightman's repertoire over and over again, she should get herself some comparable pipes.
Her embarrassing performance of "Nessun Dorma" on the Live8 DVD are proof of a major lack of talent.

If you want the original rather than the copy cat, buy any Sarah Brightman album.

Average customer rating:

The Complete Caruso

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001TSWQO
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Artists Of The Century - Caruso, The Greatest Tenor In The World

Average customer rating:

A nice overview of Caruso's legacy
Unearthly
If You Only Buy One Caruso . . .

Artists Of The Century - Caruso, The Greatest Tenor In The World

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J913
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

Act II: Amor Ti Vieta
Act II: Che Gelinda Manina
Act III: Salut Demeure Chaste Et Pure
Act III: Di Quella Pira
Act IV: Spirto Gentil, Ne' Sogni Miei (Romanza)
Act III: Solenne In Quest'Ora
Act IV: Mi Batte Il Cor...O Paradiso!
Act I: Un Di All'Azzurro Spazio (Improvviso)
Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba
Act I: Questa O Quella
Act IV: La Donna E Mobile
Act III: Ah Si, Ben Mio
Act I: Celeste Aida
Act I: Recondita Armonia
Act III: E Lucevan Le Stelle
Act III: Della Natal Sua Terra Il Padre... O Tu Che In Seno Agl' Angeli
Act II: Magiche Note
Act II: La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
Act I: Ah, Qual Soave Vision...Bianca Al Par Di Neve
Act II: Cielo E Mar
Act II: Nell'Ore Arcane Della Sua Lussuria... Ora E Per Sempre Addio
Un Ballo In Maschera: Act I: Di' Tu Se Fedele
Act II: Una Furtiva Lagrima

Tracks:

Act III: Je Suis Seul... Ah, Uyez, Douce Image
Act II: Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento? (Sextett)
Act I: O Soave Fanciulla
Act III: Ella Mi Fu Rapita!...Parmi Veder Le Lagrime
Act I: Donna Non Vidi Mai
Cujus Animam
Act II: Oh! Mostruosa Colpa!... Si, Pel Ciel
Act I: Libiamo, Libiamo (Brindisi)
Ingemisco
Act II: Faiblesse De La Race Humaine!... Inspirez-Moi, Race Divine
Act III: Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini!... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere!
Act IV: O Figli, O Figli Miei... Ah, La Paterna Mano
Act II: Pour Moi Ce Jour Est Tout Mystere
Act I: A Cette Voix Quel Trouble...Je Crois Entendre Encore
Act IV: Bella Figlia Dell'Amore (Quartett) - Giuseppe De Luca
Act II: Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento? (Sextett) - Amelita Galli-Curci
Act I: Frondi Tenere E Belle...Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Act I: Studenti! Udite!
Crucifixus

Customer Reviews:

A nice overview of Caruso's legacy.......2007-01-04

Enrico Caruso was one of the first "media stars," with his recordings selling widely in the early twentieth century; he helped popularize the recording industry. He was one of the leading tenors of his day, and is regarded as one of the tops of the twentieth century (although he began serious singing in the late 19th century).

This CD features some of his "greatest hits," among which are his well reputed version of "Vesti la giubba" (from I Pagliacci, one of his signature operas); arias from Verdi's Rigoletto, including the bold "Questa o quella" and "La donna e mobile"; some of his most popular recordings from Puccini, including "E lucevan le stelle," "Recondita armonia," and "Che gelida manina." Nice additions to the CD are wonderful ensemble pieces, such as the sextet from Lucia di Lammermoor (including the voice of Luisa Tetrazzini) and the quartet from Rigoletto (with Amelita Galli-Curci).

Interesting tidbits include his first recording, from 1902, and his last, from 1920.

All in all, this is a very nice representation of his work. I'm not sure that it compares with the old LP (with him in clown outfit) that includes Rossini's nearly unsingable "La danza," among other items. But it is a terrific introduction to the art of Caruso. Anyone who has not listened to this tenor's works before would be well advised to use this as their entree to his oeuvre.

Unearthly.......2002-12-23

Forget toiling for a BMW, enjoy finer things in life.One of my personal favorites is ''Le pecheurs de perles'', but the offer is overwhelming.

If You Only Buy One Caruso . . ........2001-01-03

let this be it! Wonderful, generous selection of his singles for Victor, most of them solos, but a few duets, quartets, quintets, and a sextet. The accompanying booklet makes a great deal of including his first and last recordings, but by far the most important here is Caruso's 1907 recording of Vesti la giubba, the first classical recording to sell over a million copies in the United States. If you listen to it, you'll know why--it's every bit as melodramatic as the minstrel show singles with which it shared the top of the early twentieth-century charts.

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