Cura

Track Listings

1. Cura

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Jack Tamul (USA) was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1948. He studied music theory and composition at Boston's Berklee College of Music, Jacksonville University in Florida, and the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland.

Tamul has written and produced music for meditative environments, soundtracks for film, multi-media, and video projects commissioned by the Public Broadcasting System, the International Red Cross, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Florida and Tennessee Arts Councils as well as numerous museums, colleges, and private corporations.

Tamul's interest in multi-disciplinary collaboration with architects and engineers has led him to design a number of sound sculptures, most recently the "FOUR TUNNELS" at the Orlando International Airport in Florida and an installation at the Andrew Train Station in Boston, Massachusetts.

His most recent projects include the development of a CD library for film and computer game developers. He was selected by the Austrian Government to be included in a CD release of computer music artists.

In addition to his work as a musician, Tamul is a great champion of the human spirit and works extensively in social outreach projects to uphold the inherent worth and dignity of all people. His philosophy is to "praise, promote, and affirm," thus creating music that can touch people from "Yale to jail." "Spirit touching Spirit." "People feeling the energy, feeling the space, feeling the sound."

Cura,Jack Tamul

Cura

Tracks:

Misa Criolla: Kyrie (Vidala-Baguala)
Misa Criolla: Gloria - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Criolla: Credo
Misa Criolla: Sanctus
Misa Criolla: Agnus Dei (Estilo Pampeano)
Missa Luba: Kyrie
Missa Luba: Gloria
Missa Luba: Credo
Missa Luba: Sanctus
Missa Luba: Benedictus
Missa Luba: Agnus Dei
Misa Flamenca: Kyrie (La Ca
Misa Flamenca: Gloria (Cantes de Mga) - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Flamenca: Credo (Cantes Gitanos) - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Flamenca: Sanctus (Cantes del Campo) - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Flamenca: Agnus Dei (Cantes de Cz)

Tracks:

Missa Luba: Titles and Introduction - "Mgondo Dora" [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Kyrie [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Gloria [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Namyeri [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Credo [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Oyugis [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Sanctus [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Nyeri [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Agnus Dei [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Wundanyi [DVD]
Missa Luba: Bwana Ni Nani [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Mzeras [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Kyrie (Reprise) [DVD]
Missa Luba: Nyenyeki [DVD]
Missa Luba: Sanctus (Reprise) [DVD]

Customer Reviews:

Misa Luba 5 stars, everything else 0 stars.......2007-03-12

Finally the original (circa 1960's) Misa Luba is available on CD. That makes this CD well worth owning. The Misa Crolla and Misa Flamenca that are also on this CD are no more than filler and add nothing except inconvenience to the CD. I would much prefer a CD that contains both sides of the original LP of the Misa Luba and nothing else. Unfortunately, this CD omits the off side of the LP.

The DVD contained in this package is about the Kenya National Choir production of the Misa Luba (circa 1990), a much inferior rendition compared to the original which is contained in this CD, and is of virtually no interest. Why would the consumer care about a biopic of a poor impersonation?

Despite all the filler, this is definitely worth owning.

Ahhhhh, Missa Luba!.......2006-12-23

My much-loved LP was lost in a move a few years ago, and now after much prodding Philips has reissued the original Missa Luba on an absolutely glorious CD -- with a DVD kicker to boot. Thank you, Philips! The sound is spectacular; the purity and enthusiasm of the voices inspiring. The accompanying Misa Criolla (based on South American folk songs) and Misa Flamenca (Andalusian) are added treats. [Not being familiar with Misa Criolla, I can't comment on RJHamilton's review, but I found the entire disc enthralling.]

Buy it ... you'll love it.

Almost missed the Luba!.......2006-03-02

The music is great, comes with a DVD of the Missa Luba's origins in Africa (nice touch). The only problem is that whilst the Missa Creola has been produced extremely well it now, it now features Jose Carrera and the producers have 'remodelled' parts of the mass to demonstrate his voice. Unfortunately, in my opinion, neither Mr Carrera's voice nor the remodelling have proved to be adequate foils to the previous issues of this mass.

Average customer rating:

Very Bad
Different is not always bad!
Pay special attention to this new promise !
A tenor who wishes he were a baritone
Finally, a SPINTO tenor!!!

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Giacomo Puccini , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Plácido Domingo , and Jose Cura
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Artist Portrait Jose Cura
Verdi Arias
Anhelo: Argentinian Songs
Verismo
Boleros

ASIN: B000005E5L
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

Turandot (Act III): Nessun dorma
Turandot (Act I): Non piangere Liu!
Gianni Schicchi: Avete torto! - Firenze ome un albero fiorito
Il Tabarro: Hai ben ragione
Il Tabarro: Io voglio la tua bocca - Folle di gelosia
La Rondine (Act I): Parigi! a cittei desideri
La Rondine (ActIII): Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi
La Fanciulla del West (Act II): Una parola sola - Or son sei mesi
La Fanciulla del West (Act III): Risparmiate lo scherno - Ch'ella mi creda
Madame Butterfly (Act I): Dipende dal grado di cottura - Amore o grillo
Madame Butterfly (Act III): Addio fiorito asil
Tosca (Act I): Recondita armonia
Tosca (Act III): E lucevan le stelle
La Boh (Act I): Che gelida manina
Manon Lescaut (Act I): Tra voi, belle
Manon Lescaut (Act I): Donna non vidi mai
Manon Lescaut (Act II): Ah, Manon mi tradisce
Manon Lescaut (Act III): Ah! non v'avvicinate! - No, pazzo son
Manon Lescaut (Act IV): Manon...senti, amor mio - Vedi, son io che piango
Edgar (Act II): Orgia, chimera dall'occhio vitreo
Le Villi (Act II): Ecco la casa - Torna ai felici di

Amazon.com essential recording

Good tenors are always in short supply, a particularly lamentable circumstance given the great demand for them in the operatic and symphonic repertoire. Thus, the advent of a good young tenor is always cause for rejoicing. A tenor of the caliber of Jose Cura--a composer, conductor and guitarist as well as a singer--is really good news. There is nothing wimpy about Cura's singing, nothing strained; he sings with baritonal beef and strong, chesty high notes. A protege of Placido Domingo, he shares some qualities with the older tenor, but is definitely an artist with something to say for himself. This is a career to watch. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Very Bad.......2007-03-29

First of all, his voice does not suit for Puccini(I do not know what is fitting for him). If you buy this cd, you may listen the worst "Non piangere liu" "E Lucevan Stella" etc. He can not bring a little emotion. But Puccini demands it.

Different is not always bad!.......2006-11-26

It's very interesting to read all the reviews smashing Jose Cura for his "baritone-like" voice and supposed stiff and unvaried interpretation. The first opera I ever saw was The Washington Opera's 1997 production of Samson et Dalila (I was 13) with Jose Cura and Denyce Graves. Immediately I was converted into an opera lover! (specifically an opera-goer-lover) I don't necessarily like listening to all opera, and a lot of singer's voices still annoy me, but Jose Cura's voice is different (the source of much of the controversy...). The richness and deep quality of his voice that so contrasts with most tenor's voices (which can be rather squeaky at times) is what attracts me. And you should see this man act! A refreshing experience against the stereotypical stiff opera singer standing in the middle of the stage bellowing his/her lungs out. So please, try to actually see the man before you form an unshakeable opinion. I think his voice alone is gorgeous (especially with Puccini's incomparable work!), but pared with his charisma and ability on stage, it's irresistable.

Pay special attention to this new promise !.......2006-06-30

A talented artist, a potent and polished voice emerges to satisfy the Opera lovers all over the world.

Jose Cura is nowadays, one the most prominent figures of the Bel Canto. His charismatic presence and his timber have deserved him the best praises all over the world.

In this opportunity we may listen him singing a selection of Puccini's Arias, accompanied by Placido Domingo with the Philharmonia orchestra, a magnificent occasion to enjoy his art and impeccable timber.

A tenor who wishes he were a baritone.......2005-12-14

I bought this CD because I love Puccini above all other composers, due to the sheer emotion that he could put into his music. I also wanted to hear Placido Domingo conduct and I'm always on the lookout for a good tenor. However, this is not the CD to buy if you're looking for a good tenor. I can't help but agree with the reviewer who gave only one star, at first Jose Cura sounds great. But after I really listened I had to change my opinion. Cura sings ridiculously heavy to be a tenor. If you listen to him with the mindset that this is a tenor it's really laughable how heavy and pressed his voice is. I was reminded of Placido Domingo (Ugh) or Franco Corelli who also depressed his larynx giving him a very baritonal sound but by the time he was in his forties, when most voices really blossom, his was declining do to the tremendous weight he sang with. Cura scoops up even to middle register notes because he is unable to start on the pitch, and has one tone to his voice (except when he goes bellow mezzo forte when he has almost no control) and very little in the way of vocal expression due to the restrictions this weight puts on the voice. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not usually an opera snob (I listen to and love Josh Groban, Russel Watson, and Andrea Bocelli), but Cura truly warranted a review. I gave it two stars because I didn't think Placido did a bad job at conducting (not the best by any means but certainly not bad) and despite everything I just said, I really like Cura's performance of Nessun Dorma (I don't get why it's weak).

Finally, a SPINTO tenor!!!.......2005-10-14

I am SO happy that there is finally a tenor out there with the vocal power to sing over a Puccini orchestra but still keep the lyricism for the upper register! If your preference is for a sweeter, lighter sound, check out recordings of Carlo Bergonzi and Roberto Alagna. This is a voice meant for singing over large orchestras with some "muscle" in the low register and the ability to make high notes soar. (It also doesn't hurt that Sr. Cura is as gorgeous as his voice! :) )

Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad en Verano; Navidad Nuestra

Average customer rating:

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS CLASSICALLY BASED RENDITION TRY MERCEDES SOSA
Misa Criolla
Dismayed and disappointed
Obras y arreglos como ningunos otros
Soulful singing from José

Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad en Verano; Navidad Nuestra

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Misa Criolla
Misa Criolla/Misa Luba/Misa Flamenca
Misa Criolla
Misa Criolla/Missa Luba/Misa Flamenca
Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad Nuestra

ASIN: B000009IAZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Misa Criolla: Kyrie (vidala-babuala)
Misa Criolla: Gloria (carnavalito - yaravi)
Misa Criolla: Credo (chacarera trunca)
Misa Criolla: Sanctus (carnaval cochabambino)
Misa Criolla: Agnus Dei (estilo pampeano)
Navidad en Verano
Navidad Nuestra: La Anunciacion (chamame)
Navidad Nuestra: La Peregrinacion (huella pampeana)
Navidad Nuestra: El Nacimiento (vidala catamarquena)
Navidad Nuestra: Los Pastores (chaya riojana)
Navidad Nuestra: Los Reyes Magos (takirari)
Navidad Nuestra: La Huida (vidala tucumana)

Customer Reviews:

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS CLASSICALLY BASED RENDITION TRY MERCEDES SOSA.......2006-09-11

even if the original all-out version is no longer available, perhaps you will find the Mercedes Sosa version a little moree to your earthy and real liking than the finely tempered but dying Carreras. Indeed this version is tuned more to the silent solitary halls than the living streets and barrios of mi pueblo.

Misa Criolla.......2006-02-23

Having heard snatches of this music on Classic FM, I was keen to hear the whole album. I was not disappointed - the beautiful voice of Jose Carreras was more than adequately supported by the Sociedad Choral de Bilbao.

Top marks for this composition from Ariel Ramirez - altogether a spiritually uplifting experience.

Dismayed and disappointed.......2005-11-11

This version of the Misa Criolla is elegant, restrained and polished, three adjectives that have nothing to do with the raw and rousing folk original. It's about as close to its roots as a gilded church crucifix is to the piece of lumber Christ was crucified on... I'll stick with my raspy 70s recording and relish it!

Obras y arreglos como ningunos otros.......2005-10-31

Muy pocas veces se combinan
el arte popular y el arte clasico
y cuando se combinan escasas son
las ocacciones en que ofrecen un
buen resultado. En el caso de la
Misa Criolla de Ariel Ramirez, es
unos de esos pocos casos. Esta
grabaccion es un arreglo de la
version original del compositor,
rara la vez en que un arreglo
se hace de tal manera que mantiene
la idea principal del compositor
y el espiritu de la obra. La grabaccion
de esta obra ha siido una cuestion
de esas que se dan muy pocas veces
en la vida. Aqui se reunen interpretes;
musicos y cantantes de la mas alta calidad
la grabaccion es hermosa, como
ninguna otra de esta obra.
Jose Carreras canta con
claridad y sentimiento. Coral
Salve de Laredo y la sociedad
coral de Bilbao hacen un trabajo
genial, las partes de cantantes
y de instrumentos bien arregladas.
Una grabaccion que vale la pena
tener...

Soulful singing from José.......2005-06-20

It seems that this cd is a matter of whether you have heard the "original" or not. I haven't, so obviously I belong to the group of people that appreciate this cd. The cd was recorded just a few days (7 days I think) before he was diagnosed with leukaemia and I was amazed when I found out, because one should think that a disease that severe would affect his singing somewhat. But that's absolutely not the case. His singing is as wonderful as ever.

Jose is giving it all in every song on this album. His rendition of "Kyrie" is stupendous, as is his "Agnus Dei". Not to mention "Navidad en Verano". It's absolutely divine. Navidad Nuestra "El Nacimiento" also qualifies in the same category. Don't be surprised if the soulfullness of the songs together with Jose's soft notes brings you to tears. When it comes to stirring emotions with his voice and his heartfelt singing Josep is unsurpassed. When singing the soft notes he sounds so vulnerable; his voice goes straight to my heart. And I'm totally helpless. In my opinion his voice and his way of singing also lends a sort of elegance to the songs that I find very attractive. This is a wonderful cd that will no doubt stir your emotions. Lie down; put on your headphones and turn the volume up. I'm not suggesting that you will have an "out-of-the-body-experience" but it's pretty close. You will at least restore your inner peace. There are also some great tracks like "Los Reyes Magos" that will probably make you dance around the house. (Or at least start toe-tapping....) The chorus sounds wonderful throughout the album, but I especially love their participation in this song. They are playing a large part in the toe-tapping effect of this song......

The cost of this album is a small price to pay to restore your inner peace. If you need a "refuel" buy it asap!

Average customer rating:

Ariel Ramirez: Misa Criolla

Manufacturer: Jade Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Misa Criolla
Misa Criolla/Misa Luba/Misa Flamenca
Ramirez: Misa Criolla; Navidad Nuestra

ASIN: B000EBGEEG
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
La Tristecita, zamba
Juana Azurduy, cueca
Antiguo Dueno de las Flechas, cancion
Cueca de la Frontera, cueca
La Peregrinacion, huella
El Nacimiento, vidala catamarquena
Los Reyes Magos, takirari

Album Description

Misa Criolla is an invitation: it opens its arms to humanity and says, "Come to the Church with everything that you are, your flesh and your blood, your culture and your rhythms, with your forms of expressions and your universe." The mass is performed by Zamba Quipildor, a popular Argentinean singer, famous for his exceptional gift that has allowed him to embody the vocal music of so many regions of his country.

Average customer rating:

Awesome!!
Primo Tenore
Bravo, Cura!

Artist Portrait Jose Cura
Jose Cura
Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Boleros
The Tenor's Passion
Anhelo: Argentinian Songs
Verismo

ASIN: B00006L724
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

'Non Piangere, Liu!'
'Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida'
'Niun Mi Tema'
'Vois Ma Misere'
Addio Alla Madre, 'Mamma, Quel Vino'
'Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba'
'Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio'
'Amor Ti Vieta'
'Ah! Si Ben Mio...Di Quella Pira'
'Io L'ho Perduta'
'L'anima Ho Stanca'
'Che Gelida Manina'
'E Lucevan Le Stelle'
'La Dolcissima Effigie'
'Dimmi Che Vuoi Seguirmi'
'Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix'
La Rosa Y El Sauce
Cancion Del Arbol Del Olvido
'Nessun Dorma'

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!!.......2007-08-04

This CD is one of the gratest CD's of a tenor that I have ever brought, the selection of the songs was very intelligent and the voice of Jose Cura is impressive, I really recomend this item!! You'll be pleased with it!

Primo Tenore.......2004-11-03

As the Domingo/Pavarotti era has come to a close, we find that a new generation of tenors awaits their time.
Jose Cura is without a doubt one of the greatest tenors of the new era!

Now I realize this statement will raise quite a few eyebrows, as I know that many, many tenor lovers, particularily those who have a deeply rooted affection for the lyric tenor voices of Pavarotti, Alvarez or Gigli, do not think Mr. Cura's dark and muscular tenor worthy of consideration.

Let it be known that, to date, Mr. Cura IS the foremost operatic tenor of the world.
He has more CD's on the market than any of his contemporaries (Alagna, Licitra, Alvarez), and a wider international appeal.
In fact, I was introduced to the Cura voice in a record store in southern Germany. I was looking for a Bocelli CD and the store clerk advised me to check out this Jose Cura. I bought the Verismo CD and upon hering it, I was convinced that this man would be the successor to the aging Domingo.

Anyhow, this CD is a great sampling of most of Mr. Cura's current CD releases.
His reading of Puccini's "E Lucevan Le Stelle" and " Nessun Dorma" are inspirational. His take on Verdi's "Nun Mi Tema" form "Otello" showcase why Mr. Cura has become the most sought after "Otello" of the post-Domingo era.

The only reason I did not give this CD a 5 star rating, is because of the inclusion of a few tracks from Cura's "Anhelo" which was supposed to be collection of Argentinian "folk" songs. However, the end result sounded more like a Spanish version of German Lieder...which is to say boring beyond imagination.

I would have much preferred to have a few songs from the exquisite "Bolero" CD included. For some reason not one track of what I consider Mr. Cura's finest CD was included in this compilation.

Overall this is a fine compilation of a PRIMO TENORE.

Bravo, Cura!.......2004-10-13

Perhaps MAYBE, Placido Domingo, there isn't a better tenor singing today than Jose Cura. I've even tried to prove myself wrong by listening to an abundance of others. Voices like his just don't come around very often.
I first heard him singing two songs with Sarah Brighman on her "Time to Say Goodbye" CD. By thirsting for THAT voice, I bought lots more of his CD's, DVD's and VHS tapes, and was introduced to the world of opera, and the versatility of this phenomenally gifted man.
This CD is a wonderful sampling of several of his CD's: Puccini Arias (my personal favorite), Verdi Arias, Verismo, Samson & Dalila and Anhelo (a close second). The reasons I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5, even though I want to, are as follows.
First, there are no selections on the CD from Manon Lescaut (on Puccini Arias), which are just wonderful. The emotion of his performance of those songs is gut wrenching, and I was moved to tears when I first heard them.
Secondly, his artistic talents are widespread; not only can he sing, but also, he can conduct and compose music as well. The songs selected from Anhelo for this CD are beautiful. But his composition skills could have also been showcased if included were Sonetos de Amor y Muerte, which consists of two poems by Pablo Neruda, put to music composed by Maestro Cura. It's just beautiful, particularly the second one. (I read on his website that a future project includes more music composed for Neruda's poems and I, for one, can't wait.)
This CD would be a great addition to anyone's music library, but don't stop there. He's got an abundance of great music...Boleros, Aurora, Song of Love, Dvorak...the list goes on.

Average customer rating:

suprising content
Totally Smitten (Hook, Line and Sinker!!!)
A Voice Of Pure Beauty!!!
unusual but lovely venture
Everyone's a critic

Boleros
Jose Cura , and Ettore Stratta
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Anhelo: Argentinian Songs
Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Artist Portrait Jose Cura
Song of Love
Verismo

ASIN: B000059ZHX
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

Come Yo Te Ame
Somos Novios
Tu, Mi Delirio
Nosotros/Perfidia
Juguete
Te Extrano
Esta Tarde Vi Llover
Contigo Aprendi
Una Mujer
No Me Platiques
La Mentira
Voy A Apager La Luz

Customer Reviews:

suprising content.......2007-02-07

Cura is wonderful but the style on this recording was not at all to my taste, my husband's taste or to a hispanic family's taste who know more about the "bolero" style than we do. Unfortunately, we all hated it. It is a sort of a slow, slighly jazzy drawl of music that never grabbed any of us.

Totally Smitten (Hook, Line and Sinker!!!).......2003-07-05

I first heard Mr. Cura on a duet with Sarah Brightman (There For Me), and I said I have to have an album of this 'muy macho' guy. I'm not really a fan of opera music so I chose "Boleros" and can't help but swoon over this total stand-out of a guy. And his being so handsome is an added bonus. This album is a must-have for all hopeless romantics.

A Voice Of Pure Beauty!!!.......2003-01-17

First Off I Am NOT An Opera Buff!! I Don't Speak Spanish! But After Discovering Luis Miguel & Alejandro Fernandez I Fell In Love With These Songs, Based On That Love I Purchased This Cd And Have Become An Instant Fan Of Jose Cura!!! His Voice Is Glorious & He Sings These Songs With Such Passion & Tenderness That He Takes You Beyond This Earth And A Little Closer To BLISS!!! Please Buy This And Add Some Romance To Your Life!!!!

unusual but lovely venture.......2002-12-12

Folks, let me offer a word of piece. Jose Cura the tenor and Jose Cura the pop singer are like two different personalities. Yes, to those of us who heard him live in opera (and haven't heard his "Anhelo" CD) this comes as a surprise. After all, not a single high C (or B for that matter) makes a presence, and majority of the selections are sung in near-whisper manner. It's decidedly un-operatic.
But it's an interesting and lovely album of songs arranged in a soft jazz-like way, and Cura invests a lot of feeling into each of these. I listened to the album about 3 times before coming to appreciate it. Do likewise and you'll descover a totally new side to this remarkable artist.

Everyone's a critic.......2002-08-26

...

As for this CD, there is nothing to say other than FABULOUS!!!
By and far one of the best CD's I own and a most brilliant example of Mr. Curas' vocal and interprative talents.
While he does sound more baritonal than anything else, it is exactly that which sets this CD apart form any of Domingos' "pop" efforts....or any CD of contemporary nature by other Tenors i.e. Boccelli etc.
Granted, Mr. Cura avoids most high notes (the highest sung on any song is an A natural), but given the song selections and that this is a vocal Jazz CD, there really is no room nor need for any excessive Tenoral vocalizing.
If you like Jazz and want to hear a world class Tenor sing it, purchase this CD.
Unless you belong to the "If it's not Pavarotti, it's no good.." crowd, you're promised to enjoy this most recent effort by Mr. Cura immensely.

Verdi Arias
Average customer rating:

Yay for Yu Qiang Dai

Cura a Tenor is. A good one he is not.

Not a great effort

Disappointing after his Puccini CD

Beautiful

Verdi Arias

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo

Verismo

Anhelo: Argentinian Songs

Boleros

La Traviata à Paris / Gvazava, Cura, Panerai; Mehta (2000 TV film)

ASIN: B00004WIID
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Aida: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Don Carlo: Io I'ho Perduta!
Simon Boccanegra: O Inferno!...Sento Avvampar Nell'Anima
La Traviata: Lunge Da Lei...De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
I Due Foscari: Notte, Perpetua Notte...Non Maledirmi, O Prode
Macbeth: O Figli, O Figli Miei!...Ah, La Paterna Mano
Un Ballo In Maschera: Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
Il Trovatore: Ah! Si, Ben Mio...Di Quella Pira
La Forza Del Destino: La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Otello: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar
Otello: Niun Mi Tema

Amazon.com

This recital shows off the extraordinary dual talents of José Cura as tenor and conductor, and, much as envy might compel one to say he should stick to one or the other, conscience demands otherwise. He does a superb job in both spheres--and, more than that, his intuitive and gripping sense of drama links them inextricably. The accompaniments are bound up with the vocal line in compelling and exciting ways: every slight expansion of a phrase, every passionate quickening of tempo, every moment of vocal calm or storm, is felt in the orchestra. His choice of tempi are not always conventional, either: "De' miei bollenti spiriti" from La traviata is speedier than you might have heard it before, for example, but it perfectly captures Alfredo's youthful ardor. Cura's feeling for the heart of a situation is backed up by a glorious voice, with a remarkably full baritonal range and a thrilling top--and he seems to have a rainbow palette of colors to lighten or darken the sound as necessary. One quibble is that he sings "Di quella pira" from Il trovatore a semitone low. But, overall, this is a wonderful recording of a wonderful voice. --Warwick Thompson

Customer Reviews:

Yay for Yu Qiang Dai.......2005-01-28

It was a big shock to hear Yu Qiang Dai's debut cd. He is, I think, the best lirico-spinto tenor nowadays. He has a lovely voice, which is very well produced. The center is wonderful, the lower notes are good, the high notes are shining and of fantastic quality... the singing through the passage is very well handled. He is an itelligent musical interpreter and singer, with an interesting and appealing line and sense of style. Very good dynamic changes. He offers some of the absolutely best renditions of some arias (nessun dorma and cielo e mar, for example) that I have heard in many years.

He still has to work his Italian (specially the consonants) and his French. But there were great historical tenors with bigger idiomatical problems.

Despite taking spinto repertoire, Yu never pushes, never tries to make the voice sound darker than it is, everything is always under control, and he takes the chance to give very stylish renditions (for example, of una furtiva lagrima), which is strange for tenors who "want to sing spinto".
The tenor is a fantastic discovery, one of the best ones around. Actually, all my criticism goes to EMI and the production of the CD: no choirs, no solists (for example, for the aria of Cavalleria, where the mother should sing her line), and the acoustic "atmosphere" has made some people to doubt if Yu's voice is really as big as it seems (people who saw his Cavaradossi at Covent Garden say that it is very big, actually).
Not a the best production job by the people of EMI, but five stars (ten if possible) for the singer. Simply wonderful.

Cura a Tenor is. A good one he is not........2002-06-28

Per the review from Mr. Gonzales, it is difficult to judge from listening to a recording that Cura is not a tenor, I believe he definitely is. He does not have the big bottom that a baritone should have. However there definitely are problems with his top. Cura suffers from an aversion to darkening his tone. He makes himself sound quite hooty sometimes. If he would just sing with correct italianate vowels he would'nt have such trouble with his high notes. I believe its that simple. He darkens his vowels, thus pulling down the lift he should have on his soft pallet. Its a beatiful voice in there, he just never received enough training. And I would venture to say that he is not continuing with his training (as the smartest opera singers do). But hey while his voice holds up under his bad technique hes pulling in the bucks. It would be nice if he would take sometime to repair his voice, I believe he would last much longer, and sound much much better. As mentioned previously this disk does demonstrate some vocal damage, it was inevitable with his over darkened tone.

Not a great effort.......2002-06-26

Simply put, Cura does not use his powerful voice to great effect. I've listened to his collection of Puccini arias where his strength finds better application. I even liked him in the TV production of La Boehme. But sadly, there appears to be no real interpretation in this recording, just sound. It's like listening to a horn player who can create a great sound from the instrument, but can't make music.

Disappointing after his Puccini CD.......2001-05-20

I was favorably impressed with Cura's debut recital of Puccini arias (recorded June 1997), and on the strength of that favorable impression I bought his Verismo arias CD (recorded July 1999) and his Verdi arias CD (recorded Feb. 2000). I found both disappointing; neither is up to the standard of the Puccini disc. What is alarming is that I believe there has been audible deterioration in his voice in the short period of only two and three years between recording the Puccini disc and recording the next two. He is singing heavy roles usually, and advisedly, taken on by tenors later in their careers (e.g., Samson, Otello), and I hope this promising tenor won't sing himself out prematurely.

In addition, the Verdi arias CD gives poor measure for a full-priced disc, only 11 arias at 54 minutes timing (both the Puccini and Verismo CD's are over 70 minutes).

Beautiful.......2001-02-20

I have seen several performances by Cura and he does Verdi beautifully. Viva Cura!

Average customer rating:

Mellow Magic
Anhelo
A large voice sings small
A Cura for Heartache
Jose Cura's voice is truly magnificent!

Anhelo: Argentinian Songs

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Boleros
Verismo
Verdi Arias
Artist Portrait Jose Cura

ASIN: B00000DGWU
Release Date: 1998-11-03

Tracks:

Preludio a los Sonetos de Amor y Muerte
La rosa y el sauce
Se equivoco la paloma
El unico camino
Elegia para un gorrion
Campanilla, adonde vas?
Riqueza
Soneto 4
Anhelo
Caminito
Nocturno
Milonga
Cancion del arbol del olvido
Alfonsina y el mar
Cancion del carretero
Cancion de Perico
Adios Nonino
Desde el fondo de ti
Postal de guerra
Sonetos de Amor y Muerte

Amazon.com

So often, operatic crossover discs seem to be devised according to marketing surveys, with the star swooping into the recording studio between engagements with minimum thought or care. Jose Cura's first crossover disc, Anhelo, is quite the exception. The tenor not only sings but has orchestrated and conducted several numbers as well, which is only the most tangible evidence of the thought and feeling he's put into this. The emphasis is on ballads--which is only fitting for an album whose title means intense, suffocating desire--though there are also folk-like songs and instrumental cuts, one of which Cura composed himself in a neo-Puccinian style. Some of the songs have orchestrations, but the instrumentation is mostly spare: often acoustic guitar or piano and, in one cut, only solo voice. Cura may not have the most flexible instrument, yet he scales it down extremely well here. Clearly, this disc didn't just arise out of a career strategy but as a sincere desire to communicate. And it does. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Mellow Magic.......2005-12-16

In this exquisite CD of Argentine music, you will not hear Jose Cura sing with the full power of his magnificent operatic voice, but rather with a gentle beauty that is captivating. He shows us his heart in these songs, and what he is capable of doing artistically as well as his commitment to excellence, beyond his career as an international opera superstar. The repertoire consists of music by 20th and 21st century composers: Cura himself (2 tracks), Carlos Guastavino (8), Carlos Lopez Buchardo (2), and Julian Aguirre, Alberto Muzzio, Jorge Cardozo, Alberto Ginastera, Ariel Ramirez, Astor Piazzolla, Hilda Herrera, and Maria Elena Walsh each contributing one selection apiece.

The arrangements (by Cura) and musicianship are superb, featuring the brilliant talents of Eduardo Delgado (piano) and Ernesto Bitetti (guitar). Cura also conducts, and also had a hand in the design of the booklet insert, which has terrific liner notes, recording info, and lyrics in Spanish, English and French. There are also lots of photographs, and one of Cura as a toddler at the piano that is priceless.

There are 4 instrumentals on the CD, and the transcription of Piazzolla's "Adios Nonino" for piano quintet is stupendous, and another big favorite is Ginastera's "Cancion del arbol del olvido." There is nostalgia, sweet simplicity, and a purity to this album that may not appeal to those who like their music always on full throttle, but it is rich with a depth of soul and emotion, and is a rare encounter in this age of sound overkill. Total playing time is 62'08.

Anhelo.......2001-11-20

I discovered Jose Cura through Sarah Brightman's "Time to Say Goodbye." What a find I made! This man has the most expressive voice. Full of emotion and grandure, but not to the point of being ridiculous.

"Anhelo" is the perfect introduction to this wonderful man's voice. It is traditional Argentine music. The first time I heard "La Rosa" I was literally crying by the time it was over. The production is not over the top. You can hear Jose, without fighting the orchestra. Even if you don't speak Spanish, you can understand what he's singing through the emotion he gives each song.

Where most operatic voices do not understand that not every song is an aria, Jose does. He, like Sarah Brightman, can sing the opera with the "pop." Pick up this CD, with the bath and wine ready!

A large voice sings small.......2001-06-01

Many opera singers cannot seem to make their voices fit small or popular-type songs. The great Placido Domingo's pop albums are all disappointing: overproduced and underfelt. Jose Cura, on the other hand, gives these small songs from his homeland a warm, heartfelt treatment. The spare, always apt accompaniment adds to the poetic quality of the whole. This CD is a treasure.

A Cura for Heartache.......1999-09-23

Musical wonderman José Cura conducts himself in this splendid collections of art songs from his native Argentina. Wrapping his big, rich, meltingly warm barti-tenor voice around each ballad of heartache and romantic longing, Cura beautifully conveys the emotion at the heart of the song; it's meaning comes clear even for us listeners who aren't up on our Spanish. Especially impressive are his top notes, which he deploys either forcefully or very soft and intimate, like a lover's whisper in one's ear. Superb support from Ernesto Bitetti and Eduardo Delgado on guitar and piano contribute to the aura of closeness surrounding this disc. Simply put, ANHELO is a beautiful album and one which deserves a place any serious music lover's collection. ¡Viva El Cura!

Jose Cura's voice is truly magnificent!.......1999-09-22

I bought this CD after I heard Jose on Sarah Brighman's "Time to Say Goodbye." His voice is always so powerful, yet sweet that moves the hearts of those who listen to his music. He has truly put his heart into this CD. His feelings about Argentina is clearly reflected in all the songs that he included on this CD. HE will be the greatest tenor!!! He has all the qualities that a truly great tenor should! Let's wait for Jose's career to shine like no one else's.

La Traviata à Paris / Gvazava, Cura, Panerai; Mehta (2000 TV film)

Average customer rating:

A flop
good but not great
La Traviata a Paris a wonderful experience
Wonderful music, very well sung
angel music

La Traviata à Paris / Gvazava, Cura, Panerai; Mehta (2000 TV film)
Giuseppe Verdi , Zubin Mehta , José Cura , Eteri Gvazava , Rolando Panerai , Nicolas Rivenq , Magali Léger , Raphaelle Farman , Alain Gabriel , and Giorgio Gatti
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Verdi Arias
Verismo
Song of Love
Boleros

ASIN: B00004TT0K
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

La Traviata A Paris: Preludio - Zubin Mehta
Atto Primo: 'Dell'invito Trascorsa E Gia L'ora' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Primo: Brindisi 'Libiamo, Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Primo: 'Che E Cio?' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Primo: 'Oh! Qual Pallor!' - Jose Cura
Atto Primo: 'Un Di Felice' - Jose Cura
Atto Primo: 'Si Ridesta In Ciel L'aurora' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Primo: 'E Strano! E Strano!...Ah, Fors'e Lui' - Eteri Gvazava
Atto Primo: 'Follie! ... Sempre Libera' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'Lunge Da Lei' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'De'miei Bollenti Spiriti' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'Annina, Donde Vieni?' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'Oh Mio Rimorso!' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'Alfredo?' - Rolando Panerai
Atto Secondo: 'Pura Siccome Un Angelo' - Rolando Panerai
Atto Secondo: 'Dite Alla Giovine' - Rolando Panerai
Atto Secondo: 'Dammi Tu Forza, O Cielo' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'Ah, Vive Sol Quel Core' - Rolando Panerai
Atto Secondo: 'Di Provenza Il Mar' - Rolando Panerai

Tracks:

Atto Secondo: 'Avrem Lieta Di Maschere La Notte' - Raphaelle Farman
Atto Secondo: 'Noi Siamo Zingarelle' - Raphaelle Farman
Atto Secondo: 'Di Madride Noi Siam Matadori' - Raphaelle Farman
Atto Secondo: 'Alfredo! Voi!' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Secondo: 'Invitato A Qui Seguirmi' - Jose Cura
Atto Secondo: 'Ogni Suo Aver' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Secondo: 'Di Sprezzo Degno' - Nicolas Rivenq
Atto Terzo: Preludio - Zubin Mehta
Atto Terzo: 'Annina? - Commandate?' - Eteri Gvazava
Atto Terzo: 'Teneste La Promessa' - Eteri Gvazava
Atto Terzo: 'Addio, Del Passato Bei Sogni' - Eteri Gvazava
Atto Terzo: 'Largo Al Quadrupede Sir Della Festa' - Emanuela di Pietro
Atto Terzo: 'Signora... - Che T'accadde?' - Jose Cura
Atto Terzo: 'Parigi, O Cara, Noi Lasceremo' - Jose Cura
Atto Terzo: 'Ah! Gran Dio! Morir Si Giovane' - Jose Cura
Atto Terzo: 'Ah! Violetta! - Voi, Signor' - Rolando Panerai
Atto Terzo: 'Se Una Pudica Vergine' - Rolando Panerai

Amazon.com

This recording comes from the "real-time" Traviata presented on European television in June 2000. The idea was to heighten the drama by placing the opera in Parisian locations that still reflected the 1850s setting, and then having the soloists sing as plausibly as possible to a recorded soundtrack. The effect was somewhat bizarre--especially when it appeared that Violetta's cramped, little Act IV apartment had a mysteriously grand concert-hall acoustic. The recording, however, allows one to judge the performance on its musical--and not its televisual--merits, and on the whole it comes off rather well. Dreamboat tenor José Cura makes a passionate and convincing Alfredo, and Eteri Gvazava captures the pathos, if not the sparkle, of Violetta. She excels in the dramatic deathbed music of Act IV, but is less happy in the spinto (and fiendishly difficult) scales and leaps of "Sempre libera" in Act I. The warm orchestral accompaniment is sensitive to the singers, but just occasionally lacks power. All in all, this is a good introduction to the opera and a neat tie-in to the TV production. --Warwick Thompson

Customer Reviews:

A flop.......2004-02-03

A Violetta that sounds like a cheap imitation of Callas, Cura sounding crude and Panerai way over the hill. There are much better Traviatas out there than this one.

good but not great.......2003-06-29

I just had the opportunity to see a rebroadcast of the TV film, and completely disliked the visual performance, including the staging, the camera work, and the acting. Now, if you close your eyes, and listen to the music, you might actually enjoy it. Although it is a stretch to compare it with the classic recordings of the same, it does hold its own, at least it is not bad. The exception is the elder Germont. I never had the chance to listen to Rolando Panerai when he was younger, but here at 75, his voice is stiff, lacks emotion, and contains too many rough edges to my liking. While I agree with one of the reviewers who dismisses the critical comment about this performance by pleading ignorance to the academic finer points, and focusses instead on the enjoyment aspect of the show, I am also in agreement with the author of that critical comment, why bother with this one, if you can't completely enjoy it.

OK, some of you may want to find a different presentation of the old classic, in that sense, you probably won't be disappointed by the musical portion of it (if you can overlook the one role I mentioned above), but for those of you looking for the DVD, I would suggest to stop that search right now, not because it is not available in stores, but because of its less than pleasing visual presentation.

The raison d'etre of this sound recording is the made-for-television event of broadcasting from Paris, purportedly made by the same crew that made the Tosca from Rome. While Tosca from Rome was a live performance, a grand artistic tour de force, this TV film was made in such an amateurish fashion, that it looks like the entire crew had a lobotomy after the first success. The direction, the use of cameras (angles, movement, etc.), as well as the acting evoked from the performers are horrendous. The under-the-table scene in Act I is unnecessary, and looks to be a copy from Boheme; the use of Steadycam (it is mounted on the cameraman, and his going and stopping give the feeling of discontinuity) gimmick is not much of an improvement from Dave Letterman's Monkeycam years ago; and the camera angle and zoom is very curious, the director seems to like to place obstacles, like tree leaves, tall grass, furniture, and other things, between the camera and performers. I was so distracted by his constant obscuring of Germont and Violetta's faces in Act II that I kept thinking "ticks, ticks, ticks" when they walked into the overgrown tall grass, and "will she scream if she finds a worm" when they kept walking into the hanging willow leaves. 8-)

I may appear to be a little cynical, but my point is that if it fails to capture the attention of the audience, the director failed his job. This production's visual part is full of unsuccessful experiments, it is painful to watch. So if you have to get this performance, get the CD version, but stay away from the video (get the Zefferelli version instead to see how it's supposed to be done).

La Traviata a Paris a wonderful experience.......2002-04-13

The finest la Traviata I have ever heard. Bold orchestration and deep rich vocals. Wonderful listening experience. It's a great CD for fledgling opera buffs who want to start with the best execution of the best composers.

Wonderful music, very well sung.......2002-04-12

So what if they overdubbed to make a good TV show... the singing is just fine. Not perfect, but Gvazava and Cura put on a very good show.

Remember that this beautiful music and drama was created as entertainment. Let's not get in the way of enjoying this fine performance with pointless academic refernces to other people who may have done it better. Lighten up folks!

Having vented all of that,I'm looking forward a release of the DVD version of this performance. The CD just is fine, but watching it as a full performance is even better. Just saw it broadcast by the CBC while in Toronto. Get the DVD, listen - watch, enjoy.

angel music.......2001-08-24

level of recording and presentation beyond excellence. Couple Gura/Gvazava is a guarantee of full success. Please find me the DVD.

Average customer rating:

Great verismo instincts, but has Cura declined since 1999?
Verismo at it's best
Hurrah for Yu Qiang Dai
what a waste!
Disappointing after his Puccini CD

Verismo

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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
Similar Items:

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Verdi Arias
Anhelo: Argentinian Songs
Boleros
Artist Portrait Jose Cura

ASIN: B00000K2WD
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Pagliacci: Prologo
Pagliacci
Pagliacci: Intermezzo
La Boh:
Loreley
Andrea Cher
Andrea Cher
Andrea Cher: Fedora
Andrea Cher: Marcella
Adriana Lecouvreur
Adriana Lecouvreur
L'arlesiana
Germania
Cavalleria Rusticana: Preludio e Siciliana
Cavalleria Rusticana: Addio alla madre
Lodoletta
Guglielmo Ratcliff

Amazon.com

The thirtysomething Argentinian tenor José Cura has been making quite a name for himself, and he is nothing if not controversial. His appeal is undeniable: matinee-idol good looks, a big, interesting, healthy, dark voice, great musical intelligence, and a gift for communication. But he is often badly prepared on stage and was recently severely booed at opera's mecca, La Scala. His last recording, in which he played Samson, found the top of his voice in tentative shape. But if the remarkable work here is indicative of what he can do, let's just hope that he stays on track. The disc opens, very unconventionally, with the Pagliacci "Prologue"--an aria for baritone! Cura sings it with great feeling and a truly burnished tone--indeed, he sounds like a baritone with easy top notes. But it is his tenorizing that is truly fine here. A series of arias by Mascagni, from the little-known Lodoletta to Cavalleria Rusticana (a truly sensitive reading of Turiddu's plea to his mother) is superb, well-nuanced, and richly told. The "Improvviso" from Andrea Chenier is simply magnificent, which makes one wonder why his phrasing is so choppy in the same character's final act aria, "Com'e un bel di di maggio." This brings up another issue: Cura is also the conductor here. Granted, this makes certain that he'll be singing precisely as he pleases, but more often than not, a conductorial voice is different from--and complementary to--the singer. Cura's judgment calls can be off, as they are in this second Chenier solo. But the singing's the thing, and Cura proves himself again and again--the Adriana, L'Arlesianna, and Fedora arias are also exhilarating. This is a major release, and tenor lovers will enjoy the singing as much as they will the unusual program. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Great verismo instincts, but has Cura declined since 1999?.......2007-04-16

On the strength of this superb CD of verismo arias, one would expect Jose Cura to have replaced Alagna as the 'fourth tenor.' He has a robust lower range, which he displays to remaarkable effect by singing the baritone aria, 'Si puo,' that raises the curtain in Pagliacci. The darkness of Cura's tone can be unsettling--I found him a strange Alfredo in La Traviata, for instance--but a lot of verismo demands powerful chest tones, and Cura has a fine tenor extension, if you think of it as that. Caruso began from a similar basis, I believe. And despite the criticisms, his conducting is quite acceptable--I doubt that anyone would have complained if the identity of the conductor hadn't been revealed on the cover.

With nothing but praise for this gorgeous recital, I'm sorry to report that Cura's promise seems unfulfilled eight years later. He hasn't made outstanding opera sets to date, although he has certainly made some glamorous DVDs. The voice has darkened further and the top notes aren't as secure. He doessn't express joy with his voice, which can make his portrayals rather somber. His dramatic flair seems subdued also. I don't keep up with every detail of Cura's career, but presently he seems overshadowed by Villazon, a much less powerful but equally artistic tenor. Let's hope the lull is only temporary.

Verismo at it's best.......2005-03-25

I am amazed at the many utterly and overly negative comments posted regarding this CD.

Let me be clear about this. Jose Cura is NOT, nor will he EVER be, a lyric tenor!
It is my impression that too many reviewers of this particular CD are not quite aware of the this fact, and tend to compare Cura to other, far more lyrical tenors.

See, that's the beauty of Grand Opera. The composers wrote different operas for different voice types. Cura's voice is perhaps the penultimate spinto voice of the modern opera scene.
It is upon this very precept that I base my evaluation of this CD.

Now, on the actual CD.
With the exception of the fact that, indeed, Cura should have left the conducting to someone more qualified other than himself, this CD offers the listener the best Verismo selections available by a contemporary tenor.

In reviewing the comments regarding this CD I am reminded of the terrible critizism leveled upon the late Mario delMonaco during his lifetime.
Judging by contemprary reviews of the late Maestro, his was the worst tenor voice ever, and save for the sheer volume of his voice, and his Hollywood looks, he would never have had a career.
It wasn't until after delMonaco retired, and moreso until after his death, that the very critics that once denounced him as unworthy of his status, hailed him as one of the greatest dramatic tenors of all time!

I say this only to illustrate my point regarding the bad press this CD has received.
Having said this, Cura does an excellent job with this material.
His voice and phrasing often harkens memories of both delMonaco and Corelli, yet his interpretation is uniquely is own.

My favorite selections here are "Vesti La Giubba" from I Pagliacci, "Amor Ti Vieta" from Fedora, "Lamento Di Frederico" from L'arlesianna and "O Lola" as well as "Addio alla Madre" from Cavalleria Rusticana.
These selections highlight Curas prowess as the pre-eminent dramatic tenor of today beyond reproach.

On a final note, I often see that Cura is being hailed as Domingos' successor in both vocal quality and acting ability.
That's utter hogwash in that Curas' voice is much closer to that of delMonaco in both weight and power and acting wise, I doubt that we'll soon see another tenor as prodigiously gifted as was Domingo in that regard.

Jose Cura is a great DRAMATIC tenor folks. There's nothing lyrical about him and that's precisely why I appreciate his style and, subsequently, this CD.

Hurrah for Yu Qiang Dai.......2005-01-28

what a waste!.......2004-06-06

Initially I was excited: at last, I thought, here is a voice of Del Monaco weight but with infinitely more variety and color. But upon repeated hearing, I came to the conclusion that the varied tone was often simply the result of a poorly modulated voice in which the top and the bottom blended poorly at times with the mid-range. Worse yet, his foolish decision to serve as his own conductor does not serve him well. Often, as in the Fedora aria (which should have suited his voice well) he winds up chopping off the end of phrases because of his choice in tempos or perhaps the difficulty of accompanying oneself. Many of the interpretations are mannered--a good producer or conductor could have helped him avoid these lapses of judgement. The decision to lead with Tonio's prologue (a baritone aria) is embarrasing. Although he does indeed have a baritonal-sounding tenor at times, this doesn't make him a baritone by any stretch of the imagination. As a result, the aria is not even remotely satisfactory--it requires vocal resources a tenor just doesn't have (as well as dramatic resources Cura also does not reliably offer). I'm happy to have the arias from Lodoletta and Germania in modern sound (the Marcella aria really needs another voice type) and in spite of my criticism there are moments of real beauty in Cura's voice. Yet what a pity that humility, self-discipline,and good taste were not given to him in equal parts with beauty of voice. After a month with this record I begin to long for the direct, unselfconscious if rather crude sound of del Monaco. Any number of comparably voiced tenors of the last twenty years, like Giacomini or Martinucci, who were never recorded as much as they deserved were vastly superior to Cura in musicality and self-awareness. Behold the power of a pretty face!

Disappointing after his Puccini CD.......2001-05-20

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