Favola [Import]

Track Listings

 
1. Lui E Lei
2. Sara
3. Non Capiva Che L'amavo
4. Cuori Di Strada
5. L'albero Di Natale
6. Noi 2
7. Momenti Soli
8. Giochi
9. Regalami Un Fiore
10. I Valori
11. Da Figlio A Padre
12. La Favola Di Settelune

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
2005 Studio Album from One of the Most Popular Young Singers in Italy. The 12 Songs Include his Hit Single "Non Capiva Che L'amavo". Paolo Will Perform this Song During 2005 San Remo Festival.

Favola,Paolo Meneguzzi,Sony Bmg/Ricordi,World Music
Switched-On Boxed Set
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Truly A Masterpiece!
  • Definitive, historical, all-in-one
  • Súper Colección
  • Walter's best
  • Loved It All Over Again
Switched-On Boxed Set

Manufacturer: East Side Digital
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. A Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original Score
  2. Sonic Seasonings + [Enhanced CD]
  3. The Well-Tempered Synthesizer
  4. Beauty in the Beast
  5. By Request

ASIN: B00002DDS5
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

  1. Sinfonia to Cantata #29
  2. Air on a G String
  3. Two-Part Invention in F Major
  4. Two-Part Invention in B-Flat Major
  5. Two-Part Invention in D Minor
  6. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
  7. Prelude and Fugue #7 in E-Flat Major
  8. Prelude and Fugue #2 in C
  9. Chorale Prelude "Wachet Auf" Bradenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major
  10. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: I. Allegro
  11. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: II. Adagio
  12. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: III. Allegro
  13. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: II. Adagio
  14. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: Initial Experiments

Tracks:

  1. Orfeo Suite: Toccata/Ritornello I/Choro II/Ritornello II/Choro II/Ritor
  2. Sonata in G Major
  3. Sonata in D Major
  4. Bourree
  5. Air
  6. Allegro Deciso
  7. Sonata in E Major
  8. Sonata in D Major
  9. Bradenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: I. Allegro
  10. Bradenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: II. Andante
  11. Bradenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: III. Presto
  12. Domine Ad Adjuvandum
  13. Stereo Allignment Tones
  14. Well-Tempered Experiments

Tracks:

  1. Badinerie
  2. Minuet
  3. Bourree
  4. Two-Part Invention in A-Minor
  5. Two-Part Invention in a Major
  6. Sheep May Safely Graze
  7. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Musette in D Major
  8. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Minuet in G Major
  9. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Bist du Bei Mir
  10. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Marche in D Major
  11. Little Fugue in G Minor
  12. Bradenburg Concerto #5 in D Major: Allegro
  13. Bradenburg Concerto #5 in D Major: Affettuoso
  14. Bradenburg Concerto #5 in D Major: Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: I. Allegro
  2. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: II. Adagio
  3. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: III. Allegro
  4. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: IV. Menuuetto, Trio I, Polocca, Trio
  5. Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major: I. Allegro
  6. Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major: II. Andante
  7. Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major: III. Allegro Assai
  8. Brandenburg Concerto #6 in B-Flat Major: I. Allegro
  9. Brandenburg Concerto #6 in B-Flat Major: II. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
  10. Brandenburg Concerto #6 in B-Flat Major: III. Allegro

Amazon.com

In 1968, keyboardist-composer Wendy Carlos released Switched-On Bach, her bestselling LP featuring baroque music performed on the Moog synthesizer. Carlos intended to spread the gospel of electronic classical music through this quirky release; instead, she sold more albums than Karlheinz Stockhausen could ever dream of, released a few follow-ups, and paved the way for Hot Butter's "Popcorn." Carlos has since become well known for more than just these wacky classical interpretations--she recorded the soundtracks to A Clockwork Orange and Tron and released new works--but the Switched-Ons are the goofy synthesizer recordings that most of us still remember.

No less than Glenn Gould proclaimed, "Carlos's realization of the Fourth Brandenburg Concerto is, to put it bluntly, the finest performance of any of the Brandenburgs--live, canned, or intuited--I've ever heard." We're not sure what he meant by that, but if you have half the enthusiasm Gould did for this music, check out this box set. All four of Carlos's baroque-gone-space-age LPs from the '70s are included here--Switched-On Bach, The Well-Tempered Synthesizer, Switched-On Bach II, and Switched-On Brandenburgs--completely remastered in all their stereophonic glory and containing bonus tracks (the fourth CD is even enhanced for use on your computer). The liner notes weigh in at around 150 pages, filled with photos and background information even on the evolution of Carlos's studio (you get the original LP notes in their entirety, too). The music? It's hilarious, absolutely riveting, and--whether Scarlatti, Bach, Handel, or Monteverdi--played successfully by Carlos and her battery of special effects. For the lover of the eclectic or the classical fan who knows how to let loose, this is a box set to get. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Truly A Masterpiece!.......2007-05-11

This collection is a treasured addition to our music library here at home, in part because I have long been a fan of the artist. Also, because we all enjoy the spin that Wendy puts on many of the classical works of the old masters of music. I heartily recommend this boxed set to any listener who wants to be delighted by the sounds of the Moog synthesizer, played in a masterful way by Wendy Carlos...

4 out of 5 stars Definitive, historical, all-in-one.......2007-03-04

If you've loved the Walter/Wendy Carlos recordings over the years, this is a great way to get them all in one place. If you are at all interested in the production process, this is a _must have_ item.

Some have complained about the discussion tracks at the end of some CDs; I guess I can see how some might find them annoying. For pure ambience, you'll want to program your CD player to not play them, or just rip these CDs and burn a new copy minus those tracks.

One minor complaint I have is that the Brandenburgs are scattered throughout. I don't think it should have been all that bad to just have some of them duplicated. But I do understand the rationale, including them as is on the albums where they appeared individually, and then only putting the rest on the actual Brandenburgs pair of CDs. Personally, I love being able to listen to all the Brandenburgs straight through, so again I just made new versions of CD for my own use with them all together in their original order.

And of course, these days so many people aren't even listening to their CDs on the CD player. The music is ripped and then played using an MP3 player, computer, or similar device. Making playlists for your preferred track arrangements obviates any of the above complaints.

Regardless, I think that the value of having an all-in-one collection of these classic electronic instruments and performances far outweighs any minor issues regarding one's opinion of the choice of production arranagement.

5 out of 5 stars Súper Colección.......2007-01-03

Una joya de arte, en su estuche y con un gran contenido de los primeros volúmenes de esta gran interprete.
Simplemente una gran colección para los fanaticos de Wendy

5 out of 5 stars Walter's best.......2006-06-09

I know record and CD covers have been reprinted to reflect that Walter goes by the name of Wendy now. But this is all his best stuff in one collection. If you never had "Switched-On Brandenburgs Vol. 1 & 2" on LP and didn't get them either on CD back in 1987, then this is your chance to get them along with bits from his other works. Also get his other masterpiece "By Request" and the soundtrack of the movie "A Clockwork Orange". That's all you need if you are a fan of 60's analog synthesizer classical music, which only Walter was doing at that time.

5 out of 5 stars Loved It All Over Again.......2005-08-03

When I heard the first piece from the first album as a young boy, I was completely hooked. I don't think Wendy could have picked a better song to start with. The power and expansiveness of the Sinfonia is surely what Bach must have heard in his head when he wrote it over 300 years ago.

Honestly, some of the music on these albums is so good you may never hear Bach, Handel, or Scarlatti the same way again.

When I saw this boxed set for sale, I purchased it with a little trepidation, unsure if it would live up to my memory of it and not sure what my wife or daughter would make of it. I'm glad I got it, though. It's a wonderful recording and the two bonus tracks are fun to listen to. In fact, I wish CDs had the same "commentary" tracks that DVDs have as I would have enjoyed hearing more about how this recording was put together.
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • at once ancient and modern...
  • The best performance of this opera
  • Monteverdi's first composition
  • The First Great Opera
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo
Ian Bostridge , Patrizia Ciofi , Alice Coote , Natalie Dessay , Véronique Gens , Sonia Prina , Emmanuelle Haïm , Claudio Monteverdi , Carolyn Sampson , and Paul Agnew
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  3. Purcell: The Fairy Queen
  4. Handel - Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno
  5. Tragédiennes

ASIN: B0001BFIMS
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

  1. Toccata
  2. Ritornello
  3. Dal Mio Permesso Amato
  4. Ritornello
  5. Io La Musica Son
  6. Ritornello
  7. Io Su Cetera D'or
  8. Ritornello
  9. Quinci A Dirvi D'Orfeo
  10. Ritornello
  11. Hor Mentre I Canti Alterno
  12. In Questo Lieto E Fortunato Giorno
  13. Vieni Imeneo, Deh Vieni
  14. Muse Honor Di Parnaso
  15. Lasciate I Monti
  16. Ma Tu Gentil Cantor
  17. Rosa Del Ciel
  18. Io Non Diro Qual Sia
  19. Lasciate I Monti
  20. Vieni Imeneo, Deh Vieni
  21. Ma S'il Nostro Gioir Dal Ciel Deriva
  22. Alcun Non Sia Che Disperato In Preda
  23. Che Poiche Nembo Rio Gravido Il Seno
  24. E Dopo L'aspro Gel Del Verno Ignudo
  25. Ecco Orfeo Cui Pur Dianzi
  26. Ecco Pur Ch'a Voi Ritorno
  27. Mira Ch'a Se N'alletta
  28. In Questo Prato Adorno
  29. Qui Le Napee Vezzose
  30. Vi Ricorda O Bosch' Ombrosi
  31. Mira, Deh Mira Orfeo
  32. In Un Fiorito Prato
  33. Tu Se' Morta Mia Vita
  34. Ahi Caso Acerbo
  35. Ma Io Ch'in Questa Lingua
  36. Chi Ne Consola Ahi Lassi?
  37. Ritornello

Tracks:

  1. Sinfonia
  2. Scorto Da Te Mio Nume
  3. Ecco L'atra Palude Speranza
  4. O Tu Ch'innanzi Mort' A Queste Rive
  5. Sinfonia
  6. Possente Spirto E Formidabil Nume
  7. Ritornello: Violino I & II
  8. Non Vivo Io No, Che Poi Di Vita E Priva
  9. Ritornello: Cornetto I & II
  10. A Lei Volt' Ho Il Camin Per L'aer Cieco
  11. Ritornello: Arpa
  12. Orfeo Son Io Che D'Euridice I Passi
  13. Sol Tu Nobile Deo Puoi Darmi Aita
  14. Ben Mi Lusinga Alquanto
  15. Ahi Sventurato Amante
  16. Sinfonia
  17. Ei Dorme, E La Mia Cetra
  18. Nulla Impresa Per Huom Si Tenta In Vano
  19. Signor Quell'infelice
  20. Benche Severo E Immutabil Fato
  21. O De Gli Habitator De L'ombre Eterne
  22. Quali Grazie Ti Rendo
  23. Tue Soavi Parole
  24. Pietade Oggi Et Amore
  25. Qual Honor Di Te Fia Degno
  26. Ma Mentre Io Canto (Ohime)
  27. O Dolcissimi Lumi Io Pur Vi Veggio
  28. Ahi Vista Troppo Dolce E Troppo
  29. Dove Te'n Vai Mia Vita?
  30. E La Virtute Un Raggio
  31. Ritornello
  32. Questi I Campi Di Tracia
  33. Ma Tu Anima Mia Se Mai Ritorna
  34. Tu Bella Fusti E Saggia
  35. Hor L'altre Donne Son Superbe E Perfide
  36. Sinfonia
  37. Perch'a Lo Sdegno E Al Dolor Impreda
  38. Padre Cortese, Al Maggior Uopo Arrivi
  39. Troppo Troppo Gioisti
  40. Si Non Vedro Piu Mai
  41. Saliam Cantand' Al Cielo
  42. Vanne Orfeo Felice A Pieno
  43. Moresca

Amazon.com

It seems natural that of all mythological heroes, Orpheus, a singer endowed with matchless musical gifts, should appeal to so many opera composers. L'Orfeo, which premiered at the Court of Mantua in 1607, was Monteverdi's first opera. This fairly new genre sought to combine performing practices of Greek and Roman antiquity with music capable of arousing and expressing emotions through a dramatic text. Alessandro Striggio's libretto gives the story an unusual perspective: it focuses on the power of music, but also on the need for self-discipline. Orpheus, having conquered the forces of death and Hades, is undone by his inability to accept the transience of mortal joy and to control his own impulses. Thus, the opera ends differently from the myth, as well as from the more famous opera by Gluck: Apollo, Orpheus' father, appears and offers him eternal bliss in Heaven. The music is enchantingly beautiful. The vocal lines are cast in the rhetorical "speech-song" used at the time, which carries the dramatic action and expresses the emotions of the characters; however, there is much elaborate coloratura and ornamentation at crucial moments. Instrumental "ritornellos" alternate with the vocal sections in infinitely varied, imaginative combinations, and the wonderfully rich-sounding chorus, impersonating shepherds, friends and furies, adds commentary in chorale-like or contrapuntal settings. The performance is superb. In the prominent part of Orpheus, Ian Bostridge is riveting, changing and coloring his voice to express joy, hope, pleading, passion, anguish, despair; even the intricate coloratura passages add to the emotional impact. Also outstanding are Natalie Dessay, Alice Coote, Mario Luperi and Christopher Maltman. The orchestra is a crucial element, supporting the singers, sometimes with answering and echoing solo lines, setting mood and atmosphere in the instrumental sections; the brass choir passages---solemn, somber, gloriously triumphant---are especially striking. Interestingly, though the strings play without vibrato, the singers mostly use full, vibrant voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars at once ancient and modern..........2007-05-20

Although I am quite familiar with orchestral music of the great composers, I have never really made much time for opera. Although I am only familiar with a few great operas, I really enjoy this one which is ancient-I guess the first modern opera of all time.

Montiverdi seems to touch upon something here that is at once ancient and modern. The music is urgent and passionate and the subject matter is classic as a song of love and death.

Although I am not familiar with any of the artists, I strongly reccomend "Orfeo" by Monteverdi as a piece that, given an even chance, you may like very much.

5 out of 5 stars The best performance of this opera.......2007-04-10

I own 3 other audio CD versions and 5 DVD versions of this great, great opera, and can tell you that this CD set is the best of the best. The ornamentation and timing are superb. A nice aside about this recording is that when you import it into iTunes to put onto your iPod (or listen via your computer) the 80 tracks come out sequentially numbered, despite the fact that there are 2 CDs. Having that many tracks (and they are appropriately labeled) makes it easy to jump to your favorite spots.
The tempi and inventive percussion use on this recording are other reasons to love it, besides the world-class singing, especially of Bostridge, Dessay, and the magnificent Alice Coote.

5 out of 5 stars Monteverdi's first composition.......2006-02-18

Excellent service from Amazon - this arrived in time for a family get-together and the music was thoroughly enjoyed. Not excatly my cup-of-tea but the majority of those gathered thoroughly enjoyed the quality of the recording and being able to hear it in a family music group.

4 out of 5 stars The First Great Opera.......2004-05-08

Claudio Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, composed in 1606, is widely considered the first great opera. As an art form, opera was created not quite 20 years earlier, in an attempt to recapture the musical and dramatic ideas of ancient Greece. Jacopo Peri had apparently initiated that great experiment with his work Euridice. Monteverdi used the same story, one that naturally lent itself to depiction with lots of singing, and created a masterpiece that has endured for four hundred years. The story is from Classical mythology; Orpheus, a gifted singer, is to marry Euridice, but before the nuptials she is killed by a snake. Orpheus descends to Hades to plead with Pluto, God of the Underworld, for her return. Moved by Orpheus's song, his love, and the entries of his own wife, Pluto agrees to allow Euridice to return on one condition. Euridice is to follow Orpheus back to the surface, but he must not look back at her, he must trust Pluto's word. Of course, doubt clouds Orpheus's intentions and when he ultimately turns, Euridice is lost to him forever. The final act provides the obligatory happy ending, in which Apollo appears and takes Orpheus with him to the Heavens.

The whole is extremely mannered, there's no attempt at naturalism in this opera. Each act primarily portrays a single emotion--joyous love in the first, despair in the second and fourth, hope in the third and again joy in the final act. Most of the action takes place offstage--in fact, there's very little action at all. The story essentially exists so that Orpheus can sing, and sing he does.

There's a fine moment in the first act, in which Orpheus sings about how sad he was before he met Euridice, who has filled his life with joy. Considering the fate soon to befall him, this is an especially ironic bit of text. In the second act, the highlight is the moment when Orpheus is told of Euridice's death, and his haunting lament, Tu se morta; Thou art perished. Monteverdi's makes fine use of word painting that is definitely worth noticing. As Orpheus sings "morte" (death) or that he will go down to Hades "N'andro sicuro a piu profondi abissi" the melodic line descends; as he sings farewell to the skies and sun, ("a dio Cielo, e sole a dio") the line rises. In the third act, I'm amused by Orpheus's song to Charon, the ferryman across the river Styx. Unable to move Charon with the depth of his entreaty, Orpheus eventually suffers the fate that far too many musicians have done--he unexpectedly sings Charon to sleep! But for Orpheus, this unanticipated lullaby is a blessing in disguise, as he takes advantage of Charon's somnolence to ferry himself across the river of the dead. I can't help suspecting that Monteverdi and his librettist shared some amusement at this plot twist.

Ian Bostridge, who overall is quite convincing, sings the role of Orpheus. Tu se morta is one of my favorite pieces of music of all time, and I have to admit that Bostridge's interpretation of that particular aria doesn't chill me. Another highlight of the third act is Euridice's lament, when Orpheus has just turned around, resulting in her eternal banishment from the world above. Originally all the women's roles would have been sung by castrati; men who had intentionally had their testicles removed before their voices changed to preserve their high range. Fortunately this practice has been abandoned and the role of Euridice is beautifully sung by Patrizia Ciofi.

For a host of reasons, and surely not primarily the lack of castrati, purists will argue about the authenticity of the entire performance; it is an admittedly emotionally expressive one, a touch Romantic in nature at times, with occasional rubatos that seem musically plausible if not historically accurate. It's a matter of some musicological debate, but for most listeners, purely academic. What really counts for most of us is whether the music captivates us. Personally I'm particularly taken not only by the melodic lines and the modal harmonies, but also by the fascinating sounds of the Renaissance instruments. L'Orfeo is the first known work in which instrumentation is specified; and it's a hugely rich variety of sounds, with violins, celli, viols, recorders, lutes, harpsichord, organ, and a very strange looking strummed instrument called a theorbo. There's more-for the act in the underworld Monteverdi employs cornetti (early trumpets, more or less) and sackbuts, precursors to the trombones. The instrumentalists do a fine rendition, although in a few odd moments the bass is uncharacteristically boomy and I'm not entirely convinced by some of the instrumental timbral choices in a few spots. Soloists and choir sing beautifully and although I've commented on the Romantic flexibility of tempo, this should not be misconstrued to mean the vocal approach is Romantic. It is not, there are no wild Verdian vibrati; pleasantly, Bostridge and his colleagues do not consider themselves Pavarotti pretenders.

The opera concludes with a dramatically unconvincing Deus ex machina; that convention of early drama in which one or more of the pantheon of Gods would descend from the heavens, lifting the tragic hero out of his despair and raising him skyward. In L'Orfeo's final chorus we are told that obedience to God rewards sorrow with grace. It's not a very compelling message from the modern perspective, but remember this harks from a time where royalty was believed divinely granted, and the composer surely needed to court his patron.
Italian Renaissance Dances
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Thoroughly enjoyable
  • Disappointed
  • Gratzi for the Italian Renaissance
  • refreshing, sprightly and fun
Italian Renaissance Dances

Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Italian Renaissance Dances, Vol. 2
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ASIN: B000059WLF
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

  1. Galliard III Based on "La Mantoana"
  2. Galliard
  3. Non Ha'l Ciel Cotanti Lumi - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
  4. Qual Cadavero Spirante - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
  5. Pavane II
  6. Se Pur Ver
  7. Dances from il Scolaro:Aria del Gran Duca
  8. Dances from il Scolaro:Gagliarda Di Santino Detto la Muzza
  9. Dances from il Scolaro:la Bergamesca
  10. Dances from il Scolaro: Basso Delle Ninfe
  11. Dances from il Scolaro: Bassa Gioiosa
  12. Dances from il Scolaro: Il Ceferino
  13. Gagliarda Falsa
  14. Lagrime d'Erminia - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
  15. Sonatae Concertate, Book 2:Sonata XVI a 4
  16. O Durezza Di Ferro - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
  17. Galliard
  18. DSoletto
  19. Galliard I, Known as "The Gallant One"
  20. Consonanze Stravaganti

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable.......2005-01-28

I have listened to this CD a great deal and I love it. I just want to answer vvic's point below: it's true that not all the tracks on this disc are rumbustious romps, but Renaissance dance had many different forms, genres and functions. It was an important means of personal expression and social interaction - you only need to think of the formal and ritualised minefield that surrounded love and courtship (especially in the higher strata of society) to be able to see dance's potency as an emotional outlet. In fact, dancing quickly was the one thing that would have been difficult because costume was often bulky and ungainly, especially for ladies.

So give these performances a chance, because this disc is bursting with life and musicianship: The King's Noyse play like a group of old friends together; Andrew Lawrence-King's harp playing is enchanting, and Ellen Hargis produces richly nuanced, beautifully coloured and poignant performances of the laments. The whole mixture is delighful.

It's also superbly engineered: the sound is detailed, rich, vibrant and delicate. (It's set in a fairly warm acoustic, which may partly account for vvic's feeling of 'churchiness'.) A pity there are no sound samples here on Amazon.

I presume this is a re-release of an earlier disc. The budget savings come from corners cut in packaging - the booklet is fairly perfunctory, but as my Dad says, 'you pays your money. you takes your choice'!

ps. I'm a really terrible dancer!

2 out of 5 stars Disappointed.......2003-05-04

I am a big fan of renaissance instrumental music, and since these are dances, I was expecting some pleasant, spirited melodies, like on the excellent English Country Dances. Although there are several tracks like this on this CD, many are slow and dirgy. These, combined with the tracks with soprano vocals, make one feel as if they were in church, which is not a bad thing, if that's what you're looking for.

5 out of 5 stars Gratzi for the Italian Renaissance.......2002-03-24

The sounds of the Italian Renaissance are very uplifting, beautiful and rational. The songs have structure and melody and flow very naturally. This collection is a pleasing variety of instrumental and vocal music with period instruments and authentic arrangements. The performances and sound quality are extremely good.

I don't know if I should feel guilty for having spent so little on this CD or irritated that more CDs of this quality are not available at this price. The other releases I have heard from the Classical Express label have been as good. (e.g. Mozart Horn Concertos, French Love Songs)

5 out of 5 stars refreshing, sprightly and fun.......2001-07-12

THis is a sprightly and thoroughly well performed arrangement of Renaisaaance music. If you think there is no place for such period music think again. I snuck this on while entertaining and everyone began complimenting it. They loved the joyful upbeat quality it posseses and as I, were delighted with the quality of musicianship and recording. Give that next dinner party a historical twist or just give yourself this wonderful CD
A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!
  • The Best
  • Superb Modestly Priced Favorite Arias Collection!!!
  • Wonderful introduction to opera
A - Z of Opera (includes 762 page booklet)
Puccini , Thomas Harper , Ingrid Kertesi , Scholars Baroque Ensemble , and Hungarian State Opera Orchestra
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004YYRR
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

  1. L'Orfeo: Sinf/Ecco Pur Ch'a Voi - Cappella Musicale Di S. Petronio Di Bologna/Sergio Vartolo
  2. Dido And Aeneas: When I Am Laid In Earth - Kym Amps
  3. Rinaldo: Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Ingrid Kertesi
  4. Serse: Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Ingrid Kertesi
  5. Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Slovak State PO/Johannes Wildner
  6. Alceste: Ombre Larve - Theresa Ringhoz/Drottningholm Theatre Chor
  7. Don Giovanni: Madamina! (Catalogue Aria) - Andrea Martin
  8. Cosi Fan Tutte: Soave Sia Il Vento (Terzetto) - Joanna Borowska/Rohangiz Yachmi/Peter Mikulas
  9. The Marriage Of Figaro: Non Piu Andrai - Natale De Carolis
  10. Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache (Aria Of The Queen Of The Night) - Helen Kwon/Hungarian Festival Chor
  11. Fidelio: Abscheulicher! - Inga Nielsen/Hungarian Radio Chor
  12. Der Freischutz: Huntsmen's Chor - Slovak Phil Chor
  13. The Barber Of Seville: Largo Al Factotum - Roberto Servile
  14. L'Elisir D'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Vincenzo La Scola
  15. I Puritani: Qui La Voce Sua Soave - Luba Orgonasova
  16. La Traviata: Un Di Felice (Love Duet) - Monika Krause/Yordy Ramiro
  17. Nabucco: Va Pensiero (Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves) - Slovak Phil Chor (Bratislava)
  18. Aida: Grand March - Nat SO Of Ireland/Rico Saccani
  19. Falstaff: E Sogno? O Realita - Roberto Servile

Tracks:

  1. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Yordy Ramiro/Slovak Phil Chor
  2. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries - Czecho-Slovak RSO/Uwe Mund
  3. Tannhauser: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich (Pilgrims' Chor) - Slovak Phil Chor
  4. La Wally: Ebben, Ne Andro Lontana - Miriam Gauci
  5. Rusalka: O, Silver Moon (Song To The Moon) - Jana Valaskova
  6. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Luba Orgonasova
  7. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Jonathan Welch
  8. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo - Miriam Gauci
  9. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giorgio Lamberti
  10. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Thomas Harper/Slovak Phil Chor
  11. Lakme: Dome Epais (Flower Duet) - Adriana Kohutkova/Denisa Slepkovska
  12. Thais: Meditation - Janos Selmeczi
  13. Carmen: L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Graciela Alperyn/Slovak Phil Chor/Bratislava Children's Chor
  14. The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Duet) - Janez Lotric/Igor Morozov
  15. Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Nicola Matinucci/Slovak Phil Chor
  16. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Czecho-Slovak RSO/Alexander Rahbari
  17. Andrea Chenier: Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Thomas Harper
  18. King Roger: Roxana's Aria - Barbara Zagorzanka
  19. Die Tote Stadt: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb (Marietta's Lied) - Katarina Dalayman/Thomas Sunnegardh/Tomtberga School Children's Chor/Royal Swedish Opr Chor

Album Description

A-Z of Opera is a 762-page, illustrated book, accompanied by two-and-a-half hours of opera's most glorious and moving moments on two CDs, and reflects the ever-growing Naxos catalog of recordings ranging from Monteverdi to the contemporary. A-Z of Opera provides a wide range of information on operas and their composers, from Handel's Rinaldo to Mozart's Die Zauberflote, and beyond. It features plot synopses, background details and cast lists for hundreds of operas including well-known standards as well as opera rarities. In addition, there is a wealth of information about all the great composers and a glossary of key musical and operatic terms.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars AN OPERA OPUS THAT'S A MUST!.......2003-01-19

Oh, such letter-perfect perfection! This marvel features a two-hour-plus showcase of well-known arias from "Cosi Fan Tuti," "Aida," "Carmen," "Madame Butterfly" and "The Barber of Seville." It also comes with a book --- 762 pages of remarkable facts, figures and illustrations.Encore!

5 out of 5 stars The Best.......2002-06-09

This is, by far, the best introduction to opera on the market. It also contains some gem performances for anyone who already has a serious opera collection. Several tracks on this collection of mostly Eastern European singers rival those of their Western counterparts. This is a collection for EVERYONE - from the opera novice to the person who has long collected all the major Western stars. At this price, it's the best opera bargain in the world. GET IT NOW!!! Thank you, Naxos! I hope that some of these Eastern European singers at last get the attention they deserve.

5 out of 5 stars Superb Modestly Priced Favorite Arias Collection!!!.......2001-02-12

I received this as my 20th birthday gift from my bestfriend and I was amazed at the quality and the content of this CD. Some of the arias which I am immensely fond of are included, i.e. "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen." And who would have guessed that the soprano on track 10 performing Queen of the Night's Aria from Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" was none other than Hellen Kwon? Amazing!

I really love this gift from my bestfriend for it was thoughtful and well, what can I say that this makes an excellant gift for opera neophytes (though I am not an opera neophyte).

The highlight of this CD is track 13, Rossini's "Largo al Factotum" from "The Barber of Seville." When I first heard this, I was contemplating to myself as to where have I heard this before. Then it hit me: Michigan J. Frog's signature tune! (In case people are wondering who on earth is Michigan J. Frog is, he is the Warner Brother's frog; the frog can be seen on WB network channel). I love this track! Buy this for yourself if not this makes a perfect gift for your opera neophyte friend(s)! This track brings joy and smiles on my face everytime I hear this piece!

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction to opera.......2000-12-16

More than just a promotional sampler, the Naxos (8.555037-38) contains not only 2 CDs crammed with 39 excerpts from that company's seemingly bottomless catalogue, but also a 762 page book. The text offers plot summaries of almost every important opera and many of far lesser renown (Delius' "The Magic Fountain," Mascagni's "Iris," for example), a brief biography of the composers, a glossary, and finally a discography. The recorded examples are in chronological order from Monteverdi to Korngold. The entries in the book, however, are in alphabetical order--so be careful to look for "Zauberflote," not "Magic Flute," and so on.

Of course, Big Names do not appear on many Naxos opera sets; but this set is an introduction to that vast area of culture and is meant to be an educational (and of course a promotional ) device. Nevertheless, many of the selections on the CDs are beautifully sung, a very few lack characterization (the arias from"Don Giovanni" and "Nozze di Figaro" for two). But at this incredibly low budget price, who can complain?

As soon as I saw what this set had to offer, I immediately ordered a copy as a seasonal gift for a friend who wants to "get into" opera. I could think of no better gift.

There is a sister set titled (8.555319-20) that uses the same format. There are 2 CDs with 36 selections from Gregorian Chant to Glass. The 562-page book gives us the major facts about "the Great Composers and Their Greatest Works, " a glossary, and a 45-page list of classical music heard in films. The discography is included in the composers section. Again, the value of this set as an educational tool is enormous and well worth the extremely low price Naxos is asking.
Monteverdi - L'Orfeo / Rolfe Johnson, Dawson, von Otter, Argenta, M. Nichols, Tomlinson, Chance, Baird; Gardiner
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great recording of a beautiful opera
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • Gardiner and crew are amazing!
  • One of the most beautiful operas of all time
  • My favourite recording of any Opera
Monteverdi - L'Orfeo / Rolfe Johnson, Dawson, von Otter, Argenta, M. Nichols, Tomlinson, Chance, Baird; Gardiner
Claudio Monteverdi , John Eliot Gardiner , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , Lynne Dawson , His Majesty's Sackbutts and Cornetts , English Baroque Soloists , Monteverdi Choir , Nancy Argenta , Anne Sofie von Otter , Julianne Baird , Mary Nichols , Simon Birchall , John Tomlinson , Michael Chance , Mark Turner , and Howard Milner
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000057CV
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. L'Orfeo: Toccata
  2. L'Orfeo: 'Dal mio Permesso' (La Musica)
  3. L'orfeo: Act I: 'In questo lieto e fortunato giorno'
  4. L'orfeo: Act I: 'Lasciate i monti'
  5. L'orfeo: Act I: 'Rosa del ciel'
  6. L'orfeo: Act I: 'Ma se il nostro gioir'
  7. L'orfeo: Act II: 'Ecco pur ch'a voi ritorno'
  8. L'orfeo: Act II: 'Mira ch s'alletta'
  9. L'orfeo: Act II: 'Vi ricorda, o bosch'ombrosi'
  10. L'orfeo: Act II: 'Ahi, caso acerbo'
  11. L'Orfeo: 'Ahi, caso acerbo'
  12. L'orfeo: Act II: 'Chi ne consola, ahi lassi?'

Tracks:

  1. L'orfeo: Act III: 'Scorto da te, mio Nume'
  2. L'orfeo: Act III: 'O tu, ch'inanzi morte'
  3. L'orfeo: Act III: 'Possente spirto'
  4. L'orfeo: Act III: 'Ben mi lusinga'
  5. L'orfeo: Act III: 'Nulla impresa per uom'
  6. L'orfeo: Act IV: 'Signor, quel infelice'
  7. L'orfeo: Act IV: 'Pietade, oggi, e amore'
  8. L'orfeo: Act IV: 'Qual onor di te'
  9. L'orfeo: Act IV: 'Ahi, vista troppo dolce'
  10. L'orfeo: Act IV: 'E la virtute un raggio'
  11. L'orfeo: Act V: 'Questi i campi di Tracia'
  12. L'orfeo: Act V: 'Perch lo sdengo'
  13. L'orfeo: Act V: 'Vanne Orfeo'
  14. L'orfeo: Act V: Moresca

Amazon.com essential recording

History's first great opera--the story of Orpheus descending to Hades to retrieve his bride Eurydice from the dead, only to lose her again--gets a fine performance (the best overall version currently available) from John Eliot Gardiner and his musicians. Anthony Rolfe Johnson performs the title role with all the beautiful sound you'd expect from an Orfeo; he negotiates virtuoso passages flawlessly and sings passionately without overwhelming Monteverdi's music with too much voice. Julianne Baird as Eurydice and Anne Sofie Von Otter in a gripping appearance as the Messenger are the standouts in a cast without a weak link. Everyone involved, including the chorus and orchestra, performs with such energy, beauty, and precision that even long stretches of recitative never pall. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great recording of a beautiful opera.......2007-03-29

Gardiner's recording of L'Orfeo is exquisite. The samples of different tracks as well as other listeners' reviews were very influential in my decision to purchase these CDs rather than a different recording of the opera. I am very happy with my new CDs and would highly recommend this product.

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-13

This opera in performance is begun by the character "La Musica", or music personified ,who delivers a long treatise which in essence proclaims how music can do many things to us emotionally. As this "fable of music" (Monteverdi called it) unfolds we are exposed to the whole gamut of human emotions,from the most euphoric to the most dejected,presented in musical language that is perhaps closer to impassioned speech than recitative has ever been, before or since. The fact that Monteverdi's L'Orfeo has been referred to as the "first true opera in the history of music" has much to do with the fact that Monteverdi had the dramatic ability to synthesize the text, the stage and the music. And it was a favourable time historically and musically to do so. Moreover, he gave very specific directions as to how it would be put together. And what better musician to record it than John Eliot Gardiner. He has gathered together a wonderful group of soloists in every role; although some parts are small each contribution is perfection which makes for a superb offering to the listener!!!!!In addition, I think the Choral singing was so superior to some other recordings past and present. If you are an early music fan these discs will be truly "music to your ears".

5 out of 5 stars Gardiner and crew are amazing!.......2005-09-17

I am not a big fan of Gardiner when it comes to some music, for instance Bach. I just think others do it better. However, Gardiner is a fine conductor of Monteverdi and this recording shows it. If you are not familiar with Baroque opera and want to find out how a first rate crew of performers sound with a major work of early opera, this is a great recording with which to start!

5 out of 5 stars One of the most beautiful operas of all time.......2005-09-10

This recording of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo is truly a spectacular work. I didn't really care for Baroque opera before I heard this. But now Monteverdi is my favorite operatic composer. Not only is the music beautiful but the singers are absolutely stunning. Anthony Rolfe Johnson is absolutely perfect for the title role. His soft yet clear tenor voice shows the passion and the emotion that Orfeo has for Eurydice. Lynne Dawson who sings La Musica has a good voice for introducing the opera. Anne Sofie von Otter who plays Messaggiera, has such a sorrowful and sad voice for her role which makes it all the more better. But the absolute best singer on this recording is John Tomlinson who sings Caronte or the Charon. John Tomlinson is also the voice of the Commendatore in the movie Amadeus. But his deep bass makes you wonder if its at all possible to get past him. But that's not the best part of the opera. The best part about the whole recording is the choir. All the choruses are to die for, especially the chorus "Lasicate i monti." It almost makes one want to dance. But I definitely reccommend this recording to all Baroque opera lovers, even for those who don't like opera.

5 out of 5 stars My favourite recording of any Opera.......2003-08-21

Gardiner, again shows his skill with baroque vocal works. This, regarded as the first great Opera, is still one of the best. The pure singing style of the late renaissance/early Baroque is siblime and very different from Post Baroque opera writing most people are use to. The Aria 'Possente spirto' is 8 minutes of heavenly singing in Hades; here Orfeo fails to convince Charon to allow him entry to Hades, but this is one of the single most beautiful pieces of writing for voice I have ever heard.
Early Music Festival / David Munrow, Early Music Consort
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ahh, Florence!!
  • Best Italian Renaissance disc available.
  • Munrow is magnificent
  • boccacio would be proud
Early Music Festival / David Munrow, Early Music Consort
Antonio Zaccara da Teramo , Giovanni Da Firenze , Lorenzo da Firenze , Jacopo da Bologna , Claudio Monteverdi , Luca Marenzio , Cristofano Malvezzi , Emilio de' Cavalieri , Costanzo Festa , Bartolomeo Tromboncino , Giovanni Domenico del Giovane da Nola , Marchetto Cara , David Munrow , John Beckett , James Bowman , Nigel Rogers , Martin Hill , John Frost , Janita Noorman , and Grayston Burgess
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000009DFX
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

  1. Ecca la primavera
  2. Lamento di Tristano
  3. Giuinta vaga bilta
  4. Questa fanciull'amor
  5. Trotto
  6. De! dinmi tu
  7. Con dolce brama
  8. Due saltarelli
  9. Rosetta
  10. Quan ye voy le duc
  11. Cara mie donna
  12. La bionda trecca
  13. La Manfredina
  14. Donna 'l tuo partimento
  15. Chon bracchi assai
  16. Istampita Ghaetta
  17. Da, da, a chi avaregia
  18. Fenice fu' e vissi
  19. Biance flour

Tracks:

  1. Music For Ferdinando de' Medici: Toccata ('Orfeo')
  2. Secondo intermedio: Sinfonia
  3. Secondo intermedio: Belle ne fe' natura
  4. Secondo intermedio: Chi dal delfino
  5. Secondo intermedio: Se nelle voci nostre
  6. Secondo intermedio: O figlie di Piero
  7. Sesto intermedio: Dal vago e bel sereno
  8. Sesto intermedio: O qual risplende nube
  9. Sesto intermedio: Godi turba mortal
  10. Sesto intermedio: O fortunato giorno
  11. Sesto intermedio: O che nuovo miracolo
  12. Quando ritrova
  13. Allemana-ripresa: Quando ritrova
  14. Io son l'occello
  15. Pavana 'La cornetta'
  16. Gagliarda 'Giorgio'
  17. Tri ciechi siamo
  18. Io non compro
  19. Ahime sospiri
  20. Pavana 'Forze d'Ercole'
  21. Orsu, orsu, car' Signori
  22. Pavana 'El colognese'
  23. Dance Songs: Era di Maggio
  24. Dance Songs: El marchese di Salluzzo
  25. Dance Songs: In questo ballo
  26. Dance Songs: Noi ci vogliam' partire
  27. Dance Songs: Bussa la porta
  28. Dance Songs: La pastorella
  29. Dance Songs: E su quel monte
  30. Dance Songs: Maggio valente
  31. Dance Songs: Sorella mia piacente

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ahh, Florence!!.......2002-10-14

Italian culture during the period from the 14th to the 16th centuries was a whirlwind of developing literature and art, and during this period of history Florence was a political and cultural center to rival Milan or Verona.
I love medieval and renaissance music. They are the "roots" of the great classics centuries later. One does not cultivate a complete education of art by studying only such Masters as Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, Dali etc. So it is with fine music.
These CD's contain examples of Florentine musical composition from the 1300's and 1500's. The first CD, performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort, covers compositions from the 1300's, with many of the works of Francesco Landini, the most prolific Florentine composer of this period. The second covers music from the 1500's and is performed by John Beckett and the Musica Reservata. Here we can see the early development of both symphonic structure and opera.
Both discs are wonderful examples of different periods in the history of musical development, and performed by different conductors and artists. Therefore a comparison between the two is unfair and misplaced. David Munrow and the Early Music Consort are superb, as I have always found them to be, and John Beckett and the Musica Reservata are equally enjoyable.
If you appreciate early music you will find this recording to be a fantastic addition to your collection, and perhaps the definitive collection of early Italian music. If you are unfamiliar with early music or with Italian Renaissance music then these CD's would be a wonderful introduction.

5 out of 5 stars Best Italian Renaissance disc available........2002-06-28

This re-issue of recordings from the early 70's by the Early Music Consort Of London is,in my opinion,the best recordings of Italian Renaissance works.It is the favorite of my eary music discs,and includes music treasures from 14th and 16th century Florence. Great listening on both discs,and worth the money!

4 out of 5 stars Munrow is magnificent.......2001-11-20

The first disc in this collection is delightful. David Munrow's recorder is a genuine treat. The vocal parts blend well and create a festive atmosphere. The Early Music Consort of London offer a splendid performance. By contrast, the second disc, which features Musica Reservata, is a bit disappointing. Two of the solo voices on disc two are harsh, detracting from an otherwise pleasant recording. They may fairly represent the performing style of sixteenth century Florence, but that is small consolation for the twentieth century ear. Nonetheless, the virtues of the first disc are sufficient to warrant purchasing this collection. Munrow is magnificent.

5 out of 5 stars boccacio would be proud.......2000-04-23

this is a superb recording of early music it is well performed and played. the first cd is all music from the 1300,s and the second is from the 1500,s if you like the kind of music this is the cd to get well worth it.
Cathy Berberian sings Monteverdi
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A magnificant CD
  • MagnifiCathy and Monteverdi
Cathy Berberian sings Monteverdi

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

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ASIN: B000000S8A
Release Date: 1996-01-09

Tracks:

  1. Concerto: setimo libro de madrigali, con altri genere di canti: Lettera amorosa
  2. Concerto: Con che soavita
  3. Lamento d'Arianna
  4. L'Orfeo: Mira, deh mira Orfeo - In un fiorito prato (From Act III)
  5. L'Incoronazione di Poppea: Disprezzata Regina (From Act I, Scene V)
  6. L'Incoronazione di Poppea: Tu che dagli Avi miei - Maestade, che prega (From Act II, Scene IX)
  7. L'Incoronazione di Poppea: A Dio, Roma (From Act III, Scene IX)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A magnificant CD.......2006-11-13

I am listening to this CD while typing this comment, and my unsophisticated "analysis" is that it is magnificant, beautiful, touching. I know of nothing to compare with Berberian's of "A Dio Roma".

5 out of 5 stars MagnifiCathy and Monteverdi.......2003-02-01

The late Cathy Berberian (1928-1983), who is one of my favourite singers delivered with her Monteverdi programme pure magic. Ms. Berberian, a mezzo-soprano, with a remarkable three octave voice was an amazing performer and singer. From 1950 on she was for a couple of years married to composer Luciano Berio and performed several of his pieces. She would become one of the leading figures of contemporary (progressive) music. Her repertoire ranged from Early music to her husband's folksongs. It has been said of Cathy Berberian that a hundred voices resided within her. This statement nails her vocal abilities perfectly.

The pieces on this disc by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) were taken from his madrigal books, the operas 'Orfeo' and 'L'Incoronazione di Poppea'. The eminent Concentus Musicus Wien directed by Nikolaus Harnoncourt lends her a stately but sparse support. In two arias Ms. Berberian is joined by tenor Nigel Rogers and counter tenor Paul Essewood, who are both well known on the Early music scene with solid contributions. Since I own an earlier release of this album, my copy only includes liner notes and no texts. Monteverdi with his passionate outbursts, elaborate thrills and echo effects offers several vocal challenges for any performer of his music. But Cathy Berberian rises superbly to the challenge and delivers an intensely dramatic performance which is riveting. Every shade and nuance of love, sadness, grief and revenge is brought out brilliantly as Ms. Berberian displays a wonderful richness of timbre and insight into the material [especially the 'Lamento D'Arianna' and the arias from 'L'Incoronazione di Poppea']. Her pronunciation and articulation of the texts is excellent, I could hear every word.

A magnificent disc by the lady with a hundred voices!
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo / London Baroque - Medlam, Chiaroscuro - Caudle
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The first opera
  • Overshadowed, but great
  • Incredibly important work done superbly
  • The "professional" review is understated...
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo / London Baroque - Medlam, Chiaroscuro - Caudle
Claudio Monteverdi , London Baroque , Charles Medlam , Nigel Rogers , Emma Kirkby , Mario Bolognesi , Rogers Covey-Crump , Catherine Denley , Jennifer Smith , Stephen Varcoe , and Guillemette Laurens
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Handel: Messiah /Nelson * Kirkby * Watkinson * Elliott * Thomas * AAM * Hogwood

ASIN: B000002S5F
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

  1. L'Orfeo: Toccata
  2. L'Orfeo: Ritornello ... Dal mio Permesso amato a voi ne vengo (Orchestra - La Musica)
  3. L'Orfeo: Act 1: In questo lieto (Pastore 1)
  4. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Vieni Imeneo, deh vieni ... Muse, honor di Parnaso (Coro - Ninfa)
  5. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Lasciate i monti ... Ma tu, gentil cantor (Coro - Pastore II)
  6. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Rosa del ciel ... lo non diro (Orfeo - Euridice)
  7. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Lasciate i monti
  8. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Vieni, Imeneo (Coro)
  9. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Ma s'il nostro gioir (Pastore 1)
  10. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Alcun non sia(Pastori I, III)
  11. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Che poi che nembo (Ninfa - Pastori II, IV)
  12. L'Orfeo: Act 1: E dopo l'aspro (Pastori - Coro)
  13. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Sinfonia ... Ecco pur ch'a voi ritorno (Orchestra - Orfeo - Pastori I, III - Coro)
  14. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Mira, deh mira (Pastore I - Messaggiera - Pastori II, III - Orfeo)
  15. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Tu sei morta (Orfeo)
  16. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Ahi, caso acerbo! (Coro - Messaggiera)
  17. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Chi ne consola, ahi lassi? (Pastori I, III)
  18. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Ahi, caso acerbo ... (Coro - Pastori I, III)

Tracks:

  1. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Sinfonia (Orchestra)
  2. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Scorto da te, mio nume (Orfeo)
  3. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Ecco l'atra palude (Speranza)
  4. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Dove, ah dove ten vai (Orfeo)
  5. L'Orfeo: Act 3: O tu ch'innanzi ... Sinfonia (Caronte - Orchestra)
  6. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Possente spirto
  7. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Orfeo son io (Orfeo)
  8. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Ben mi lusinga alquanto ... Sinfonia (Caronte - Orfeo - Orchestra)
  9. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Ei dorme, e la mia cetra (Orfeo)
  10. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Sinfonia a 7 ... Nulla impresa (Orchestra - Coro)
  11. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Signor, quell'infelice (Proserpina)
  12. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Benche severo (Plutone)
  13. L'Orfeo: Act 4: O, degli habitator (Spiriti)
  14. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Quali grazie ti rendo (Proserpina - Plutone)
  15. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Pietade, oggi, e amore(Coro - Spirito I)
  16. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Ritornello ... Quai honor di te fia degno (Orchestra - Orfeo - Spirito III)
  17. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Ahi, vista troppo dolce (Euridice - Spirito IV)
  18. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Sinfonia a 7 ... E la virtute ... Sinfonia a 7 (Orchestra - Coro)
  19. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Ritornello ... Questi i campi di Tracia (Orchestra - Orfeo - Eco)
  20. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Ma tu, anima mia (Orfeo)
  21. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Sinfonia ... Perch'a lo sdegna (Orchestra - Apollo - Orfeo)
  22. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Ritornello ... Vanne Orfeo (Orchestra - Coro)
  23. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Moresca (Orchestra)

Amazon.com

This recording of Monteverdi's retelling of the Orpheus legend may not be as fine overall as John Eliot Gardiner's, but it has much to recommend it. Nigel Rogers was the first great modern Monteverdi tenor: he made this record after his prime (he no longer has the beautiful sound one wants from an Orfeo), but his virtuoso passage-work and stylish ornaments should be required listening for every student of the role. The cast, chorus, and orchestra give solid, if occasionally reserved, performances (though Guillemette Laurens is a shrill Messenger). The best singing of the entire record is (perhaps unfortunately) at the beginning: Emma Kirkby's sweet voice, imaginative embellishment, and eloquent delivery as Music result in absolutely the best rendition of the Prologue on record. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The first opera.......2005-10-10

This work by Monteverdi is often considered the first opera. As a composer, Monteverdi is a bridge between the Renaissance and Baroque periods. His music represents definite developments beyond the more typical constraints of Renaissance polyphony and sacred composition, and anticipates some of the types of orchestration and composition that will come to fulfillment in the Baroque period. He was a prolific composer of secular pieces, including this of the earliest operas, L'Orfeo.

This piece demonstrates the kind of grand orchestration for which Monteverdi is noted. The performers on this piece include The London Baroque (a group of twelve musicians), directed by Charles Medlam; the London Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble (a group of nine musicians), directed by Theresa Caudle; and Chiaroscuro (not the type of lighting, but rather a vocal ensemble formed in 1979 dedicated to the performance of Italian music) under the direction of Nigel Rogers.

This piece was largely overlooked through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, being revived again in the early twentieth century as a somewhat regularly performed piece. The subject matter is well known (there are other musical works, literary works and art works based on the same subject) - Orpheus, who attempts to rescue his lover Eurydice from the underworld. Orpheus is a musician of such power that his music can sway the gods.

In the first act, Orfeo and Eurydice celebrate their marriage. In the second act, Orfeo receives word that Eurydice has died, and resolves to rescue her from the underworld. In the third act, a personified Hope follows Orfeo to the entrance of the underworld; Orfeo's music enchanted Charon, who falls asleep so Oreo can pass. In the fourth act, Proserpina, queen of Hades, is enchancted by the music, and convinces Pluto to let Eurydice go, which he does, but only on the condition that Orfeo not look back (of course Orfeo does, and Eurydice vanishes). In the final act, Orfeo is struck with grief, but Apollo takes pity on him, and sets the image of Eurydice in the stars.

L'Orfeo has many features that are new to its time - it has strong melody lines, and consistency of drama throughout the piece; this is not a disjointed series of songs, but rather a complete story. L'Orfeo shows the assignment of specific parts to specific instruments (it seems strange to us today that this would be an issue, but often in older music, there was no such designation made).

Commentator Clifford Bartlett states that listening to this work on CD in the comfort of one's own home is sometimes more true to the original composition and performance ideas than live performances in modern opera houses, that put a distance between the performers and the audience, and between the performers themselves. The vocals on this recording are good, and one can see that the pacing and appreciation for the words themselves is enhanced by being able to concentrate on the recording. In total, this is a magnificent recording, and one that is a treasure in any CD collection.

5 out of 5 stars Overshadowed, but great.......2005-01-28

This recording is overshadowed by Gardiner's, which soon followed; but while both are near-perfect, my heart just favors certain quirks of this one. Rogers's Orfeo is as virtuosic, assured and vulnerable as it can possibly be, and the rough patches in his voice do not in any way impair the musicality or beauty of his interpretation-- they enhance it, if anything, making a highly personal statement. I love the tempi here-- no dragging-- dance always hovering nearby. The ritornello and chorus of the spirits as Orfeo crosses to Hades are not lugubrious, but rather matter-of-fact, even jaunty. These spirits are interested observers-- but quite rightly, not emotionally overcome, as the lamenting nymphs and shepherds of Act II.
The playing and singing are splendid and expressive. The cast as accomplished and seasoned as Gardiner's, with such stalwarts as Covey-Crump, Thomas and Varcoe in prominent roles. I especially love little acoustic details, such as the receding sound of Orfeo's and Apollo's duet, as Orfeo is borne up to Olympus. Last but certainly not least, probably the best available rendering of "Possente Spirto" anywhere.

5 out of 5 stars Incredibly important work done superbly.......2002-07-06

This was the first great operatic work. It would have been performed in an intimate setting and that shows from the very beginning with the fanfare calling for the attention of the audience and the prologue transitioning the audience into the work. Certainly, that is a classic method of beginning a drama and was done all the time back then, but the reason they did it so much was because of the manner and place in which it was performed.

There is so much to love in this recording and much of it has to do with Nigel Rogers. I love his voice and manner of singing. Some have problems with it, but I can't imagine a better "Vi ricord, o boschi amorosi". If you know of one, please email me.

And I also worship at the altar of Emma Kirkby ever since I heard her live in Ann Arbor in 1980 (I was in the chorus and she was the soprano soloist in a revolutionary performance of "Messiah" that totaled about 50 performers including the orchestra).

If you love ALL of opera I don't know why you wouldn't want this in your collection. Monteverdi is one of the great geniuses in all musical history and is the first great composer of opera and this is his first opera.

5 out of 5 stars The "professional" review is understated..........2000-04-16

It's true that Roger's voice is close to being raw in some places, but I don't think that detracts in any way. There is much to recommend here, not the least being the very immediate sound of the recording and the broad dynamic range. It is easy to imagine this being sung in a small theater by a group of people who were not quite sure what they were making. Stephen Varcoe's Plutone is wonderfully rough, and another stand-out. I don't like opera as a rule, and I love this.

[Added 2/18/2002: I'm sorry to see "limited availability" on this CD; get it while you can! One thing I didn't mention - the few times I have played this for other people, slipping it on during conversation, they typically stop talking as soon as Emma Kirkby begins singing the Prologue (is that what it's called? I've lost the booklet...), listen intently for a minute or so, and then say, "This is *beautiful*! What is it?" The only reply that fits is, "Perfect."]
Masters of the Voice: Tenor
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Some truly outstanding performances
  • Do-Re-Me-WOW!
Masters of the Voice: Tenor

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001XANOO
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Tracks:

  1. La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
  2. Una Furtiva Lagrima - Placido Domingo
  3. Nein, Langer Trag' Ich Nicht Die Qualen...Durch Die Walder - Peter Schreier
  4. Non Mi Lasciar...Corriam! Voliam!...O Muto Asil - Luciano Pavarotti
  5. Ach, So Fromm - Placido Domingo
  6. Ah! Mes Amis, QUel Jour De Fete! - Luciano Pavarotti
  7. Le Camarade Est Amoureux! - Luciano Pavarotti
  8. Gott! Welch! Dunkel Hier! - James McCracken
  9. In Des Lebens Fruhlingstagen - James McCracken
  10. Il Mio Tesoro - Gosta Winbergh
  11. Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon - Fritz Wunderlich
  12. Ombra Mai Fu - Jose Carreras
  13. Che Faro Senza Euridice? - Andreas Scholl
  14. Vi Ricorda, O Boschi Ombrosi - Anthony Rolfe-Johnson
  15. Comfort Ye, My People - Stuart Burrows
  16. Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted - Stuart Burrows
  17. Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir Ces Jalouses Gardiennes - Vainement Ma Bien Aimee - Alfredo Kraus
  18. Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

  1. Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida - Placido Domingo
  2. Che Gelida Manina - Jerry Hadley
  3. Vois Ma Misere, Helas! - Placido Domingo
  4. Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur - Leopold Simoneau
  5. Vesti La Giubba - Mario Del Monaco
  6. Ingemisco - Jussi Bjorling
  7. Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Carlo Bergonzi
  8. Ye People, Rend Your Hearts...If With All Your Hearts - Anthony Rolfe-Johnson
  9. Wintersturme Wichen Dem Wonnemond - Jon Vickers
  10. Morgenlich Leuchtend In Rosigem Schein (Prize Song)
  11. Pourquoi Me Reveiller? - Jose Carreras
  12. E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
  13. Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante (Brindisi) - Carlo Bergonzi
  14. E La Solita Storia Del Pastore (Lamento Di Federico) - Jose Carreras
  15. O Vaterland...Da Geh' Ich Zu Maxim - Rene Kollo
  16. Di Rigori Armato Il Seno - Luciano Pavarotti
  17. Now The Great Bear And Pleiades - Peter Pears
  18. Here I Stand - Ian Bostridge
  19. Maria - Jose Carreras

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Some truly outstanding performances.......2004-07-11

This two CD set from Deutsche Grammophon does as it states: it offers some of the greatest tenors of our time in some truly outstanding performances. Thirty-seven arias all told, take a little getting used to as most "all tenor" recordings do. But overall it's a worthy and worthwhile effort. As those who read these reviews know I have a clear preference for CDs that have and maintain a theme throughout, so when I sit down to listen I don't have to keep the clicker nearby. Here, because the CD's represent a collection of favorites, the emphasis also has to be on consistency of musical reproduction, and with the exception of one or two songs, the consistency in the latter regard is good throughout. So, on these two criteria: theme and sound quality, "Masters" gets high grades. As far as selection goes, I might have suggested a change or two, but only one or two. The tenor voice can grate and on occasion it does just that. Still, there are more standouts than drawbacks: Pavarotti's "Le camarade est amoureux" from Donizetti's "La fille du regiment", for its rich, rousing chorus and full orchestration; Jose Carreras "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse" for its soulful melody - and there are many more. I had to listen to this CD three or four times before writing this review because I didn't want to miss what was occurring here, and I'm glad I did. It grows on you and stands as a truly remarkable assemblage of some powerful, moving music. These are the strengths of this set and why I would recommend it. There are some curiously abrupt endings (4 fade-outs) on side two - maybe the producers were counting minutes and realized that some songs just had to be cut - bad idea. These are noticeable and annoying, as in Juse Bjorling's "Ingemisco" in Verdi's "Requiem" and Carlo Bergonzi's "Come un bel di di maggio" from Giordano's "Andrea Chenier" and at least two more. Where did the endings go? Lastly, a personal recommendation on when best to listen to this set: no kids, no phone calls, no group discussions. I took it in the car for a few rides and then after I got used to it moved indoors -- and now listen to it when I am sitting and relaxing. I recommend it. (PJW)

5 out of 5 stars Do-Re-Me-WOW!.......2004-05-15

This is a fantastic new collection of different classical music styles, languages, and singers. The production quality is excellent. If you are interested in singing or love opera then you would probably enjoy this CD. You may find some excellent singers you haven't been exposed to. I can't wait until they release Bass, Alto & Soprano.
The Voice of Opera
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Voice of Opera

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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