Anna Vissi [Import]

Product Description
1998 'Best Of' for the multi-platinum Greek artist. 13 tracks compiled from her albums, 'Antidoto', 'Tropiko' and 'Re!'. Standard jewel case.

Anna Vissi,Anna Vissi,Sony Int'l,Euro-Pop,Greece,Greek,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: A fab collection of the loveliest soprano voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 LA SUPERBA! Madame Caballé is great!!! Amazing collection! Cannot be called an "ultimate" collection

Montserrat Caballé: Ultimate Collection Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Caballé, Montserrat | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Diva:Montserrat Caballe Montserrat Caballe - Beyond Music Very Best of Grandi Voci: Renata Tebaldi ASIN: B00000J914 Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

1. La Boheme: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi
2. Norma: Casta diva
3. L'Assedio di Corinto: Giusto ciel! In tal periglio
4. Sapho: O ma lyre immortelle
5. Semiramide: Serbami ognor... Alle piu calde immagini
6. Otello: Piangea cantando (Willow Song) -
7. Otello: Ave Maria
8. Herodiade: Il est doux, il est bon
9. Lucrezia Borgia: Tranquillo ei posa... Com'e bello!
10. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma
11. Rigoletto: Caro nome
12. La Sonnambula: Ah! non credea mirarti

Tracks:

1. La Traviata: E strano, e strano! -
2. La Traviata: Follie! Follie! -
3. La Traviata: Sempre libera degg'io
4. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte
5. Il corsaro: Egli non riede ancora!
6. Il corsaro: Non so le tetre immagini
7. Armida: D'amore al dolce impero
8. I Pagliacci: Qual fiamma avea nel guardo!
9. Roberto Devereux: E Sara in questi orribili momenti... Vivi, ingrato
10. Il Trovatore: D'amor sull'ali rosee
11. Stabat Mater: Inflammatus et accensus
12. Adriana Lecouvreur: Io son l'umile ancella
13. Anna Bolena: Al dolce guidami
14. Adelson e Salvini: Dopo l'oscuro nembo
15. I Vespri Sicillani: Arrigo! Ah, parli a un core

Customer Reviews:

A fab collection of the loveliest soprano voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.......2005-12-23

First off this two cd set is for the price of one,that is always great.Montserrat caballe is the star of this cdset,and she demonstrates all that is beautiful in singing,on ever track.Her ave maria from othello is included here.It is one of the best performed arias by caballe ever,she ends it with a heavenly piano top note.Also included is her magical casta diva from norma.Caballe sings all these arias with her legendary sound and breath control.On this set there are plenty of examples of long sustained notes,seemless legato,glorious high notes,and magically floated soft notes.Check out the cover to,there are some great photos of Caballe in opera costumes.These cds have great sound,and play for over two hours,too.

LA SUPERBA!.......2005-11-22

Montserrat Caballe is an amazing person and an amazing singer. In my opinion she has a more beautiful voice than Maria Callas. The high notes she reaches are just fantastic! Her Sempre Libera is the best ever! Her Ave Maria is stunning and her Vissi D arte is really moving. Her voice is so beautiful, it's as if it's an angels voice coming from her.

Madame Caballé is great!!!.......2003-04-06

This collection of Caballé's recordings is fantastic! Her soprano is the most beautiful that has been recorded. L. Price, Tebaldi, Ponselle, and a few others have gorgeous voices, but can any of those voices compare with Caballé's? Caballé's singing throughout is of the highest standard. Her "Ave Maria" is spectacular. "Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore" has never sounded more beautiful. I love her "Non so le tetre immagini". Such beautiful singing does not come any better than this. Her "Caro nome" is disappointing. She is clearly not suited to this aria. "Inflammatus et accensus" is glorious. The later recordings are nice, but they are not the best Caballé has committed to disc. "Il est doux, il est bon" betrays a slight wobble in her otherwise still beautiful voice. "Dopo l'oscuro nembo" features very respectable soft singing from Caballé. This version does not do justice to Bellini's exquisite orchestration. For a version that does, check out Opera Rara's "The Collection: Volume 2". That version features competent singing from an inferior-voiced soprano, but the orchestra is ravishing. The one reviewer who mentioned the aria from "I Vespri Siciliani" as having "fioriture effects Berio could sign on to" is incorrect. The aria included here is not "Mercè, dilette amiche". That aria is more famous and much more florid than the aria included in this collection, "Arrigo, parli a un core". By the way, Caballé performs this aria ravishingly well. This is a superb testament to one of the all-time greats in opera.

Amazing collection!.......2003-04-05

I will write this review objectively, but I will not avoid praising Caballé when praise is due.

First off, this compilation is amazing! I have always thrilled to hearing Caballé's voice and this compilation is no different. I am amazed at Caballé's instrument; such extraordinary purity combined with great power! Even when she sings pianissimo, she can be clearly heard! Her voice literally fills up the room. These arias really show off her remarkable voice. Of special note is her rendition of the hauntingly beautiful "Non so le tetre immagini". Amazing! Her "D'amor sull'ali rosee" is exquisite, but she sings it too softly. Her trill is quite weak. Voices like hers don't respond well to being forced to trill. The tracks from the 1990's show off the remarkable preservation of her voice. The voice retains its purity and beautiful timbre, but is now heavier and darker. "Sempre libera" is not that good. Her coloratura is not up to par with Verdi's demands and she cannot hit the high E-flat at the end. However, she sings the main part of Violetta's aria very well, with supple, gorgeous tone and ravishing pianissimos. "Ah! non credea mirarti" is ravishing, but it is missing its energetic cabaletta. Presumably, it was cut because Caballé could not deal with the coloratura. Caballé's legato lines in this aria are superb. Her version of the "Lucrezia Borgia" Prologue is masterful. Elizabeth's last aria from "Roberto Devereux" is noble and touching. She is not quite Sills, but that aria benefits from a spinto voice instead of a soubrette one. Her aristocratic phrasing is very well used throughout the selections, with a few exceptions. Her "Willow Song" is beautiful, first time on CD. However, she fails to completely show Desdemona's despair. Some parts were good, but the whole thing failed to touch the heart. Her phrasing here is too indulgent. I have to say that I prefer Sutherland's touching version on her "The Art of the Prima Donna" recording. However, I loved "Ave Maria". Caballé sounds most beautiful when singing softly and this selection really shows her in the best light. Her cadenzas are intoxicatingly beautiful. "Caro nome" is not really her aria. The coloratura is suspect and some of the staccati are replaced with upward flourishes. She avoids the last short passage of staccati. Her phrasing in this aria is way too indulgent and she really fails to suggest Gilda's innocence. Even Sutherland is better at portraying Gilda's girlish qualities. Her "Armida" aria has some nice coloratura. She does the runs really well and is fearless in the triplet passages. For some reason, she does not sing the second "fronde" in the first line of the third stanza nor does she sing the last line of this stanza, "i muti abitator". She also does not sing the last line of the fifth stanza, "il tempo vorator". Caballé's first recorded version of "Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore" is included here. This just may be the most beautiful version of this aria ever recorded. It certainly is Caballé's best version of the aria. The climax is handled in one breath by Caballé. She diminuendos the big high note twice in the same breath. Amazing! The rolling of the "r" in "Signor" after the last diminuendo is quite nasal and reminds us that the sound we are hearing is coming from a human throat. It also shows that these diminuendos are natural and not studio produced. She infuses Tosca's aria with real feeling and piety. The compilation ends with a knockout reading of "Arrigo, parli a un core". Caballé is at her best in this aria. She sings softly to stunning effect. This version may be the most beautiful of this particular aria ever recorded. RCA has done Caballé justice with this wonderful collection. Caballé is truly a remarkable artist with a million-dollar voice. Brava!

Cannot be called an "ultimate" collection.......2003-02-05

This is a prime example of the a major recording label being fickle with the goods, in order to force you to continue buying other recitals and full-length studio recordings. Of course, any Caballe fan would already want to own those other recordings anyway, so the point is moot.

Other reviewers here have cried out against the exclusion of one of her most essential and artistic roles, Imogene from Il Pirata. I would like to emphatically express the same. In fact, I would even have settled for the exclusion of Casta Diva, in favor of Col Sorriso di Innocenza.

Some other stellar recordings not represented her are the Sleepwalking Scene from MacBeth, and Pace, Pace Mio Dio from La Forza del Destino. Also worth mentioning is her O Patria Mia from Aida. She might not be Leontyne Price or Martina Arroyo, but she gives a superb reading of this wonderful aria.

Of course, brevity does require some editing- a true "Ultimate" Caballe collection would span four or five CDs, at least- but to include late-career and less-than-best selections at the expense of others is a crime.

Perhaps the major Opera labels should start letting fans put together the track lists for these "best of" collections! We could do a much better job.

Average customer rating: More Western Oriented A True Artist - VISSI

Nylon Anna Vissi Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Come Along Now Gia Not Too Late ASIN: B000LPRHRS Release Date: 2007-01-12

Tracks:

1. Nylon
2. Logia Ke Stopes
3. Kanenas
4. Erota I Polemo/Goin' Through - Anna Vissi, Nikos "Nivo" Vourliotis
5. Gia Teleftea Fora
6. Erota Mou Apiste
7. Kinoumeni Ammos
8. Gia Sena tha Pethano
9. Mi Me Lipithis
10. Agapi Ine
11. Distihima
12. Venetia
13. Ta Kalitera Mas Hrona
14. Eho Tosi Agapi
15. Telia
16. Lie [Alex Papacosnstantinou Club Edit]

Tracks:

1. Everything
2. Welcome to the Party
3. Who Cares About Love
4. Beautiful Night
5. Everything [Remix]
6. Everything [Karaoke Version]

Album Details

2007, Studio Album from One of the Biggest Greek Stars.

Customer Reviews:

More Western Oriented.......2007-05-16

This album is more disco/pop oriented than Anna Vissi's earlier albums,which I personally prefer.Maybe this is designed to attract a world audience in addition to merely Greek fans.In fact it puts me in mind of Despina Vandi's "Gia".Who can say:however it will backfire for those who prefer impeccably played authentic Greek instruments and top quality sound,which this album doesn't have.[you do get the odd fuzzy sound of a bouzouki thrown in at times just so you don't forget that this IS a Greek album.]I suppose it all depends on your musical taste.I can't help feeling that Anna is turning into a Greek version of Madonna.If that's what the fans want,well that's fine by me,but count me out in future.I'll stick with Natassa Theodoridou.You'd be better off buying her previous double album,KRAVGI,which is far better than this one:really first class in fact.

A True Artist - VISSI.......2007-04-21

Great Album by a true artist, ANNA VISSI.
Her energy is of the highest frequency, matching love.
A+

Average customer rating: The "Singer's Singer"

The Very Best of Renata Scotto Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 Similar Items: Renata Scotto - Italian Opera Arias Very Best of Very Best of The Very Best of Christa Ludwig Mirella Freni-Renata Scotto: In Duet ASIN: B0000AF1SG Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi
2. O Soave Fanciulla - Sherrill Milnes
3. Donde Lieta Usci
4. Vissi D'Arte
5. O Mio Babbino Caro
6. Signore, Ascolta
7. Tu Che Di Gel Sei Cinta
8. L'Altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
9. Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo!...Hui! Stridono Lassu
10. Qui La Voce Sua Soave...Vien Diletto
11. E Strano!...Ah, Fors' E Lui...Sempre Libera - Alfredo Kraus
12. Ah! Dite Alla Giovane - Renato Bruson
13. Dammi Tu Forza, O Cielo! - Alfredo Kraus
14. Teneste La Promessa...Addio Del Passato
15. Parigi, O Cara - Alfredo Kraus
16. Prendi, Quest' E L'Immagine - Renato Bruson

Tracks:

1. Una Voce Poco Fa
2. Il Dolce Suono...
3. Ardon Gli Incensi...
4. Spargi D'Amaro Pianto (Mad Scene)
5. Ben Io T'Invenni...Anch'io Dischiuso
6. Donna, Chi Sei? - Matteo Manuguerra
7. Ah! Quanto Cielo!...Ancora Un Passo Or Via - Rolando Panerai
8. Vogliatemi Bene (Love Duet) - Carlo Bergonzi
9. Un Bel Di Vedremo
10. E Questo?...Che Tua Madre Dovra - Rolando Panerai
11. Una Nave Da Guerra...Scuoti Quella Fronda Di Ciliego - Anna Di Stasio
12. Con Onor Muore...Tu? Tu? Piccolo Iddio! - Carlo Bergonzi

Customer Reviews:

The "Singer's Singer".......2007-01-23

I am thrilled to write the first review of this CD. It is wonderful, and a must-have for fans of lyric sopranos and opera lovers in general.

This CD is a real treat, because it has recordings of Ms. Scotto at various stages of her career: the mid-late 50's, 60's, 70's, and early 1980's. It is instructive and interesting to hear the trajectory of her voice over the years, and priceless to hear some of the roles and arias she truly made her own.

Let's start with the earlier recordings, made between 1958 and 1966. Here is the Renata Scotto that took the world by storm after stepping in for an "indisposed" Maria Callas in 1953. These are truly awesome. One of my favorites is her "Una voce poco fa". She sings it like she was born to sing it. I can also imagine a very cute 24 year old Renata Scotto charming everyone as Rosina. But the highlight of this group is definitely the "Madama Butterfly" from the famous 1966 recording she made with Barbirolli. There are six full arias/duets, starting with "A! Quanto cielo!" and ending with "Tu? tu? piccolo iddio!" The "Un bel di" is sublime, and the "Vogliatemi bene" duet with Carlo Bergonzi was transporting.

She then includes two arias from "Nabucco". This is probably one of those problematic career roles many people fault her for. Abigail is a very strenuous role. The character is mad...through the whole opera. She's constantly agitated and yelling. That means it is a scream fest for soprano. I just wince when I hear these arias. She does them OK, but really has to push.

The later selections show a mature Scotto. These recordings were made in 1980 and 1981. There are some amazing things here. I was least impressed by her three selections from "La Boheme". Her money notes in "Si. Mi chiamano Mimi" are unsteady and her vibrato kind of wide. But, you think, hey it happens over time, right? Then, you hear a recording of six selections from "La Traviata" from two years later. Incredible. The very difficult first big scene, starting with "E strano" and ending with "Sempre libera" was perfect. Her "Teneste la promessa" will break your heart. It was without a doubt, one of the best Violettas I've ever heard.

And, before we end, her "Vissi d'arte" was the best I've ever heard. It is an amazing performance by a woman, who at age 47, really understood what the aria is about. I've heard it so many times, and by so many great singers. With Renata, I felt I was hearing it for the first time.

Brava Scotto and EMI. Thank you for this wonderful CD.

Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Just the best of the best.

Maria Callas Live Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cherubini, Luigi | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Maria Callas 100 Best Classics Maria Callas: The Platinum Collection Maria Callas - Passion / A Film by Gerard Caillat Callas: La Divina [Limited Edition] Lyric & Coloratura Arias by Maria Callas (EMI's Great Recordings of the Century) ASIN: B000AMUU9E Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. Casta Diva...Fino Al Rito...Ah! Bello A Me Ritorna
2. Oh, Rimembranza!...Ah Si, Fa Core
3. Perfido! Or Basti!
4. Mira, O Norma...Cedi, Deh Cedi!...Si, Fino All'ore Estreme
5. In Mia Man Alfin Tu Sei
6. Deh! Non Volerli Vittime
7. Sorgete; E In Me Dover...Quando A Un Tratto - Various Artists
8. Ah! Lo Sento
9. Cedo Al Destin Orribile
10. Oh! S'io Potessi Dissipar Le Nubi...Col Sorriso D'innocenza..Oh, Sole! Ti Vela Di Tenebra Fonda

Tracks:

1. Care Compagne...Come Per Me Sereno...Sovra Il Sen
2. Son Geloso Del Zefiro Errante
3. D'Un Pensiero E D'un Accento...Non Piu Nozze - Various Artists
4. Ah! Non Credea Mirarti
5. Ah! Non Giunge
6. Regnava Nel Silenzio...Quando Rapito In Estasi
7. Qui Di Sposa...Verranno A Te
8. Soffriva Nel Pianto...Tu Che Vedi Il Pianto Mio
9. Chi Mi Frena - Various Artists
10. Il Dolce Suono...Ardon Gli Incensi...Spargi D'amaro Pianto - Various Artists

Tracks:

1. Dei Tuo figli...O Fatal Vello D'or
2. Creonte A Me Solo
3. E Che? Io Son Medea!
4. Come, Innocente Giovane...Non V'ha Sguardo
5. Io Sentii Sulla Mia Mano - Various Artists
6. Ove Sono?...In Quegli Sguardi Impresso...Ah! Segnata E La Mia Sorte - Various Artists
7. Va, Infelice
8. Fin Dall'eta Piu Tenera...Salira D'Inghilterra Sul Trono
9. Piangete Voi?...Al Dolce Guidami...Qual Mesto Suon?...Coppia Iniqua - Various Artists

Tracks:

1. Di Mio Padre...Deh! Pelopea Stirpe!...O Tu, Che In Tua Pieta Crudel
2. Sommi Dei!...O Sventurata Ifigenia
3. Il Voto Pago Andra...Io Ti Veggio
4. Ah! L'esecrando Rito...Io T'imploro Anelante
5. Di Quai Soavi Lagrime
6. Omai Da Lunge...Perche Di Stolto Giubilo
7. Donna...Che! Possente Numi!...Quest'alma E Troppo Debole
8. Ah! Fuggi Da Morte
9. Ecco Il Segnal!
10. Ecco L'orrido Campo...Ma Dall'arido Stela Divulsa
11. Teco Io Sto...O Qual Soave Brivido
12. A Tal Colpo...Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia

Tracks:

1. Libiamo, Ne' Lieti Calici
2. E Strano! E Strano...Ah! Fors'e Lui...Sempre Libera
3. Non Sapete...Ah! Dite Alla Giovine
4. Dammi Tu Forza, O Cielo!
5. Teneste La Promessa...Addio Del Passato
6. Ah, Violetta!...Se Una Pudica Vergine - Various Artists
7. Ritorna Vincitor!
8. Al Tuo Consiglio Io Cedo...Gloria All'egitto - Various Artists
9. Qui Radames Verra!...O Patria Mia
10. Ciel! Mio Padre!
11. O Terra, Addio

Tracks:

1. Nel Di Della Vittoria...Vieni! T'afferetta!...Or Tutti Sorgete
2. La Luce Langue
3. Una Macchia E Qui Tuttora
4. Gente La Dentro!...Mario! Mario!...Non La Sospiri, La Nostra Casetta
5. Orsu, Tosca, Parlate - Various Artists
6. Vissi D'arte
7. Senti, L'ora E Vicina...Amaro Sol Per Te...Presto! Su, Mario! - Various Artists
8. Ecco L'altare...Ervate Possente
9. Come Sa Amare!...La Mamma Morta
10. Benedico Il Destino! - Various Artists

Tracks:

1. Ben Io T'invenni...Anch'io Dischiuso Un Giorno (Abigaille, Act II)
2. Dov'e L'indiana Bruna? (Bell Song) (Lakme, Act II)
3. Tutte Le Torture (Costanze, Act II)
4. Ahime! Che Notte Oscura...Ombra Leggera (Shadow Song) (Dinorah, Act II)
5. Depuis Le Jour (Louise, Act III)
6. D'amore Al Dolce Impero (Armida, Act II)
7. Bel Raggio Lusinghier (Smiramide, Act I)
8. Ma Chi E Questa Bella...Ai Vostri Giochi...Ed Ora A Voi (Ofelia, Act IV)
9. Vanne, Lasciami...D'amor Sull'ali Rosee (Leonora, Act IV)
10. Pace, Pace, Mio Dio! (Leonora, Act IV)
11. Dolce E Calmo (Liebestod) Isolde, Act III)

Tracks:

1. Una Voce Poco Fa (Rosina, Act I)
2. Tu Che Vedi Il Mio Tormento (Tu Che Invoco) (Giulia, Act II)
3. Surta E La Notte...Ernani! Nernai, Involami (Elvira, Act I)
4. Tu Che Le Vanita (Elsabetta, Act IV)
5. Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi (Mimi, Act I)
6. L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare (Margherita, Act III)
7. L'amour Est Un Oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Carmen, Act I)
8. Pres Des Remparts De Seville (Seguedille) (Carmen, Act I)
9. Nacqui All'affanno...Non Piu Mesta (Cenerentola, Act II)
10. Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Petite Table (Manon, Act II)
11. Werther! Qui M'aurait Dit...Des Cris Joyeux (Charlotte, Act III)
12. Tu? Tu? Piccolo Iddio (Butterfly, Act II)
13. O Mio Babbino Caro (Lauretta)

Customer Reviews:

Just the best of the best........2006-02-08

From all the compilations of Maria Callas EMI has issued this is BY FAR the best one.

Unlike her studio recitals, unequal and mostly recorded when her voice was starting to decay, this live records take you back to the glorious early fifties when the young Callas was changing the history of opera forever.

The first 6 CD's are scenes from stage performances and the last 2 from recitals.

Chronollogically, this compilation starts with the legendary (and controversial) 1951 Mexico-City "Aida" and ends with the 1964 Covent Garden "Tosca" (when Callas' voice was just the shade of itself but at the peak of her dramatic skills).
Listen to the electrifying poetry of the 1952 "La sonnambula", to the devorating flame of 1955 "La traviata" and "Lucia". Not to forget the 1952 "Norma", the 1957 "Ana Bolena" and some rarities like "Andrea Chénier", "Ifigenia in Tauride" and "Poliuto".
The only great absent of this collection is "Armida"...

As for the the 2 recital CD's, the first one contains arias from concerts between 1952 and 1958, when Callas was in full command of her voice. Nobody else was capable of singing arias from Nabucco and Lakmé on the same recital! And listen to the last aria: Wagner's Isolde's dead.

The second one, contains arias from 1959 to 1963. Here, Callas voice had diminished considerably and she was not anymore capable of the same technical miracles, but she still managed to give thrilling dramatical interpretations (listen to the dead scene of Madama Butterfly of the 1963 Paris recital!!!)

In 80% of this compilation you can hear the young Callas creating her own legend, giving herself completly on the stage.

Average customer rating: The Fascinating Maria Callas Stupenda! A great compilation... wonderful representation of Callas artistry

Maria Callas - Life & Art (2 CD's & Bonus DVD) Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Verdi: Arias by Maria Callas (includes DVD - rare performance of Callas on film) Callas - A Documentary Plus Bonus / John Ardoin, Franco Zeffirelli The Passion of Callas Maria Callas - Passion / A Film by Gerard Caillat Maria Callas - The Callas Conversations (EMI Classic Archive) ASIN: B0002Z83KW Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. Bellini: Norma - Casta Diva (Act I)
2. Donizetti: Anna Bolena - Al dolce guidami castel natio (Act II)
3. Verdi: Il trovatore - D'amor sull'ali rosee (Act IV)
4. Catalani: La Wally - Ebben? ne andrr lontana (Act I)
5. Giordano: Andrea Chinier - La mamma morta (Act III)
6. Puccini: La bohhme - Donde lieta uscl (Act III)
7. Puccini: Tosca - Vissi d'arte (Act II)
8. Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana - Voi lo sapete o mamma
9. Boito: Mefistofele - L'altra notte in fondo al mare (Act III)10. Puccini: Madama Butterfly - Un bel dl vedremo (Act II)
10. Puccini: Turandot - Signore, ascolta (Act I)
11. Puccini: Manon Lescaut - Sola, perduta, abbandonata (Act IV)
12. Ponchielli: La Gioconda - Suicidio! (Act IV)
13. Verdi: Aida - Ritorna vincitor! (Act I)
14. Bizet: Carmen - Carreau ! Pique ! (Card Scene) (Act III)
15. Massenet: Le Cid - De cet affreux combat...Pleurez, mes yeux ! (Act III)

Tracks:

1. Bellini: La sonnambula - Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno...Sovra il sen la man mi posa (Act I)
2. Bellini: I puritani - Son vergin vezzosa (Act 1)
3. Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Regnava nel silenzio...Quando rapito in estasi (Act I)
4. Verdi: Rigoletto - Gualtier Maldh...Caro nome (Act I)
5. Verdi: La traviata - Ah, fors'h lui (Act I)
6. Puccini: Gianni Schicchi - O mio babbino caro
7. Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur - Ecco: respiro appena. Io son l'umile ancella (Act I)
8. Thomas: Mignon - Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania (Act II)
9. Gounod: Romio et Juliette - Ah ! Je veux vivre dans ce rjve (Act I)
10. Gounod: Faust - Un bouquet !...Ah ! je ris (Jewel Song) (Act III)
11. Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust - D'amour l'ardente flamme (Part IV)
12. Massenet: Werther - Werther ! Qui m'aurait dit...Des cris joyeux (Letter Scene) (Act III)
13. Bizet: Les Pjcheurs de perles - Me voil` seule...Comme autrefois (Act II)
14. Saint-Saens: Samson et Dalila - Printemps qui commence (Act I)
15. Charpentier: Louise - Depuis le jour ( Act III)

Tracks:

1. Massenet: Le Cid - De cet affreux combat...Pleurez, mes yeux (Acte III) (DVD)
2. Bizet: Carmen - Prilude; Habanera (Acte I); Entr'acte (Acte III); Siguidille (Acte I) (DVD)
3. Verdi: Ernani - Surta h la notte...Ernani, involami (Atto I) (DVD)
4. Rossini: La Cenerentola - Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto...Non piy mesta (Atto II) (DVD)
5. Verdi: Don Carlo - O don fatale, o don crudel (Atto III) (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

The Fascinating Maria Callas.......2007-01-10

The DVD of her life was the most interesting part. I was really hoping for a wide selection of arias on the CDs, rather than the two full operas that came in the set.

Stupenda! A great compilation..........2006-08-23

First off, I think this is a great compilation of Maria Callas' work. It has a little bit of almst everything. It picks the right records and highlights them quite well. I liked the idea of splitting the album into two discs. One of lighter romantic arias. The other with tragic and dramatic arias. Now, to the point...
I listen to many operas as it is my music of choice. Whenever I find myself at a loss with a certain soprano for either character or tone I always find myself coming back to Callas. Not having the most tonaly beautiful voice she does for me what is more important. She adds life and passion to the music instead of just singing it. She knows the characters and their motivations. This rare feat comes thru in her voice. Capable of singing almost any soprano role from a light lyric coloratura such as Lakme or to the heavy demands of a Wagnerian role such as Norma. Not only does her range impress but her voice was capable of such colors and shades of those colors. She imparts such pathos and depth with her voice. This for me is most important. A singer can have the most tonaly beautiful voice, but if there is no heart and emotion behind it, forget about it. Callas has that in spades. Maybe that is why 30 some odd years after her death I still find myself turning to her for inpsiration.

wonderful representation of Callas artistry.......2006-04-29

This 2 set CD and additional DVD are a great sampling of Maria Callas singing various operatic arias. They demonstrate not only her remarkable vocal range but her ability to perform expressively as well. No artist in my opinion can act today as well as Callas. Callas voice may have been flawed later on during her career, but her ability to act truly makes up for any vocal imperfections. After all, she is the only operatic soprano I know of who possessed not only the natural talent for acting, but the ability to sing anything from mezzo to soprano. If you are a fan of Callas, then I highly recommend this set. Even those not familiar with Maria Callas should hear her perform at least once.

Average customer rating: Average performance Mixed Bag Great Voice Great Voice Welcome back, Alessandra!

Opera Gala Manufacturer: Delos Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | 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 English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: American Diva: Verdi, Puccini ASIN: B00004TKHD Release Date: 2000-05-30

Customer Reviews:

Average performance.......2003-11-08

This disc contains three orchestral tracks, six aria tracks, and one choral track. It was recorded during three days of concerts in Dallas in September 1998. The recorded sound is clear and spacious.

The Dallas Symphony plays the three orchestral tracks well, but they do nothing spectacular with the music. Puccini's early work, Preludio Sinfonico, is quite beautiful and is worth a listen. The contribution from the Dallas Symphony Chorus in the "Guerra, guerra" chorus from "Norma" and in "In questa reggia" from "Turandot" is excellent. Their enunciation of the text is exemplary. However, they could have been better in "Casta diva".

The featured soloist is soprano Alessandra Marc. She has a huge, darkly-hued voice that can be easily heard over the orchestra. I, however, find the timbre of her voice to be heavy and matronly. Her rapid vibrato, magnified by her voice's large size, is quite annoying. Her diction is not ideally clear. Her consonants need to be crisper. Her voice has the right color for singing "Casta diva", but her breath control needs more work. It was quite disconcerting to hear such a heavy voice negotiating the delicate bel canto lines of this aria. She smudges the chromatic scales in the aria. Her small contribution to the "Guerra, guerra" chorus is not sufficiently angry. She is completely out of her element in Anna Bolena's Mad Scene. Her voice is far too heavy for Anna Bolena. In the Mad Scene recitative and aria, her dramatic commitment is non-existent. In "Al dolce guidami", she manages several respectable trills, but the final series of ascending trills is beyond her technically. The requisite nostalgia in this aria is just not there. In Helena's great aria, Marc sings well and enunciates the German competently, but her consonants need work. She is a native speaker of the language, English being her second language. In "Give me my robe", she is quite fine. She completely identifies with Cleopatra's character and she sings the high notes very securely. Her English is intermittently intelligible. Her rendition of "Vissi d'arte" starts with a scooping of pitch and is uneven in quality, but nothing goes terribly wrong. "In questa reggia" is given a powerful account, but she and the conductor are not always together.

This disc is definitely not a failure, but Ms. Marc could have been better.

Mixed Bag.......2003-03-10

I agree with the other reviewers: What a Barber! What a Turandot! A glorious sumptuous enormous voice and one of the great Elktras of our day. I have to disagree with the other reviewers on some points: The slow introductions of both the Norma and the Anna Bolena arias are indedd beautiful, but she completely fudges her way through the passagework towards the end of both arias.

It is not an issue of my not liking the style, or some concept of Bel Canto that is a matter of opinion as with Fleming's recent disc, it's simply a matter of not singing the correct notes. She is a great singer and a great artist. So why then perform repertoire that is not really suited to her? This album would have been better with some Wagner, more Strauss, or some more American opera.

As for the Chorus in the Norma excerpts: they perform the dotted rhtythms in "Casta Diva" as if it were a strict march and it all sounds terribly unnatural asif they had been dilled to death by an overzealous chorusmaster.

To sum up: 3 or 4 fantastic tracks, 2 or 3 that are in my opinion an insult to the audience, and some well-played overtures to fil it out, if you like listening to overtures

Great Voice.......2000-10-26

I am prejudiced, let me say. I think Alessandra Marc has one of the most gorgeous voices I have ever heard. Some don't enjoy her mannerisms. I'm afraid I do. She does not appear on every selection, and there are the occasional disappointments (the breaths she must take in the climax of Helena's Awakening Scene, for example). The Barber is spine-tingling. Makes me want to hear her do Andromache's Farewell! If her style doesn't appeal, fine. She gives me more pleasure than any opera singer since my beloved Leonie Rysanek. A big, sumptuous voice! It would rate five stars except for the fact that the orchestra/choal episodes are fine, not great. And Marc is not totally comfortable in all the repertoire.

Great Voice.......2000-10-26

I am prejudiced, let me say. I think Alessandra Marc has one of the most gorgeous voices I have ever heard. Some don't enjoy her mannerisms. I'm afraid I do. She does not appear on every selection, and there are the occasional disappointments (the breaths she must take in the climax of Helena's Awakening Scene, for example). The Barber is spine-tingling. Makes me want to hear her do Andromache's Farewell! If her style doesn't appeal, fine. She gives me more pleasure than any opera singer since my beloved Leonie Rysanek. A big, sumptuous voice! It would rate five stars except for the fact that the orchestra/choal episodes are fine, not great. And Marc is not totally comfortable in all the repertoire.

Welcome back, Alessandra!.......2000-08-07

After hearing Ms. Marc two years ago in Turandot in Turin, Italy and after having heard this CD, I cannot wait to hear her once again at this Met in this season's Turandot. What a fantastic voice. The Strauss alone is reason enough to buy this CD. She has it all: power, beauty of tone and truly thoughtful singing. Why do we even bother with the laziness of Eaglen when we have a dramatic soprano like this around?

Average customer rating: Divas Of More Recent Years As an opera lover, or a beginner this is great Soprano Songbirds In All Their Glory You too will become "Mad About Sopranos"

Mad About Sopranos Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Studer, Cheryl | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Offenbach, Jacques | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mad About Italian Opera Ten Top Sopranos Mad about Piano Mad About Violins Jewel Song ~ 20 Great Soprano Arias / Crespin, Freni, Te Kanawa, Sutherland, Jo, Tebaldi, Cotrubas, Caballé, Cerquetti... ASIN: B000001GKL Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

1. TOSCA: Vissi d'darte
2. La Traviata: Sempre libera
3. The Marriage Of Figaro: Porgi, amor
4. The Tales Of Hoffmann: The Doll's Song
5. Don Giovanni: Batti, batti
6. Die Walkure: Du bist der Lenz
7. Aida: Ritorna vincitor
8. The Marriage Of Figaro: Venite...inginocchiatevi
9. Cosi fan tutte: Despina's Aria (In uomini)
10. The Magic Flute: Queen Of The Night's Vengeance Aria
11. The Magic Flute: Ach, ich fuhl's
12. Turandot: Signore, ascolta
13. Madama Butterfly: Vedrai, piccolo amor
14. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide
15. Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata
16. Turandot: Death Of Liu (Tu che di gel)
17. Don Giovanni: Or sai chi l'onore
18. Der Rosenkavalier: Final Trio
19. Die Gotterdammerung: Brunnhilde's Immolation (Fliegt heim)

Amazon.com

Mirella Freni, Kiri Te Kanawa, Edita Gruberova, Katia Ricciarelli, Edith Mathis, Barbara Hendricks, Hildegard Behrens, and more than a fistful more of the world's greatest sopranos sing here some of the world's greatest music, with some of the greatest conductors and orchestras to assist them. This CD is for aficionados and newcomers as well: It's a feast for the ear. Despite the fact that specialists are sure to miss one of their favorites, this should please, entertain, and teach everyone about the glories of those high, sweet, sometimes agile, sometimes dramatically piercing voices that fall under the category of "soprano." From Mozart (a delicious "Ach ich fuhls" from Mathis) to Wagner to Verdi to Puccini (a gorgeous Liu from Hendricks), this is rich. Enjoy. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Divas Of More Recent Years.......2005-06-18

When I brought this album I assumed the sopranos featured in it would be more classic sopranos of decades past- Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Birgit Nilsson, Leontyne Price, Montserrat Caballe, Joan Sutherland, Beverly Sills, etc. But instead we get a fine collection of soprano arias sung by divas of more recent years. The album feautes such artists as Edita Gruberova- an essentially lyric-coloratura soprano who sings one hell of a Doll Song from Tales of Hoffman is showcased here. Cheryl Struder as Violetta, Edith Mathis as Pamina, Karen Ott as the Queen as the Queen of the Night (Magic Flute) Kathleen Battle as Zerlina from Don Giovanni (Batti Batti)..I'm not thrilled about Miss Battle though her voice, a coloratura miracle, is good, she herself was an unprofessional and terrible diva drama queen with very bad manners. Mirella Freni is gloriously showcased her singing the emotionally moving Puccini heroines- Madame Butterfly and Manon Lescaut. Mirella Freni is a soprano I am very fond of. She had a voice that was flexible so she could sing not only fine Puccini roles as the ones previously mentioned (not to mention her Tosca) but Tatiana in Tchaikovsky's Russian opera Eugene Onegin and the French reperotire- she sings the best Micaela ever from Bizet's Carmen and Marguerite in Gounod's Faust as well as Juliette and Mirelle. It's fitting that Mirella Freni should be here in this album, for she is truly the last great "Italian" diva.

Anna Tomowa Sintow, a dramatic lyric soprano possessing a huge voice, is showcased here as Dona Ana in Don Giovanni singing "Or Sai Che L'onore" in a grand manner. She is also in the Trio with Agnes Baltsa for the richly layered cake of an opera that is Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier. Barbara Hendricks is here, as is Hildegard Behrens and Jessye Norman. These singers were making it big in the 80's and early 90's. I wish they could have made this album bigger. In the 80's there were many singers that were shining as brightly as any of these. For instance, the very neglected Ghena Dimitrova whose voice has to be without a doubt the most powerful ever!! Carol Vanness could have been featured as well, certainly she's a singer harkening to the best of Callas with a big voice as well as lyric subtle beauty.

I wish they could have just showcased sopranos of great allure from past and present. Kiri Te Kenawa as the Countess is fine but she did much more than Mozart- she sang Strauss extremely well. Callas is not here ? Whats' that all about ? She needs no introduction so I shan't comment on her. Anyone who knows opera will never avoid the mention of Callas. Katia Ricciarelli is here but she is singing Aida, something more fitting for the voice of Leontyne Price who did the best damn Aida ever. If only they could have featured her in this. Ricciarelli was much better as Tosca, Queen Elisabeth Valois in Don Carlo, Desdemona in Otello, or Luisa Miller- her voice is big but very lyric. And for an album of newer divas where is Renee Fleming ? Enough said. But not a bad album really.

As an opera lover, or a beginner this is great.......2004-04-03

I love opera and confess to being a soprano junkie. Even so, this is an impressive CD. I have a lot of opera in my collection, but this is one of the CDs that I reach for over and over again. This is a delightful confection, every track a joy. If you haven't liked opera before, this CD could convert you. If you love opera, you will be ecstatic. I would consider many of the tracks on this CD to be the definitive versions of the songs. Track 4 - The Doll's Song, is by itself worth the price of the CD, and started a love affair for me with Edita Gruberova that contines to this day. Track 2 - Sempre Libera is the best version of this very famous aria that I have ever heard. Track 10 - Otts Queen of the Night's Vengeance aria is excellent. If you have any love for sopranos, you cannot be without this CD.

Soprano Songbirds In All Their Glory.......2004-02-21

This compilation album is a dazzling showcase of the multiple range and repertoire of the female singing voice in opera. It is a cd which fans of the opera and of sopranos should not be without. This "Mad About" series is a great way to get you into opera if you're not hooked into it already. Other titles in the "Mad" labels include "Mad About Puccini" "Mad About Wagner" "Mad About Italian Opera" etc. Look for them to add to you're collection. They're all very impressive. As the title indicates, this cd features the beauty and virtuosity of the soprano voice. The compilation album features some of the best singers of the last 30 years - among them Mirella Freni, Hildegard Behrens, Cheryl Struder, Kiri Te Kenawa and Agnes Baltsa. Of course, considering the total number of amazing sopranos who have graced the opera stage, this catalog of sopranos is very limited. Not showcased here is Maria Callas and her contribution to the opera world, Cecilia Bartoli whose mezzo-soprano style is dynamic, Beverly Sills whose coloratura ranks among the finest, Joan Sutherland, Shirley Verrett, Leontine Price, Elizabeth Schwartzkopff and Birgit Nilsson. These opera women have all been great artists throughout the 20th century and should have been featured on this cd.

The album makes use of the coloratura richness of Cheryl Struder in her role as Violetta from Verdi's Traviata. "Sempre Libera" is a tour de force aria and Struder really delivers all the goods. On here is the art of Mirella Freni, who was quite skilled at singing various Puccini heroines, from Tosca to Madama Butterfly. Freni's arias on here are "Vissi D'arte" and "Un Bel Di" respectively. But something that should have been used is her Russian repertoire. Mirella Freni performed as Tatiana from Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin to great acclaim. Kiri Te Kenawa first achieved international recognition in her performance as The Countess in Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro. Her aria "Porgi Amor" is exquisite. Hildegard Behrens, a Wagnerian and German-singing soprano, was able to achieve equal success as Brunhilde and even as Tosca. The Immolation Scene from Gotterdammerung, Wagner's masterpiece, is featured on the last track and Behrens is sensational as the suicidal Valkyrie. There it is, folks. This is a must have for fans of the soprano voice in opera. Look also for "Mad About Tenors".

You too will become "Mad About Sopranos".......2000-08-30

Mad about Sopranos, is a wonderful collection of fantastic voices singing outstanding and well known music. Not only is it's music selection diverse from Offenbach's "The Doll Song" to Wagner's Brunnhilde, but the complilation of different voice types is a real treat. This is a great album for an oprera lover at any level, but is also a excellent album to compliment the growing repertiore of a young singer studying opera. I loudly echo Robert Levine's review regarding this cd; "It's a feast for the ears".

Average customer rating: Súper Anna Amazing ANNA VISSI IS A GODDESS Very dissapointed !!!! good

Everything I Am Anna Vissi Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Greece | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Come Along Now Gia ASIN: B00004U07Y Release Date: 2001-02-20

Tracks:

1. Still In Love With You
2. Kick The Habit
3. Everything I Am
4. So In Love With Yourself
5. Way Out
6. I Was Made For Lovin' You
7. On A Night Like This
8. After You
9. Supernatural Love
10. No More The Fool
11. Moro Mou (No Tomorrow)
12. Forgive Me This

Album Description

Long-awaited return for the multi-platinum Greek artist. For the album, Vissi worked with various superstar producers, Peter Asher (Diana Ross, Linda Rondstat & Cher), Rik Wake (Celine Dion), Brian Rawlin (Enrique Iglesias & Cher) and cites both Aretha Frankin & Janis Joplin as her major influences on this outing. The result is a mixture of irresistible dance tracks & dramatic ballads, infused with melancholy. 12 tracks including, 'Still In Love With You', 'Kick The Habit', 'Everything I Am', 'So In Love With Yourself', 'Way Out', 'I Was Made For Lovin' You' and 'After You'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

2000 Studio Album from this Greek Diva.

Customer Reviews:

Súper Anna.......2007-03-29

Un gran album con musica en Ingles de esta gran cantante Griega. un super album

Amazing.......2005-02-10

I recently bought this Cd, because I am crazy for Anna Vissi, and have all her other Cd's, exept this one. When I herd the Cd, I was blown away. I expected it to be good, because Anna Vissi has a great voice, but not this good. I really liked the songs that her long time song writter Nikos Karvelas and ex-husban wrote.(Still in love with you, Kick the habit, Everything I am, and Way out). On this Cd, Anna Vissi sing very nice ballads, as well as "dance" songs.(Pop-Rock) I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS CD!!!! Also, she will be releasing her new english language Cd, sometime in Febuary of 2005. She has already released her single "Call Me".

ANNA VISSI IS A GODDESS.......2004-09-12

Anna Vissi Greece's #1 Singer with tons of multi Platinum cd's. This album shows her ability to sing in English. She will have a new English album coming out in Jan 04. In NEW YORK!!!!
Her voice is mesmerizing. A True singer. One in a millione.

PS. Her version of "On a night like this" The original version is much better than Kylie's version.

Very dissapointed !!!!.......2004-03-11

I first heard of Anna when i heard kylie's version of "On a night like this" that song is so great so when I found out that Anna was the first 2 sing it I had 2 hear it so i bought the CD and i was expecting more but it was a bomb. my advise dont waste your money.....

good.......2004-01-09

very good album by the greek diva.Still in love with u, after u, i was made for loving you and supernatural love are brilliant pop songs.she was worth a shot outside greece but she didnt get it.she had a sold out concert in the Royal Albert Hall in London and the album went gold in greece and cyprus.
recommended.

Average customer rating:

X Anna Vissi Manufacturer: Sony International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00007F1QM Release Date: 2002-11-26

Average customer rating: Simply beautiful Anna Vissi shows why she's the best.... Amazing cd A vanity project

Paraxenes Eekones Anna Vissi Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Greece | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gia Come Along Now ASIN: B0001C9YPO Release Date: 2004-03-02

Customer Reviews:

Simply beautiful.......2005-04-01

When I first purchased this album, I was convinced that it was a "best of", the songs were so great. I must admit that I love Greece and almost everything Greek, Anna Vissi's music included. These CDs have dance songs as well as beautiful "bouzoukia" ballads so there is something for everybody. To me, her music recalls to mind the wonderful tavernas, starry nights, the very blue Greek sea, all the extraordinary moments I have spent in Greece.

Another artist which I like almost as much is Despina Vandi. Unfortunately Amazon.com does not currently sell the double "Best Of" album that I have with her, but if they ever do, be sure to get it.

And thanks to the reviewer who posted the songs titles in Latin characters :).

Anna Vissi shows why she's the best...........2005-01-10

A terrific double CD! Here's a listing of the tracks.

CD 1:

Track 1 -- Min psahneis tin agapi
Track 2 -- Eisai
Track 3 -- Ego moro mou
Track 4 -- Treno
Track 5 -- Gyrna
Track 6 -- Paraistheseis
Track 7 -- Sa xlomo to vlepo
Track 8 -- Eho pethanei gia sena
Track 9 -- Erimi poli
Track 10 -- Ksafnika
Track 11 -- Velos
Track 12 -- Paraksenes Eikones

CD 2:

Track 1 -- Psihedelia
Track 2 -- Vaterlo
Track 3 -- Me mia sygnomi
Track 4 -- Fevgo
Track 5 -- O antras tis zois mou
Track 6 -- Mov
Track 7 -- Den apofasisa ego
Track 8 -- Stiriksou epano mou
Track 9 -- Arketa
Track 10 -- Ti apomenei
Track 11 -- Nea Filadelfeia
Track 12 -- Pos ta fernei etsi i zoi
Track 13 -- Eisai -- The prodigal son remix

Vissi chooses to start this high-energy CD with a perfectly slow tempo song -- Min psahneis tin agapi -- as if to coil up a spring. This is followed up by one of her best songs ever -- Eisai. (Anyone who caught the closing ceremonies of the Athens Olympiad, witnessed her doing this song -- with the entire stadium getting into it.)

This is followed by Ego moro mou -- and if you're not moving around the room by now, call for medical attention. (The co-writers of this song, Alex Papaconstanitou and Peter Cartriers, have done some terrific ones for Elena Paparizou on her first CD. Attention AMAZON!) Breathless, Vissi follows this up with Treno -- a nice, passionate slow-tempo number.

Thirty seconds into Gyrna, you feel you are as in much in love as your deepest youthful crush. By the end of the song, you are ready to make plans to visit Greece to spend some time at the cafes with the people who take this kind of music as part of their daily lives.

Paraisthiseis is the first "ordinary" Vissi song on this side. Yet ordinary for Anna Vissi is still two cuts above what is "good" for other artists. By Track 8 -- Eho Pethanei Gia Sena -- you're convinced that it just can't get much better.

And so it goes... If you've never purchased a CD of modern Greek music before, you couldn't do much better than by starting off with this one. The generous liner notes which accompany the CD is about 25 pages in length, complete with lyrics and plenty of sultry photos of Ms. Vissi -- who has every right to be proud of her "package."

Amazing cd.......2004-09-12

Anna Vissi Is back with a new 2-cd album and it's amazing. Full of amazing songs . Another multi-platnium album.

A vanity project.......2004-04-15

Anna Vissi has a voice which alone justifies her existence in the music scene .All the young girls in the various talent-reality shows fall apart when they try to perfom one of her hits . She is simply an amazing perfomer , capable of displaying the emotional drama of a heart in love with the most revealing way . For years though , Vissi has been chosing style over substance . Her last 3 or 4 records have added absolutely nothing essential to her discography . Her flashy cooperations with Keti Garbi and Giannis Parios simply point out that the greek music scene is more about public relationships that it is about songwritting . " Paraxenes Ikones " is slightly better than her dreadful album " X " a couple of years ago and on her first hit single " To Treno " you'll find the fragile line " ... I wrote 'i love you ' on the window " yet once more nothing new or genuin deep is here to cherish - only tsiftetelia dance tracks and epic ballads full of fake feelings delivered with all the professionalism of a woman who just doesn't experience anything from what she is singing about . Vissi's bet with herself seems to be limited at that she can remain at number 1 in the charts for as long as she desires . The listener though has no benefit from that vision whatsoever .

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10. Circle of Light

Rock Music

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