Nel Sole [Import]

1. Nel Sole

2. Quel Poco Che Ho

3. Quando Il Sole Chiude Gli Occhi

4. Angeli Senza Paradiso

5. Mezzo Cuore

6. E Il Sole Dorme Tra le Braccia

7. Buona Fortuna

8. Io Di Notte

9. Vogliamoci Tanto Bene

10. Mille Cherubini in Coro

11. Sensazione

12. Mirella

13. Sogno Di un Bimbo

14. Musica

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Solo Release from the Memeber of the Most Popular Duo in Italy.

Tracks:

Caruso
Non ti scordar di me
Torna a Surriento
Core 'ngrato
Mamma
Mattinata
Chitarra Romana
O sole mio
Passione
La strada del bosco
Funiculi, funicula
Ti voglio tanto bene
Che gelida manina
Una furtiva lagrima
Amor ti vieta
M'appari
Dalla sua pace
Un' aura amorosa
La Danza
Nessus dorma

Customer Reviews:

Okay so track #1 aside..........2005-12-14

I got this as a gift last Christmas and just got around to writing a review. To start off with, let me say that I think Pavarotti is the greatest tenor ever. Period. His command of his voice (breath control, relaxation, etc.) were absolutely flawless, and no he never shouted (except when he was getting old and losing his voice...maybe), cause I have never heard anyone shout with vibrato. Anyways, yes I have heard better accompanyments than Caruso's (track #1) on a certain children's show that will remain unnamed but it features a large purple dinosaur, but that doesn't ruin the entire CD for me like it did for the other reviewers. Let's face it the rest of the CD is Pavarotti classics. You won't find a better Nessun Dorma anywhere. His La Danza is wonderful, his L'elisir is legendary and La Boheme's Rodolfo is one of, if not his truly signature role. As for the Neapolitan songs, you can't criticize him for those. It's no different than Kathleen Battle throwing in a few spirituals on her CDs. Yes, I wish there were more arias on the CD (Ah! Mes amis for instance) but still was not dissappointed by this CD at all. Buy it!

What the heck?.......2005-09-12

I'm so glad I didn't pay for this disc, instead checking it out from the my public library. The first track, "Caruso", had me thinking I was playing the wrong CD. It's not so much that it's electronic accompaniment. It's really bad synthesizer music. Horribly bad. Inexcusably bad. Cheap-lounge-singer-who-can't-afford-a-piano bad. That train wreck of track sets exactly the worst tone, destroying the mood for the rest of the album. If it weren't for some of the later selections from La Bohème and L'Elisir d'Amore, this CD would be a total loss. Even then, these gems are completely drowned in a gushing flow of treacly Italian "classics" apparently aimed at a certain demographic of blue-haired, tittering Pavarotti fans. I don't mean to sound like a snob. It's just the bad vibe from that first track rattling me. My advice: get it from the library and listen to your favorites. Avoid everything else on pain of intense aural assault.

Why on earth is this listed under classical music?.......2004-03-22

Pavarotti has a short but excellent repertoire that belongs in "Classical Music" (e.g. Fille du Regiment), however 99% of his recordings belong in Popular Music. Amazon folks, please get your act straight on this guy and his other two tenor friends!

Why on earth is this listed under classical music?.......2004-03-22

The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti.......2004-01-28

This weekend I purchased "The Very Best of Luciano Pavarotti", Romantica. The first track, Caruso is terrible. Classical music, opera, etc, should never be played with synthesized anything! This is especially true with voices like Pavarotti's. This first track was CHEAP and tinny sounding.

Pavarotti is good, but I think that the title is misleading.

Classical music should be with real musical instruments. Lesson #1, if it takes electricity, it's NOT a musical instrument.

Tracks:

Gia, Il Sole dal Gange
Son tutta duolo
Se Florindo e fedele
O cessate di piagarmi
Spesso vibra per suo gioco
Caro mio ben
Pur dicesti, O bocca bella
Intorno all'idol mio
Nel cor piu non mi sento
Il mio ben quando verra
O leggiadri occhi belli
Quella fiamma che m'accende
Selve amiche
Sebben, crudele
Tu ch'hai le penne, amore
Se tu m'ami
Chi vuol la zingarella
Amarilli
Delizie contente
Sposa son disprezzata
Vittoria, vittoria!

Amazon.com

The 17th-century Italian art song repertory traditionally reserved for novice singers is given new life via Bartoli's artistry. With impeccable diction and evocative phrasing, she captures every innuendo of these simple, but passionate, pieces. No two repetitive phrases are alike; she chisels every line into a landscape of interpretive magnificence. Scarlatti's simple "O Cessate di Piagarmi" becomes a testament of innocent pain and plaintiveness. Giordano's "Caro Mio Ben" is transformed into a tender cry for love. All embellishments are imaginative and well executed. Accompaniment by György Fischer is equally appealing, sensitive and precise. Every singer questing for the art of singing should study these. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

useful.......2007-04-11

I feel like recommending this compilation to neophites wanting to listen to some old arias to learn if they like this genre and to singing students:
Ms Bartoli's voice is not beautiful, nor perfect when heard live, but her technique sounds perfectly good on record. Here and there her voice gets harsh, flat, losing brilliance and warmth, but most of the time one can concentrate on the accurate rendering of these old and beautiful arias.

She wisely decided to follow the letter of Parisotti's score, therefore meeting the need of all singing students of having a reference for their study. The agility is outstanding but pronunciation and expression, as well as the perfect gusto in presenting the phrases, are what make this compilation worthwhile. Not a word goes wasted or neglected but her being Italian and her sensitivity manage to avoid overkill.

One could wish she would publish compilations of single authors of the xvi and xvii centuries, edited according to philological criteria or else other compilations of the dated but still useful Parisotti edition.

Cecilia Bartoli at her best........2007-03-06

A great singer is one who dedicates singing to the text itself instead to himself/herself.
This is achieved 100% by Ms. Bartoli in this earlier album of hers. The recordings here cannot be termed otherwise than 'immaculate'. The very opening song 'Gia sole dal gange' is a display of Bartoli's unique timbre in its full beauty - glorious, rich and full. Many singers could tackle the range of this song, mezzos or sopranos, but who could pull it off in the manner as Ms. Bartoli? Credit to the one who picked this as the opening song of this fantastic album.
The songs following come in different styles and moods, all given full authentic interpretations by the singer. Compare the 'Vittoria, vittoria mio core' to 'Intorno al'idol mio' or 'Amarilli, mio bella' the vast contrast of mood, brought out equally well. The songs' requirement of versatility of interpretation is fully catered for.
I hate it when people say that this is a learners' album accompanying the 24 Italian Songs edited by one publisher. Such remarks could barely do justice to Ms. Bartoli's superb artistry, though admittedly, this CD would be an invaluable one for THAT purpose. What about the songs NOT included in the 24 Italian songs?

Great companion to Schirmer's 24 Italian Arias book.......2007-02-21

Cecilia Bartoli beautifully demonstrates many of the songs in Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs & Arias Of The 17th & 18th Centuries, which is widely recognized as an intermediate collection of Italian repitoire.

Great Bartoli, but not her best Italian songs.......2006-06-15

'The Impatient Lover' sung by Cecilia Bartoli is a collection of 18th and 19th century songs in Italian which were written by the predominantly German composers, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, and Hayden. Oddly, this is very seriously a better, or at least a more enjoyable collection, to my ear, than the 'If you Love Me' collection of Italian songs written by Italians, including Scarlatti, Caldera, and Vivaldi. And, neither collection of Italian songs is as interesting as Mme. Bartoli's collection of French love songs, 'Chant D'Amore'. All are done on London, but with three different accompaniests. I think the French material is just better than the Italian.

Beautiful and useful CD.......2006-03-22

I used this CD as accompaniment and inspiration for a voice class. It's very useful and Cecilia Bartoli sounds amazing.

Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition)

Average customer rating:

Essential Performances from a Great & Beloved Singer

Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition)
Janet Baker , John Shirley-Quirk , Graham Sheen , Johann Sebastian Bach , Ludwig van Beethoven , Hector Berlioz , Giovanni Bononcini , Benjamin Britten , Giulio Caccini , and Antonio Caldara
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000B0A0Q
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Customer Reviews:

Essential Performances from a Great & Beloved Singer.......2004-01-09

For those of us who grew up on Janet Baker's recordings (and were lucky enough to hear her "live" as well), the sound of her voice and her singular artstic personality - British restraint coupled with fierce emotional and spiritual commitment - are indelibly imprinted in our minds and hearts. The closest current equivalent is Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, another superb artist who has charted her own course, and not surprisingly there is some overlap of repertoire, in the music of J.S. Bach, of course, but also Berlioz's Didon and Beatrice, Handel's Ariodante and Britten's Phaedra (composed for Baker).
This wonderful compilation is complementary to EMI's 2-CD "The Very Best of Janet Baker" -- no overlap of repertoire whatsoever. Unlike that set, which focused on concert repertoire (with orchestra or piano) there's a generous sampling here of Baker's operatic roles including Handel, Mozart, Purcell, Rameau, Gluck, and Britten. Also welcome is "Phaedra," one of Britten's strongest late works. And it's good to have the Berlioz: "Cleopatre" and "Herminie" complete, the big aria from "Beatrice et Benedict." (Why EMI included nothing from her recording of the last 2 scenes of "Les Troyens" is unfathomable.) The wide time-span allows us to hear Baker's voice in all its youthful, "sappy" warmth, as well as in its artistic maturity (though truth to tell she was pretty much a complete artist from the start). There are a few signs of wear in later items, nothing serious, in fact rather less than I remembered. I could have done with fewer of the "Arie Amorose" in favor of more cuts from her Gluck LP, which I believe has never been issued complete on CD, but that's just personal preference. The focus here is entirely on orchestrally accompanied works (or, in the case of the marvelous early disc of Ravel, Chausson & Delage songs, with chamber ensemble) so for Baker the supreme interpreter of English, German and French song you'll need to go elsewhere (the EMI has a fair sampling, especially of her Schubert). But everything here is indispensible.

Average customer rating:

Just the best of the best.

Maria Callas Live

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AMUU9E
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Excellent introduction to Tebaldi's art
Wonderfull
Classic Renata

Classic Puccini Recordings
Puccini , and Tebaldi
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera

ASIN: B00006IU8W
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Album Details

Italian Soprano Renata Tebaldi was One of the Most Important Post-war Sopranos to Tackle a Wide Range of Puccini Roles, and During the 1950s She Recorded Several Complete Opera Recordings. Some of the Operas were Recorded Twice — in Mono and Then in Stereo. Amongst Those which Tebaldi Committed to Disc in the Recording Studio on Two Occasions Must Be Included La Bohème and Madama Butterfly. It is the Earlier, Mono Recordings of These Two Operas which Are Included Here and They Reveal a Fresh-voiced Tebaldi in Recordings Which, Despite the Stereo Remakes, have Stood the Test of Time.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent introduction to Tebaldi's art.......2005-09-29

This set covers the entire productive years of Tebaldi's recording career. Turandot, Butterfly and Boheme are from her earlier career while Tosca is from her later career. Since this Tosca recording is now out of print and is somewhat hard to find, this recording itself almost worth the cost of the set. In Turandot, you will find Tebaldi at her fresher voice, lovely and melting. Eventhough I would still rate Callas' first recorded Tosca as my first choice, this Tosca comes very close. Enjoy.

Wonderfull.......2005-08-19

Fantastic recordings at a very good price. Tebaldi and Del Monaco rule. You should definetely own this set.

Classic Renata.......2005-03-16

To say that these 12 disks contain some of the finest singing ever committed to disk is no exaggeration, but a simple statement of fact. Historical fact. In the 100 years (more or less) that Puccini operas have been around, only a few sopranos in each generation have been the equal of Renata Tebaldi. One cannot objectively say that anyone has surpassed her. Some opera lovers find her peerless in many of these performances. Personal tastes in singers vary, but no one ever sang these roles better. Few anywhere nearly so well. There is not a single note on any of these recordings that is not heartfelt to the core of her being. Like Maria Callas and Franco Corelli, she was luminous, gargantuan in her talent that personified an age. This is one of the great compilations.

The Pavarotti Edition (includes bonus disc with previously unreleased 1964 debut Decca recording session)

Average customer rating:

Beyond all description...
An Absolute Must-Have for Any Pavarotti Fan
Wonderful!!!!

The Pavarotti Edition (includes bonus disc with previously unreleased 1964 debut Decca recording session)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005O841
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Album Description

Disc 1: Donizetti Arias from L'elisir d'amore, Maria Stuarda, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Fille du Regiment, Linda di Chamounix, La Favorita, and Don Paquale

Disc 2: Bellini/Donizetti/Verdi Includes arias from I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Norma, La Sonnambula (1976 Duet Recording), I Beatrice di Tenda, I Puritani, Don Sebastien, Il Duca d'Alba, I Lombardi, I due Foscari, Ernani, and Attila

Disc 3: Verdi 1 Includes arias from Macbeth, Luisa Miller, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, La Traviata, and Les Vepres Siciliennes

Disc 4: Verdi 2 Includes arias from Un Ballo in Maschera, La Forza del Destino, Don Carlos, Aida, Otello, and Requiem

Disc 5: Puccini Includes arias from La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot

Disc 6: Puccini and Verismo Includes arias from Cavalleria Rusticana, Manon Lescaut, Pagliacci, Andrea Chenier, and Tosca

Disc 7: Arias 1 Includes arias from La Griselda, Atalanta, Orfeo ed Euridice, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan Tutte, Guillaume Tell, and more. Includes Unreleased Material.

Disc 8: Arias 2 Includes arias from Martha, Mefistofele, La Giocanda, Adriana Lecouvreur, Rosenkavalier, Fedora, Werther, Faust, Carmen, and more

Disc 9: Italian Songs Includes: In questa tomba oscura, Me voglio fa'na casa, Non t'amo piu, Pace non trovo, and more

Disc 10: Neapolitan and Italian Popular Songs Includes: O sloe mio, Torna a Surriento, Core 'ngrato, Funiculi Funicula, Non ti scordar di me, Mamma and more

Bonus CD: The 1964 EP (previously unreleased) "Che Gelida Manina," "E lucevan le stelle," "Questo o quella," "La Donna e mobile," and "Parmi veder" with Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Edward Downes conducting

Customer Reviews:

Beyond all description..........2006-09-19

As a boy, I heard so many hyperbolic references to the legendary Enrico Caruso that I chose to purchase a remastered copy of his "Greatest Hits" when I first began to acquire recordings as a young man. Soon after, I discovered Pavarotti and my life was changed by his music. Caruso ended up in the Goodwill Store. I am convinced that in 500 years, should the earth cool again and the Muslim hoards abate, the civilized world will still tell tales of the greatest tenor. I have often found myself grumpy when searching for recordings of Pavarotti because of the inconsistent fidelity of the recordings. That search for the definitive Pavarotti recordings, regarding both content and fidelity, has ended with the release of this extraordinary collection. Worth it's weight in gold, the Puccinni Volume (#5) alone is enough to send someone like me into hyperspace. I am astounded by the beauty and power of these performances. I will always remember the day, not long ago, when a NPR commentator glibly mentioned between the weather and the night's playlist the terrible words, "Luciano Pavarotti has announced that he is retiring from Opera." I felt as if something indescribably beautiful was fading from the world. Of course, beauty in all of its earthly forms is fleeting at best, but these discs contain a reflection of it that will surely bolster any soul.

An Absolute Must-Have for Any Pavarotti Fan.......2004-01-09

...and that certainly goes without saying. My one tiny little problem with it is that his recordings of "Santa Lucia" and "Caruso" are not on this incredible box-set. Even though I have those recordings on other CDs, I still think those are very important pieces to include on this set (assuming that this set of Pavi hits would be the only compilation that that any fan of this phenomenal tenor would have). He is probably my biggest idol, and he deserves to have been one of the biggest opera stars in history.

Wonderful!!!!.......2002-11-07

This Pavarotti set; The Pavarotti Edition; is a wonderful collection of Arias and songs that cover Luciano's great career. Pavarotti is THE Voice of the 20th Century and this set does him justice. It includes 10 CDs with over 750 minutes of music; Includes Music from All of His roles; has a beautiful 76 page full color booklet; Has a wonderful write up; and includes a bonus CD of Pavarotti's fist album, a 45, from 1964, which has never been released on CD before this set. Every Song is hear, This SET is a must have for every Pavarotti Fan.

Average customer rating:

beautiful perfomances of exsquisite madrigals

Carlo Gesualdo: Madrigali Libri I-III

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AMMSH6
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Customer Reviews:

beautiful perfomances of exsquisite madrigals.......2005-10-01

The first 3 books of Gesualdo's madrigals don't have the startling chromaticism and the violent rhythmic contrasts of the 5th and 6th books, but they're rich pieces nonetheless and here and there are hints of the over the top imagination of the later works. These performances are characterized by accurate intonation and lovely timbre. This is one of my favorite recordings of Italian madrigals.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Collecton

Arie Amorose
Janet Baker , Marriner , and Amf
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000E50T
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Collecton.......2005-09-24

This is one of the most beautiful and unusual collections of arias I have ever heard. Janet Baker is an extraordinarily intellegent and feeling mezzo soprano, and her interpretations of these love arias is so sensitive and compelling that I never tire of listening to this CD. I particularly love "Amarilli mia bella," though every selection is gorgeous. This is the collection for opera lovers who are tired of the same old selections on every artist collection.

In My Heart - 17th and 18th Italian Songs

Average customer rating:

misguiding
He missed the point
A (perhaps too) romantic approach to some old favorites
Adequate
Highly Recommended

In My Heart - 17th and 18th Italian Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Mexico | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs
The Soul of Italy
Ramón Vargas - L'amour, l'amour / Viotti
Carlo Bergonzi - Italian Songs ~ Bellini · Verdi · Danza · Tosti · Donizetti · Rossini · Mascagni · Puccini
Ramon Vargas - Canzoni (Neapolitan Songs and other Italian Classical songs)

ASIN: B00006JO9L
Release Date: 2002-10-14

Tracks:

Amarilla, mia bella
Vittoria, mio core!
O cessate di piagarmi
Gil sole dal Gange
Toglietemi la vita ancor
Pur dicesti, o bocca bella
Sebben, crudele
Come raggio di sol
Per la gloria d'adorarvi
Il mio bel foco; Quella fiamma
Teco, si, vengo anch'io
Nina
O del mio dolce ardor
Nel cor piu non mi sento
Plaisir d'amour
Caro mio ben

Amazon.com

Those who prefer 17th- and 18th-century music performed in a "historically correct" manner may balk, but these "old songs and arias" ("arie antiche") are beautifully presented and sung. It's not that Ramón Vargas approaches them in a verismo style or that he overexclaims them. Rather, he sings with ardor, generous portamento, and a Romantic, cushioned voice filled with vibrato and expression. At the same time, Vargas embellishes the vocal line in very much the style popular and proper 200 and 300 years ago, and these embellishments are attractive and in excellent taste. But the voice is the thing, and it's gorgeous and beautifully used. The opening, earliest song (for instance) is sung sweetly and softly from start to finish--it's hard to recall the last time one heard such sustained elegant, gentle vocalism from a major tenor. Vargas never overstates his case, and by refusing to do so, sells us these brief, lovely items one at a time. Another winner from this unique tenor. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

misguiding.......2007-04-09

Those who love Mr Vargas' singing will probably be satisfied.
His voice is beautiful and this repertoire is most apt to show it to advantage. His technique is good (some problems with pianos), his agility commendable.

Those instead looking for an adequate rendering of old arias will find this compilation lacking: he chose (as declared in the booklet) to ignore philologicas and stylistical issues, singing them beautifully but also romantically, as late Donizetti or early Verdi. Problem is that this, to educated ears, sounds incredibly wrong, nearly inaudible.

A pity: with more attention to style this could have been a useful compilation for singing students too. Such as it is, it is only good for Mr Vargas' fans.

He missed the point.......2005-11-12

I am sorry I bought this album. I did not listen to the sound bytes first...my bad! Vargas croons his way through music that has been orchestated out of all recognition. It sounds syrupy and sentimental, not intensely emotional. The Carissimi is a joke! The Scarlatti is painful to hear. There are too many fine performances of 17th & 18th century music out there for this to pass muster. For example, if you want to hear Bononcini as he should be sung, listen to Martin Oro or Gerard Lesne. My recommendation is a most emphatic "NO".

A (perhaps too) romantic approach to some old favorites.......2003-11-27

Ramon Vargas is probably the most elegant and classy tenor singing today. If I may be forgiven an ethnic cliche, the Mexican singer's voice reminds me of dulce del leche ice cream - rich, sweet, and smooth as caramel. Having sung both on stage and on records a wide operatic repertory ranging from bel canto to French works to Puccini and Verdi, Vargas now turns his efforts to this album of arie antiche entitled (rather unimaginatively, I think) `Nel Mio Cuore' - In My Heart. Nearly all lovers of classical vocal music are familiar with the songs represented on this disc; many singers have recorded them and just about everybody who has ever had a voice lesson has studied at least some of them. The defining feature of these songs - which is why they are used by voice students - is that while it is easy to learn the basics of singing them, it takes true expertise to handle all their technical challenges and to bring out all their nuances. If some misguided performance practice decisions make the CD a less than total success, Vargas' vocal beauty, excellent technique and total commitment make this a mostly very enjoyable listen.

As Vargas says in his brief comments, he wants to sing this music in a more 'romantic', (i.e. unrestrained and overtly emotional) manner than many other performers do, to bring a 21st century sensibility to mostly 17th and 18th century music. Vargas as a child was a soloist in the choir of the Basilica Guadalupe of Mexico City, and it was standard procedure there to sing sacred music from this and earlier periods that way. While this approach to the actual singing works very well, I am not entirely happy with the decision to use a small 'salon' orchestra instead of the usual piano or harpsichord, and I suspect many will agree with me on this. I don't object to orchestral arrangements on principle - the arrangements of the arie antiche recorded by Richard Tucker on the superb CD 'The Soul of Italy' work very well, particularly the delightful 'Gia sole del Gange'. On this disc, however, few of the arrangements (by Sascha Goetzel and Joseph Turrin) really enhance the music or make it more interesting, and sometimes they just get in the way. Perhaps in an actual salon or concert setting, this wouldn't be as big a problem. In general, the best arrangements are the most quiet and unobtrusive ones, such as 'Nina' or 'Plaisir d'amour', allowing Vargas to sing softly and tenderly instead of just ardently. The major exception to this is actually the best track on the disc, `Sebben crudele', where the music helps Vargas' anguish and pain reach appropriately operatic proportions. Gluck's `O del mio dolce ardor', an actual opera selection often sung with orchestra, also responds well to this treatment. For most of the other selections, however, it might be helpful to play individual selections or a few at a time instead of the entire album at once, and I wouldn't advise playing it at much more than medium volume.

The good news, though, is that Vargas sings this music with real passion, warmth, and style. The arrangements may require him to sing the music more loudly than many singers do but he never forces or shouts - his heart may be on his sleeve, but is sincere and never vulgar. He pays close attention to the meaning of the words and is musically sensitive and expressive. His Italian diction is excellent, although his French could be a bit crisper. His long experience with bel canto operas makes runs and articulated grace notes easy for him, and he inserts some lovely decorations. The musicians, led by pianist Katherine Chu, do an excellent job with what they are given, and Vargas should actually have been credited as their conductor. I note particularly the beautiful wind playing in 'Teco, si, vengo anch'io'.

In addition to Vargas' comments, there are also notes on the music and full texts and translations. However, I thought the tone of the notes was just a bit too defensive of the more 'modern' approach. All the musicians are listed by name, a nice touch.

The sheer beauty of Vargas' voice, his enthusiasm and his sincerity should set aside most objections to the performance decisions made here. However, I would definitely recommend a more 'traditional' piano-or-harpsichord-accompanied set of this music alongside this if you don't already have one. Cecilia Bartoli's 'Se Tu M'Ami' is essential, and I would also suggest that if you are interested in hearing the music sung by a tenor, you should listen to Alfredo Kraus, especially since many opera lovers consider Vargas to be an heir to this late great Spaniard. Also, Vargas' 'Canzoni' album, from a live concert in Mexico City, shows how wonderful his voice sounds with piano in Italian and Mexican songs - including 'Gia sole del gange' sung in much the same way it is here. It's at super-budget price, too. Still, `Nel Mio Cuore' will give admirers of this lovely tenor the opportunity to wallow in a wonderful voice and experience the heart of an artist.

Adequate.......2003-05-20

Lovely music, but somehow I find it not very involving. Listen to it some, if possible and see if it really is what you are looking for.

Highly Recommended.......2003-03-10

Every beginning classical singer works on these arias that Vargas chose for this album, so naturally, they are often heard and almost always abused. Vargas makes them music again. Absolutely stunning work. He is the real thing - voice, brains and musicality. This combination is sadly lacking in many of todays top operatic stars.