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Average customer rating: Not all the arias were her best DIDN'T QUITE FULFIL MY REQUEST Fair Enough Fleming's High Points Well Covered in Compilation CD Beautiful indeed!

Renee Fleming: By Request Vincenzo Bellini , Alfredo Catalani , Antonin Dvorak , George Gershwin , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Jules Massenet , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Giacomo Puccini , Sergey Rachmaninov , Richard Rodgers , Richard Strauss , Giuseppe Verdi , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Georg Solti , James Levine , Jeffrey Tate , Patrick Summers , Sir Charles Mackerras , Lee Ritenour , Chamber Orchestra of Europe , and Renee Fleming Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( 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 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 Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming Sacred Songs HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva Handel ASIN: B0000C3ICO Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

1. O Mio Babbino Caro
2. Ebben? ... Ne Andro Lontana
3. Porgi, Amor
4. Come Scoglio
5. Casta Diva
6. E Strano...Ah Fors E Lui...Sempre Libera
7. Un Bel Di Vedremo
8. Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins...Gavotte
9. Mesicku Na Nebi Hlubokem (O Silver Moon)
10. Vocalise
11. Cacilie
12. Marietta's Lied
13. Summertime
14. Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria (Cantilena)
15. You'll Never Walk Alone

Amazon.com

This is a compilation--plus three previously unreleased selections--of some of the glorious Renée Fleming's finest work, 15 selections covering 13 composers. The rose-in-full-bloom quality of the voice is staggeringly beautiful: Her rendition of Rusalka's "Song to the Moon" is justly famous and is, alone, worth the price of this CD. Other highlights are Marietta's Lied from Korngold's Die tote stadt, an odd arrangement of the aria from Villa-Lobos's Bachianas Brasilerias No. 5, Manon's Gavotte, and a knock-down-gorgeous reading of Gershwin's "Summertime." The three new recordings are of Violetta's big first-act scene from La traviata, which features one of the most perfect trills heard since Joan Sutherland, a thrilling Cäcilie (R. Strauss), and a version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is so over the-top that it might make you look away in embarrassment. On the basis of this CD, one would have to acknowledge that Fleming is more interested in--and more successful at--pure singing than she is at character delineation (Butterfly sounds oddly like Wally who sounds too much like Norma), but it's not hard to tell why she's a superstar. Her voice and technique are one in a million. --Robert Levine

Album Details

"by Request" is a Collection of Fleming's Greatest and Most Popular Recordings Including Works by Mozart, Bellini, Pucchini, Verdi and Dvorak. Featuring Recordings from Renee Fleming's Outstanding Decca Discography Together with Two Glorious Tracks Strauss "Cacilie" and Verdi's "la Traviata" a Role Fleming Performed to Critical Aclaim Earlier in 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Not all the arias were her best.......2005-01-15

There is something lacking. Although most of these are indeed her "Best" releases, some things could have been left out. Her O Mio Babbino Caro and her Casta Diva weren't her best efforts at all. Casta Diva, sung to perfection by other revered artists, sounded too breathy and fearful here. It has good chest notes, and it is definitely better than Joan Sutherland's Norma though. Her O Mio Babbino Caro is the usual aria sung in its usual way, without leaving any trace of awe at an ability of a singer to interpret the aria. Rachmaninov's Vocalise was good, and it was great of Decca to release her Song to the Moon on this disc. However, some new additions weren't all that good as well. For example, if you listen to her excerpt from La Traviata, you will find that she sounds like she was singing jazz when uttering out "Gioir!". I think Decca should have issued the live performance version of this instead. That was so much better. Also, they should have showcased more of the bel canto repertoire she had specialized in. That would have made this CD a gem!

DIDN'T QUITE FULFIL MY REQUEST.......2004-11-22

THIS CD DEFINITELY BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN HER REPERTOIRE. SHE IS SOLID, WARM, AND BRILLIANT ON MOST OF THE SONGS. SINCE I OWN MANY OF HER CDS MOST OF THE TRACKS I HAVE IN DUPLICATE. EVEN SO EACH VERSION HAS A DIFFERENT FEEL TO IT. HER "O MIO" IS GREAT BUT GENERALLY I FEEL THAT KIRI TE KAWANA IS A LITTLE CLEARER THAN RENEE. HER "Ebben?...Ne Andrò Lontana" IS ALWAYS BRILLIANT FROM HER HIGH ENDS TO THE NECESSARY LOW NOTES TO FINISH THIS GLORIOUS TRACK. HER COUNTESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG AND POWERFUL CHARACTERIZATION AND HER BUTTERFLY TEETERS ON HAPPINESS AND PAIN. THESE RICH LYRIC ROLES DESERVE A SOPRANO LIKE RENEE. I WAS HOWEVER, VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SHE ADDED "SEMPRE LIBERA" TO THIS CD AS SHE'S NEVER BEEN A COMPELLING VIOLETTA AND CAN'T EVEN MUSTER THE HIGH "C" WE ALL EXPECT NOW A DAYS. HER RUSALKA IS ALWAYS MESMERIZING AND HER SIMPLICITY ON GLUCK'S "Das Mir Verblieb" WAS AN INCREDIBLE SURPRISE. I FOUND THE OTHER SONGS BORING DUE TO THE FACT THAT I DON'T LIKE THEM AND I KIND OF WISHED SHE WOULD HAVE REPLACED THEM WITH SOME BETTER WORKS. I MISSED HER SOFT AND DEFEATED "AVE MARIA" FROM OTHELLO OR HER FULL BODIED SPOILED MUSETTA IN "QUANDO MEN VO" OR HER RICH SADNESS IN "DOVE SONO"

Fair Enough .......2004-10-01

This is a compilation. I can't say love them I think thatpeople want to be surprised by new things, instead of um things they already own.On the other hand a die hard fan wouldn't mind having an extra cd by their favorite artist.Fair Enough.There was one aria that was new to me"Cantilena Brasileras"by Villa Lobos that was very striking.Her voice flows like an unimpeded stream with a lush vibrato.Like I read in one kid's review "Renee has a silky,creamy, instrument that is very beautiful and caresses the ear",couldn't have said it better myself. I agree. One smart kid!!! One thing that I have to comment on that will not escape is the dull cover picture. Renee get a better photographer;you're far more beautiful than that. I'm sounding like her mother,dear lord! She is a fox!

Fleming's High Points Well Covered in Compilation CD.......2004-09-06

Just one listen to the high points of this disc will make you realize why Renée Fleming is an opera superstar. Covering a ten-year period, this compilation disc covers a most fertile period for Fleming, absolutely one of the world's leading lyric and dramatic sopranos. What is particularly impressive is how many different styles she has covered, ranging from Italian bel canto to French Romanticism to Rodgers & Hammerstein. She effortlessly sings in six different languages, including what sounds like flawless Czech on Dvorak's "Měsíčku na nebi hlubokén" (which goes back to her family roots). Her powerful voice is expressive, almost buttery, which allows the listener to enjoy the coloratura agility she has mastered over the years and the tonal qualities she specifically defines for each aria. This is most evident on my two personal favorites - "Ebben?...Ne scoglio" from Catalani's "La Wally" (which will sound familiar to fans of the French eighties noir film, "Diva") where her crystalline voice complements the increasing power of the melody, and the haunting "Mariettas Lied" from Korngold's "Die tote Stadt".

Fleming also has a good sense of the characters she is portraying, for instance, on the "La traviata" aria, "È stano...Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera", one gets a strong sense of Violetta's conflict between the attractions of true love versus the free life of a courtesan. She also gets some sturdy help from tenor Joseph Calleja as Alfredo in this piece. But even in this number, the effect of her daunting runs and trills can be a bit overwhelming. She does keep this in check with the slower-paced tracks like "Casta diva" from Bellini's "Norma", which uses a choir in the background to great effect, and Rachmaninov's lovely "Vocalise". The well-worn "Summertime" from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" is nicely covered here, and it certainly invites comparisons to even Leontyne Price's definitive version. Fleming ends the disc with a rousing version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel" that grows a bit too bombastic for listening comfort. Regardless, this disc provides a nice sampling of what this truly great singer has done over the past decade. A treat for her fans and highly recommended for anyone who wants an ideal introduction to her range of talent.

Beautiful indeed!.......2004-07-19

I'm very happy with this CD. She has a lovely voice! And what a fox! ;)

Average customer rating: Fabulous!

The Prima Voce Treasury of Opera, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Nimbus Records 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 Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Lalo, Edouard | ( L ) | 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 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 General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( 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 All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | 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 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 Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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 English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ladino | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Prima Voce Treasury of Opera, Vol. 1 The Golden Age of Singing, Vol. 4; 1930-1950 The Golden Age of Singing: Vol. 3 1920-1930 The Golden Age of Singing, Volume One 1900 - 1910 Golden Age of Singing Vol.2 (1910-20) ASIN: B00004Z3J5 Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

1. Manon Lescaut: C'est L'Histoire Amoreuse (L'Eclat De Rire) - Amelita Galli-Curci
2. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Beniamino Gigli
3. Manon Lescaut: In Quelle Trine Morbide - Rosa Ponselle
4. Martha: M'Appari Tutto Amor - Tito Schipa
5. May Night: How Quiet Here...Sleep, My Beauty - Boris Slovtsov
6. Mefistofele: L'Altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare - Claudia Muzio
7. Mefistofele: Giunto Sul Passo Estremo - Beniamino Gigli
8. Die Meistersinger: Morgenlich Leuchtend Im Rosigen Schein - Lauritz Melchior
9. Mignon: Connais-Tu Le Pays? - Conchita Supervia
10. Mignon: Addio, Mignon - Tito Schipa
11. Mignon: Io Son Titania - Luisa Tetrazzini
12. Mignon: De Son Coeur J'ai Calme (Berceuse) - Ezio Pinza
13. Mireille: O Legere Hirondelle - Frieda Hempel
14. Norma: Sediziose Voci...Casta Diva - Rosa Ponselle
15. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Se Vuol Ballare - Giuseppe De Luca
16. Le Nozze Di Figaro: No So Piu - Conchita Supervia
17. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete? - Elisabeth Schumann

Tracks:

1. Der Opernball: Im Chambe Separee - Herbert Ernst Groh
2. Otello: Ora E Per Sempre Addio - Enrico Caruso
3. Otello: E Qual Certezza Sognate...Era La Notte - Lawrence Tibbett
4. Otello: Ave Maria - Eide Norena
5. Pagliacci: Si Puo? - Lawrence Tibbett
6. Pagliacci: Recitar...Vesti La Giubba - Beniamino Gigli
7. Pagliacci: Serenata D'Arlecchino - Tito Schipa
8. I Pescatori Di Perle: Del Tempio Al Limitar - Beniamino Gigli/Giuseppe De Luca
9. I Pescatori Di Perle: Mi Par D'Udir Ancora - Beniamino Gigli
10. La Perichole: Tu N'Es Pas Beau - Maggie Teyte
11. La Perle Du Bresil: Charmant Oiseau - Amelita Galli-Curci/Clement Barone
12. Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Helen Jepson
13. Porgy And Bess: Where Is My Bess? - Lawrence Tibbett
14. Le Postillon De Lonjumeau: Mes Amis, Ecoutez - Helge Roswaenge/Berlin State Opera Chor
15. Prince Igor: Galitzky's Song - Feodor Chaliapin
16. Prince Igor: Jaroslavna's Aria - Nina Koshetz

Tracks:

1. I Puritani: A Te O Cara - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
2. I Puritani: Qui La Voce Sua Soave - Amelita Galli-Curci
3. Rienzi: Allmacht' Ger Vater, Blick' Herab - Lauritz Melchior
4. Rigoletto: Questa A Quella - John McCormack
5. Rigoletto: Caro Nome - Amelita Galli-Curci
6. Rigoletto: Ella Mi Fu Rapita...Parmi Veder Le Lagrime - Enrico Caruso
7. Rigoletto: Povero Rigoletto...Cortigiani, Vil Razza Dannata - Giuseppe De Luca/Grace AnthonyMetropolitan Opera House Chor
8. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Jussi Bjorling
9. Rinaldo: Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Ernestine Schumann-Heink
10. Risurrezione: Dieu De Grace - Mary Garden
11. Le Roi D'Ys: Vainement Ma Bien Aimee - Beniamino Gigli
12. Romeo Et Juliette: Je Veux Vivre Dans Ce Reve - Yevgeniya Bronskaya
13. Romeo Et Juliette: Cavatina...Ah! Leve-Toi Soleil - Dmitri Smirnov
14. Der Rosenkavalier: Ist Ein Traum, Kann Nicht Wirklich Sein - Erna Berger/Tiana Lemnitz

Tracks:

1. Sadko: Chanson Hindoue - Beniamino Gigli
2. Sadko: Berceuse - Nina Koshetz
3. Samson Et Dalila: Printemps Qui Commence - Conchita Supervia
4. Samson Et Dalila: Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix - Marian Anderson
5. Lo Schiavo: Quando Nacesti Tu - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
6. Semele: O Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me? - John McCormack
7. Simon Boccanegra: A Te L'Estremo Addio...Il Lacerato Spirito - Alexander Kipnis
8. The Snow Maiden: Full Of Wonders - Boris Slovstov
9. La Sonnambula: Ah, Non Credea Mirarti - Claudia Muzio
10. La Sonnambula: Ah! Non Giunge - Liusa Tetrazzini
11. Tannhauser: Dir Tone Lob - Lauritz Melchior
12. Tannhauser: Dich Teure Halle - Tiana Lemnitz
13. Tannhauser: Allmacht'ge Jungfrau (Elisabeth's Prayer) - Kirsten Flagstad
14. Tannhauser: O Du Mein Holder Abendstern - Marcel Journet
15. Tosca: Recondita Armonia - Giovanni Martinelli
16. Tosca: Vissi D'Arte - Geraldine Farrar
17. Tosca: E Lucevan La Stelle - Jussi Bjorling

Tracks:

1. Die Tote Stadt: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb - Richard Tauber/Lotte Lehmann
2. La Traviata: Ah! Fors E Lui...Sempre Libera - Luisa Tetrazzini
3. La Traviata: De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti - John McCormack
4. La Traviata: Addio Del Passato - Luisa Tetrazzini
5. La Traviata: Parigi O Cara - John McCormack/Lucrezia Bori
6. Tristan Un Isolde: Liebestod - Frida Leider
7. Il Trovatore: Tacea La Notte Placida - Rosa Ponselle
8. Il Trovatore: Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso - Heinrich Schlusnus
9. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Giovanni Martinelli
10. The Tsar's Bride: Liuba's Air - Alma Gluck
11. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta - Lotte Schone
12. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
13. La Vestale: O Nume Tutelar - Rosa Ponselle
14. Die Walkure: Du Bist Der Lenz - Kirsten Flagstad
15. Die Walkure: Wintersturme Wichen Dem Wonne Mond - Lauritz Melchior
16. Werther: Va! Laisse Couler Mes Larmes - Ninon Vallin
17. Werther: Ah! Non Mi Ridestar - Tito Schipa
18. Die Zauberflote: Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja - Gerhard Husch
19. Die Zauberflote: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon - Richard Tauber
20. Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Erna Berger
21. Die Zauberflote: Ach, Ich Fuhl's - Tiana Lemnitz

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous!.......2001-03-11

This is an amazing collection of arias from the early 1900s through the 1930s (there is one 1942 cut). The sound transfers, made from pristine 78 records, are excellent, especially considering the age of the recordings. This CD is a splendid overview of the outstanding artists of their day, and while many of them are no longer (opera) household names, their singing is first rate. Not only would this be a great CD for an opera history buff, it is also excellent for someone just learning about opera and wanting to hear opera legends. The price for 5 CDs, each over an hour's worth of listening, is a steal.

Average customer rating: Tauber's latest Naxos CD

Richard Tauber: Opera Arias Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | 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 Wolf-Ferrari | Wolf-Ferrari, Ermanno | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tauber, Richard | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | H to L | 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 Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Thomas, Ambroise | 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 Flotow, Friedrich von | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000067UM8 Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

1. Auber: Fra Diavolo: Ewig will ich dir gehoren
2. Rossini: Il Barbiere di Saviglia: Strahlt auf mich der Blitz des
3. Flotow: Martha: Ach so fromm
4. Thomas: Mignon: Leb' woht Mignon
5. Thomas: Mignon: Wie ihre Unschuld
6. Verdi: La Traviata: Auf, schlurfet
7. Cerdi: La Traviata: Entfernt von ihr
8. verdi: La Forza del destino: In dieser feierlichen Stunde
9. Verdi: Il Trovatore: Dass nur fur mich
10. Puccini: La Boheme: Wie eiskalt ist dies Handchen
11. Puccini: Tosca: Wie sich die Bilder gleichen
12. Puccini: Tosca: Und es vlitzen die Sterne
13. Puccini: Madama Butterfly: O wie ich mein Vergehen
14. Wolf-Ferrari: I Gioielli della Madonna: Madonna unter Tranen
15. Wagner: Die Walkure: Wintersturme wichen
16. Smetana: The Bartered Bride: Es muss gelingen-Hans Arie
17. Smetana: The Bartered Bride: Nun in Lust und leide
18. Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin: Was wird der nachste
19. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier: Di rigori armato
20. Kienzl: Der Evangelimann: Selig sind die Verfolgung leiden
21. Korngold: Die tote Stadt: Gluck das mir verblieb
22. Korngold: Die tote Stadt: Ich were sie nicht wiedersehen

Customer Reviews:

Tauber's latest Naxos CD.......2002-07-18

This is a good selection of the familiar and the not-so-familiar - for example, the Barber of Seville aria is unique, I believe, in the presently available Tauber material on CD (please correct me, with details, if that isn't so). Tauber was highly thought of for his Rossini performances, during his early time at Dresden, and it's helpful for students of singing that some of his Rossini is at last generally available again (even in the sometimes curious sounding german versions).

On the other hand, it's a pity that the second Troubador aria has not also been included, as has been the case in many of the vinyl LP selections previously released of Tauber's recordings. The CD playing time comfortably would have allowed for the inclusion of the suggested item.

Otherwise, this is a most interesting and excellent value-for-money release, for which Naxos is to be well commended; much better value (in terms of playing time and content rarity), in my opinion, than the previous Naxos CD containing some of his non-operatic recordings.

Does anyone have any information, please, as to whether Tauber ever recorded the aria "Oh, Paradise" from Meyerbeer's "The African"? I would be very grateful to have any information on this matter, which has intrigued me ever since I saw the 1948 film, "The Richard Tauber Story", starring Rudolf Schock, who portrayed Tauber singing this aria in the film.

Average customer rating: "the most exquisite rose" ¡Decepcionante! Great recording

Kiri Te Kanawa - German Opera Arias Carl Maria von Weber , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Richard Strauss , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Julius Rudel , Kiri Te Kanawa , and Andrew Shulman Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | 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 Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Dame Kiri | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kiri Te Kanawa Classics Massenet - Thaïs / Fleming, Hampson, Sabbatini, Shkosa, Vidal, Devellereau, Cals, Yves Abel The Berlin Concert - Live from Waldbuhne ASIN: B000002RYR Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

1. Der Freischutz, Act 3: Und Ob Die Wolke
2. Der Freischutz, Act 3: Wie Nahte Mir...Leise, Leise
3. Die Zauberflote, Act 2: Ach, Ich Fuhl's
4. Tannhauser, Act 3: Allmacht'ge Jungfrau
5. Tannhauser, Act 2: Dich, Teure Halle
6. Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg, Act 3: O Sachs, Mein Freund
7. Die Walkure, Act 1: Du Bist Der Lenz
8. Ariadne Auf Naxos: Es Gibt Ein Reich
9. Die Agyptische Helena, Act 2: Zweite Brautnacht
10. Daphne, Closing scene: Ich Komme...
11. Die Tote Stadt, Act 1: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb

Customer Reviews:

"the most exquisite rose".......2007-07-23

Whether you love the voice and outstanding singing ability of Kiri Te Kanawa, or if you just love beautiful opera music very well-sung, you will be dazzled by this album.

I didn't know Kiri had ever sung Wagner. Her "Dich, teure Halle" from Tannhauser surpasses any of the great opera divas I've ever heard perform it.

Her singing, and the excellent orchestral music here have made me want to go out and buy my first copy of Strauss' "Daphne," and also Korngold's "Die tote Stadt." The music here is just that inspiring.

For me, the biggest highlight on this CD was Kiri's performance of Strauss' "Es gibt ein Reich" from Ariadne auf Naxos. For those of you familiar with this, hearing Kiri's "Du wirst mich befreien" is like watching the most exquisite rose you can imagine, burst into glorious bloom. It's never been sung better!

¡Decepcionante!.......2005-04-16

Sin lugar a dudas, Kiri Te Kanawa es una de las grandes sopranos líricas del siglo anterior, pero creo que este disco no refleja el arte canoro de la artista. Si bien podrían citarse muchísimos atributos y fortalezas vocales, resaltan en todas las arias un excesivo vibrato que afecta la línea musical.

Great recording.......1999-03-09

My favourite Kiri Te Kanawa CD...sensitive, beautiful and breath taking...typical Kiri! Especially her rendition of Ach ich fuhls. Just gorgeous.

Average customer rating: Spectacularly Arranged

Magnum Mysterium, Vol. 2: Classical Music Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Caldara, Antonio | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lassus | Lassus, Orlando di(Lasso) | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lobo | Lobo, Alonso | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Academy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Voluntaries | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Lieder | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B00000080I Release Date: 1991-10-16

Tracks:

1. Alma Redemptoris Mater
2. Christe Redemptor
3. Mass Tu Es Petrus/Agnus Dei II
4. Missa de Beata Virgine Maria/Agnus Dei
5. O Quam Suavis Est
6. Pacem Domine
7. Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae
8. Innsbruck
9. Voluntary
10. Mass O Quam Gloriosum/Agnus Dei
11. Mass Tu Es Petrus/Agnus Dei I
12. Euge Bone Mass/Agnus Dei [Excerpt]
13. Fourth Pavan and Galliard
14. Herr Christ der Einz'ge Gottes Sohn
15. Hilf Gott, BWV 624/Chorale Prelude
16. Komm, Gott Schr
17. Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier, BWV 633/Chorale Prelude. Liebster ...
18. Gloria in D Major, RV. 588/Et in Terra Pax
19. Gloria in D Major, RV. 589/Et in Terra Pax
20. Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier, BWV 731/Chorale Prelude

Tracks:

1. Spem in Alium
2. Crucifixus
3. Crux Fidelis [Excerpt]
4. Ave Verum Corpus
5. Suite No. 5 in G Minor/Fantasie [Excerpt]
6. Lagrime di San Pietro /Vide Homo
7. Psalmus Poenitentialis V No. 1
8. Jesu Redemptor
9. Battell/The Buring of the Dead
10. Requiem Mass in Six Parts/Introitus /Kyrie/Agnus Dei
11. Requiem Mass/Introitus /Kyrie/Agnus Dei/Communio
12. Requiem/Agnus Dei/In Paradisum
13. Requiem, Op. 48/Offertoire /Sanctus
14. St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244/Recitative No. 71 /Chorale ...
15. Gelobet Seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 604/Chorale Prelude
16. Wenn Wir in Hten Nn Sein, BWV 641/Chorale Prelude

Customer Reviews:

Spectacularly Arranged.......2002-08-14

This is not your typical copulation of sacred classical music however it covers an eclectic selection of choirs and monasteries from east to west. Lots of Gregorian Chants balanced with treatises for pipe organ and other medieval and renaissance chorus. I highly recommend it whether you are in the mood for spiritual contemplation or just want to listen to something classicaly religious.

Average customer rating: Magnificant Singing in Every Way

Joseph Schmidt sings Arias Adolphe Adam , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Gaetano Donizetti , Giuseppe Verdi , Friedrich von Flotow , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Giacomo Puccini , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Jules Massenet , Wilhelm Kienzl , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Felix Gunther , Walter Goehr , Otto Dobrindt , Frieder Weissmann , and Joseph Schmidt Manufacturer: Preiser Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | 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 Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( 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 Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Complete EMI Recordings, Vol. 1 Complete EMI Recordings, Vol. 2 ASIN: B0000023S2 Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

1. Der Postillon Von Lonjumeau: Freunde, Vernehmet
2. Alessandro Stradella: Jungfrau Maria
3. Martha: Ach, So Fromm
4. Der Liebstrank: Una Furtiva Lagrima
5. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile
6. Der Troubadour: Di Quella Pira
7. Die Afrikanerin: Land So Wunderbar
8. Der Bajazzo: Jetzt Spielen
9. La Boheme: Wie Eiskalt Ist Dies Handchen
10. La Boheme: Kokett Ist Dieses Madchen
11. Tosca: Recondita Armonia
12. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle
13. Das Madchen Aus Dem Goldenen Westen: Nun Sind Es Sechs Monat
14. Das Madchen Aus Dem Goldenen Westen: Lasset Sie Glauben
15. Turandot: Non Piangere Liu
16. Turandot: Nessun Dorma
17. Eugen Onegin: Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden
18. Manon: Flieh', O Flieh', Holdes Bild
19. Der Cid: Ach, Alles Sinkt Hinab
20. Der Evangelimann: Selig Sind, Die Verfolgung Leiden
21. Die Tote Stadt: Gluck, Das Mir Verblieb

Customer Reviews:

Magnificant Singing in Every Way.......2007-01-12

These are all terrific performances, and it would be difficult to single out any one in particular, but if I had to, I would say "Una furtiva lagrima". I've heard a few different performances of this aria by Joseph Schmidt (he liked to record his favorite arias more than once), and this one, for me, is by far the best. His vocal production was perfect through even the most demanding phrases, his interpretation was beautiful, with one inspired moment after another, and even his added embellisments on one of the last runs near the close of the aria, had everything in the way of coloratura that any bel-canto lover could ever wish for. It's probably the single best version of this aria I've ever heard ANY singer do. I don't wish to slight the rest of the program, as it all is pretty spectacular, too. 'One of those unique examples of a legendary singer where the actual singing is, if possible, even more beautiful than the voice itself.

Average customer rating: The soprano with the "scimitar glint" in her voice Glorious tribute to sadly neglected singer One of the great sopranos One of the great sopranos A Passionate and Elegant Soprano

The Art of Pilar Lorengar Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | 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 Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | 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 | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Prima Donna in Vienna Pasión! The Most Famous Opera Arias ASIN: B00007EBGI Release Date: 2003-03-11

Customer Reviews:

The soprano with the "scimitar glint" in her voice.......2003-11-22

Pilar Lorengar may not be as famous as her Spanish Counterparts, Victoria De Los Angeles and Montserrat Caballe. But, opera afficionados still treasure her. The reasons why are elaborately laid out on this two-disc recital. The first disc is dominated in the first half by Puccini arias. Since these are famous arias, it would be easy to sing them in a conventially pretty manner. Instead, Lorengar offers wonderful interpretations of such arias as Un Bel Di and a personal favorite, Senza Mamma. She may not be able to belt it out like some of her peers, but she invokes a true sense of artistry. The same can be said for her Mozart- just listen to the aching way she sings the first line of Dove Sono- "E Susanna non vien..." Another standout is Come Scoglio, which she sings with great flair and drama. My only gripe, which is why I gave this recital 4 stars instead of 5 is that, alas, there is nothing from one of her greatest roles, Donna Elvira. It is very baffling why the linear essay makes mention of how successful her Met debut as Donna Elvira was, but nary an aria made the cut for the first disc. However, if you want to hear her interpretation of this great role, buy the highlight disc of Don Giovanni, which is readily available, for budget-price. The disc also features Sutherland and Horne.

Two other favorites from this disc are the moon aria from Rusalka, as well as the duet from Arabella, which is heartbreakingly beautiful. Thankfully, she is paired up with Arleen Auger, an accomplished artist in her own right.

The second disc of Zarzuela is wonderful as well. Especially wonderful are the Tonadillas. Just Lorengar's lovely voice, and Alicia Dellarocha's piano. Very relaxing to listen to...

Sadly, Lorengar is no longer with us, but her artistry is her, for us to treasure.

Glorious tribute to sadly neglected singer.......2003-07-08

Although known among opera aficianados, Pilar Lorengar never reached the heights of fame and name recognition as her contemporaries Callas and Sutherland. This has lead to an unfortunate dirth of Lorengar on CD, and which makes this compilation most welcome. Although never an operatic superstar, Lorengar had a magnificent instrument: soft, creamy, dramatic when necessary, and always charming. Fortunately she had a long career with Decca and made some magnificent recordings, many of which appear on this delicious two-CD set. I think few can fail be to moved by her near-perfect Mimi, her touching Cio-Cio San (infused with just the right amounts of pathos and fortitude, her ravishing Mozart interpretations, and her silvery reading of Korngold's "Gluck, das mir verlieb". The second CD is entirely made up of her specialty repertoire of songs from her native Spain, and these, while maybe not quite as familiar, are also a delight. Hopefully this compilation will make her better known to casual opera fans who only listen to Callas or Fleming simply because they're better-known names; this has been a much-needed release!
P.S. - For those who would like an inexpensive introduction to Lorengar in a complete operatic role, it has come to my attention that Decca is re-issuing her fantastic "Cosi Fan Tutte" (conducted by Solti) in its "Compact Opera" series very soon. The cast, which also includes Berganza, is perfect and Solti's conducting right on the mark. Keep your eyes open for it!

One of the great sopranos.......2003-06-16

Pilar Lorengar is the best Spanish soprano of the last fifty years. Her silvery voice, beautiful vibrato, and clear phrasing are something to behold. Her Rossini's Stabat Mater (with Pavarotti, Minton, Sotin, Kertész cond) is the best version of this work. Her Traviata (Maazel cond.), Don Giovanni (Bonynge cond.), and Gounod's St.Cecilia Mass (Hartemann cond.) are superb. But I believe the best Lorengar is in her early zarzuela recordings, where her voice had, apart from all its other qualities, a young, sweet, candid tone that touched the listener, and her vibrato evoked a fountain of fresh, clear water. I hope some recording company produces a CD set with her zarzuela arias, and pieces with other soloists. Meanwhile, the present Decca two-disc release is very welcome.

One of the great sopranos.......2003-06-16

Pilar Lorengar is the best Spanish soprano of the last fifty years. Her silvery voice, beautiful vibrato, and clear phrasing are something to behold. Her Rossini's Stabat Mater (with Pavarotti, Minton, Sotin, Kertész cond) is the best version of this work. Her Traviata (Maazel cond.), Don Giovanni (Bonynge cond.), and Gounod's St.Cecilia Mass (Hartemann cond.) are superb. But I believe the best Lorengar is in her early zarzuela recordings, where her voice had, apart from all its other qualities, a young, sweet, candid tone that touched the listener, and her vibrato evoked a fountain of fresh, clear water. I hope some recording company produces a CD set with her zarzuela arias, and pieces with other soloists. Meanwhile, the present Decca two-disc release is very welcome.

A Passionate and Elegant Soprano.......2003-04-29

At last, Decca has made amends for ignoring this magnificent artist by releasing a 2-disc set of some of her best recordings of the 60s and 70s. Actually I dont think Lorengar ever made a bad or even an uninteresting recording. She was a superb lyric who was the equal of Freni, and far more versatile. A star at the San Francisco and Berlin Staatsoper, Lorengar enjoyed a long and successful career. Her appearances at the Metropolitan Opera were events. I saw her as Desdemona, Elsa, and Fiordiligi, and she was wonderful (how sad that I missed hearing her there in the 60s).

There was some controversy about her singing. Terry McEwen, her great supporter at London records in the United States, loved what her called her "shimmering" top, that reminded him of the great German lyrics, Schwartzkopf, Reining, Lemnitz, Muller, Janowitz,etc. Some found that gorgeously blooming top to contain a beat, or a slight wobble. Nothing could be further from the truth. That top, coupled with her superb diction, and excellent vocal technique and outstanding breathing, made her one of the most distinctive voices of her generation. The top was pure sunshine with a throb. Nobody sounded remotely like her. I loved her singing.

I wish Decca had released all her fine recordings for that company in a multi-disc set. Perhaps they were worried that it wouldn't sell. Her first recital of Italian and French arias, the Prima Donna in Vienna album, as well as her Spanish song recital with the incomparable Alica de Larrocha, and her final Decca recital were all superb, and might have fit on three generous CDs. Here we get bits and pieces from all the LPs, plus arias from some her her complete recordings on Decca. So we're missing such treasures as her arias from THE PEARL FISHERS, DON CARLO, and other important items.

I don't care. Lorengar's superb singing of arias from MADAMA BUTTERFLY, LA BOHEME, LA RONDINE, LOUISE, RUSALKA, LOHENGRIN, DIE ZAUBERFLOTE, COSI FAN TUTTE, ARABELLA (with Arlene Auger!) and others (plus a generous selection of that famous Spanish song recital), make the point abundantly clear. No matter what language Lorengar is singing, she touches the heart.

Today's lyrics could learn a lot from listening to these superb selections. Lorengar's beautiful legato singing is married to the text of each item she sings. Here is a lyric with a strong middle to go along with the bottom and top ranges. She and her conductors never dawdle, pulling at the rubato as though it were Turkish Taffey such as Renee Fleming (who has an compellingly beautiful voice which she undermines with deadly slow tempi and and overly complicated phrasing).

Lorengar was intermittently busy in the recording studios throughout her long career. If you can find her recording of THE BARTERED BRIDE (EMI and in German, rather than the original Czech), grab it. She's a superb Pamina and Fiordiligi for Solti (Decca). On Fritz Wunderlich's Gala CD set, she partners him brilliantly in a live recording of the Act one duet from MADAMA BUTTERFLY. I'm a huge fan of her work on the Maazel-led LA TRAVIATA (also on Decca). She was still in superb voice in the mid to late 80s in a live Zarzuela concert with Placido Domingo (Sony). And near the end of her career, she still stunned in the famous LES HUGUENOTS duet at a Richard Tukcr gala with the emerging Richard Leech. Sadly, she died in her late 50s, a victim of cancer.

Lorengar's recordings got lost in the re-issue shuffle of the first wave of CD's issued around 1983. I finally snagged a collection which was re-mastered for release in Japan, spending a fortune for this import just to have some Lorengar on CD. That must have been at least 10 years ago. Decca has finally rectified this shamless omission. This 2-CD set offers the richest trove of her recordings we have so far. A must-have set, Lorengar delivers direct, heartfelt, elegant singing to set beside the best of Freni, Price, Moffo, Te Kanawa, etc.

Average customer rating:

The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Albany Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. 1 The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. 3 The Complete Songs, Vol. 4 Charles Ives: Three Quarter-Tone Pieces; Five Take-offs; Hallowe'en; Sunrise 114 Songs by Charles Ives ASIN: B0000049ML Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: I Travelled Among Unknow Men
2. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Allegro
3. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Feldeinsamkeit
4. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Harpalus
5. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: The Light That Is Felt
6. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Du Alte Mutter
7. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: God Bless And Keep Thee
8. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Du Alte Mutter
9. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Slugging A Vampire
10. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Tarrant Mass
11. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Karen
12. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Dreams
13. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: The World's Highway
14. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Because Of You
15. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Romanzo Di Central Park
16. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Because Thou Art
17. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: I Knew And Loved A Maid
18. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Her Gown Was Of Vermilion Silk
19. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Flag Song
20. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Spring Song
21. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Ich Grolle Nicht
22. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Widmung
23. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: We Melodien
24. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: There Is A Lane
25. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Elegie
26. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Evidence
27. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Berceuse
28. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Rough Wind
29. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: South Wind
30. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: No More
31. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: On Judge's Walk
32. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: A Night Thought
33. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Song Of The Dead
34. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Where The Eagle
35. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Tolerance
36. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: The Love Song Of Har Dyal
37. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Omens And Oracles
38. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Those Evening Bells
39. The Complete Songs Of Charles Ives: Fruhlingslied

Average customer rating: A brilliant collection from a great soprano If I could have only one collection...... Yes this is great! The Grandest Collection of Leontyne Price Arias The Greatest Soprano Ever Recorded

Leontyne Price (The Prima Donna Collection) Manufacturer: RCA 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 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 Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | 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 Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | 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 Menotti | Menotti, Gian Carlo | ( 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 Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( 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 All Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Bainbridge, Elisabeth | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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 Barber, Samuel | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Berlioz, Hector | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Boito, Arrigo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Britten, Sir Benjamin | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Charpentier, Gustave | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Debussy, Claude | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gluck, Christoph W. | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Dvorak, Antonin | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | 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 Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Opera Arias Ed Sullivan Show 1: Great Moments in Opera Handel: Arias Sumi Jo - Virtuoso Arias ~ Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Meyerbeer Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss ASIN: B000003FAF Release Date: 1992-08-11

Tracks:

1. Dido and Aeneas: Act 3: Thy Hand, Belinda!
2. Dido and Aeneas: Act 3: When I Am Laid In Earth
3. Le nozze di Figaro: Act 3: E Susanna non vien!
4. Le nozze di Figaro: Act 3: Dove sono
5. La traviata: Act 3: Teneste la promessa
6. La traviata: Act 3: Addio del passato
7. L'africaine: Act 2: Sur mes genoux, fils du soleil
8. Manon: Act 2: Allons! il le faut!
9. Manon: Act 2: Adieu, notre petite table
10. Otello: Act 4: Era piu calma?
11. Otello: Act 4: Mia madre aveva una povera ancella (Willow Song)
12. Otello: Act 4: Ave Maria
13. Adriana Lecouvreur: Act 1: Ecco: respiro appena
14. Adriana Lecouvreur: Act 1: Io son l'umile ancella
15. Louise: Act 3: Depuis le jour
16. Turandot: Act 2: In questa reggia
17. Die tote Stadt: Act 1: Marietta's Lied
18. Vanessa: Act 1: He Has Come, He Has Come!
19. Vanessa: Act 1: Do Not Utter A Word

Tracks:

1. Atalanta: Act 1: Care Selve
2. Don Giovanni: Act 1: Don, Ottavio, son morta!
3. Don Giovanni: Act 1: Or sai chi l'onore
4. Der Freischuetz: Act 2: Wie nahte mir der Schlummer
5. Der Freischuetz: Act 2: Liese, leise
6. Tannhaeuser: Act 2: Dich, teure Halle
7. Macbeth: Act 2: La luce langue
8. Macbeth: Act 4: Vegliammo invan due notti (Sleepwalking Scene)
9. Macbeth: Act 4: Una macchia e qui tuttora
10. Mefistofele: Act 3: L'altra notte in fondo al mare
11. Rusalka: Act 1: Song To The Moon
12. L'Enfant Prodigue: Air de Lia: L'annee en vain
13. Andrea Chenier: Act 3: La mamma morta
14. Francesca da Ramini: Act 3: Paolo, datemi pace
15. Suor Angelica: Senza mammo, o bimbo, tu sei morto!
16. Amelia Goes To The Ball: While I Waste These Precious Hours

Tracks:

1. Alceste: Act 1: Divinites du Styx
2. Don Giovanni: Act 2: Crudele? Ah, no, mio bene
3. Don Giovanni: Act 2: Non mi dir
4. I lombardi: Act 2: O madre, dal cielo
5. I lombardi: Act 2: Se vano e il pregare
6. Martha: Act 2: The Last Rose Of Summer
7. Simon Boccanegra: Act 1: Come in quest'ora bruna
8. La Perichole: Act 3: Tu n'es pas beau
9. Die Walkuere: Act 1: Du bist der Lenz
10. Die Fledermaus: Act 2: Czardas: Klange der Heimat
11. Carmen: Act 3: Ces des contrebandiers
12. Carmen: Act 3: Je dis que rien ne m'epouvante
13. Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete
14. Thais: Act 2: Ah! je suis seule
15. Thais: Act 2: Dis-moi que je suis belle
16. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
17. Les dialogues des Carmelites: Act 3: Mes filles, voila s'acheve

Tracks:

1. Semele: Act 2: Where 'er You Walk
2. Idomeneo: Act 3: O smania! O Furie!
3. Idomeneo: Act 3: D 'Oreste, d' Ajace!
4. La damnation de Faust: Part 4: D'amour l'ardente flamme
5. Oberon: Act 2: Ozean, du Ungeheuer!
6. Norma: Act 1: Sediziose voci, voci di guerra
7. Norma: Act 1: Casta diva
8. Norma: Act 1: Ah! bello a me ritorna
9. Rigoletto: Act 1: Gualtier Malde
10. Rigoletto: Act 1: Caro Nome
11. Tristan und Isolde: Act 3: Liebestod: Mild und leise
12. Pagliacci: Act 1: Ballatella: Qual fiamma avea nel guardo
13. Adriana Lecouvreur: Act 4: Poveri fiori
14. Gloriana: Act 1, Scene 2: Soliloquy & Prayer: On Rivalries 'tis Safe For Kings
15. Gloriana: Act 1, Scene 2: Soliloquy & Prayer: O God, My King, Sole Ruler Of The World

Customer Reviews:

A brilliant collection from a great soprano.......2007-04-30

Leontyne Price was much admired and this 4CD collection shows her outstanding vocal gifts to the best advantage. Numerous reviewers have commented on the wide-ranging styles present and I can agree wholeheartedly with them. You would be hard-pressed to find a greater compilation of Ms Price, showcasing her amazing gifts as a great singer!

If I could have only one collection.............2006-11-12

....it would be this. Such fine singing in so many periods, languages, and styles. She is truley a great artist and this set helps you see just HOW GREAT she is. I won't go thru all the tracks but will say Cara Selve drives me wild. "When I am Laid in Earth..." comes across very nicely. There are some rare exerpts too like Gloriana, Menotti's Amelia goes to the Ball. Overall most tracks are inspired. The musicianship is to the highest standards. I JUST lOVE IT!

Yes this is great!.......2006-10-14

But "When I am Laid in Earth" was written by PURCELL! Handel's "Care Selve", however, is also on this set, and it is GORGEOUS!!! I love just about everything on here. A few items from the fourth CD are a bit telling of her age (D'oreste d'ajace!")- but even they are fabulous. THe price of this set is unfortunate - however, it has dropped a little! :) I originally purchased it from BMG in 1994, for next-to-nothing, then "gave" it to my best friend! Two years ago, she lost hers to Hurricane Ivan, and paid a LOT for a new set!

The Grandest Collection of Leontyne Price Arias.......2005-08-08

If you're a fan of Leontyne Price, this should be at the top of your list of her recording albums. I don't know when this was issued, but it's from the RCA Label which was her best promotional record company. It's a box set featuring dozens of arias from magnificent grand operas (some of which Leontyne Price never sang on stage in full and instead sang some bits in concert). Leontyne Price sings in fresh, beautiful and strong voice in dramatic and versatile roles, mastering each music from each composer. She masters such strikingly different masters's works as Samuel Barber (Vannessa) Webber (Der Freischutz) Wagner (Tristan and Isolde, Tannhauser) Falla (Atalanta) Mozart (Le Nozze Di Figaro). She sings the title roles of Massenet's Manon, Bizet's Carmen, Bellini's Norma, Verdi's Lady Macbeth, Amelia in Un Ballo Di Maschera, Nedda in I Pagliacci, Turandot and Suor Angelica, Flotow's Martha, and even oratorio such as Handel's Semele and Benjamin Britten's Gloriana. This is a vast repertoire, far grander in variety than I have ever known any one soprano sang. While critics will indeed compare Leontyne Price to Maria Callas (as another review critic brought up) these two sopranos could not have been any more different. It's not even a matter of their different racial backgrounds- Callas was born in Greece and became an American citizen then gave it up for French citizenship..and Price was born in Mississippi and was African-American) it's a matter of how different their approach at opera was and their vocal category. Callas was a dramatic soprano sforzando (literally "forced dramatic soprano")who would prefer to produce a choking, ugly, harsh sound merely for the dramatic effect and the integrity of the text in her lines. Leontyne Price was the definition of a soprano lyrico-spinto ("pushed" lyric-dramatic singing)which meant above all, to sound beautiful and to fill up those dramatic lines with as much vocal and tonal beauty as possible. Price had a more thrilling mezzo di voce and high soaring top register and a cleaner, smoother sound than the wobbly Callas, no offense to Callas fanatics of which there are many. It is true that Price did lose her touch in a sense in her older years (the 1970's and 80's) when her voice lacked the vibrant lyricism and attention to diction. Her 1970's Toscas and Aidas are therefore a sloppier than her 1950's and 60's Toscas and the same went for her Leonoras in both Trovatore and Forza Del Destino. Nevertheless, Price is an ageless singer. Her voice, dark, messy or bright and smooth, is still what was said of her in her debut at the Met as Leonora in Trovatore - a "bright, unfurling banner". She was goddess of the opera and paved the way for the new generation of black sopranos of today.

This collection does not showcase the more famous roles that were in fact her signature ones - Leonora from Trovatore and Forza, Aida is'nt even in here and that one even she considered her greatest role, we don't find her Madame Butterfly here. Instead we find rare pieces that she sings beautifully and dramatically, making us wish she had sung the entire operas in full on stage. She never sang a full-length Norma and that's a pity- even Grace Bumbry and Shirley Verrett did in their careers. Price seemed to enjoy singing Samuel Barber's vocal works - she opened the 1965-1966 Met season with Barber's Antony and Cleopatra (a bad production by the way but not through any fault of Miss Price but the overblown spectacle of the design of the opera itself) and here she sings his Vanessa. Benjamin Britten's Gloriana sounds lovely in her hands. Her Norma and Dona Anna in Mozart are dramatic and fiery, her Lady Macbeth darkly mysterious, her Suor Angelica peaceful with powerful inner fire and her Dialogue Des Carmelites are also sensational. Yes, many of these arias are beautiful to hear, and thank God she doesn't have any of the flaws critics keep hearing in her later recordings. Without a doubt, this is her finest album. I think you should listen via audio samples here the following to make you get this recording: the Countess aria from Nozze Di Figaro, her Manon (Adieu Petit Table) La Mamma Morta, her version of Sediziose Voce/Casta Diva from Norma, the excerpt from Carmen, "Don Ottavio son Morta...Or Sai Chi L'Onore" from Don Giovanni, Care Salve, the Dido and Aeneas excerpts, the La Traviata excerpts (Addio Del Passato) and the beautifull, mystic, haunting and well-executed Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, which I even feel surpasses Birgit Nilsson's version. Just listen to how heart-felt that Liebestod is! I have not heard the likes of it anywhere else.

The Greatest Soprano Ever Recorded.......2005-03-20

O.K. So that is only my opinion. But Leontyne Price was one of the most dedicated singers of the 20th century. Her vast repertoire is showcased in this extensive collection of arias. While to many Maria Callas will forever be the ultimate and the greatest of them all, Leontyne Price had the same poswerful, high dramatic voice, in addition a more generous chest register and a regial presence. Moreover, she overcame so much to get to the top. In her day, African-American women in opera was new. Marian Anderson was the first to get into the mainstream opera world, with much difficulty and intervention, such as Eleanor Roosevelt's support. After Marian Anderson finally landed her first role at the Met in the 50's, a new generation of black women in opera began. The 60's and 70's would see the rise of mezzo sopranos later turned to dramatic sopranos such as Grace Bumbry, Shirley Verrett and it would follow into the 80's with Jessie Norman and Kathleen Battle. Today, black women have made opera one of their highest achievements. Leontyne Price began singing in the 50's. A televised production of Tosca was not shown in some Southern states that were racistad opposed the idea of seeing a black woman in a "white" role. Leontyne Price would master the role of Tosca as successfully as Maria Callas. I think that while she is at her best in the Puccini and Verdi operas she recorded and performed (not showcased here)- Trovatore, Aida, Forza Del Destino, Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Suor Angelica. However, there is so much that she is absolutely remarkable in. I love her as Violetta in Traviata (few black women sing the traditionally white role of Violetta), Massenet's Manon, Verdi's Lady Macbeth (which was another of Shirley Verrett's great roles)Dido from Dido and Aneas, Dona Ana and Elvira in Don Giovanni, The Countess in Figaro, Bellini's Norma (she is outstanding in that powerful druid diva role). I think if we narrow it down to a few roles that she really made her own it would be 1: Aida....2:Tosca...3Dona Ana/Dona Elvira 4 Desdemona from Otello and 5..Leonoras from Trovatore and Forza.

This collection is pretty impressive. I didn't know a soprano could be that versatile. Leontyne Price is remarkable. Her rich, lyric voice, capable of plaintive and melancholy lines as well as powerful high C's and dramatic whoops, was always clean, smooth and intense. Of course, like most sopranos, she had her bad days. Her later Toscas (in the mid or late 70's) became too melodramatic and sloppy, when she used to be more mannered and poised with the role, her Cleopatra in Samuel Barber's opera was a fiaco because the production was too bizarre and messy, etc. But for the most part, mostly in Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and as Norma, she was radiant, glorious and perfect. Her background in Church music made her incredibly suited to singing Requiems, such as Verdi's Requiem. There will never be another Leontyne Price. She was a one woman Golden Age of Opera, and sang with the best of the best- Bjussi Bjorling, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Franco Corelli, Placido Domingo.

Average customer rating:

Opera Arias & Duets Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | 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 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 Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tauber, Richard | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | 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