Romantic Duets

Track Listings

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Romantic Duets,Various Artists,Scotti Bros.,70's,80's,Adult Contemporary,Pop,Popular Music,Quiet Storm,R&B,Soft Rock,Urban

Romantic Duets

Tracks:

Les Peurs des perles Act 1 - Au fond du temple saint
Madama Butterfly Act 1- Vogliatemi bene, un bene piccolino
Le Nozze di Figaro Act III - Sull'aria - Le Nozze di Figaro
La Traviata Act I - Un di, felice, eterea
Lucia Di Lammermoor Act I - Ah! Verranna a te sull'aure
Tristan und Isolde Act II - O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe
Carmen Act I - Parle-moi de m
Die ZauberflAct I - Bei Mern, welche Liebe F
Lakmct I - Viens, Mallika
Rigoletto Act I - il sol dell'anima
Der Rosenkavalier Act II - Mir ist die Ehre wilderfahren
Don Giovanni Act I - Li darem la mano
La Boh Act IV - O Mimi, tu pi torni
Il Trovatore Act IV - Miserere...Quel suon, quelle preci

Amazon.com

This is a misnomer--not all of these duets are all that famous--but it's a fine compilation nonetheless. You'll hear selections from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers (Nicolai Gedda and Ernest Blanc at their most elegant French), Madama Butterfly (Carlo Bergonzi and Renata Scotto--an impassioned pair), Lucia di Lammermoor (a classy Alfredo Kraus and Edita Gruberova), the lovely Lakme duet, The Presentation of the Silver Rose from Der Rosenkavalier (with the earnest Christa Ludwig and the other-worldly Teresa Stich-Randall), and a fine Trovatore "Miserere" (with Leontyne Price and Franco Bonisolli singing up a storm). There are many others, too--a veritable cornucopia of couplings--and a treat for the opera lover. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Can't go wrong.......2007-07-14

This is a really great CD for the price. It has many of the famous Arias on it and although the singers may not be the best out there they are certainly very good. This is cheaper than the price of a take away lunch; you can't go wrong with this CD.

Most Famous???.......2007-05-14

The title of this cd is misleading and I found myself wondering whose list did they use. That is not to say that there aren't some real treasures included here. The duet from Lakme is lovely in every way, Mady Mesple in particular, very beautful and very french, and far superior to Sutherlands hooty approach. Scotto and Bergonzi are superb, the Tristan and Isolde of Vickers and Dernesch truly other worldly, and the presentation of the rose duet with the young Ludwig and the astonishing Teresa Stich- Randell had me playing it over and over and I still can't believe it, but the most famous??? This cd is definitly worth buying, and I hated giving it only 3 stars but if you're talking most famous you could fill a couple of cd's with Puccini, not to mention Verdi, Mozart, etc. before Bizet's Les Pecheurs des perles, beautiful as it is, made the most famous list.

Only one song knew well.......2007-05-14

I should have done more research. The last song is the only one I could easily recognize. Live and learn.

The Most Famous Opera Duets.......2007-01-05

This seller truly makes a purchaser confident in the product as well the time in which is promised.

Thanks again!!!!!

Good selection of opera highlights.......2006-11-04

Super performances by famous opera artists of the 20th century, most of them no longer performing and some of them deceased. I enjoy having their voices available at home.

Average customer rating:

five stars +
Wonderful duets!
Powerful and expressive singing with an amazing technique and control
Another great recording
Divine Duo

Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazón: Duets

Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000L21DNA
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

O Soave Fanciulla
Lucia Perdona...Sulla Tomba
Giovanna, Ho Dei Rimorsi...E Il Sol Dell'anima
Va! Je T'ai Pardonne ... Nuit D'hymenee
No.8 Chanson: De Mon Amie, Fleur Endormie No.9 Duo Leila! Leila! Dieu Puissant
Toi! Vous!... Ah! Viens, Manon, Je T'aime!
Tvajo Malchan'je Nepan'atna
Callate, Corazon! Duermete Y Calla!

Amazon.com

Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko, opera's "golden couple" (or is it "dream team?") have just released their first CD of duets. In the duet that closes the first act of Bohème, both singers are in rapturous voice, their phrasing sensitive and sincere. The Lucia-Edgardo duet is passionate and tender by turns, with Villazon particularly good - he takes his solo softly and in a long breath. The Duke and Gilda are roles made for them: She sounds sweet and vulnerable and he sounds like he believes what he's singing at the moment, and their final high D flat together is a dazzler. A hypnotic Roméo et Juliette duet follows, with gentle singing from both, and they make the most of Leila and Nadir's scene from The Pearl Fishers, turning in a languorous, smooth performance. The big duet from the third act of Manon finds Netrebko at her most seductive and a duet from Iolanta, probably the most lyrical tenor-soprano moment in Russian opera, is a nice rarity, with Villazon very at home in the Russian idiom and the pair soaring to great emotional heights. A delicious number from Torroba's Zarzuela Luisa Fernando ends the CD on a soft, tender note. Netrebko's diction remains unfortunate and while singing with a partner whose diction is as clean and clear as Villazon's, it becomes more noticeable. But there's precious little to complain about here - it's a true pleasure to hear singing and communicating of this caliber. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

five stars +.......2007-05-15

This is an exceptional album, both in content and in the artistry of the singers. Well worth the way above market price.

Wonderful duets!.......2007-05-12

One of the best collection of operistic duets in the recent times.
They both are first class singers.

Powerful and expressive singing with an amazing technique and control.......2007-04-09

Considering Netrebko's and Villazon's age- both are in their thirties- the maturity and command of their artistry is constantly moving ahead of their years. Villazon, with all the bells and whistles of his top ringing notes, has becomes the spinto/Italianate tenor extraordinaire of our time that gives us glimpses- although I hate to make comparisons- of Correlli and Di Stefano.
Netrebko, as a soprano, is in a league of her own. Her voice in any new recording sounds better than in her last one. The lyricim, color and communicating power of her singing trancends vulnerability, despair and hopelessness that are so well portayed in Mimi's duet. Some bloggers hate Netrebko's guts and claim hype for her success. That's a cop out. You cannot sell out opera houses all over the world, and CDs that have surpassed in numbers many classical recording of the past, based only on hype. There must be a substantive voice behind a beautiful face and body. I love and I know opera well, and I've seen, live, many of the great sopranos of past forty years. And if I'm flying across the U.S.A. to see Netrebko at her Carnegie Hall debut- I was lucky to find one of the last tickets- is not hype. No body fooled me and no body made me do it.
For some, the jury may be still out for these two opera superstars, but this CD is an example of extraordinary singing and is highly recommended.

Constantine A. Papas
El Paso, Texas

Another great recording.......2007-04-03

Well what can I say-I love every ringlet on his head-he is the man -the greatest-he rules. Every note is a gem that comes out of his mouth. Anna is pretty good too. She certainly is improving.

Divine Duo.......2007-04-02

Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon, dubbed the 'Golden Couple' pair up for an album of beautiful operatic duets. Both singers possess glorious voices and each selection/scene captures the listener, with even two unfamilar items alongside the standard repertoire. I urge people to rather purchase the limited edition package that contains a bonus DVD, which shows the making of the album, as well as the music video for the Boheme duet, directed by Vincent Patterson.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

Excellent recordings, all worth getting at any price!!!
Outstanding Set, But Get Temirkanov for The Symphonic Dances
A noteworthy Rachmaninov set
BRILLIANT!!!
Oh, Rachy, what beautiful music!

Rachmaninov: The Symphonies

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 4
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Johannes Brahms: The Symphonies

ASIN: B0000042HY
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: I. Grave - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: II. Allegro animato
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: III. Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: IV. Allegro con fuoco
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: I. Non allegro
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: I. Largo - Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: II. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: III. Adagio
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: IV. Allegro vivace
The Isle of the Dead, Op.29

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: I. Lento - Allegro Moderato
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: II. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro vivace
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: III. Allegro
The Bells, Op.35: I. Allegro ma non tanto
The Bells, Op.35: II. Lento
The Bells, Op.35: III. Presto
The Bells, Op.35: IV. Lento Lugubre

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recordings, all worth getting at any price!!!.......2005-04-01

Different people have different tastes. Without wishing to malign those who don't care as much (or at all) for this set, I'll dare say that this set is an absolute classic. [Why go only for the 2-disc set of just the symphonies instead of getting also Ostróva Mjórtvïkh (The Isle of the Dead), the Symphonic Dances and Kolokóla (The Bells) that come automatically as part of this 3-disc set?]

It was the Ashkenazy recording of Ostróva Mjórtvïkh that introduced me to what has since become my favourite symphonic poem ever (roll over Richard Strauss - this one together with Schönberg's "Pelléas et Mélisande" take the cake!) as well as the Symphonic Dances - and also Kolokóla as well as the 1st & 3rd Symphonies. [Prévin did as much for the 2nd Symphony in my case and his recording is a more than worthy competitor - his and this one are as good as tied for top spot in my honest opinion - get them BOTH if possible!!!!] At all times, these interpretations proved Sjergjéy Vassíljevich Rakhmáñinov as one of the greatest composers of the 1850-1950 period, even if he wasn't the most prolific (my biggest regret is that death stopped him from benefitting us organists with an Organ Concerto meant for Charles Courboin). [He was the type that could only concentrate on one thing at a time - be it composition, piano concertising, or conducting, at all of which he was outstanding; however, when he went into exile after the Russian Revolutions, he found himself mainly working as one of the greatest pianists of all time in order to secure his future and feed his family.] Obviously his mentor Pjótr Iljích Chaykóvskiy was a powerful influence on him; however, Rakhmáñinov never loses his individuality at any point!

Certainly his symphonic output is uniformly high: his 1st Symphony, while not always the most cohesive at times, still deserved a heck of a lot better fate than it received at the hands of Glazunóv - it's extremely inspired and there's no question that it deserves a high place in the repertoire. The 3rd Symphony - and the Symphonic Dances - not only proved that Rakhmáñinov had lost none of his mastery or inspiration in exile; they're both absolute masterpieces in their own right! [As to the 2nd, it would be my 2nd-favourite symphony, period, right behind Chaykóvskiy's 6th (Pathétique). The 3rd movement, if a question of falling in love for some, is for me a point of grieving for a lost love (which is very much still in my life after many years - I still cry bitterly on hearing this and the 1st movement!) and letting gradually go, though with greatest pain...] Finally, Kolokóla: another great masterpiece (the 2nd movement is especially moving and wonderful!).

Most definitely, Ashkenazy does full justice to all of these works. Of course, one can disagree with this or that aspect or instant in this or that work (e.g., I could have wished a slower accelerando in the 2nd movement of the Symphonic Dances from the waltz tempo - that way one misses the otherwise obvious allusion to Chaykóvskiy's "Flowers' Waltz" from Shchjeljkúnchik {Nutcracker}); however, the overall merits of these recordings truly deserve the fullest 5 stars possible - I'd myself go for 6! Go get it in all events!!!!

Outstanding Set, But Get Temirkanov for The Symphonic Dances.......2004-08-07

This is an outstanding set, with the exception of the Symphonic Dances, where Ashkenazy conveys some of the passion in this work but doesn't attain nearly the same level of emotional intensity as Kondrashin's or Temirkanov's versions.

A fantastically passionate performance of The Symphonic Dances is the 1963 recording by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, with Kiril Kondrashin as conductor (RCA; Catalog # 32046; ASIN: B000003ETI). With Kondrashin, the power and passion of The Symphonic Dances sweeps the listener away and takes him to an inspirational level. The performance is so burning hot that it throws off sparks. However, this CD may be out-of-print.

Another excellent and passionate interpretation of The Symphonic Dances is the 1992 recording by Yuri Temirkanov and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (RCA; Catalog Number 62710; ASIN: B000003FRT). The Temirkanov CD also has a beautiful performance of the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, with the pianist Dmitri Alexeev.

The rest of this 3-CD set, consisting of the three symphonies and the Isle of the Dead, is outstanding. In the symphonies, the balance and the dynamic interplay between the strings, horns, and winds are brought out beautifully and the sound quality is crystal clear. The Isle of the Dead is very movingly performed, from the opening passage, where Ashkenazy establishes a somber ominous mood, to the sweeping majesty of the most powerful moments.

The CD booklet has a well-written, detailed, and informative essay on all of the compositions. The full text of The Bells, based on a reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's verses by the Russian symbolist poet Konstantin Balmont (1867 - 1943), is also included in Russian, English, French, and German.

Highly recommended, with the additional recommendation of supplementing this set with Kondrashin's or Temirkanov's recording of The Symphonic Dances.

A noteworthy Rachmaninov set.......2004-07-30

These were outstanding recordings when they were released individually in the 1980's, and as a complete set they make quite a bargain. Ashkenazy finds just the right tempi in most cases, particularly in the spectacular Symphonic Dances, one of the best versions of this piece ever recorded. Somehow he manages to combine his no-nonsense approach while still letting Rachmaninov's long melodic lines glow.

The dark Concertgebouw tone suits this program perfectly. If the First and Third Symphonies aren't exactly the composer at his most inspired (don't get me wrong -- not bad, just not his best), you are not likely to hear either one performed as dazzlingly as they are here. Many listeners will already have a recording of the Second Symphony, probably the composer's most popular work, and I'm not convinced that Ashkenazy's is the one and only, but you may want it just for the quality of the playing from the orchestra. And there is no shortage of good recordings of the Isle of the Dead, either, but again, the mood conjured up here is considerable.

In short, this is an excellent set -- gorgeously played, and spectacularly recorded. And now it's at a price that makes it hard to beat.

BRILLIANT!!!.......2003-09-22

I cannot believe what great quality this package is for such a great price!

The music itself is divine. The mixing is spot on (A very rare compliment to hear from my mouth). What more could I want? More works by Rachmaninov like this please!

Oh, Rachy, what beautiful music!.......2003-04-24

This is a lovely set of Rachmaninoff's three symphonies. As with his other works, these pieces are melodic and full of passion. Rachmaninoff may get a little moody at times, but he will never leave you in the doldrums. These are exciting works, and Ashkenazy brings them to life. The orchestra responds well. As a real bonus, this set includes other orchestral works. Of these, the Symphonic Dances have been performed more frequently lately. Ashkenazy handles these Dances admirably.

The sound quality of these digital Decca releases is excellent. The upper range of the brass has a little bite to it, but it does not detract from the deep, rich sound of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The dynamic range is extensive. Don't be afraid to turn up the volume and give your speakers a workout.

Tracks:

Entr'acte
Bachianas brasileiras No. 5 - Aria
Ronde
Azulao
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4
O Cacador
Pastorale joyeuse
Tes pontos de santo
Tambourin
Boi-Bumba
Sicilienne
Para ninar
Piece en forme de habanera
Maracatu
Pavane pour une Infante defunte
Passarinho esta cantando
Modinha
Serenade For Strings: Waltz
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion
The Three Cornered Hat: Farruca

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Gem from so many years ago...STILL Available!.......2007-07-18

Wow! I happened to stumble on this listing, and, frankly, had forgotten about it. I was first introduced to this album on LP years and years ago (late 60's?) and quite frankly, it was one of my very favorite albums.

Years passed, and cds came, and it was transferred, and I immediately snapped up a copy of it, again. In these following years, I fear I had completely forgotten about it....shame on me! I am so pleased to know that it is still available, and that I can recommend something that is STILL available to you (which is rare for me to be able to do).

I cannot recommend highly enough that you purchase a copy of this great album to enjoy, over and over again. I guarantee it will become a highlight in your collection. I have taken my copy off the shelf and am listening to it as I type this review. I recommend you go to the little snips above, and listen to # 2, Villa Lobos...that should do it! ~operabruin

Like Finding An Old Friend.......2007-07-14

This album, now in its forty-oddth year, is a treasure. Almeida, Terri, and maybe now also Ruderman have passed on. They were mortals after all. The playing by Almeida and Ruderman just on its own is wonderful, and too magical to be called merely good, or solid, or workman-like. Add the third ingredient of no less than the voice of Salli Terri, and the listener may as well be levitated. Good music takes us perhaps the nearest we can ever get to a ride on a magic carpet. Duets with Spanish Guitar is fine music by a trio of, well, if not genies exactly, flesh and blood beings with extraordinary musical abilities.

A Sweet Piece of Art Work.......2007-05-13

I first heard this recording on vinyl. This CD lives up to the quality first captured in that original recording. Laurindo Almeida requires no review or publicity; he is a legend exceeding Segovia or Montoya. Salli Terri, mezzo-soprano, happily, has no vibrato. When she hits a note, she means it...no wavering somewhere between tones leaving you some subliminal perception of the intended note. She has an absolutely pure, rich voice and a profound comprehension of aesthetics. I have not heard other works by Martin Ruderman, who accompanies on flute, but his skills are notable within this sweet ensemble. A wealth of skill and mastery contained on this tiny CD! I am sure you will be transported.

Haunting Beauty.......2007-03-22

I'm fascinated by the reviews from those who remember this album of long ago. In 1971 my girlfriend and I spent a night in a rustic B&B in Big Sur. The following morning, as we dined on a scrumptious breakfast and the love in each other's eyes, I had to ask the waitress about the music playing in the background. We bought the record as soon as we got home, and I have cherished it ever since. Six additional selections on the CD reissue are almost superfluous. The memories, and the music, are precious.

Superb .......2007-01-08

From beginning to end, I am enthralled by this album. I bought the original LP when it came out over 40 years ago and I also own the CD version. All performers are themselves excellent and they blend wonderfully on a Grammy awarded sound track. The biggest thrill for me is always Salli Terri's Bachianas Brasileiras number five. I have heard many recordings of this Bachianas by the most famous sopranos in the world. Salli Terri's singing of the Bachianas is in a class of its own --absoulutely spine-tingling.

Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD]

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Anna Netrebko: a glorious Violetta
Netrebko wins hearts
Heavenly
Exciting new Traviata

Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Anna Netrebko: Opera Arias
Sempre Libera
Russian Album
The Mozart Album
Anna Netrebko - The Woman, The Voice

ASIN: B000E0OF9S
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)
E strano! - "Ah, fors'ui"
Follie! Delirio vano uesto!
Sempre libera
Lunge da lei - "De' miei bollenti spiriti"
O mio rimorso!
Pura siccome un angelo
Non sapete quale affetto
Un dquando le veneri
Ah! Dite alla giovine
Imponete "Non amarlo ditegli"
Che fai? "Nulla"
Invitato a qui seguirmi
Ogni suo aver tal femmina
Di sprezzo degno se stesso rende
Alfredo, Alfredo, di questo core
Annina? "Comandate?"
Teneste la promessa
Addio del passato
Signora... "Che t'accade?"
Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo
Ah, non pi"Ah! Gran Dio! Morir siovine"
Ah, Violetta! "Voi? Signor?"
Prendi, quest''immagine

Tracks:

Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)
Crudele!-Ah no, mio bene! - "Non mi dir, bell'idol" (Donna Anna)
Photo Gallery Anna Netrebko / Bonus-DVD Violetta USA

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-04-05

I LOVE this CD. Her voice is too beautiful, and the duets are fantastic. I get tired of the fancy pants opera listeners from Amazon reviews criticizing minute details. Seriously, who are they ? In the end, her voice is like an angel & the effect is quite pleasant. Close your eyes and enjoy :}

Anna Netrebko: a glorious Violetta.......2006-11-04

While there is certainly no shortage in recordings of Verdi's LA TRAVIATA score (Maria Callas, Beverly Sills and Monika Krause immediately come to mind), a new version is nevertheless always welcome. This is a highlights disc featuring Anna Netrebko taking on the role of consumptive courtesan Violetta Valery, and Ms Netrebko does a credible job.

One of the relatively-recent discoveries in opera, Anna Netrebko brings a great deal of fiery youth and vocal polish to the role of Violetta; she literally sprints through "Folie! folie" and "Sempre libera" at breakneck speed, scaling those delicious high notes with incredible ease, but never makes the music more flashy than it needs to be. Partnering her in the role of Alfredo is the talented Rolando Villazon. Villazon is the perfect anchor for Netrebko's vocal pyrotechnics, and together they create some palpable moments with the duet "Ah non piu!". The hand-picked cast also features Thomas Hampson as Germont, Helene Schneiderman as Flora, Diane Pilcher as Annina, and Salvatore Cordella as Gastone.

Carlo Rizzi leads the Wiener Philharmoniker, and they do complete justice to what is in my book Verdi's single greatest score. The complete score is also available [Deutsche Grammophon 477 5933], but the full flavour of the story, and most of the better arias, are all amply-supplied on this "highlights" disc.

[Deutsche Grammophon 477 5953]

Netrebko wins hearts.......2006-08-07

Anna Netrebko has a rare voice - direct, unaffected, pure enough to stand without need for frills. This CD is a recording of her live opening night performance, it's truly a thrill and her tenor co-star matches her passionate delivery. Sound quality is good, for a live recording excellent. If you're not yet a Netrebko fan this will convert you.

Heavenly.......2006-05-06

Netrebko had the voice of an angle, sang like an angle and die as Violetta like a healthy soprano! Her voice had purity and power few can match, despite some lack of expressiveness in her lower register. As violetta she conveyed effectively strong passion. I hope to see as well as hear her in a DVD of the Saltzburg performance. If the Bonus DVD was an indication, this production should be unconventional and exciting.

On the slightly negative side she seemed to pause (breath?) at strange places and glossed over some notes every now and then. Perhaps these were to be expected in a live performance.

The CD was well produced with nice, clean sound. It was very good for a live recording. The singers and orchestra seemed to be at two different acoustical spaces.

Highly recommended!

Exciting new Traviata.......2006-03-19

In spite of many flaws, which are to be expected in a live recording, this is very exicitng new Traviata! I don't care about comparing this one to old recordings, if you want to hear Verdi sung by today's young, gifted and very engaging singers, this is the album to get. Callas, Moffo and Cotrubas were great, but what's the point of these endless comparisons. This Traviata can stand on its own. The tempi are on the slow side, but there's a feeling of great intensity, especially on this highlight disc, I like the way they put it together. I liked the complete opera recording too, but if you want to hear selection of great arias, this album works very well. Libiamo, Fors'e Lui and all the lyrical pasages are just great. Villazon is marvelous, so passionate. Anna Netrebko has such a beautiful voice and she puts so much drama into her singing, you don't have to see her to understand all the different emotions that Violetta is going through. Of course, these two singers look the part, that's just great, it's time we have such a good looking and talented pair to grace the opera stages. Hampson does not sound his best, but I liked him in Germont's role.
The DVD that comes with this album shows the Libiamo video, and I just can't wait for the DVD of this production! The other video for Donna Anna's aria is taken from Anna's previous DVD collection, but it's somewhat similar in style. This is a very nice bonus, and overall this is a great recording. I am very excited about this new generation of opera singers like Netrebko and Villazon. They may not sing technically perfect, but at least they make you feel something.

Average customer rating:

One of he greatest voice ever!
overall
Beautiful

Zarzuela Arias & Duets

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Preludes & Choruses From Zarzuelas
Romanzas de Zarzuelas
Zarzuela: Spanish Operetta
On the Wings Of Song and Zarzuela Arias - Victoria de los Angeles
Gitano

ASIN: B000003FW6
Release Date: 1995-09-04

Tracks:

El Rey que rabi?: Mi t?o se figura
El Caser?o: Bueno d?as
La Canci?n del olvido: Marinela, Marinela
El Cabo primero: Yo quiero a un hombre
La Leyenda Del Beso: Amor, mi raza sabe conquistar
Bohemios: No quiero que sepa que aqu? vengo yo
La generala: Mi dulce sueno de adolescente
MARINA: Pensar en ?l
La Dolores: !Dolores m ... ! Aquu!
El Nino jud?o: De Espana vengo
Luisa Fernanda: Caballero del alto plumero
La Rosa del Azafr?n: No me duele que se vaya
Don Gil de AlcalBendita cruz
El D?o de la Africana: Comprende lo grave de mi situaci?n

Customer Reviews:

One of he greatest voice ever!.......2007-01-10

A privilege to hear this wonderful voice in these native, for her, works.

overall.......2006-03-16

Great recording
Great music selection, Great orchestration

Every thing is what I was looking for.
I wish you had the same subjects in DVD
Thank you

Beautiful.......2001-09-29

This is a must have if you are not familiar with zarzuela (Madrid's response to Vienna's operetta). It's a nice combination of arias sung by Caballe in beautiful voice and joined by her husband tenor Bernabe Marti for the duets. The CD comes with translations for non Spanish speaking which will greatly improve your satisfaction.
Caballe is in as beautful voice as ever and feels at home with this non very taxing repertoire. She doesn't overindulge in her other times frequent "floatiness" and is very expressive throughout. Thogh sometimes when some coloratura is needed she tends to drop the consonants blurring her enunciation of the words. We are used to this from her opera recordings though she's not as bad as Sutherland.
Marti is a nice tenor but is not in the same league as Caballe. That's why he never got star recognition though he made a few recordings whith his wife, like Bellini's "Il Pirata". His is a lyrical tenor, a little throaty but with nice projection of the sound. He sounds a little strained over the "passagio" but hits all the notes. More importantly, he compensates for his lack of vocal lustre with burning impersonations of his characters. Passionate and burning in some, tender and caressing in others. In this respect is better than his wife who is a little more doll like hidding behind her vocal resources. So I specially enjoyed the many and varied duets in this recording.
Strongly recommended.

Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin

Average customer rating:

Le parfum d'extase
Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It.
Great!!!
A delightful programme
Limpid, refined, elegant music.

Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
Gabriel Fauré , Gérard Souzay , Elly Ameling , and Dalton Baldwin
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin
Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin
Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll)
A French Song Companion
The Songs of Henri Duparc

ASIN: B000002S30
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

Le papillon et la fleur: Le Papillon et la fleur, Op. 1, No. 1
Mai: Mai, Op. 1, No. 2
Reve d'amour: Reve d'amour, Op. 5, No. 2
Dans les ruines d'une abbaye: Dans les ruines d'une abbaye, Op. 2, No. 1
Les Matelots: Les Matelots, Op. 2, No. 2
Lydia: Lydia, Op. 4, No. 2
Hymne: Hymne, Op. 7, No. 2
Seule: Seule, Op. 3, No. 1
L'absent: L'Absent, Op. 5, No. 3
L'Aurore: L'Aurore, Op. posthume
La Rancon: La Rancon, Op. 8, No. 2
Chant d'automne: Chant d'automne, Op. 5, No. 2
Aubade: Aubade, Op. 6, No. 1
Tristesse: Tristesse, Op. 6, No. 2
Chanson du pecheur (Lamento): Chanson du pecheur (Lamento), Op. 5, No. 1
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Op. 7, No. 3
2 Duos pour deux sopranos: I Puisqu'ici-bas, Op. 10, No. 1
2 Duos pour deux sopranos: II Tarentelle, Op. 10, No. 2
Ici-bas !: Ici-bas !, Op. 8, No. 3
Au bord de l'eau: Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8, No. 1
Serenade toscane: Serenade toscane, Op. 3, No. 2
Apres Un Reve: Apres un reve, Op. 7, No. 1
Sylvie: Sylvie, Op. 6, No. 3
Le Voyageur: Le Voyageur, Op. 18, No. 2
Automne, Op. 18, No. 3

Tracks:

Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 1. Rencontre
Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 2.Toujours
3. Adieu
Nell, Op. 18, No. 1
Les berceaux: Les Berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1
Notre amour: Notre amour, Op. 23, No. 2
Le Secret: Le Secret, Op. 23, No. 3
Chanson d'amour: Chanson d'amour, Op. 27, No. 1
La Fee aux chansons: La Fee aux chansons, Op. 27, No. 1
Aurore: Aurore, Op. 39, No. 1
Fleur jetee: Fleur jetee, Op. 39, No. 2
Le Pays des reves: Le Pays des reves, Op. 39, No. 3
Les Roses d'lspahan: Les Roses d'lspahan, Op. 39, No. 4
Nocturne: Nocturne, Op. 43, No. 2
Les Presents: Les Presents, Op. 46, No. 1
Clair de Lune: Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Larmes: Larmes, Op. 51, No. 1
Au Cimetiere: Au Cimetiere, Op. 51, No. 2
2 Cantiques: 1. En Priere
2 Cantiques: 2. Noel, Op. 43, No. 1
SPLEEN: Spleen, Op. 51, No. 3
La Rose: La Rose, Op. 51, No. 4
Chanson de Shylock: Chanson de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 1
Madrigal de Shylock: Madrigal de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 2
5 Melodies: 1. Mandoline
5 Melodies: 2. En sourdine
5 Melodies: 3. Green
5 Melodies: 4. A Clymene
5 Melodies: 5. C'est l'extase
Serenade du Bourgeois gentilhomme

Tracks:

La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 1. Une Sainte en son aureole
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 2. Puisque l'aube grandit
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 3. La Lune blanche luit dans les bois
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 4. J'allais par des chemins perfides
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 5. J'ai presque peur, en verite
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 6. Avant que tu ne t'en ailles
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 7. Donc, ce sera par un clair jour d'ete
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 8. N'est-ce pas ?
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 9. L'Hiver a cesse
Le Parfum imperissable: Le Parfum imperissable, Op. 76, No. 1
Arpege: Arpege, Op. 76, No. 2
Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton: Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton, Op. 72
Melisande's song: Melisande's song, Op. posthume
Prison: Prison, Op. 83, No. 1
Soir: Soir, Op. 83, No. 2
Dans la foret de septembre: Dans la foret de septembre, Op. 85, No. 1
La Fleur qui va sur l'eau: La Fleur qui va sur l'eau, Op. 85, No. 2
Accompagnement: Accompagnement, Op. 85, No. 3
Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal): Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
Le Ramier (madrigal): Le Ramier (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
Le Don silencieux: Le Don silencieux, Op. 92
Chanson: Chanson, Op. 94
Vocalise-etude

Tracks:

La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 1. Paradis
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 2. Prima verba
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 3. Roses ardentes
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 4. Comme Dieu rayonne
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 5. L'aube blanche
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 6. Eau vivante
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 7. Veilles-tu, ma senteur de soleil ?
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 8. Dans un parfum de roses blanches
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 9. Crepuscule
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 10. O mort, poussiere d'etoiles
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 1. Exaucement
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 2. Quand tu plonges tes yeux dans mes yeux
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 3. La messagere
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 4. Je me poserai sur ton coeur
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 5. Dans la Nymphee
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 6. Dans la penombre
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 7. Il m'est cher, amour, le bandeau
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 8. Inscription sur le sable
Mirages, Op. 113: 1. Cygne sur l'eau
Mirages, Op. 113: 2. Reflets dans l'eau
Mirages, Op. 113: 3. Jardin nocturne
Mirages, Op. 113: 4. Danseuse
C'est la paix !: C'est la paix !, Op. 114
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 1. La ber es infinie
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 2. Je me suis embarque
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 3. Diane Selene
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 4. Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimes

Customer Reviews:

Le parfum d'extase.......2007-05-18

This 4-CD set receives five stars from me in spite of some flaws. I'll outline those flaws first.

Firstly (a flaw to me, perhaps not to others), I'm not very fond of Gérard Souzay's voice and vocal approach. He frequently sounds blustery and the timbre does not really appeal to me. Yet his commitment to these beautiful songs is impeccable, and he has a wealth of experience, beautifully authentic French (of course!) and occasionally the singing is very effective indeed. I agree that the "La bonne chanson" set is sensitive and moving - it's Souzay at his best. But in general... Souzay is not one of my favourite baritones.

Secondly, as other reviews have mentioned, no translations are included. However, the full text of each song is contained in the accompanying booklet, and for those who don't read French well enough to translate, there are translations on-line of all of the poems set by Fauré. I agree this is not an ideal solution, and that the boxed set would have been improved by translations.

Thirdly, one is sometimes overwhelmed by the balance of the voice compared to that of the piano - this is particularly noticeable in Souzay's singing. However, the piano is still audible. The solution is mostly to turn down the volume for one or two tracks.

Let me now explain why, in spite of the above faults, I still consider this a superb set.

Firstly, the truly lovely singing of Elly Ameling. What a gloriously pretty sound - and I mean "pretty" without any denigration whatsoever. It's not JUST pretty - it's beautiful as well. This is a lovely gleaming sound, perfectly placed, and with a wealth of intrinsic and elegant interpretation that is native to Elly Ameling's singing. She's a miracle - no matter what she sings, it sounds "sung in" and perfectly understood, perfectly interpreted. (I admit Ms Ameling's French is slightly accented at times, but it's completely understandable and very good. It doesn't impair the performance of these songs at all.)

Secondly, Dalton Baldwin's playing is sensitive and impassioned in turns - always lyrical, always attuned to the requirements of each song. What a huge amount of work must have gone into this mammoth 4-CD task!

Thirdly, these vocal compositions are exquisite. Several of them are justly famous as works of genius, and fall so delightfully upon the ear that it seems they have always existed, perfect and full of wonder... that Fauré plucked them out of semi-existence to give them reality.

Fourthly... it's 4CDs of Fauré's vocal works. For those who love French vocal music, it's an extravagant delight to have such a thorough and wide-ranging collection. For singing students, how marvellous to have such a collection to hand to help when choosing songs. For fellow singers, what joy to have all of these songs in such a fine collection in order to note details and particularly admirable points.

In short - this is a set I wouldn't be without. While it's not flawless, it's full of delights. Ameling's singing of "La rose" is one of the highlights, and Fauré's three exquisite duets are all represented here. Highly recommended.

Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It........2007-03-01

This EMI Classics package of four CD's for the price of two (plus) is really the way I like to buy classic recordings, where the complete set covers all of a single especially interesting grouping of works. This set, like the comparable one on Debussy, is simply grand, especially, as noted by other reviewers, with the contribution of Ameling, a soprano from whom not much is heard of today, but who, in her prime, was on top of her game.

My only objection to the package is that while the notes five the French text of the songs and the author of the text, there is no translation. Otherwise, this is a super buy.

Great!!!.......2006-06-19

The music on this compilation is beautiful. It is also beautifully sung. Amelling is amazing, as always!!!

A delightful programme.......2006-01-20

Faure was a genius and his songs are some of the most beautiful ever written, being animated by the spirit of beauty itself (Ms Venus:-).)

The performers did an outstanding job singing this repertoire, and especially Elly Ameling's performance is pure *delight*
- honestly-.

I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

Highly recommended.

Limpid, refined, elegant music........2001-04-04

This famous set provides on 4 CDs the complete songs (mélodies, he preferred to call them) by Faure. They are entrusted to the native French baritone, the Dutch soprano, and their accompanist Dalton Baldwin, and were recorded in the early 1970s. The set is not inexpensive, so I shall try to outline its merits. The music itself is enthralling. Faure set, over a period of sixty years, texts by French poets. Limpid, refined, elegant music, it repays repetition and close listening. One reviewer has suggested that no listener will want to listen to umpteen of these mélodies in one sitting, but I have never had too much of them. If slow tempi and arpeggio accompaniments begin to pall, listen to "Nell" (CD 2, Track 4). The performers satisfy on all counts. Souzay's contribution reflect a life time's association with the music, and a tradition that goes back through his teachers to the time of Faure himself. His definitive version of "La bonne Chanson" is especially fine. If his style is more suited to the impassioned, ardent items, it balances well with the cooler, more detached singing of Elly Ameling. So that you will not be disappointed, I should also mention that translations of the texts are not provided. I also wish that the balance had been better engineered. Sometimes Souzay seems to have the microphone in his mouth, and always the piano seems too distant. These are but minor flaws, however, in a long necklace of priceless pearls.

Luciano Pavarotti - Nessun dorma (Arias & Duets)

Average customer rating:

Luciano Pavarotti - Nessun dorma (Arias & Duets)
Luciano Pavarotti , Mirella Freni , and Katia Ricciarelli
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | 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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
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Luciano Pavarotti sings Opera Classics

ASIN: B00004Z32N
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

La Traviata: Libiamo ne' lieti calici (Brindisi)
Werther: Pourquoi me reveiller
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una parola ... Chiedi all'aura
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar
La Traviata: Parigi, o cara
L'africana: Mi batte il cor ... O paradiso
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Petite Messe solennelle: Domine Deus
Requiem: Ingemisco
La Traviata: Lungi da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti
Macbeth: Ah, la paterna mano
I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere
Otello: Gia nella notte densa

Average customer rating:

Tebaldi in all her glory (mostly)

Renata Tebaldi sings Arias & Duets

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | 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

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The Voice of the Century
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ASIN: B000JU7N7O
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Customer Reviews:

Tebaldi in all her glory (mostly).......2007-03-14

These 5 budget CDs won't be of much interest to Tebaldi fans, who will already own the widely known operas, almost all in stereo, that have never left the Decca catalog. But anyone, like me, who has a deep fondness for the great soprano but neve really collected her records will find a treasury of great singing. She was gifted with the most feminine, full, powerful voice in Italian opera between 1950 and the mid-Sixties. Not a long career, and overshadowed by the supreme greatness of Callas, who lasted alamost exactly as long. But at the Met, where she was the reigning diva, Tebaldi was the last word in Puccini and almost the last in Verdi.

Amazon doesn't list the contents of this box set, so let me give a thumbnail sketch. The best Verdi excerpts come from Otello, La Forza del Destino, and Aida, often with her favorite tenor, Mario del Monaco. He's the featured player in the majority of the duets here. Lesser Verdi from Tebaldi includes the excerpts from La Traviata (she wasn't enough of a coloratura for Violetta), and Un ballo in maschera (she was caught too old, but the Act II duet with the young Pavarotti finds him in thrilling voice--incomparable, in fact).

The set includes a batch of verismo arias that to tell the truth are probably the best items--Tebaldi had just the right intensity and pathos for Adriana Lecouvreur, La Wally, La Gioconda, and Andrea Chenier. But as her reputation would attest, she was meltingly beautiful in Puccini roles, and it's a shame that her stereo versions found her a bit mature for the girlish parts, not to mention that her chosen conductor was the aging, slack Tulio Serafin. No matter. She sounds great in arias form all the major Puccini operas but especially Manon Lescaut and Suor Angelica, where her deep religiosity adds an especially touching note.

Less necessary--if not totally dispensable--are arias from French operas that Tebaldi sings in Italian (Carmen?), the greatest oddity being Elsa's Act I aria from Lohengrin, which sounds extremely odd in Italian. We also get a hodge podge fifth CD with some popular Italian songs, Christmas carols, and such, at which she is sometimes very charming, sometimes a bit too strained. But that's a minor quibble. I enjoyed this whole collection immensely, especially when it brought back memories of my own youth just learning about opera and the divas who rule them.

Soul Music:

Soul Music

soul music

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