Momenti [Import]

1. Sono Un Vagabondo

2. La Donna Che Voglio

3. Bella, Bella

4. Momenti

5. Amor, Amor, Amor

6. Nathalie

7. Se L'amore Se Ne Va

8. Venezia A Settembre

9. Avanti Tutta

10. Arrangiati Amore

Momenti,Julio Iglesias,Sony Bmg/Columbia,World Music

Average customer rating: Best Cherubino... wonderful music Close Your Eyes and Listen Terrific value, beautiful quality. Exceptional recording

Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro / Pace, de Carolis, Frontali, Morandi [Highlights] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Hungarian State Opera Orchestra , Pier Giorgio Morandi , Patrizia Pace , Natale de Carolis , Donato di Stefano , Ingrid Kertesi , Roberto Frontali , Denes Gulyas , Tamas Bator , and Jozsef Mukk Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Arias The Shawshank Redemption: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Most Famous Opera Duets Rossini: The Barber of Seville (Complete opera); Beverly Sills; Nicolai Gedda; James Levine; London Symphony Orchestra Mozart: Don Giovanni [Highlights] ASIN: B00004NK2F Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Cinque, Dieci...
3. Bravo, Signor Padrone!
4. Se Vuol Ballare, Signor Contino
5. La Vendetta
6. Non So Piu Cosa Son
7. Non Piu Andrai
8. Porgi Amor
9. Voi, Che Sapete
10. Venite, Inginocchiatevi
11. Susanna, Or Via Sortite?
12. Hai Gia Vinta Causa!
13. Vedro, Mentr'io Sospiro
14. Riconosci In Questo Amplesso
15. E Susanna Non Vien!
16. Dove Sono I Bei Momenti?
17. Sull'aria...
18. Tutto E Disposto
19. Aprite Un Po' Quegl'occhi
20. Giunse Al Fin Il Momento
21. Deh Vieni Non Tardar
22. Pace, Pace, Mio Dolce Tesoro!
23. Final Scene: Gente! Gente!

Customer Reviews:

Best Cherubino..........2007-05-06

No kidding. This album has the best Cherubino part compared to the other Le Nozze di Figaro copycat. After you've listened to Non so più cosa son, you would feel bad hearing the other rendition of the same song.

wonderful music.......2006-06-20

you do not have to be an opera expert to appreciate this cd , as a person who is just beging to appreciate fine opera this is a wonderful choice . waht is nice amazon gives you the opportunity to listen to the tracs prior to buying it. i am extremelly pleased with this item and im sure you will be to. sincerly christian john nielsen

Close Your Eyes and Listen.......2006-05-28

If right now you need to know joy and timelessness, a heart filled with light, beauty that has been and will be always, overflowing with the splendor you are fashioned from, knowing all that is your own, that you are only in the least important sense alone, with nothing to fear other than never perceiving any of this, close your eyes and listen to the Duettino Sull'aria from Le Nozze di Figaro...

Terrific value, beautiful quality........2004-04-16

This CD is a wonderful value with top-notch recording. The Cherubino character (mischievous lovestruck youth) is especially delightful on this CD. I fell in love with "Sul Aria" in The Shawshank Redemption, and later saw this opera live. Though it's only a highlights album, I found it rather complete, with solid linear notes (plot summary for you to follow along), and ALL of the beloved songs I had remembered. I recommend this one!

Exceptional recording.......2003-09-29

The quality of this recording is exceptional. Naxos recordings are often played on classical music stations for good reason. The performances are excellent.

Average customer rating: what a voice.... Amazing!! Renee Fleming - Signatures-Great Oper Scenes BEAUTIFUL CROSS SECTION OF STYLES Renee Fleming's greatest recital ever!

Renée Fleming - Signatures ~ Great Opera Scenes / Sir Georg Solti Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Antonin Dvorak , Giuseppe Verdi , Benjamin Britten , Richard Strauss , London Symphony Orchestra , Sir Georg Solti , Renée Fleming , Larissa Diadkova , and Jonathan Summers Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 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 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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Fleming, Renee | C to G | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming Renée Fleming - Visions of Love ~ Mozart Arias / Mackerras Renée Fleming: Bel Canto Renee Fleming: By Request ASIN: B0000042HU Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

1. Le nozze di Figaro: Porgi, Amor
2. Le nozze di Figaro: E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono I Bei Momenti
3. Eugene Onegin: Nu, Zaboltalas Ya!...Puskai Pogibnu Ya (Letter Scene)
4. Rusalka: Mesicku Na Nebi Hlubokem (O Silver Moon)
5. Otello: Era Piu Calmo?...'Piangea Cantando Nell Erma Landa'... Ave Maria
6. Peter Grimes: Peter Seems To Have Disappeared...Embroidery In Childhood Was A Luxury Of Idleness
7. Daphne: Ich Komme - Ich Komme (Transformation Scene)

Amazon.com essential recording

As the possessor of one of the great lyric soprano voices of our time, soprano Renée Fleming is in demand in the world's great opera houses. (It doesn't hurt that she's also lovely and a fine actress.) This album is an outstanding collection of great arias, ravishingly sung. It shows something of Fleming's range, including as it does music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Dvorák (the sumptuous "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka, the best part of the entire opera, and sung here in definitive fashion), Verdi, Britten (an effective "Embroidery Scene" from Peter Grimes), and Richard Strauss. This disc is a good starting point for someone seeking to learn more about operatic singing, and a valuable addition to the library of anyone already converted. Fleming is given strong support by mezzo-soprano Larissa Diadkova, baritone Jonathan Summers, and by the late Sir Georg Solti in one of his last recordings. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

what a voice...........2006-09-14

I love this recital which is my first introduction to a solo album by Fleming.
Her voice , with its richness and dusky timbre and beautiful, strong higher notes is a treat to hear.
She did sound expressive too but has not yet touched a chord in me when it comes to emotion and feeling.
Call me a helpless Callas fan, but I couldn't help but wonder how La Divina would sound if she sang Russian and played Tatyana in the "Letter" scene; what a great vehicle for acting!
But it does take voices a while to grow on me and that might be it.
I do plan on buying more of her CDs.

Amazing!!.......2005-09-28

This may be one of my favorite albums of all time. Renee Fleming is of course amazing with Mozart...but there are other gems on this album. The scene from Otello is truly astounding!! My personal favorite on this album is the Embroidery Scene from Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten...WOW!!! And of course we all know that the Song to the Moon from Dvorak's Rusalka is amazing. The Tchaikovsky is so wonderful!! The scene from R. Strauss's Daphne is awesome! Brava Renee!!!

Renee Fleming - Signatures-Great Oper Scenes.......2005-08-11

I gave this item as gift so I cannot review it.

BEAUTIFUL CROSS SECTION OF STYLES.......2004-11-22

I really loved this CD, mainly however due to "Mesicku Na Nebi Hlubokem" as it was the first version I had ever heard. Her phrasing, emotion, and tone were a perfect match for Dvorak's lone mermaid. I was also surprised to find Richard Strauss's Daphne here. It is not a common opera or aria so it was all I could do to listen to the beauty of the music that was not a real aria as it was vocal renderings controlled by the orchestra. It may not ever be common but it shows Richard Strauss in a more lyrical way verses his usual more heavy and harsh operas including "Salome" and "Elektra". Now if only we could get Fleming to record "Daphne" in it's entirety. Her other pieces were rich and warm as I have always adored her in the Countess road and she has always does Desdemona proud even if it is just a literary character. This CD is Renee Fleming at her best!

Renee Fleming's greatest recital ever!.......2004-04-16

What can I say that hasn't been said already? The great Solti (Who adored Fleming btw) and Renee Fleming made magic here. One of the greatest recitals in operatic history. Brava Renee!

Average customer rating: I got it for the same reason.... Where's the full-length version? "Che belle voci!" Great opera amazing

Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (Highlights) Gundula Janowitz , Barbara Vogel , Klaus Hirte , Patricia Johnson , Martin Vantin , Erwin Wohlfahrt , and Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Janowitz, Gundula | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Troyanos, Tatiana | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Magic Flute (Highlights) Mozart: Don Giovanni [Highlights] Rossini: The Barber of Seville (Highlights) Mozart - Così fan tutte / Cuberli, Bartoli, Rodgers, Streit, Furlanetto, Tomlinson, Berlin Phil., Barenboim [highlights] Verdi: Aida (Highlights) ASIN: B000001GDO Release Date: 1990-05-16

Tracks:

1. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Overture
2. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 1: Duettino: 'Se a caso Madama la notte ti chiama' - Figaro, Susanna
3. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 1: Cavatina: 'Se vuol ballare signor Contino' - Figaro
4. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 1: Aria: 'La vendetta, oh, la vendetta' - Bartolo
5. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 1: Aria: 'Non s piu cosa son, cosa faccio' - Cherubino
6. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 1: Aria: 'Non piu andrai farfallone amoroso' - Figaro
7. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 2: Cavatina: 'Porgi amor' - Contessa
8. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 2: Canazona: 'Voi che sapete' - Cherubino
9. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 2: Aria: 'Venite, inginocchiatevi' - Susanna
10. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 3: Act III: Aria: 'Vedro, mentr'io sospiro' - Conte
11. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 3: Recitativo: 'E Susanna non vien!' - Contessa
12. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 3: Aria: 'Dove sono i bei momenti' - Contessa
13. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 3: Duettino: 'Che soave zeffietto' - Susanna, Contessa
14. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 4: Aria: 'L'ho perduta' - Barbarina
15. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 4: Aria: 'Aprite un po' quegli occhi' - Figaro
16. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 4: Recitativo: 'Giunse alfin il momento' - Susanna
17. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Act 4: Aria 'Deh vieni, non tardar' - Susanna
18. Le nozze di Figaro - The Marriage of Figaro: Finale: 'Gente, Gente, all'armi, all'armi' - Conte,Tutti

Customer Reviews:

I got it for the same reason...........2006-03-07

as many of the others...because that one song that echoed over the courtyard of Shawshank Prison grabbed me. So, I looked in the credits and discovered this. OK, so it's just the highlights, but it's an AMAZING album from start to finish. Presented with passion, humanity, and sometimes even humor. Sometimes opera will drive me up the wall when I don't like one of the singer's voices, but this one has a wonderful collection of talent, and is very easy to listen to.

Where's the full-length version?.......2003-05-03

I have both the highlights and the full recording of this version of Figaro. For some reason, though, Amazon doesn't seem to carry the full version, which is too bad. This is one of the few operas I actually think needs the recitiatives.
Anyway, so since the acting doesn't matter too much on a highlights version I won't get into that. The singing is very good, in fact I think it's probably the best version of Figaro out there. The only exception is in regards to Gundula Janowitz's performance of Dove Sono, which seems to be very ill-suited to her voice. The rest of her part is done beautifully. I also think it's sad that Marcellina's aria was left off, since that is always one of my favorite songs and I will never intentionally buy a recording where it has not been included, but due to how frequently it gets cut, I am not surprised.
Anyway, I recommend the highlights version if you are after something you can listen to in the car and don't want to bother with a full three disc set. For all other purposes I would advise you to track down the full-length recording, which is definitely worth it.

"Che belle voci!".......2002-06-26

This recording is fantastic. Bohm is a lively, exciting conductor who can also make one wet-eyed in the final scene. Prey has the perfect blend of mischievousness and richness of sound for Figaro's character, and he is well-matched by Edith Mathis as Susanna who is delightful and full-voiced. Gundola Janowitz as the Countess is also amazing, and her "Dove sono" is really moving. Fischer-Dieskau is a powerful Count, too. Troyanos (Cherubino) is beyond praise and her "Voi che sapete" ranks with Frederica von Stade. The sound quality is crisp and clear, and the selections are good, though I wish the sextet "Riconosci in questo amplesso" was included. In all, great!!!

Great opera.......2001-08-18

The Marriage of Figaro is arguably one of the best operas ever developed, and it's great to know that this cd contains the best songs from the fabulous opera. The orchestra, along with the singers, give a grand performance of high caliber. If you enjoy classical music, then this will make a magnificent addition to your musical collection.

amazing.......2000-12-30

After watching Shawshank Redemption I looked everwhere for this recording. This is some of the most emotionaly moving pieces of music I have ever heard. Im a 17 year old guy in a punk rock band, and I cried probably the hardest Ive ever cried in my life when listening to the duettino sull aria. Its one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard in my entire life. I cant imagine not having it.

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

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: A Truly Great Mozart Recital Stars fell on Italy... The Best "Exultate, Jubilate" bravo bartoli! Mozart would have been proud

Cecilia Bartoli - Mozart Portraits Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Cecilia Bartoli , György Fischer , Vienna Chamber Orchestra , and Ingomar Raimer Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Bartoli, Cecilia | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works Featuring Bartoli | Bartoli, Cecilia | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bartoli, Cecilia | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Cecilia Bartoli - Mozart Arias Cecilia Bartoli - A Portrait Cecilia Bartoli - The Vivaldi Album / Il Giardino Armonico Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski Cecilia Bartoli - Chant d'amour (Mélodies française) / Myung-Whung Chung ASIN: B00000423X Release Date: 1994-09-13

Tracks:

1. Cosi fan tutte: Temerari! ... Come scoglio
2. Cosi fan tutte: Ei parte ... Per pieta, ben mio
3. Cosi fan tutte: In uomini, in soldati
4. Le nozze di Figaro: E Susanna non vien! ... Dove sono i bei momenti
5. Le nozze di Figaro: Giunsi alfin il momento .... Al desio
6. Don Giovanni: Batti, batti, o bel Masetto
7. Don Giovanni: In quali eccessi ... Mi tradi quell'alma ingrata
8. Davidde penitente, K469: Lungi le cure ingrate
9. Exsultate, jubilate

Amazon.com essential recording

Bartoli, in her musical journey defying all stereotypes, paints multi- dimensional vocal portraits of these Mozart characters. From the most delicate pianissimo to the grandest forte, this superb recording leaves you breathless. While others struggle with Come Scoglio's vocal gymnastics and Dove Sono's challenging legato, Bartoli uses her dark timbre, impeccable coloratura and passionate phrasing to create a kaleidoscope of luscious, wildly exciting sound. The fire of Mozart, the "romantic" composer, is brought to life. Occasional breathiness employed for dramatic purposes serves only to seduce the listener even more. Other selections including Exsultate jubilate, Davidde penitente, and selections from Don Giovanni are merely terrific. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

A Truly Great Mozart Recital.......2003-05-24

If I could own just ONE Mozart recital disc, it would be this one. (Though Renee Fleming's Mozart collection is superb as well). I believe that the two arias for Fiordiligi in COSI FAN TUTTE included here are among Bartoli's very finest recordings to date. But all of the arias on this CD are memorably performed. Please buy "Mozart Portraits"!

Stars fell on Italy..........2002-08-14

...the day Cecilia Bartolli was born. Talk about blessed -- all this and such a versatile voice, too. Mozart would have been delighted.

However, I don't think she's perfect. Yet. This recording is, however. The orchestra has just the right timbre to complement the richness of her voice. And it is a rich voice. In fact, my main complaint is that I think she has outgrown Mozart's Susanna. Her voice is perfect for the Countess, and the rendition here of E Susanna non vien! is utterly charming and believable, with just the right touch of pathos.

The other aria that bothered me was the Batti, batti, o bel Masetto. She just sings it beautifully, of course, but it deserves more con fuoco at the beginning (she is, after all, begging to be beaten!) and more espansivo at the end, possibly with a touch of arrogance. Callas sang it that way once.

I prefer Kathleen Battle's Alleluia because she's more precise. Bartolli sings it "scorrevole." It's easy for her, as easy as a mother will sing a lullabye to a child. To me, this prayer needs vocal fireworks -- like an explosion of faith and gratitude. Bertolli can do it, she just chooses not to. That's why I can't fault her for it. After all, she made the album, it's her choice.

In all I really love this album and I love her voice. How wonderful it must be to have the ability to open your mouth and have such musical richness issue forth. The pleasure alone has to be worth all the work and effort it takes to make it that way.

The Best "Exultate, Jubilate".......2002-05-10

"Exultate, Jubilate" seems to be one of those works which every soprano records at some point in her career. Among others, I've heard recordings by Barbara Bonney, Sumi Jo, and Kathleen Battle. But if I had to choose only one recording of "Exultate, Jubilate" to content myself for the rest of my life, it would definetly be this recording - Cecilia Bartoli's. She sings gloriously, with such an infectious joy that I've never heard in the others (Sumi Jo comes close, but still too careful and measured). The orchestration is also great - big and full of gusto, just like Cecilia's voice.

I haven't listened closely to the rest of the disc, but from what I have, it is just as well done as the "Exultate, Jubilate" (especially the Countess's "Dove Sono" and Despina's humorous "In Uomini, in Soldati"). As one reviewer pointed out, this recital would have made Mozart proud - I heartily agree.

bravo bartoli!.......2001-10-21

this got me hooked on Cecilia Bartoli. I heard the Mozart Exultate Jubilate over the radio, every hair on my body upright & quivering with delight. She sings it like you dream to hear someone sing it. Heavenly! And then you disover the rest of the cd is like unpacking a treasure chest - one gem following the other. Don't just sit there, buy it :) For once in your life, you will NOT be sorry :)

Mozart would have been proud.......2001-02-05

It was Maria Callas who complained that Mozrt is too carefully sung by singers - as if they're on their tiptoes. Well, on this disc is a singer who doesn't sing as if she's on her tiptoes; she breaks all the steroetypes associated with Mozart's music (you know, the period style-followers and those who argue that Mozart should be sung lightly)and gives us a completely emotional portrayal of the composer's heroines. Of the many pieces represented, I found the two beautiful Giovanni arias most satisfying, although all are wonderfully sung. Batti, batti is sung with a delicateness that makes you feel like you're eating the sweetest chocolate and enjoying every moment of it. In quali...Mi tradi is sung with a grittiness that really portrays the true emotions of Donna Elvira, who is a broken woman - the feisty singing of the recitativo almost sounds like the vengeful Medea (but thankfully, it isn't quite that extreme). Every note Bartoli sings portrays some kind of emotion - she is a singer who really has a joie de vivre in her singing. Every note is a joy to hear because she is transmitting her own joy for singing. I have rarely heard such a natural commuinicator in singing, which I regard as the highest form of art. In Exsultate, jubilate Bartoli sings like the words - exalted and jubilant. The Alleluia is a sheer joy to hear. Everything on this disc is simply great. I have always said that music is about communication of emotions and this is precisely it. I am not just writing all sorts of superlatives because I'm a huge fan (I am a huge fan though), but because she fulfils the meaning of music through her singing and serves the composer as faithfully as she can. She is a singer that makes you feel great about living. There can't be many performers who can do that. Brava.

Average customer rating: wonderful Favorite Soprano: Gorgeous Dramatic Voice Amazing.... if you get it somewhere else A MUST HAVE... Amazing Voice

The Essential Jessye Norman [Includes DVD: Jessye Norman Sings Carmen] Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( 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 Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( 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 Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( 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 Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Adam, Adolphe-Charles | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Berlioz, Hector | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bernstein, Leonard | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rodgers, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: I Was Born in Love With You Jessye Norman Classics Very Best of Jessye Norman at Christmas (Ac3 Dol Dts) Jessye Norman - Sacred Songs ~ Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, etc.. ASIN: B00067GKEM Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. Quand Je Vous Aimerai? L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera)
2. Pres Des Ramparts De Seville (Seguidilla)
3. Porgi, Amor, Qualche Ristoro
4. E Susanna Non Vien! ... Dove Sono I Bei Momenti
5. Regina Coeli Laetare ... Inneggiamo, Il Signor Non E Morto (Easter Hymn)
6. Thy Hand Belinda ... When I Am Laid In Earth
7. Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
8. Wiegenlied
9. Villanelle (No. 1)
10. Standchen
11. Ave Maria
12. Amazing Grace
13. Somewhere
14. With A Song In My Heart
15. O Holy Night
16. Panis Angelicus
17. Mild Und Leise (Isoldes Liebestod)

Customer Reviews:

wonderful.......2007-04-04

This record is wonderful; simply Jessye Norman. What else can I say: loved it!

Favorite Soprano: Gorgeous Dramatic Voice.......2006-11-05

The first time I ever heard Jessye Norman sing was a recording of Dich Teure Halle from Wagner's Tannhauser, and I was immediately enchanted. She has a gorgeous ringing tone and powerful voice. However, she can also bring her voice to a delicate sweetness that other dramatic sopranos find difficult. This album is put together particularly well. I love her Carmen and Isolde here, but I cannot stop listening to the other songs either, the non-operatic ones included. This my favorite CD, and I would definitely reccomend it to anyone considering the purchase.

Amazing.... if you get it somewhere else.......2006-05-28

I got it for HKD $69 in HKV in Hong Kong (which is around 8.70USD)

A MUST HAVE..........2006-02-09

The American soprano Jessye Norman was born in Augusta, Georgia (the segregated South) on September 15, 1945 in a family of amateur musicians; her mother a pianist, her father a singer in a local choir.

Norman received a scholarship to Howard University (a historically black university in Washington, D.C.) -NOT INDIANA-, graduating in 1967 with a degree in music. The following year, she won the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. She made her operatic debut in 1969 as Elisabeth in Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser at the Berlin State Opera, and in subsequent years performed with various German and Italian opera companies. She returned to the US to make her professional concert debut at Lincoln Center in 1973.

Amazing Voice.......2005-07-06

Jessye Norman has possibly the greatest voice I have ever heard. Being a bass/baritone, I usually shy away from higher voices (especially tenors), but I find this soprano to be flooring. For being a classicaly trained vocalist (she attended Indiana University) Ms. Norman has an incredibly versatile voice. In this album alone, she sings broad French arias, light Mozart, spirituals, and Broadway. Each is done superbly. Out of every track, her rendition of "Ave Maria" is my favorite. She sings it so tenderly and intimately, it is like she is singing it directly in front of you. You will be moved, certainly.

I suggest this CD to everyone, a fan of classical music or not. It is important for everyone to have these songs to relax, calm down, or to just listen to. You would not regret it.

Average customer rating: A Mozartian Unsurpassed Since.

Mozart: Opera Arias Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Schwarzkopf, Elisabeth | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Schubert: 24 Lieder Bach: Cantatas & Arias Strauss: Four Last Songs/12 Orchestral Songs Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann ASIN: B000AQACVQ Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. L'amero, Saro Costante
2. Zeffiretti Lusinghieri
3. Welcher Kummer...Traurigkeit
4. Martern Aller Arten
5. Non So Piu Cosa Son
6. Porgi, Amor
7. Voi Che Sapete
8. Dove Sono I Bei Momenti
9. Giunse Alfin Il Momento...Deh, Vieni, Non Tardar
10. Batti, Batti, O Bel Masetto
11. Vedrai, Carino
12. In Quali Eccessi...Mi Tradi Quell' Alma Ingrata
13. Crudele?...Non Mi Dir
14. Ach, Ich Fuhl's

Customer Reviews:

A Mozartian Unsurpassed Since........2007-02-15

These arias were recorded when ES was still quite young.
What a voice! What singing! What devotion!
It is interesting to have ES singing Cherubino as well as Susanna and the Countess Rosina in Le Nozze di Figaro.
Her Donna Elvira is always a killer.
But my greatest admiration in this album goes to her aria from Il re Pastore, the great Rondo of Aminta.
The great beauty of her singing - a duet with the solo violin, with well-controlled coloraturas, well-paced tempo supported by seamless breathing - her performance is simply unsurpassed, not even by Joan Sutherland in the other recording of the same aria, and certainly not by others available (like Renee Fleming or Ann Murray). ES never over-did those coloraturas like Cecilia Bartoli does these days, and that in itself is a big 'pro' in the enjoyment level of her Mozart arias.
Although the recordings are old and not really in state-of-the-art accoustics, the sheer beauty of ES's singing makes up for any lack that there may be in the sound.

Average customer rating: The most beautiful voice A Vocal Battleship in full sail Quite dissapoited MAGNIFICENT ARIAS RICHLY DELIVERED Another 5-Star Performance for Ms. Eaglen

Jane Eaglen - Italian Opera Arias Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Eaglen, Jane | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jane Eaglen - Bellini & Wagner Jane Eaglen - Mozart & Strauss / Zubin Mehta Jane Eaglen - Four Last Songs, Wesendonck-Lieder, Seven Early Song / Runnicles ASIN: B00005OKTH Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

1. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di, Vedremo
2. Madama Butterfly: Che Tua Madre
3. Tosca: Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore
4. Turandot: In Questa Reggia
5. La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
6. La Gioconda: Suicidio!... In Questi Fieri Momenti...
7. Suor Angelica: Senza Mamma, O Bimbo, Tu Sei Morto
8. Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
9. Adriana Lecouvreur: Poveri Fiori
10. Adriana Lecouvreur: Io Son L'umile Ancella
11. Edgar: Addio, Addio, Mio Dolce Amor - Jane Eaglen/The Royal Opr Chor Covent Garden
12. Mefistofele: L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
13. Cavalleria Rusticana: The Easter Hymn: Regina Coeli, Laetare... - Jane Eaglen/The Royal Opr Chor Covent Garden
14. Madama Butterfly: Tu, Tu, Piccoli Iddio!

Amazon.com

Jane Eaglen, today's most acclaimed interpreter of Wagnerian heroines, takes on 11 post-Verdian ones, only three of whom she has portrayed on stage: Ponchielli's Gioconda, Puccini's Turandot, and Santuzza from Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana. The program is an interesting mix of beloved and unfamiliar arias. In addition to the operas already mentioned, they come from Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur, Catalani's La Wally, Boito's Mefistofele, and several from Puccini.

The disc begins with Butterfly's famous "Un bel di" and closes with her heartbreaking death scene. Eaglen's resplendent voice illuminates every note, soaring triumphantly and effortlessly over the orchestra. The top range especially is glorious; there are numerous thrilling high B-flats, B's, and C's. Her voice is a bit heavy for the lightness of "Un bel di" and the coloratura in "Mefistofele," but Eaglen projects Marguerite's madness with extraordinary empathy. Though renowned primarily for her dramatic roles, she seems to have the strongest affinity for the lyrical, mournful arias here. Sister Angelica's lament for her dead child, Adriana's somber resignation, and Santuzza's aching sorrow are especially memorable. Butterfly's death is perhaps the disc's highlight, both for the intensity of expression and the glorious singing. It is, of course, very difficult to create operatic characters in excerpts performed out of context. There is not enough differentiation between these very dissimilar heroines, but Jane Eaglen's incomparable voice and emotional honesty make one long to hear her bring them fully to life in the opera house. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

The most beautiful voice.......2004-11-29

She just has the most beautiful voice. It's just the greatest. And the way she approaches high exposed notes is just brilliance. Her In questa reggia sounds better than most. Her Vissi d'arte and all the Madama Butterfly are my favorite renditions so far. I really love her vibrato. It's not too slow where she'd fall underpitch, but just slow enough that it stays perfectly in the area that's beautiful and exciting. This album is just pure gold. I really wish she'd actually SING these roles. Her L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare is also quite good. I'm very happy with this CD.

A Vocal Battleship in full sail.......2002-04-11

Jane Eaglen's voice is enormously impressive. It is simply huge, and it's hard perhaps for anyone who hasn't heard her in the theatre to understand this. This recording doesn't really do full justice to the power and amplitude of the voice (I notice I'm not the only reviewer to think this) but there is plenty to keep the listener occupied.

She has stage experience of many of these roles - I've been fortunate enough to her her Tosca, Turandot and Gioconda live. The main drawback of this disc for me is the relative lack of involvement Eaglen seems to show. No matter how red-blooded and passionate these Italian ladies are, they just don't seem to float Eaglen's boat in the same way that her Wagnerian ladies do. Some of the excerpts are touching, such as those from Madama Butterfly (real bitterness as well as sorrow) and Gioconda. However, too often one has the feeling that she is simply singing words without attaching real meanings to them, and I suspect that this is partly to do with Carlo Rizzi's deeply uninspiring (and he a native Italian!!) conducting.

So most of the pleasures of this disc are vocal. And what pleasures! How many other sopranos can you name who can sing "In Questa Reggia" without appearing to bat an eyelid? Ditto "Suicido"? There is admirable control of all registers and a blessed lack of wobble. I enjoyed the "Edgar" excerpt (ably accompanied by the Royal Opera Chorus) and her Santuzza. The voice is simply too large for some of the most delicate pieces (I listened to "Io son l'umile ancella" alongside Renee Fleming's version and I'm afraid Fleming's exquisite control won hands down) but by and large she makes an intoxicating sound.

So - a flawed recording and one that doesn't do full justice to a highly impressive singer. But certainly one for her fans and really impressive listening for voice-fanciers. However, nothing really beats trhe thrill of hearing a voice like this in the theatre.

Quite dissapoited.......2002-03-01

Well,for a heavy soprano,her performances are quite good,
but i don't like the style of the conductor,i feel nothing
with his conducting,under his baton,jane can do nothing but just
sing only,like other reviews,her voice is beautiful,huge,warm,
but less poweful,after this album,i bought her "Four Last Songs",
she did a good job with this album,her voice is pure and the legato line she made was one of the best four last songs i have heard(although norman's was the best).
I've sang for five years,it's not easy to control a voice which is heavy,broad or huge,jane has done her best.
I like her,and i'm look forward to her Aida.

MAGNIFICENT ARIAS RICHLY DELIVERED.......2002-01-29

Sung with beauty, energy, and endurance these well-loved arias are superbly rendered by soprano Jane Eaglen. Butterfly, Margherita, and Sister Angelica have seldom been given such heartfelt life.

This CD focuses on the work of the incomparable Giacomo Puccini, presenting seven arias from five operas. Granted, I have a bias here because of my admiration of this composer's work, nonetheless I would unequivocally state that these arias find hitherto unexplored dimensions with the emotional and vocal agility of Eaglen. Her voice embracing "Che tua madre" is especially moving.

With Tosca we again experience "Vissi d'arte," now transformed into a poignant prayer. Turandot is, of course, without peer and "In questa reggia" the perfect vehicle for Eaglen to showcase her vocal amplitude and passion.

Richly delivered, magnificent arias, what more could one ask?

- Gail Cooke

Another 5-Star Performance for Ms. Eaglen.......2002-01-28

I'll have to admit I bought this CD with some misgivings. I always think of Jane Eaglen as the glorious Brunnhilde and other roles requiring a strong Wagnerian voice, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Ms. Eaglen's voice readily lends itself to Italian opera. Her Suor Angelica: Senza Mamma, O Bimbo, Tu Sei Morto -- well I cannot even express how this recording affected me. Her warm golden voice evokes all too well the nun who learns her baby died without her. Her Cavalleria Rusticana: The Easter Hymn: Regina Coel was magnificient. I think this is the best recording I have of this perennial favorite. Her Madam Butterfly was fantastic. I would love to see her perform this role.

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Great Opera Moments II Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Great Opera Moments 1 Russian Album Essential Mozart Opera Mozart: Vesperae solennes de confessore; Kryrie in D minor; Ave verum corpus; Exsultate, jubilate Mozart: String quartets K. 465 "Dissonance", K. 458 "The Hunt" & K. 421 ASIN: B000ASAEPI Release Date: 2006-01-10

Average customer rating:

Momenti Julio Iglesias Manufacturer: Sony Bmg/Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Italian | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tutto L'amore Che Ti Manca Sono Un Pirata, Sono Un Signore Una Donna Puo Cambiar la Vita ASIN: B00005S1E2 Release Date: 1991-08-29

Tracks:

1. Sono un Vagabondo
2. Donna Che Voglio
3. Bella Bella
4. Momenti
5. Amor, Amor, Amor
6. Nathalie
7. Se l'Amore Se Ne Va
8. Venezia a Settembre
9. Avanti Tutta (No Soy de Aqui)
10. Arrangiati Amore (Que Nadie)

World Music:

1. Mosaic: Celtic Harp
2. Mulemba Xangola
3. Music of the Nile: The Original African Sanctus J
4. Nada Como Um Dia Apos O Outro Dia [Import]
5. Nightingale [Import]
6. Nolita [Import]
7. Novo Millennium [Import]
8. Nuntereggae Piu' [Import]
9. É O Tchan: 10 Anos [Live] [Import]
10. Ovalo/BBL-1507 [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

ADRENALINE RUSH

Contemporary Flemish Composers

Forever

Preludes & Rhapsodies [Original recording remastered]

Giulietta degli Spiriti (Juliet of the Spirits), (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Soundtrack] [Import]

Elements: Fire

Down the Road [Import]

Electroretard

Celtic Wedding: Music of Brittany

Couperin: Messe/Balbastre: A La Venue De Noël

Gone With the Wind [Import]

Everything Will Be Allright

Critical Beatdown

Ballad of Gypsy Jack

A Trip in Trance