Gli Anni [Import]

1. Io Ci Saro

2. Nord Sud Ovest Est

3. Tieni Il Tempo

4. Rotta Per Casa Di Dio

5. Una Canzone D'amore

6. Hanno Ucciso L'uomo Ragno

7. Nella Notte

8. Nessun Rimpianto

9. Sei Un Mito

10. Gli Anni

11. Come Mai

12. Regola Dell'amico

13. Senza Averti Qui

14. Con Un Deca

15. Ti Sento Vivere

16. Andra Tutto Bene

17. Leggero - Live

Gli Anni,883,Wea,World Music

Average customer rating: Needs better singers

Mozart: Così fan tutte / Mackerras [Highlights] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edinburgh Festival Chorus , Scottish Chamber Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Felicity Lott , Marie McLaughlin , Nuccia Focile , Jerry Hadley , Gilles Cachemaille , and Alessandro Corbelli Manufacturer: Telarc 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 Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music $7.99 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 Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies ASIN: B000003D12 Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

1. Ouvertura
2. Terzetto 'La Mia Dorabella Capace Non E'
3. Duetto: 'Ah, Guarda, Sorella'
4. Aria: 'Vorrei Dir'
5. Quintetto: 'Sento, Oddio Che Questo Piede'
6. Coro: 'Bella Vita Militar!'
7. Quintetto (Con Coro) 'Di Scrivermi Ogni Giorno'
8. Terzettino: 'Soave Sia Il Vento'
9. Aria: 'Smanie Implacabili'
10. Aria: 'In Uomini, In Soldati'
11. Aria: 'Come Scoglio Immoto Resta'
12. Aria: 'Non Siate Ritrosi'
13. Terzetto: 'E Voi Ridete'
14. Aria: 'Un'aura Amorosa'
15. Aria: 'Una Donna A Quindici Anni'
16. Quartetto: 'La Mano A Me Date'
17. Duetto: 'Il Core Vi Dono, Bell'idolo Mio
18. Aria: 'Ah, Lo Veggio: Quell'anima Bella'
19. Rondo: 'Per Pieta, Ben Mio, Perdona'
20. Aria: 'Donne Mie, La Fate A Tanti'
21. Cavatina: 'Tradito, Schernito'
22. Aria: 'E Amore Un Ladroncello'
23. Duetto: 'Fra Gli Amplessi'
24. Aria: 'Tutti Accusan Le Donne'

Customer Reviews:

Needs better singers.......2000-10-15

I like the smart cover painting and the lively direction of Mackerras. However, the cast is nothing to brag about. Come Scoglio doesn't sound good, and the rest of the arias are only okay. The chorus, however, is magnificent. Overall, an okay recording and a generous highlights disc, but there are better choices out there.

Average customer rating: The Troubles with Thomas Make sure you buy 2! But one complaint Voices of power A Masterful Double Bill

No Tenors Allowed: Famous Duets for Baritone and Bass Giuseppe Verdi , Vincenzo Bellini , Gaetano Donizetti , Münchner Rundfunkorchester , Miguel Gomez-Martinez , Thomas Hampson , Samuel Ramey , and Domenico Cimarosa Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cimarosa, Domenico | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Samuel Ramey - Operatic Arias Date With the Devil The Very Best of Thomas Hampson Leading Man Samuel Ramey: Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye: Songs of Barber, ASIN: B00000I8T3 Release Date: 1999-03-16

Tracks:

1. Il matrimonio segreto: Se fiato in corpo avete
2. Don Pasquale: Cheti, cheti immantinente
3. Marino Faliero: Israele, che vuoi?...Se pur giungi a trucidarlo
4. I Puritani: Il rival salvar tu dei...Suoni la tromba
5. Attila: Uldino, a me dinanzi...Tardo per gli anni
6. Don Carlos: Restez!
7. Simon Boccanegra: Suona ogni labbro il mio nome
8. Un Giorno de Regno (Il finto stanislao): Tutte l'ami!

Amazon.com

This disc is remarkable in many ways. Not only does it bring together two of opera's reigning lower-voiced superstars, it shows them at their best and presents, in addition, repertoire we rarely get to hear. In the past, Samuel Ramey has occasionally come across as bland and Thomas Hampson as just a bit too eager for a man with what is essentially a very lyric baritone voice. But their chemistry here works: Ramey is filled with passion--some of it comic (as Don Pasquale), some of it vitriolic (as Fiesco), and some of it loony (as Attila); throughout, his burnished tone never lets him down. Hampson is charming and in handsome voice as well--equally light and patterful when comic (a delicious Malatesta), and nicely dire (Ezio and Rodrigue). He isn't up to Simon Boccanegra's stature either vocally or emotionally (for that, listen to the classic performance of Piero Cappuccilli, but the sheer loveliness of his singing is enough to carry the day. A must for fans of either gent, and an intelligent, unhackneyed collection of music to boot. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

The Troubles with Thomas.......2005-12-31

This could have been a fantastic album, but ends up falling well short of that owing to Thomas Hampson. I have never understood the fawning praise Mr. Hampson receives. His voice is unpleasant, his musical interpretations are well-below average, and his coloratura is completely non-existant -- for an excellent example of this, compare, in the Pasquale duet, Ramey's exquisite descending scales in the "aspetta, aspetta, cara sposina" phrase with Hampson's sloppy counterpart, "il poverino, sogna vendetta". The "i" in "poverino" is supposed to carry over four separate notes, and not one note, a whooping cough, and a closing note! Judging by some interviews I've read and/or seen, Mr. Hampson appears to be a decent, down-to-earth gentleman. As an opera singer, however, he's mediocre at best. This recording is worth owning thanks to Ramey, who is absolutely top-notch.

Make sure you buy 2!.......2005-01-05

One to keep, one to give away. You'll wind up burning one for the car and one for the office regardless. A friend lent me this CD and I've bought 4 so far. One of the best! I can't recommend it enough.

But one complaint.......2004-08-21

Amusing concept, wonderful singing. But one question: Why was the Dandini-Don Magnifico duet from LA CENERENTOLA not included? Since they wanted to have two buffo duets, I think that would have been a better choice that the MATRIMONIO SEGRETO number.

Voices of power.......2004-03-21

It had always been my impression that when basses and baritones got together to sing, they were either intent on murdering each other, or else they were engaged in a jolly, male-bonding patter song. "No Tenors Allowed" (NTA) has examples of both of these types of duets. But the lower voices are also opera's authority figures, so we also have a smattering of Doges and Kings on this CD.

The basso cantante of Samuel Ramey and the baritone of Thomas Hampson swirl together like chocolate liqueur in coffee. This CD vibrates with dark sonics. Both artists bring their considerable powers of interpretation to these roles--no fooling around with buffo here, just wonderful singing.

There are a total of eight duets by Cimarosa, Donizetti, Bellini, and Verdi on this CD. Among my favorites:

"Cheti, cheti immantinente" from Donizetti's "Don Pasquale"--The elderly Don Pasquale (Ramey) and his personal physician Malatesta (Hampson) plot to catch Pasquale's young 'bride' in the garden with her lover. This might not sound like a particularly jolly situation, but the duet captures the verve of a hilarious plot--lots of "oh ho's," "ha ha's," and "hee hee's" scattered throughout--the very epitome of bass-baritone hilarity. Listening to this duet, I'm almost tempted to regret Ramey's preference for serious roles over lighter repertory like "Don Pasquale." His old buffoon schemes and whines and chuckles without a trace of vulgarity, just pure musicality. Both singers are patter-perfect.

"Suona ogni labbro il mio nome" from Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra"--This is the first of two great duets between adversaries Jacopo Fiesco, patrician and currently Doge of Genoa (Ramey) and Simon Boccanegra, a plebian and the future Doge (Hampson). Fiesco still hasn't forgiven Boccanegra for stealing the love of his daughter, Maria, who has borne Boccanegra a daughter out of wedlock. In this duet, Ramey's fury contrasts vividly with Hampson's pleading, "Padre mio, pieta t'implora..." as the baritone tells him of the loss of his little daughter (Fiesco's granddaughter). What Boccanegra does not yet know is that his lover, Maria has died. This duet is another fine example of a Verdian father-daughter heartbreaker, in which both men are mourning the loss of a daughter. Hampson sings with dramatic conviction, almost a sweet sound compared to the menacing undercurrent of Ramey's bass, but also dignified.

If you are a fan of the lower fach in Italian opera, NTA is a 'must' for your CD library.

A Masterful Double Bill.......2002-08-13

This is one cd that I may actually wear out. I love this collection! What a marvelous idea, to highlight the most under-represented opera format--the bass/baritone duet--and bring together two of the current best--Ramey and Hampson--to pull it off. I am a bass-baritone and find all these selections a wonderful change of pace from the usuall opera recording. The liner notes are hilarious, with their tongue-in-cheek (or not) poke at tenors. My only complaint, and it is a significant one, is this the libreto. Come on, guys, no English (or German or French) translations? It would have helped with the duets from lessor known operas, Cimarosa's, for instances. But all in all, an excellent effort that I recommend highly!

Average customer rating: Refreshing and Surprising! Some of the most thought-provoking recordings ever, combined with some of the most perfect performances I have ever heard. Best ever!!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro / Don Giovanni / Così fan tutte / Die Zauberflöte - The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus / Arnold Östman Barbara Bonney , Arleen Auger , and The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus 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 | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Fra) Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen Mozart Opera Glyndebourne Collection: Cosi fan Tutte, Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Entfuhhrung aus dem Serail, Idomeneo, Die Zauberflote (6 DVDs) Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 ASIN: B00006IU7V Release Date: 2003-03-11

Album Details

These Pioneering Performances of Four of Mozart's Greatest and Most Popular Operas under the Direction of Arnold Östman were Recorded at Nacka Aula, Stockholm. They all Attracted Great Critical Acclaim at the Time of their Original Release and have Been a Part of Decca's Vast Opera Catalogue Ever Since. The Da Ponte Trilogy (One of the Greatest Librettist/Composer Collaborations in the Entire History of Music), Comprising Le Nozze Di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Così Fan Tutte, is Paired with One of Mozart's Last Operas, Dating from the Last Year of his Life, Die Zauberflöte. The Superb Casts Assembled for These Recordings Include Such Experienced Mozart Interpreters as Arleen Auger (Countess, Donna Anna), Barbara Bonney (Susanna, Zerlina, Pamina), Håkan Hagegård (Count, Don Giovanni, Speaker), Sumi Jo (Queen of the Night), Della Jones (Marcellina, Donna Elvira), Petteri Salomaa (Figaro), Kurt Streit (Tamino), Lillian Watson (Papagena), Gösta Winbergh (Ferrando), Rachel Yakar (Fiordilig

Customer Reviews:

Refreshing and Surprising!.......2006-11-24

I would strongly recommend this collection to anyone who is seeking a new approach and sound world for these Mozart operas. Ostman opts for brisk tempi and transparent textures, but hardly ever at the expense of characterization or expressivity. The singers respond to the challenge with performances that bristle with excitement and fun. The cast blends with the orchestra like a chamber music ensemble, inspiring the listener to experience the opera as a conversation between the text and the intimations expressed in Mozart's musically and psychologically penetrating orchestration. Occasionally one may miss the lyric line and warmth associated with such great Mozart conductors as Bruno Walter or Karl Bohm; but the brio, virtousity, and brilliant insights of Ostman compensate with different kinds of rewards. Also, there is an intimate atmosphere in these recordings that is most faithful to the ethos and meaning of the libretti themselves. After listening to this period approach, my understanding of Mozart has changed radically, and I continue to relish the challenge that these performances have given to my interpretative sensibilities.

Some of the most thought-provoking recordings ever, combined with some of the most perfect performances I have ever heard........2005-09-14

First of all, I must state first that I was ANXIOUS to write this rave review. Ever since I got these cd's and realized the treause that is to be found in these recordings I just couldn't wait until I'd had the chance to tell everybody else about it... I honestly believe these recordings should be heard by anybody who is interested in this repertoire and music in general, since this are also some of the most perfect pieces of music in the repertoire.

As for the music itself, I am not going to write about. I think it is enough to read my last sentence to realize exactly what I think about it - and it is really just a must. That's composition taken to the highest possible level.

What I do want to write is about the performances.
Arnold Ostman, not the most known figure in the musical world, (not even amongst musicians- I come from Juilliard, and that name is definitely not one everybody knows) has created in the 80's in Mozart the equivalent of what Harnoncourt and Gardiner have done in Bach performance practice, i.e. has totally changed the conecption which was assimilated into everybody's mind regarding notions about how music of that era should sound like.

Trying to create a performance experience which emulates Mozart's period performance practice he changed everything starting from tempos, through ornamentation and of course- the voices themselves.

For us, most people indoctrinated by the post-romantisicm eastablished especially by Herbert von Karajan and the ilks of him, the first initial response will be a shock. The almost imperceptible swift tempos, the small voices etc. are sure to knock over anybody who haven't heard these recordings before. It might create an intial negative response but hang-on there, as the result is so much more gratifying then of hearing a recording of Karajan, Giulini, Furtwangler or any GREAT other conductor from that era- They were obviously incredible musical figures, but in terms of style and total perception of the piece it just doesn't work on the same level, in Mozart of course. (You'd still want to keep your Furtwangler's ninth copy...)

What is so great about Ostman is the freshness of mind with which he walks into every piece. Just like a real iconoclast
it seems as if he has landed from an entire different planet, and is just coming to conduct these pieces and give their debut. I can't give a more sincere and true compliment than that, musically speaking.

The results are the most fresh interpretations up to date of Mozart most important operas which also derive from some of the best vocal performances I have ever heard.
Under Ostman's direction it seems as though all the singers bloom and give their most musical and inspired performances,
holding on under the swiftest tempos in an admirable way. There is no point in pointing out names because it is as in a rule that the performances are just stellar one by one, even though not carrying around sometimes the most famous names.

This is not to say that all of the recordings in this set are equally perfect, and that I agree to all of the interprations and the insights given by Ostman, but you can't disregard the feeling that he knew EXACTLY what he wanted and executed it almost flawlessly. (the one exception might be small part of Cosi, mainly the overture, which was recorded very early in the stages of period instruments playing- therefore not always as perfect as you would have liked to hear it, but the performance as a whole is still the most beautiful Cosi I know.)

As for the packaging itself: The price is a complete steal, (incredible especially if you order it through other sellers, got mine for about 40$). What you DON'T get are the librettos, so you'd HAVE to get them from a different source. Either a different recording you might have, (you just might want one of the standard reference recordings one usually hears about like Giulini's) or you could just buy the librettos through Amazon, would still cost you very little.

Should not be missed by any terms by anybody who cares for music.

Ran

Best ever!!.......2004-01-12

Ostman created a stir when he made these recordings in the 1980s. And now it available in a collectors' edition box. I'm so excited. Sumi Jo's Queen of the Night here is even better than her recording for Solti. Ostman's Don Giovanni is the fastest I've ever heard, not to mention the most exciting. This Cosi Fan Tutte is Gramophone's reference Cosi. And this Figaro has many "alternative" arias that other recordings never bother with. Don't worry, the alternative is at the back so you can program it out. In fact, this is the only set of Mozart operas with ALL the alternative arias available. Even Gardiner does not have some of these. So this is a supreme set of importance.

I cannot recommend this too highly. Exciting performances now available in Decca's collectors' edition.

Average customer rating: Rare but well-polished Verdi gems.

Les Introuvables Du Chant Verdien Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Giannini, Dusolina | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Les Introuvables du Chant Français Les Introuvables Du Chant Wagnérien The Verdi Recordings Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli plays Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, etc. (Box) [Germany] ASIN: B000051W4C Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

1. Ernani: Act I: Surta E La Notte... Ernani! Ernani, Involami - Frieda Hempel
2. Ernani: Act I: Che Mai Vegg'io!... Infelice!... Infin Che Un Brando Vindice - Boris Christoff
3. Ernani: Act II: Vieni Meco... - Mattia Battistini/Emillia Cors/Chor Del Teatro Alla Scala
4. Ernani: Act III: O De' Verd'anni Miei - Giuseppe Kaschmann/Salvatore Cottone
5. Ernani: Act III: Gran Dio!... O De' Verd'anni Miei - Benvenuto Franci
6. Ernani: Act III: O Sommo Carlo - Mattia Battistini/Emillia Corsi/Luigi Colazza/Aristodemo Silich/Chor Del Teatro Alla Scala
7. Il Trovatore: Act I: Tacea La Notte Placida - Giannina Arangi-Lombardi
8. Il Trovatore: Act I: Deserto Sulla Terra - Francesco Tamagno
9. Il Trovatore: Act II: Stride La Vampa! - Fedora Barbiera
10. Il Trovatore: Act II: Condotta Ell'era In Ceppi - Margarete Klose
11. Il Trovatore: Act II: Perigliarti Ancor (Sung In German) - Margarete Matzenauer/Heinrich Knote
12. Il Trovatore: Act II: Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso - Giuseppe Pacini
13. Il Trovatore: Act III: Ah! Si Ben Mio, Coll'essere - Charles Dalmores
14. Il Trovatore: Act III: Di Quella Pira (Sung In French) - Cesar Vezzani
15. Il Trovatore: Act III: Di Quella Pira - Jussi Bjorling
16. Il Trovatore: Act IV: Timor Di Me?... D'amor Sull'ali Rosee - Emmy Destinn
17. Il Trovatore: Act IV: D'amor Sull'ali Rosee (Sung In German) - Frida Leider
18. Il Trovatore: Act IV: D'amor Sull'ali Rosee - EVA TURNER
19. Il Trovatore: Act IV: Udiste?... Mira, D'acerbe Lagrime... Vivra! - Carlo Galeffi/Giannina Arragi-Lombardi
20. Il Trovatore: Act IV: Si M'ami Ancor... Ai Nostri Monti - Beniamino Gigli/Cloe Elmo

Tracks:

1. Macbeth: Act II: La Luce Langue (Sung In German) - Martha Modl
2. Macbeth: Act IV: O Figli, O Figli Mie!... Ah La Paterna Mano - Enrico Caruso
3. Macbeth: Act IV: Una Macchia E Qui Tuttora - Margherita Grandi/Vera Terry/Ernest Frank
4. Rigoletto: Act I: Questa O Quella - Alfred Piccaver
5. Rigoletto: Act I: Questa O Quella - Dino Borgioli
6. Rigoletto: Act I: Pari Siamo! - Tito Gobbi
7. Rigoletto: Act I: Gia Tre Lune... Veglia, O Donna (Sung In German) - Claire Dux/Joseph Schwartz
8. Rigoletto: Act I: E Il Sol Dell'anima (Sung In French) - Miguel Villabella/Elde Norena
9. Rigoletto: Act I: Caro Nome (Sung In Russian) - Lydia Lipowska
10. Rigoletto: Act I: Caro Nome (Sung In German) - Maria Ivogun
11. Rigoletto: Act II: Cortigiani, Vil Razza Damnata (Sung In German) - Joseph Schwarz
12. Rigoletto: Act II: Cortigianni, Vil Razza Damnata - Pasquale Amato
13. Rigoletto: Act II: Ciel! Dammi Corraggio! Tutte Le Feste - Olimpia Boronat
14. Rigoletto: Act II: Tutte Le Feste... Piangi Fanciulla - Lotte Schone/Herbert Janssen
15. Rigoletto: Act II: No, Vecchio, T'inganni... Si Vendetta - Maria Galvany
16. Rigoletto: Act III: La Donna E Mobile - Enrico Caruso
17. Rigoletto: Act III: La Donna E Mobile - Tino Folgar
18. Rigoletto: Act III: Bella Figlia Dell'amore - Beniamino Gigli/Louise Homer/Amelita Galli-Curci/Giuseppe De Luca
19. Rigoletto: Act III: O Mia Gilda... Lassu In Ciel - Tito Ruffo/Graziella Pareto

Tracks:

1. Simon Boccanegra: Prologuo: A Te L'estremo Addio... Il Lacerto Spirito - Francesco Navarini
2. Simon Boccanegra: Prologuo: A te L'estremo Addio... Il Lacertato Spirito - Alexander Kipnis
3. La Traviata: Act I: Un Di, Felice - Bjorn Talen/Lola Artot De Padila
4. La Traviata: Act I: Ah Fors' e Lui (Sung In Russian) - Antonina Neshdanova/Umberto Mazetti
5. La Traviata: Act I: Ah Fors'e Lui - Maria kousnezoff
6. La Traviata: Act I: Ah Fors'e Lui... Follie!... Sempre Libera - Luisa Tetrazzini
7. La Traviata: Act II: De' Miel Bollenti Spiriti - Fernando De Lucia
8. La Traviata: Act II: Lunge Da Lei... De' Miei Bollentti Spiriti - Giuseppe Di Stefano
9. La Traviata: Act II: Dite Alla Giovine - Nellie Melba/John Brownlee/Harold Craxton
10. La Traviata: Act II: Madamigella Valery?... Pura Siccome Un Angelo... Dite Alla Giovine - Rolando Panerai/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
11. La Traviata: Act II: Che Fai? Nulla Scrivevi? (Sung In German) - Helge Roswaenge/Maria Cebotari
12. La Traviata: Act II: Mio Figlio... Di Provenza - Mattia Battistini
13. La Traviata: Act II: Alfredo, Alfredo... - Lilli Lehmann
14. La Traviata: Act III: Teneste La Promessa... Addio, Del Passato - Claudio Muzio
15. La Traviata: Act III: Teneste La Promessa... Addio De Passato - Margherita Carosio

Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Act I: Sperate, O Figli - Nazzareno De Angelis
2. Nabucco: Act II: Anch'io Dischiuso Un Giorno - Ines De Frate
3. Nabucco: Act III: Ah! Prigioniero Io Sono... Dio Di Giuda - Carlo Galeffi
4. La Forza Del Destino: Act I: Ma Pellegrina Ed Orfana - Gina Cigna
5. La Forza Del Destino: Act II: Madre, Pietosa Vergine - Celestina Boninsegna
6. La Forza Del Destino: Act II: Son Giunta!... Madre, Pietosa Vergine - Dusolina Giannini
7. La Forza Del Destino: Act II: Chi Puo Legger Nel Futoro (Sung In German) - Ivan Andresen/Meta Seinemeyer
8. La Forza Del Destino: Act II: Alzatevi... La Vergine Degli Angeli - Ezio Pinza/Rosa Ponselle/Chor Of The Metropolitan Opr
9. La Forza Del Destino: Act III: O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli - Francesco Merli
10. La Forza Del Destino: Act III: Solene In Quest'ora - Enrico Caruso/Antonio Scotti
11. La Forza Del Destino: Act III: Morir!... Urna Fatale... E Salvo (Sung In German) - Heinrich Schlusnus
12. La Forza Del Destino: Act IV: Invano, Alvaro - Gino Bechi/Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
13. La Forza Del Destino: Act IV: Pace, Pace, Mio Dio - Salomea Kruszelnicka
14. La Forza Del Destino: Act IV: Pace, Pace, Mio Dio - Zinka Milanov
15. La Forza Del Destino: Act IV: Non Imprecare - Ezio Pinza/Rosa Ponselle/Giovanni Martinelli

Tracks:

1. Don Carlo: Act I: E Lui... Dio, Che Nell'alma - Giuseppe De Luca/Giovanni Martinelli
2. Don Carlo: Act II: Nell Giardin Del Bello (Sung In German) - Margarete Arndt-Ober
3. Don Carlo: Act II: Restate - Boris Christoff/Tito Gobbi
4. Don Carlo: Act IV: Ou Suis-je!... Je Dormirai Dans Mon Manteau Royal (Sung In French) - Pol Plancon
5. Don Carlo: Act III: Ella Giammai M'amo!... Dormiro Sol - Boris Christoff
6. Don Carlo: Act III: O Don Fatale - Frida Leider
7. Don Carlo: Act III: O Don Fatale - Clara Butt
8. Don Carlo: Act III: I. Convien Qui Dirci Addio... Per Me Giunto/II. O Carlo Ascolta... Lo Morro - Tito Gobbi
9. Don Carlo: Act IV: Tu Che Le Vanita - Hertha Stolzenberg
10. I Vespri Siciliani: Act II: O Tu Palermo - Boris Christoff
11. I Vespri Siciliani: Act III: In Braccia Alle Dovizie - Riccardo Stracciari
12. I Vespri Siciliani: Act IV: Giorno Di Pianto (Sung In German) - Helge Roswaenge
13. I Vespri Siciliani: Act IV: Arrigo! Ah Parli A Un Core - Ester Mazzoleni
14. I Vespri Siciliani: Act IV: Merce, Dilette Amiche - Rosa Raisa

Tracks:

1. I Lombardi/Jerusalem: Act II: Je Veux Encore Entendre - Leonce Escalais
2. I Lombardi/Jerusalem: Act II: Grace, Mon Dieu!... O Jour Fatal - Paul Payan
3. I Lombardi/Jerusalem: Act III: Or Non Piu... Qual Volutta Trascorrere - Elisabeth Rethberg/Beniamino Gigli/Ezio Pinza
4. Aida: Act I: Celeste Aida (Sung In French) - Paul Franz
5. Aida: Act I: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!... Celeste Aida (Sung In German) - Helge Roswaenge
6. Aida: Act I: I Sacri Nomi (Sung In French) - Felia Litvinne
7. Aida: Act I: Ritorna Vincitor - Giannina Russ
8. Aida: Act I: Ritorna Vincitor - Florence Austral
9. Aida: Act III: O Patria Mia (Sung In German) - Emmy Destinn
10. Aida: Act III: Qui Radames Verra... O Patria Mia (Sung In Russian) - Natalia Yushina
11. Aida: Act III: Pur Ti Riveggo - Giovanni Martinelli/Rosa Ponselle
12. Aida: Act III: Fuggiam Gli Ardori Inospiti (Sung In German) - Elsa Bland/Leo Slezak
13. Aida: Act III: Lo L'amo Sempre... Gia I Sacerdoti (Sung In German) - Sabine Kalter/Richard Tauber
14. Aida: Act III: Ohime!... Morir Mi Sento - Ebe Stignani/Chor Del Teatro Dell'Opr Di Roma
15. Aida: Act III: Morir Si Pura E Bella (Sung In German) - Leo Slezak/Sofie Sedlmair
16. Aida: Act III: O Terra, Addio - Johanna Gadski/Enrico Caruso

Tracks:

1. I Due Foscari: Act I: O Vecchio Cor - Riccardo Stracciari
2. I Due Foscari: Act I: Questa Dunque - Pasquale Amato
3. Otello: Act I: Esultate - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
4. Otello: Act I: Esultate - John O'Sullivan
5. Otello: Act I: Qua, Ragazzi... Inaffia L'ugola! - Apollo Granforte/Nello Palai/Piero Girardi/Chor Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano
6. Otello: Act I: Gia Nella Notte - Tino Pattiera/Meta Seinemeyer
7. Otello: Act II: Credo In Un Dio Crudel - Cesare Formichi
8. Otello: Act II: Tu! Indietro... Ora E Per Sempre Addio (Sung In French) - Jose Luccioni
9. Otello: Act II: Tu! Indietro... Ora E Per Sempre Addio - Mario Del Monaco
10. Otello: Act II: Era La Notte - Eugenio Giraldoni
11. Otello: Act II: E Qual Certezza... Era La Notte - Lawrence Tibbett
12. Otello: Act II: Si Pel Ciel - Giovanni Zenatello/Paquale Amato
13. Otello: Act III: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar (Sung In German) - Lauritz Melchior
14. Otello: Act III: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Renato Zanelli
15. Otello: Act IV: Piangea Cantando (Sung In German) - Lotte Lehmann
16. Otello: Act IV: Mia Madre Aveva Una Pavera Ancella - Yvonne Gall
17. Otello: Act IV: Ave Maria (Sung In German) - Tiana Lemnitz
18. Otello: Act IV: Niun Mi Tema - Francesco Tamagno/Salvatore Cottone
19. Otello: Act IV: Niun Mi Tema - Giuseppe Borgatti

Tracks:

1. Luisa Miller: Act I: Ah! Tutto M'arride... Il Mio Sangue - Tancredi Pasero
2. Luisa Miller: Act II: Oh! Fede Negar Potessi... Quando Le Sere Al Placido - Giuseppe Anselmi
3. Luisa Miller: Act II: Quando Le Sere Al Placido - Aureliano Pertile
4. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act I: Zitti... L'incanto... Re Dell'abisso - Irene Minghini-Cattaneo
5. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act I: E' Scherzo Od E Follia - Aureliano Pertile/Ines Maria Ferraris/Luis Bertana/Antonio Righetti/Cesare Baromeo
6. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act II: Ma Dall'arido Stelo - Eugenai Burzio
7. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act II: Ma Dall'arido Stelo - Hina Spani
8. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act III: Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia (Sung In German) - Melanie Kurt
9. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act III: Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia - Elisabeth Rethberg
10. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act III: Eri Tu - Giuseppe De Luca
11. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act III: Saper Vorreste - Selma Kurz
12. Un Ballo In Maschera: Act III: Forse La Soglia Attinse... Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti - Antonio Cortis
13. Falstaff: Act I: L'onore! - Mariano Stabile
14. Falstaff: Act II: Alfin, T'ho Colto... Quand'ero Paggio - Antonio Magini-Coletti/Elisa Petri
15. Falstaff: Act II: Quand'ero Paggio - Victor Maurel
16. Falstaff: Act III: Ehi! Taverniere - Mariano Stabile
17. Falstaff: Act III: Da Labbro Il Canto - Tito Schipa
18. Falstaff: Act III: Sul Fil D'un Soffio Etesio - Toti Dal Monte/Chor Del Teatro Alla Scal, Milano

Amazon.com

This collection, whose French title might be translated "Verdi Vocal Rarities," is a unique contribution to the Verdi centennial year. Its 136 selections on eight compact discs offer an in-depth survey of singers who recorded notable Verdi performances during the era of 78-rpm recording. Coincidentally, this period covers, within a few years, the half- century after the composer's death, in 1901. Some of the singers in the earliest cuts--tenor Francesco Tamagno and bass Victor Maurel, for example--had known Verdi and sung for him. Many of the singers will be familiar to connoisseurs of Verdi discography--Enrico Caruso, Boris Christoff, Fedora Barbieri, Ezio Pinza, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Tito Gobbi, Beniamino Gigli, and Jussi Bjoerling, to name a few. Others, such as Frieda Hempel, Emmy Destinn, Martha Modl, Joseph Schwarz, Gino Cigna, and Mattia Battistini, are names you come across in books about opera, but you have heard their voices only if you spend a lot of time with historic recordings. And a lot of performances, including some of the best, are likely to be the work of singers encountered for the first time.

Most of the big moments from Verdi's operas are included--grouped by opera, not by chronological order of recording. There are a few strange omissions; for example, the "Miserere" scene from Il trovatore. But other selections, such as "Ah fors' e lui" and "La donna e mobile," are given in two or three performances--sometimes in French, German, or Russian as well as Italian. Some of the performances are classics; many are mind-boggling.

Some favorite Verdi singers--Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti, among them--are absent because they began recording after the collection's cutoff date. Other problems are mostly related to the dates of the original recordings. The sound is all pre-high-fidelity and sometimes quite primitive, though some remarkable work has been done to optimize the earliest items. The annotations are minimal--mostly the date, venue, and performers in each cut, with pictures of the biggest stars. This decision was probably made to keep the price low, and those who already know most of the arias and ensembles will likely find the tradeoff acceptable. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Rare but well-polished Verdi gems........2001-10-21

Classical music enthusiasts will have become aware that EMI have been marketing several boxed sets with a French title containing the word "introuvables". The word suggests that when you open the box you'll find items that are so rare as to be almost unobtainable. It suggests also that their rarity is not due only to age or production limitations, it is also due to the incomparability of their quality.

Few would quibble about the quality of what is to be found in this splendid collection of Verdi "introuvables". You will hear how Emmy Destinn portrayed Aida yearning for her homeland in 1908, and how Elisabeth Schwarzkopf portrayed Violetta intereacting with her lover's father in 1953. You will hear several items duplicated. Francesco Navarini, recorded in 1907 with a piano, makes a stunning Fiesco in the "Simon Boccanegra" prologue, as is not up-staged by the more familiar Alexander Kipnis version which follows.

You might regret that your favourite Verdi record is not here. You'll have opportunities to make comparisons, however. I could never believe that anyone could equal Giuseppe de Luca'a 1930 "O sommo Carlo" from "Ernani, but here I have a chance to hear for the first time how the famous baritone Mattia Battistini did it in 1906.

Keith Hardwick compiled and transferred this collection originally in the late 1980s. He has augmented and transferred that issue onto 8 CDs, and provided the annotations. Full recording details are provided, there are many singer photographs but no singer biographies.

The recording dates range from 1903 to 1953. Sadly, almost all the singers - Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf being a notable exception - are all dead by now. Those of us who have opportunities to hear and collect their work, however, can be grateful that the older we get the better it sounds. Indeed, I have never heard any of the items included here in better transfers. Elsewhere I have given this issue a five star rating. Subsequent hearings have made me aware of a technical matter which may bother some listeners. This set has been transferred from the long playing records on which it was originally issued. Their pristine sound quality has been preserved but also some of the ghostly "swish" that accompanied each revolution.

Average customer rating: Una de la mejores interpretaciones en CD del Cosi fan tutte Overrated, but decent Which classic Cosi to buy--Karajan or Bohm? AN INEXPENSIVE EDITION OF A CLASSIC PERFORMANCE

Mozart: Così Fan Tutte 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 General | Symphonies | 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 Similar Items: Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic Britten - Death in Venice / Peter Pears · John Shirley-Quirk · James Bowman · Kenneth Bowen · Stuart Bedford Cosi fan tutte (Opera Journeys Mini Guide Series) Puccini Without Excuses: A Refreshing Reassessment of the World's Most Popular Composer Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life ASIN: B000BL98ME Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. Sinfonia/Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus
2. La Mia Dorabella Capace Non E - Rolando Panerai
3. Cessate Di Scherzar - Rolando Panerai
4. E La Fede Delle Femmine - Rolando Panerai
5. Scioccherie Di Poeti! - Rolando Panerai
6. Una Bella Serenata - Rolando Panerai
7. Ah, Guarda, Sorella - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
8. Mi Par Che Stamattina - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
9. Barbaro Fato!...Vorrei Dir, E Cor Non Ho - Sesto Bruscantini
10. Stelle! Per Carita, Signor Alfonso - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
11. Sento, Oddio, che Questo Piede - Various Artists
12. O Cielo, Questo E Il Tamburo Funesto - Various Artists
13. Bella Vita Militar! - Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus
14. Non V'e Piu Tempo - Various Artists
15. Muoio D'affano!...Di Scrivermi Ogni Giorno - Various Artists
16. Oh, Di, come Veloce Se Ne Va Quella Barca! - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
17. Soave Sia Il Vento - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
18. Quante Smorfie...Quante Buffonerie! - Sesto Bruscantini
19. Che Vita Maledetta - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
20. Ah, Scostati!...Smanie Implacabili Che M'agitate - Nan Merriman
21. Signora Dorabella, Signora Fiordiligi - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
22. In Uomini, In Soldati Sperare Fedelta? - Lisa Otto
23. Despinetta!...Chi Batte? - Lisa Otto
24. Alla Bella Despinetta - Various Artists
25. Oh, Ciel! Mirate: Uomini In Cosa Nostra - Various Artists
26. Come Scoglio Immoto Resta - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
27. Ah, Non Partite! - Various Artists
28. Non Siate Ritrosi - Rolando Panerai
29. E Voi Ridete? - Rolando Panerai
30. E Avete Ancora Coraggio Di Fiatar? - Rolando Panerai
31. un'aura Amorosa Del Nostro Tesoro - Leopold Simoneau
32. E Come Credi Che L'affar Finira? - Lisa Otto

Tracks:

1. Ah, Che Tutto In Un Momento - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
2. Si Mora, Si, Si Mora - Various Artists
3. Eccovi Il Medico - Various Artists
4. Dove Son? Che Loco E Questo? - Various Artists
5. Dammi Un Bacio, O Mio Tesoro - Various Artists
6. Andate La, Che Siete Due Bizzarre Ragazze! - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
7. Una Donna A Quindici Anni - Lisa Otto
8. Sorella, Cosa Dici? - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
9. Prendero Quel Brunettino - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
10. Secondate, Aurette Amiche - Rolando Panerai
11. Cos'e Tal Mascherata? - Various Artists
12. La Mano A Me Date - Various Artists
13. Oh, che Bella Giornata! - Various Artists
14. Il Core Vi Dono - Rolando Panerai
15. Ei Parte...Senti...Ah No! - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
16. Per Pieta, Ben Mio, Perdona - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
17. Amico, Abbiamo Vinto! - Leopold Simoneau
18. Donne Mie, La Fate A Tanti A Tanti - Rolando Panerai
19. In Qual Fiero Contrasto - Leopold Simoneau
20. Tradito, Schernito - Leopold Simoneau
21. Bravo, Questa E Costanza - Rolando Panerai

Tracks:

1. Ora Vedo Che Siete Una Donna Di Garbo - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
2. E Amore Un Ladroncello - Nan Merriman
3. Come Tutto Congiura - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
4. Fra Gli Amplessi In Pochi Istanti - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
5. Ah, Poveretto Me, Cosa Ho Veduto! - Rolando Panerai
6. Tutti Accusan Le Donne - Rolando Panerai
7. Vittoria Padroncini! - Various Artists
8. Fate Presto, O Cari Amici - Lisa Otto
9. Benedetti I Doppi Coniugi - Various Artists
10. E Nel Tuo, Nel Mio Bicchiero - Various Artists
11. Bella Vita Militar! - Various Artists
12. Bella Vita Militar! - Various Artists
13. Sani E Salvi Agli Amplessi Amorosi - Various Artists
14. No, Signor, Non E Un Notaio - Various Artists
15. Ah, Signor, Son Rea Di Morte - Various Artists
16. A Voi S'inchina, Bella Damina - Various Artists
17. Fortunato L'uom Che Prende - Various Artists

Customer Reviews:

Una de la mejores interpretaciones en CD del Cosi fan tutte.......2006-11-16

Esta es una de las mejores interpretaciones en CD del Cosi Fan tutte, en compañìa de la versión de Böhm de 1962. Uno de los méritos fundamentales de esta excelsa grabación es la magnífica dirección de Karajan. El maestro austriaco se demuestra en todo momento como un estilista consumado, obtiene timbres orquestales sugerentes y refinados, construye y define adecuadamente lo que es el "dramma giocoso", con gracia, con humor y justos toques de seriedad, todo con una elegante presición. Cuenta, por lo demás, con un cast abolutamente modélico; Elizabeth Schwarzkopf es considerada unánimemente por todos los criticos musicales como la intérprete de referencia del rol de Fiordiligi, por su imponente modo de esculpir y modelar las frases con un estilo y elegancia de fraseo espectaculares. Leopold Simoneau, es un Ferrando sutil e insinuante, ideal por su voz leve, clara y robusta a la vez. Es junto a Alfredo Kraus, de la versión Böhm 1962, el mejor intérprete histórico de este rol. Lisa Otto configura con musicalidad, vitalidad y fino humor una Despina excelente. Sesto Bruscantini, es sin duda el Don Alfonso de referencia, por su fina ironia y discreta elegancia, aunado a la belleza de su voz baritonal y excelente técnica. Rolando Panerai es el barítono brillante que todo aficionado serio a la opera conoce a la perfección. Excelente técnica, fraseo inteligente e incisivo, en suma un Guglielmo de referencia. Quizás el punto un poco mas debil del cast sea la Dorabella de Nan Merriman, pero solo si se la compara con el resto del cast, ya que se trata de una fina artista, muy musical y de excelente estilo (es necesario recordar que fue una de las artistas preferidas del gran Arturo Toscanini). En suma un clásico absoluto de la discografia, reconocido casi por unanimidad, por toda la crítica especializada y por los mozartianos en particular. Sería interesante comprarla junto a la versión de Böhm de 1962, ya que las dos son complementarias y no excluyentes.

Overrated, but decent.......2006-03-29

As a whole, this recording isn't bad at all. As far as quality of sound goes, while it definitely shows its age, you probably wouldn't notice unless you compared it side-by-side with a modern recording.

My biggest complaint about this recording is the merciless abridgement. It seems like the powers that be were more interested in getting from aria to aria as quickly as possible, and so the recitatives were butchered to that end. That rankles me to no end, because opera isn't just about pretty music, it's about drama too! And the recitatives are an integral part of the drama. Ferrando's beautiful aria "Ah lo veggio" fell victim to this abridgement as well. Though that didn't stop me from considering Bohm's version as the best "first Cosi," there's just not enough merit in the rest of Karajan's recording to compensate for such a huge loss.

In regards to Schwarzkopf's performances as Fiordiligi, I think the Bohm version is far better. Though her voice is fresher and lighter here, I think the maturity and experience she gained by the Bohm recording fits Fiordiligi's character a lot better. This is not to say that her Karajan performance is mediocre, just not quite as marvelous.

Another thing that really bugs me about this recording is that this Don Alfonso sounds much too young, certainly too young to be so cynical. I prefer the more mainstream, mature Don Alfonso (like Cachemaille). I'm also not overly fond of their choice for Despina, who pronunces words funny. It's a really small matter, but it bugs me (kinda like how Kathleen Battle's Despina-with-American-accent bugs me).

Basically, this recording is worth getting if you already own Bohm's, Jacobs', Mackerras' and Solti's recordings. The only reason to get this recording is to hear the young Schwarzkopf, because there's nothing else there.

Which classic Cosi to buy--Karajan or Bohm?.......2006-03-20

Whereas EMI was fortunate enough to make one Don Giovanni and one Marriage of Figaro for the ages, both under Giulini, they achieved mixed results with two versions of Cosi fan tutte. Neither is an obvious first choice, so I thought it was worthwhile comparing their respective pluses and minuses.

Karajan (1954): This mono recording is in good enough sound to compete successfully with Bohm's stereo version, with the singers placed very close up. They achieve a great deal of intimacy and nuance. Karajan favors tempo extremes, taking Schwarzkopf's two big arias, as well as her opening duet with Merriman, quite slowly. Stylistically, his approach is ultra-suave, which yields benefits in Bruscantini's sly urbanity as Don Alfonso, for example, but in the long run proves more than a little precious. As Fiordiligi, Schwarzkopf is younger and fresher than in Bohm's set, but there she has gained in artistry. Simoneau and Panerai are great as the two heros, probably the best pair on records. Nan Merriman as Dorabella is musically satisfying, but she has a fast beat in her voice that wears after a while.

Bohm (1963): This later performance is in good stereo, with the voices placed further from the mike than in Karajan's recording. Where Karajan is suave, Bohm is blunt. He misses many opportunities for subtle phrasing, yet given the choice, I'd rather hear his plain-faced Cosi than Karajan's overly sophisticated one. As to tempos, bohm is rrelaxed and often just as slow as Karajan--period performances from Ostmann, Gardiner and Jacobs go much faster. In the Karajan set the men were stronger than the laides; here it's the reverse. Schwarzkopf and Ludwig make ideal sisters, unrivalled for their musicality, even if Schwarzkopf can no longer quite negotiate Fiodiligi's cruelly difficult arias. The male pair are certainly good, but I find Alfredo Kraus's voice dry and his manner stiff; Taddei is fine, howevr. Walter Berry makes for a bluff Don Alfonso without a trace of Bruscantini's sly malice.

Naturally, thee's much more to say in detail, but I think I've given a fair sketch of the two performances. I've lived with both for a long time, and it pains me to say that on balance I prefer Karl Bohm, even though he is far from being a favorite conductor. The comvinaiton of Schwarzkopf and Ludwig carries the day.

AN INEXPENSIVE EDITION OF A CLASSIC PERFORMANCE.......2006-01-30

EMI had been incredibly consistent with their Mozart opera recordings in the 1950's. Of course, their great fortune was to have conductors like Van Karajan, Giulini, and Furtwangler under contract. It was an age of great Mozart singers---Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anton Dermota, Irmgard Seefried, Sena Jurinac, and Leopold Simoneau - all of whom recorded for EMI. By 1954, Schwarzkopf and Von Karajan were already big ticket talent at EMI (they also had exclusive contracts with Maria Callas, Victoria de los Angeles, Nicolai Gedda, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano ---- seven-eighths of the greatest opera singers in the world at the time). This recording of Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" comes from the height of that period, and it's very impressive indeed. Von Karajan's musicians make the most of Mozart's lush music, and the entire performance has a "float" to it that I find eludes other presentations of this opera. The legendary and gifted Schwarzkopf sings a beautiful Fiordiligi ---her "Come Scoglio" a real piece of virtuoso singing covering a span of two and a half octaves. Her singing throughout the opera is exemplary (I cannot understand one critic years ago referred to her performance as "pufferies of sound"---he's dead wrong!).
Schwarzkopf is well contrasted by Nan Merriman's Dorabella. Merriman was an American mezzo who frequently sang at the Met, and who could reach impressive vocal and interpretive heights when surrounded by artists of the caliber encountered in this performance. I know of no tenor recorded in the role of Ferrando who sounds as honeyed and lyrically beautiful as Leopold Simoneau -------this French-Canadian tenor was surely one of the great Mozart singers of virtually any generation. Rolando Panerai's light baritone is ideal for Guglielmo (Panerai was a used by EMI in a good share of their earliest Callas operas - and always made a good impression), and his sense of comedy is apt and highly appropriate in a role which, to be most effective, can't be overdone. Sesto Bruscantini, with his extensive experience in the buffo operas of Rossini, provides a robust Don Alfonso, and Lisa Otto is a cute and incisive Despina.
EMI is to be commended for making this wonderful performance available at such an inexpensive price. When it comes to Mozart operas, especially with the recordings EMI made in the 1950's, older is definitely better! Now ---- they need to release their legendary recording of "Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail" with Leopold Simoneau. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Così fan tutte Manufacturer: Opera D'oro 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 ASIN: B00008IAII Release Date: 2003-03-04

Average customer rating:

Gli Anni 883 Manufacturer: Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grazie Mille La Dura Legge del Gol! Il Mondo Insieme a Te Nord Sud Ovest Est La Donna, Il Sogno & Il Grande Incubo ASIN: B000065TOO Release Date: 2005-05-30

Tracks:

1. Io Ci Saro
2. Nord Sud Ovest Est
3. Tieni Il Tempo
4. Rotta Per Casa Di Dio
5. Una Canzone D'amore
6. Hanno Ucciso L'uomo Ragno
7. Nella Notte
8. Nessun Rimpianto
9. Sei Un Mito
10. Gli Anni
11. Come Mai
12. Regola Dell'amico
13. Senza Averti Qui
14. Con Un Deca
15. Ti Sento Vivere
16. Andra Tutto Bene
17. Leggero - Live

Average customer rating:

Festival Di San Remo: Gli Anni D'oro, Vol. 4 Various Artists Manufacturer: Replay ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Festival Di Sanremo: Gli Anni d'Oro, Vol. 2 Festival Di Sanremo: Gli Anni d'Oro, Vol. 3 Festival Di Sanremo, Vol. 1 The World of Italian Hits of the 70's San Remo Hits ASIN: B000007WUT Release Date: 1998-02-20

Tracks:

1. Io Amo
2. Non Voglio Mica la Luna
3. Vacanze Romane
4. Ialiano
5. Quello Che le Donne Non Dicono
6. Ci Sara'
7. Adesso Tu
8. Per Elisa
9. In Amore Grande
10. Maledetta Primavera
11. Felicita'
12. Mia Nemica Amatissima
13. Anni Ruggenti
14. Sara' Perche Ti Amo
15. Si Puo' Dare Di Piu'
16. Soli

Album Details

Volume Four of Festival Di Sanremo features 16 Performances of the Winning Songs Between 1981-1987.

Average customer rating:

Gli Anni Ottanta Rossi Vasco Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Italian | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005Y9U0 Release Date: 2001-07-13

Tracks:

1. Anima Fragile
2. Voglio Andare Al Mare
3. Colpa D'Alfredo
4. Sensazioni Forti
5. Siamo Solo Noi
6. Non L'hai Mica Capito
7. Valium
8. Che Ironia
9. Incredibile Romantica
10. Susanna
11. Sballi Ravvicinati Del Terzo Tipo
12. Io Non So Piu Cosa Fare
13. Alibi
14. La Strega (La Diva Del Sabato Sera)
15. Ieri Ho Sg. Mio Figlio
16. Va Be' (Se Proprio Te Lo Devo Dire)

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Festival Di Sanremo: Gli Anni d'Oro, Vol. 2 Various Artists Manufacturer: Butterfly ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Festival Di Sanremo, Vol. 1 Festival Di Sanremo: Gli Anni d'Oro, Vol. 3 Festival Di San Remo: Gli Anni D'oro, Vol. 4 Sanremo 2006 10 E Lode The World of Italian Hits of the 70's ASIN: B000007WUR Release Date: 1998-02-20

Tracks:

1. Cuore Matto - Little Tony
2. Zingara - Iva Zanicchi
3. Gli Occhi Miei
4. Deborah - Fausto Leali
5. Io, Tu E le Rose
6. Tramontana
7. Ragazzo Della Via Gluck
8. In un Fiore - Wilma Goich
9. E Allora Dai - Giorgio Gaber
10. Un'ora Fa - Fausto Leali
11. Notte Dell'addio - Iva Zanicchi
12. Bisogna Saper Perdere
13. Proposta - I Giganti
14. Rosa Da Vienna - Anna Identici
15. Mai Mai Valentina - Giorgio Gaber
16. Pietre
17. Pioggia
18. Mi VA di Cantare - Louis Armstrong

Album Details

Volume Two of Festival Di Sanremo Includes 18 Performances and Includes Artists Little Tony, Dino, Giorgio Gaber, Fausto Leali, Wilma Goich, and Many More.

World Music:

1. Golden J-Pop: Best [Import]
2. Grande Patty: 28 Canzoni [Import]
3. Greater Love [Import]
4. Hawaii Calls Presents
5. In Memoriam [Import]
6. Inquilaab [Import]
7. Interpreta Cartola [Import]
8. Jogos de Armar [Import]
9. Krioyo
10. L' Equilibrio [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Absurd-Ditties

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

At the Golden Circle, Vol. 4 [Live]

Notes from the Underground

Beautiful Creatures [Soundtrack]

Atlantis Der Berge [Import]

Beach Boys' Party! [Live]

Bolan's Zip Gun + 2

Ancient Sun

Benjamin Britten: String Quartet in D / Simple Symphony / String Quartet No. 1 - The Britten Quartet

Blue Lou [Import]

All-Time Piano Favorites

Bassline [CD-single]

Croonin'

Beyond the Blue Neon