Jaloux [Original recording remastered] [Import]

1. Je Dors Avec Elle

2. Jaloux De Tout

3. Les Amours Sans Larmes

4. Piece Bleue (Instrumental

5. Travailler C'est Trop Dur

6. Ma Preference

7. Macumba

8. Dans Mon Cirage

9. Le Coeur Nu

10. J'ai Eu Trente Ans

Jaloux,Julien Clerc,EMI Int'l,French Pop,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: Acadia, blessed spirit of the waters...

Mer Jolie: Chants d'Acadie Manufacturer: Atma Classique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tout passe: Chants d'Acadie ASIN: B00063MB2Q Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Long de la Mer Jolie
2. Reels CBenoLeblanc
3. Avec un Avocat/Bransle de Poitou
4. Valses Beno
5. Joli Bois
6. Belle Se Prom
7. Medley Guinchard
8. Mari Jaloux
9. Valse d'angne/Acadiana Two Step
10. En Montant la Rivi
11. Chanson Grand Vent
12. Naufrage en Mer
13. Medley Briand
14. Nourrice du Roi

Customer Reviews:

Acadia, blessed spirit of the waters..........2007-05-19

This is an unusual disc - baroque specialist Suzie LeBlanc has collected some Acadian songs that speak of waters and the shores beside the sea. Not only is the repertoire unique, but Suzie LeBlanc's singing is luminous, haunting and utterly exquisite. Her voice - a lyric shining soprano of great purity used in such a way that one hears every nuance of superbly articulated emotion - is a blessing. Lovers of early music will be familiar with her singing of Vivaldi, Rossi, Mouline, Strozzi, etc.

The same qualities, as well as a wonderful affinity for the fresh charm of these French Canadian songs (Ms LeBlanc is French-Canadian herself), make this recording an enthralling one. I can never listen to Suzie LeBlanc without thanking God for her exquisite contributions to the world of music, and this recording was no exception.

She has just released another very similar recording, called "Tout passe: Chants d'Acadie", in which the focus, while remaining upon Acadian songs, is shifted to reflect the great upheaval of Acadians forced out of their homelands, to wander upon what one could call a type of pilgrimage. That sense of pilgrimage is strongly highlighted in the recording - and once again, Ms LeBlanc's singing and choice of (often extraordinarily haunting) songs combine to produce a CD of great beauty and unforgettable interpretation.

I very highly recommend both this recording "Mer jolie" and its new "companion" CD of "Tout Passe". I have just played both recordings twice over while doing some research, and they are so charming and moving that it will be with reluctance that I move on to the next CD waiting to be heard.

Average customer rating: delicate & uplifting An enchanting and refreshing delight Ignore the review below. There is no danger here. Danger, Danger... I thought it was great!

Lully - Ballet Music for the Sun King / Mary Enid Haines · Aradia Baroque Ensemble · Kevin Mallon Jean-Baptiste Lully , Kevin Mallon , and Aradia Baroque Ensemble Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lully | Lully, Jean-Baptiste | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lully: Les Divertissements de Versailles Rameau: Orchestral Suites (vol. 1) Jean-Baptiste Lully: L'Orchestre du Roi Soleil Lully: Grands Motets, Vol 1 (Te Deum; Miserere; Plaude laetare Gallia) /Le Concert Spirituel * Niquet Lully: Le Roi Danse ASIN: B000009CJL Release Date: 2000-10-06

Tracks:

1. Chaconne Des Scaramouches, Frivelins Et Arlequins
2. Ouverture
3. Recits Italiens Chantes Par Mademoiselle De La Barre Et La Signora Anna Bergerotti
4. Ritournelle Et Recit Chante Par Mademoiselle Hilaire
5. Ritournelle Et Recit De La Fortune Chante Par Mademoiselle Hilaire
6. Petite Chaconne
7. Recit Chante Par La Signora Anna
8. Ritournelle Et Recit Italien
9. Chaconne Des Maures
10. Ouverture
11. Bourree Pour Les Basques
12. 2 Air Pour Les Mesmes
13. Air Pour Les Paysans Et Paysanes
14. Gigue Pour Scaramouche
15. 2 Air Pour Les Postures De Scaramouche
16. 2 Air Pour Les Matelots Jouans Des Trompettes Marines; 3 Air Pour Les Esclaves Et Singes Dansans
17. 3 Air Pour Les Docteurs, Frivelins, Et Polichinelles
18. Air Pour Les Esclaves Dansans
19. Air Pour Les Matassins
20. Gigue Pour Bacchus
21. Gavotte En Rondeau
22. 1 Air Pour Les Braves Et Les Coquettes
23. Ritournelle Et Chanson Contre Les Jaloux
24. Le Damigelle Delle Cochette
25. 2 Air Pour Les Braves Jaloux
26. Air Pour L'Este Et Ses Suivants
27. Ouverture
28. 1 Entree
29. 2 Entree
30. 2 Ouverture
31. Gavotte Pour Les Satyres
32. Sarabande
33. Air Pour Le Vieillard Et Sa Famille
34. Gavotte Pour Les Suisses
35. Bourree Pour Les Coutisans

Customer Reviews:

delicate & uplifting.......2006-05-30

This isn't the most dramatic of discs, but it's very relaxing, bathing the listener in a smooth, gentle sound that to me feels like it could be devotional religeous music. (That it isn't only adds to my own enjoyment.) It doesn't grab attention but rather sneaks up on the conciousness, while some of the playful melodies stick in the mind without the listener being aware of where they have heard them.

I bought this disc because I wanted to hear some Lully, and this was a cheaper Naxos disc, but I want to hear some more now that I have experieced the delight of this composer.

An enchanting and refreshing delight.......2004-02-12

This music is so uplifting --- it seduces the listener to enter another world. Both sopranos, Haines and Nafziger, are wonderful. But Nafziger, without a doubt, is essentially the highlight of this CD. Her voice soars to ethereal heights with stately conviction, all the while conveying such warmth, comfort and passion. This is a great young talent that will one day command international attention.

The Aradia ensemble should be congratulated for presenting such music with absolute precision and a depth of character. Bravo!

Ignore the review below. There is no danger here........2002-10-04

This is a terrific disc: it's one of my personal favourites, and I recommend it highly. The Aradia Ensemble plays very well under the direction of Kevin Mallon, and Haines' singing is excellent: her duet with Nafziger on track 3, "Récits Italiens chantés par Mademoiselle de la Barre et la Signora Anna Bergerotti," is quite beautiful. This disc is not quite as good as a more recent release, "Les Divertissements de Versailles" by William Christie and Les Arts Florissants, but at the low Naxos price this one's a bargain. If you're a Lulliste like myself, you'll want both of them, without question.

Like "music fan" below, I prefer period performances, especially when it comes to French Baroque music. But in my opinion, his review of this disc is nonsense. The Aradia Ensemble provides an authentic performance on period instruments. Kazoos are included on _one_ track, as a substitute for an obsolete monochord instrument: the trumpet marine. The single string of the trumpet marine creates a brassy buzz that sounds a lot like a kazoo, believe it or not. Far from an historical perversion, the result is quite authentic, and comical too, as the composer intended. So don't let "music fan's" prejudices put you off: this disc is as authentic as it is entertaining.

Danger, Danger..........2002-03-20

Well performed and recorded this disc is marred by the fact that the performances are inauthentic. Kevin Mallon's penchant for Stokowskian like acrobatics leads him to substitute kazoos and paper and comb for authentic instruments in these performances. For some this might be cute and sexy and oh so hip. For me, admittedly someone who prefers authentic performance (all that historical training perhaps), this is just simple historical perversion (a common malady amongst record company executives and conductors who fancy themselves pop culture icons, good businessmen, and aesthetically omniscient).

I am surprised at Naxos. Ethics should require that record companies let us consumers know that specific performances are not authentic (particularly when period instruments are ostesibly used), cut, adapted, or whatever. That so many record companies don't do this probably is the best indicator of the lack of honesty and integrity amongst so many record producers.

Anyway, the moral of the story is this: stick with those who brought you in this repertoire. Opt for Christie and Minkowski here and stay away from the machinations of Kevin Mallon.

I thought it was great!.......1999-05-05

I really liked this CD! It sounded light and airy and very "original baroque." I find it's a wonderful thing to listen to when you're cleaning up the house because it sounds great in the background too. Most of the ballet excerps are light and have a good beat. The only thing I didn't like is that they played the kazoo on one peice; it was funny once, but then I thought it was a little inapropriate. I wanted to hear the music. Anyway, great CD, Aradia!

Average customer rating: Great French aria recital!!! The first great French tenor of the 21st century! A truly great recording Good but not great Alagna is a stud

Roberto Alagna - French Arias / Bertrand de Billy Jules Massenet , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Etienne-Nicolas Méhul Charles Gounod , Camille Saint-Saëns, Alfred Bruneau, Luigi Cherubini Fromental Halévy , Edouard Lalo, François Bazin, Hector Berlioz, Ambroise Thomas Georges Bizet , and Roberto Alagna Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cherubini, Luigi | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Lalo, Edouard | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Alagna, Roberto | ( A ) | 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 General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Roberto Alagna - Opera Arias Bel Canto: Arias by Bellini & Donizetti; Roberto Alagna Angela Gheorghiu & Roberto Alagna - Verdi per due Roberto Alagna & Angela Gheorghiu - Duets & Arias Nessun Dorma; Roberto Alagna ASIN: B000058B1Y Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

1. Maitre Pathelin: Act 1. Romance: Je Pense A Vous
2. Le Cid: Act 3: Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini!... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
3. Les Abencerages: Act 2. Recitatif Et Air: Suspendez A Ces Murs... J'ai Vu Disparaitre L'espoir
4. Mireille: Act 3. Cavatine: Mon Coeur Est Plein D'un Noir Souci... Anges Du Paradis
5. L'Amant Jaloux: Act 2. Ser: Tandis Que Tout Sommeille
6. La Juive: Act 4. Air: Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur
7. Mignon: Act 3. Romance: Elle Ne Croyait Pas, Dans Sa Candeur Naive
8. L'Africaine: Act 4: Pays Merveilleux
9. La Damnation De Faust: Part 4, Scene XVI. Invocation A La Nature: Nature Immense
10. Iphigenie En Tauride: Act 2. Recitatif Et Air: Quel Langage Accablant... Unis Des La Plus Tendre...
11. Les Pecheurs De Perles: Act 1. Recitatif Et Romance: A Cette Voix Quel Trouble Agitait Tout Mon...
12. Le Roi D'ys: Act 3. Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir... Vainement, Ma Bien-aimee
13. Joseph: Act 1. Recitatif Et Air: Vainement Pharaon Dans Sa Reconnaissance... Champs Paternals
14. Samson Et Dalila: Act 3: Vois Ma Misere, Helas!
15. L'Attaque Du Moulin: Act 2: Le Jour Tombe, La Nuit Va Bercer Les Grands Chenes

Amazon.com

Roberto Alagna is without peer among contemporary tenors in the French repertory, as this excellent collection of staples, sprinkled with rarities, demonstrates. He has the right blend of sweetness for the lyric selections and exciting vocal heft for those requiring more muscle. If one must find something to carp at, it's the tenor's occasional tendency to slip into an inappropriate Italianate verismo style. Examples of the "sweet" Alagna are his gorgeous floating soft ending to "Je crois entendre encore," from Bizet's The Pearlfishers, and the lovely head voice in the Lalo aria. His "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," a favorite of tenors from Caruso to Richard Tucker, is taken at a sluggish tempo, but it has the requisite vocal finish and characterization. And Alagna creates the necessary sense of wonder in the opening of "Pays merveilleux," from Meyerbeer's L'Africaine. The Bruneau selection that closes the disc is a welcome rescue of a lovely farewell-to-life aria from a long-forgotten late-Romantic opera. Unlike most collections done with a generalized, one-size-fits-all approach, Alagna's finds him almost always in character. Bertrand De Billy's accompaniments are sometimes too restrained (the orchestral introduction to the Bizet aria is downright sleepy), but that shouldn't keep admirers of French opera and world-class singing from grabbing this disc. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Great French aria recital!!!.......2003-02-13

Roberto Alagna has the makings of a great French tenor. He has the style and diction down pat. This CD shows off his tenor to great effect. I especially liked the rare selections that were included. There is some wonderful French music on this disc.

Alagna is given great support by conductor Bertrand de Billy and the Royal Opera House Orchestra of Covent Garden. The sound is excellent. This disc was finely produced. On to the review.

Alagna's voice has a scratchy edge to it that gives character to his otherwise rough timbre. His voice is not ugly, but it is not the typical sweet voice of a French tenor. His voice grows on you. His voice also has some dramatic heft to it. He is best in the arias that require some dramatic heft, but not a whole lot. He is totally committed dramatically to the music that he sings. The aria from "Joseph" and the one from "Le Cid" are two great examples. He sings the famous aria from "La Juive" very well. However, on some of the arias, he tends to use too much unnecessary drama. The editorial reviewer was correct in saying that Alagna has a tendency to slip into inappropriate Italian verismo style. Alagna's rendition of the aria from "Samson et Dalila" is not that good. That aria is probably too heavy for his voice. The timbre of his voice takes on an unattractive edge when he sings that aria. Alagna sings the delightful Sérénade from "L'Amant Jaloux" very well with lovely pianissimos. However, it seems that he is a bit rough in his delivery of some of the words. By rough delivery, I mean the use of too much emotion. This charming piece is probably not suited to a relatively heavy voice like his. Also, the exquisite aria from "Le Roi d'Ys" suffers from rough delivery of some of the words. I also wish he had sung the word "vais" in the phrase "Je vais, hélas, mourir!" pianissimo like Nicolai Gedda does on his version of the aria. Alagna's rendition of the beautiful aria from "The Pearl Fishers" is excellent. His pianissimos are to die for! One previous reviewer said that his pianissimos sounded mechanically produced and that some were even unpleasant to the ears. Do not believe that person. Alagna has gorgeous pianissimos that are very naturally produced.

Overall, this is a great recital album that includes some very rare material. It is worth getting.

The first great French tenor of the 21st century!.......2001-06-23

Roberto Alagna is probably the greatest tenor to come from France since Georges Thill, widely considered to have been the greatest French tenor of the 20th century. This is unquestionably Alagna's best solo album, the equal of his astonishing work in Werther. All of his virtues are amply displayed here: a splendid voice, directness and honesty of expression, superb diction in his native French, intelligence, imagination, complete and utter immersion in character, and the ability to make each word he sings mean something. Throughout the disc we hear nobility and sweetness, elegance and passion, tenderness and pain, even charm and humor. This is not merely a 'stud', but a great artist in the service of music.

Most important of all is Alagna's questing spirit. While some superstar singers barely change or add to their repertory over decades of performing, Alagna is eager to mine the rich lode of French repertory (of which we only know a few nuggets) and bring otherwise unknown or forgotten works to a new public. Some of these arias haven't been recorded in at least 60 and even almost 80 years. In fact, so rarely performed are they that the ROH Orchestra had to borrow the orchestral parts for two arias from the Orchestre de Paris!

Since his career began Alagna's voice has grown in drama and power with little loss to the basic lyric quality of his instrument. He does so well with the more dramatic selections not only because of his great skill as a vocal actor, but also because he actually sings the arias beautifully and lyrically instead of just belting them. He is strongest when he can combine heroism with introspection, as in the arias from `Samson et Dalila', `Le Cid', and especially `La Juive', where he perfectly embodies the inner conflicts of these three very different religious men. Indeed I found the grief and guilt of a father about to lose his daughter in the last absolutely heartwrenching. Still, I hope Alagna waits a long time before doing any of these roles on stage, and limits his appearances in them to small theatres. The best track on the disc is `O Paradis', filled with the genuine wonder of discovery. In the aria from `Joseph', Alagna convinces in the widest range of emotions from nostalgia to rage to the desperate desire for reconciliation, and the aria from `Les Abencerages' is also a dramatic tour-de-force. There is also a truly heroic rendition of `Nature immense' from `La Damnation de Faust'. The glorious paean to friendship from `Iphigenie en Tauride' is both urgent and sensitive, and the farewell to life from `L'Attaque du Moulin' is sung even more beautifully than by some historic tenors.

He also shows that he is quite capable of the light touch, such as in the aria from `Le Roi d'Ys' and especially `Elle ne croyait pas' with its beautiful diminuendi. The aria from `Maitre Pathelin' which opens the disc is a sweet, lovely serenade capped by a splendid high C#. It's a pity that he does not take all of `Je crois entendre encore' as sweetly and headily as he takes certain phrases, but I admit to being extraordinarily picky about the performance of this aria and am only truly satisfied by Gedda.

As with his performances at the Met and elsewhere, Bertrand de Billy proves his skill in bringing out the spirit and elegance of French opera. If his tempi are a trifle slow (and nowhere near as much as those of, say, Michel Plasson) they only aid musical expression. He has been a long time friend and collaborator of Alagna, and their rapport shows here. The orchestra plays very well and London Voices makes a fine choral contribution to the `Samson et Dalila' scene.

If there is any complaint to be made, it is that while Alagna differentiates character superbly, he doesn't differentiate actual musical style much. Over 100 years separate the Gretry and Bruneau arias, and he sings them basically the same way. And there are a few moments where he overdoes the heroism (and volume) a bit, notably in `Anges du paradis' and the Gretry aria. Still, in the context of the disc's overall splendor, these are minor flaws. It's also a shame that the originally announced aria from `Herodiade' is not included. I presume it didn't fit onto the otherwise generously filled (73 minute) disc.

By and large the documentation is also very good. Admirers of French opera who have only heard the rarities on historical labels with minimal documentation will greatly appreciate the full texts and translations included here. There is a nice essay on the French tenor tradition 'which Roberto Alagna inherits' written by noted English critic John Steane, who also provided explanatory notes for each track (some for the rarities could have been slightly more detailed). Although I am glad that Alagna isn't subjected here to the sugary publicity gush that most singers these days get in their CD booklets (so much for him being 'overhyped'!), it's a pity that there is no biographical or career information about him or de Billy.

I really hope that Alagna gets his wish to have some of these and other rare operas recorded in their entirety and staged, but I doubt if the political and economic situation in the opera world will permit it. Even if performances or complete recordings are impossible, Alagna absolutely must record many more solo French albums. A Berlioz disc with both Enee's and Hylas' arias from Les Troyens is essential. Certainly this wonderful stage comedian should also record more comic repertory. And of course, he should continue to bring us many more recordings of arias that haven't been recorded in ages, and even some world premieres. I also seriously hope that he gives us his interpretations of French song repertory as well. Frankly, if he wants to record the Paris phone book, that's fine with me too!

A truly great recording.......2001-06-10

This album is among the best I ever heard. Alagna's beautiful tenor tone is truly amazing throughout the CD and his perfect French diction is very enjoyable. After listening mr. Alagna's French I prefer him to anyone else I've heard singing this repertoire. IMO the loveliest songs are "Je pense à vous" with the easy high C# and the light "Vainement, ma bien-aimée". I think the arias from Le Cid and Samson are a bit too heavy for him, but however, he sings them with the great interpretative power. It's possible that he uses a little too much pianissimo in the Bizet aria, but on the other hand that's where I think his voice is at its best. Nothing can take the fifth star away! This CD will be with me anywhere I go...

Good but not great.......2001-05-23

I generally liked this recording because it presents much unfamiliar material (Mehul, Bruneau) combined with Mr. Alagna's excellent diction. However, after I unwrapped the CD, I immediately compared his singing of "Je crois entendre encore" with Jussi Bjorling and found it lacking. Bjorling lets you feel the melancholy of what the character had and lost. He is obviously reliving his memories. The pianissimo at the end is truly haunting. Mr. Alagna's soft notes seem almost mechanically manufactured.and sometimes border on the unpleasant. He was best in those pieces that required more spinto sound (the selections from Samson et Dalila and Le Cid, for example). I would recommend this recording if only for the unfamiliarity of much of the material.

Alagna is a stud.......2001-05-06

This CD is primo Alagna. Only his first recital and maybe the Rondine are better. People say he's in decline, but they just need to listen to the Gluck track on this CD. Or the Meyerbeer. Or the Gounod. It's all great. Yay Roberto!

Average customer rating: Carnaval

French Coloratura Arias Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | 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 | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sumi Jo - Virtuoso Arias ~ Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Meyerbeer Sumi Jo - Bel Canto / Arevalo · ECO · Carella Sumi Jo - Les Bijoux / Carella Sumi Jo sings Mozart Sumi Jo - La Promessa / Vincenzo Scalera ASIN: B00020QW9G Release Date: 2004-09-14

Customer Reviews:

Carnaval.......2005-12-05

There is no track listing on Amazon for this album. It is a re-release of Sumi Jo's album "Carnaval" which had, for some insane reason, gone out of print (something to do with a merger).

As for the album itself, there is no way to accurately describe how impressive this singing is. Jo's coloratura may not be as fast as Emma Kirkby's or as accurate as Cecilia Bartoli's, but nobody can surpass her sense of fun or the ease with which she sustains her highest notes.

Two tracks in particular stand out: "Le jour sous le soleil beni" is a rather slow, beautiful aria (the only non-coloratura aria included on the disc) which is capped with what must be the longest sustained high D-flat in history--sung pianissimo. Montserrat Caballe, eat your heart out. The other is the Carnaval de Venise, made famous by Mado Robin. Although Jo does not hit Robin's B-flat above high C, her version is infinitely more impressive, particularly the last two minutes, which is simply a roller-coaster ride of coloratura with no rests, no rubato, and very few breaths. Everyone I've ever played this track for has been rendered speechless.

Although those two arias stand out, there are really no tracks on this album which are not impressive and/or beautful. The Sevillana captures her sense of fun, "Canari" and the "Couplets de Mysoli" emphasize her control of pianissimo high notes, and "Jours de mon enfance" and "Reves d'amour, reves de gloire" both end in perfect, sustained high E's. One of my favorite albums ever. I'm happy it has been re-released.

Average customer rating: A tempting treasury, but only a few performances are great Berlioz with immaginative variety

The Berlioz Experience Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Allen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, Lelio, Tristia Berlioz Edition (Box Set) Shostakovich: Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Chamber Symphonies Grieg: Complete Music with Orchestra Bruckner: The Nine Symphonies; Helgoland ASIN: B00008RWRJ Release Date: 2003-10-14

Customer Reviews:

A tempting treasury, but only a few performances are great.......2007-02-03

Ten discs of Berlioz is a sumptuous offering, and temptingly cheap at Amazon Marketplace. DG has used this occasion to repackage some outstanding performances. At the top of the list goes James Levine's electrifying Requiem from Berlin, with playing and singing to match the conductor's inspiration. Also exciting--perhaps surprisingly so--is Abbado's Te Deum, which has rawer edges and sharper focus than Colin Davis's on Philips, long the standard version.

Dropping down a notch in quality, we have an elegantly played Romeo et Juliette by the Boston Symphony, superbly recorded, that has few rivals for refined virtuosity. But after a while Seiji Ozawa's approach seems to lack depth and meaning; he's skating over the surface of the musical drama, however brilliantly. Sharp and brilliant also describes Myung-Whun Chung's contribution, a Symponie fantastique, two overtures, and the Royal Hunt and Storm from Les Troyens, all with his well-trained Bastille Opera orchestra. Chung is to the manner born in Berlioz, but so are greater conductors in these works, including Munch and Markevitch.

At about the same quality level I'd place the Mort de Cleopatre, a dullish early vocal scene sung with plushness by Jessye Norman, and Kiri Te Kanawa's Les Nuits d'Ete, which is ravishing in terms of sheer vocalism but otherwise vacant. Daniel Barenboim's slack conducting does the piece no favors, either, which holds true on a much larger scale for his Damnation of Faust. This is a typical Barenboim product, full of lush sounds, excellent singing, big-scale orchestral work, but leading to a meager artistic payoff. Barenboim's Faust isn't remotely competitive with Markevitch, Chung, Solti, Pretre, and others in this work. It's great to hear Domingo in the title role, but the conducting is so routine that I'm not sure the overall experience is worth it.

We get odds and ends of varying quality: the rarely recorded Tristia done superbly by Boulez, an uneven batch of songs that previously appeared in their own double-CD set (a chore to listen to in its entirety, despite the occasional gem), and a pedestrain Harold in Italy conducted by Lorin Maazel in Berlin, a performance that DG surely could have bettered by looking deeper into their vaults.

In all, I can't see investing in such an uneven collection except at super-budget price. If you do a little searching, all the best things here can be gotten separately, and the lesser recordings pale by comparison with classic Berlioz from Colin Davis, Charles Munch, and Igor Markevitch.

Berlioz with immaginative variety.......2003-10-30

This box makes a nice alternative to the Philips boxes under Colin Davis. Not to take anything away from Davis. His Berlioz cycle certainly ranks up there with the elite for recording achievements. But many will not want to invest in all 3 boxes, so Universal has brought us a great compilation of some of Berlioz' best works from a variety of performers with different styles.
The jewel has to be Ozawa's unsurpassed Romeo and Juliet. This 1976 studio recording had its birth at the Tanglewood Festival and features excellent soloists (Julia Hamari, Jose Van Dam, and Jean Dupouy), a very competent choir, and of course the reliable Boston SO. The recording is of outstanding quality. It seems cleaned up a little from what I remember of the CDs from the mid 80s; much more spacious, less muddy sounding. I especially like the chorus in the hushed night scene.
Barenboim's Damnaton is perdictably Furtwangler-like in tempo, and again features top notch singers in Fischer Dieskau, Jules Bastin, & Placido Domingo; Yvonne Minto is probably not in the same class with the others, but she's more than acceptable.
Levine directs a well recorded and balanced classical-sounding Requiem, and Abbado is more than competent in the Te Deum.
Chung's Fantastique is fun and enjoyable, if not first-class.
The rest of the works are very commendable, if not top-of-the-class.
In short, you can't go wrong for the price, and if you love Berlioz' Romeo, you've got to get this box just for the Ozawa gem.

Average customer rating: Wonderful assortment of songs set on Western texts.

Dream: Western Poets in Russian Music, Vol. 1 Sergey Rachmaninov , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Nikolay Medtner , Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov , Anton Rubinstein , Anatol Alexandrov , Alexander Borodin , Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomizhsky , Cesar Cui , Sergey Taneyev , Mikhail Glinka , Dimitry Stepanovich Bortnyansky , Alexander Tikhonovich Grechaninov , Sergej Larin , and Eleonora Bekova Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Cui, César | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Medtner | Medtner, Nikolai | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004GOWX Release Date: 2000-03-28

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful assortment of songs set on Western texts........2000-07-24

This is a wonderful assortment of songs set on Western poetic texts by a whole variety of Russian composers (13 in all), most of whom are familiar (or famous) while others are rather little known (like Alexandrov & Bortnyansky). Much of the songs on this CD, namely of Rubinstein, Taneyev, Glazunov, Grechaninov, & Medtner are set to Germanic poetry (naturally for Rubinstein & Medtner, since they had German ancestry). The song "Gefunden", after Goethe's "Ich ging im Walde" was set to music by Medtner & Taneyev & it's interesting to see their different treatment to it: Taneyev's with the delicacy & innocence, Medtner's the more serious & piquant yet dignified. Glazunov's Romance, after Goethe's "Dichterliebe" is beautiful & ultimately sentamental while Grechaninov's "Widmung" is sincere & somewhat mournful & agitated, especially in the latter part of the text "Oh, may all you sighs & tears, Fly away to her as songs." The selections of Rubinstein's ten songs to German, French, and Italian texts op. 83 (1868) as well as Waldeinsamkeit (from Six German Songs op. 76) are memorable although Glinka was more at home with Italian texts than Rubinstein.

The other songs are set to French text (though Borodin's "Fleurs d' amour" is a french translation to Heine's "Buch der Lieder") while Glinka's "Pur nel sonno" & "Piangendo ancora rinascer suole" are set to Italian. Glinka's songs are especially fresh & lively while Dargomyzhsky's songs are serene, especially "Dieu, qui sourit" & Romance du beau Tirsis (among my particular favorites). The songs of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Bortnyansky, Borodin, & Alexandrov are especially lighthearted & warm. Rachmaninov's "C'etait en avril" has the beauty & the nobleness to be found in his later scores while Tchaikovsky's Rondel has that Mozartian innocence & charm that's immediately compelling. His Deception is more serious & saddened, however, as one looks for his beloved (does this remind you of his Manfred Symphony?).

This is an excellent recital, sang by Sergei Larin (tenor) accompanied by pianist Eleonora Bekova. The warmth & joy of Larin's singing immediately captured by mind, and ultimately my heart as I continue to listen to this CD. Bekova's piano accompliment is wholly euphonious & humane throughout. I eagerly await Volume II.

Average customer rating: Wonderful! This album will knock your heart off! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This recording will knock your socks off... Sumi Jo at her Best!

Sumi Jo - Carnaval ! ~ French coloratura arias / ECO · Bonynge Jacques Offenbach , Léo Delibes , Ambroise Thomas , Andre-Ernest-Modeste Gretry , Michael William Balfe , Andre Messager , Felicien David , Adolphe Adam , Ferdinand Herold , Jules Massenet , Francois-Adrien Boieldieu , Victor Masse , Richard Bonynge , Sumi Jo , English Chamber Orchestra , William Bennett , and Anthony Marwood Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | 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 | 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 | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sumi Jo - Virtuoso Arias ~ Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Meyerbeer French Coloratura Arias Sumi Jo - La Promessa / Vincenzo Scalera Sumi Jo - Bel Canto / Arevalo · ECO · Carella ASIN: B00000422V Release Date: 1994-11-15

Tracks:

1. Un mari a la porte: Valse tyrolienne
2. Don Cesar de Bazan: Sevilana
3. La Perle du Bresil: Couplets du Mysoli - Sumi Jo/William Bennett
4. L'Amant jaloux: Je romps la chaine qui m'engage
5. Le Puits d'amour: Reves d'amour, reves de gloire
6. Madame Chrysantheme: Le Jour sous le soleil beni
7. Le Songe d'une nuit d'ete: Malgre l'eclat qui m'environne
8. Les Pantins de Violette: La Chanson du canari
9. Le Pre aux clercs: Jours de mon enfance - Sumi Jo/Anthony Marwood
10. Le roi l'a dit: Portons toujours des robes sombres
11. Si j'etais roi: Grand air: De vos nobles aieux
12. Le Fete du village voisin: Bolero
13. La Reine Topaze: Carnaval de Venise

Amazon.com

Now that conductor Richard Bonynge doesn't have his now-retired wife Joan Sutherland to accompany him on his arcane journeys into forgotten French opera, he has hooked up with the spectacular coloratura Sumi Jo for a series of recordings exploring mid-19th-century operetta. This one is a nice aria compilation, especially welcome since you wouldn't want to hear the entire scores of these works by Adam, Grétry, Messager and Delibes. One hears influences by Rossini, flashes of Mozart, and lots of vocal fireworks-- especially the final selection, Carnaval de Venise by Massé. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2001-07-15

This CD is a MUST GET! It's very relaxing - great to listen to when guests are over or you simply feel like being alone from the world. In this CD - you can see that she's matured more and is better then ever ... Those who like Sumi-Jo, grab it as soon as possible!

This album will knock your heart off!.......1999-11-20

Just an intriguing episode to add here. When this album was released, quite a few people thought that it is absolutely impossible for a human to sing like Jo did. They conjectured that there must be a sort of mechanical manipulations added. To prove that there was no mechanical aid to this recording, Sumi Jo sang the whole arias in "Carnaval" in front of millions of French TV viewers and audiences. And the result was: She was technically exactly the same as in the recording. Her live singing was even more touching and impressive! Her "Les Pantins de Violette: La Chanson du canari" was so beautiful that it caused tears from my eyes. And everyone in the audience gave her a long standing ovation!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-09-02

No words could describe the beauty of Jo's voice and her input of emotions in this album. Sentimental, nostalgic and GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Felt dizzy intoxicated by "Carnaval de Venise".

This recording will knock your socks off..........1999-08-26

Sumi Jo is more than just a soprano but a consummate artist, elegant to her fingertips. Her coloratura ranges from sweet and clear to absolutely thilling, as in the final Carnival de Venise. A few top notes sound thin (noticeable splicing has been used to conclude some of the arias with high notes), but those are little qualms considering her elegant, supple phrasing and perfect diction. In the internationalized climate of the modern opera world, it is reassuring that there are still performers who understand the sensitivity of the French style.

Sumi Jo at her Best!.......1999-08-03

This album is definitely one of the best coloratura recitals on records. Sumi Jo is simply enchanting. She has a voice of great beauty and perfect technique. Her command of trills, roulades and legato line is simply astonishing. Sumi Jo' performance on this recording (a collection of not very known arias from French opera comique) reminds me a lot of Amelita Galli-Curci in her combination of charm and vocal virtuosism. The recording is a delight from start to finish. Among the hightlights are Sevillanas, Charmant oiseaux ( the cadenzas with flute are amazing), the beautiful liricism and stunning high D flat of the aria from Madame Chrysantéme, and of course the Carnival of Venice, a true feast of vocal fireworks. This recording is a must for all the fans of great singing.

Average customer rating: SUPERB! Erik Satie... on accordion...

Erik Satie Compositeur de Musique Manufacturer: Winter & Winter ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Vivi felice! Accordion Music by Domenico Scarlatti For Accordion ASIN: B00000B9N2 Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

1. Sports Et Divertissements
2. R Verie Du Pauvre
3. Les Trois Valses Distingu Es Du Pr Cieux D Goute
4. Petite Ouverrture A Danser
5. Le Pi Ge De M Duse
6. Avant-Derni Res Pens Es
7. Premi Re Pens E Rose Croix
8. Gnossienne N. 1
9. Gnossienne N. 2
10. Gnossienne N. 3
11. Gnossienne N. 4
12. Gnossienne N. 5
13. Gnossienne N. 6
14. Peccadille Importunes
15. Les Pantins Dansent
16. 1. Re Gymnop Die

Amazon.com

On this disc Italian avant-garde accordionist Teodoro Anzellotti spins out the charming, lilting, and quite familiar solo piano melodies of Erik Satie (the entire "Sports et Divertissements" and "Gnossiennes," the always popular "Three Elegant Waltzes by a Squeamish Pansy," and others). While this music was composed in perhaps Satie's most humorous period, the accordion does not emphasize that quality or turn it into kitsch. Instead Anzellotti takes Satie's mostly linear melodies and teases them out into clouds of chords, like straight hair is teased into a burr, a rat's nest. Not that the music becomes an absolute blur, but instead the crisp and sharp are changed into something more warm and enveloping. Through his techniques, the transitions faintly overlap and tempos are ever-so-slightly halted, all with the effect of rendering the very familiar less so. Beautiful. --Robin Edgerton

Customer Reviews:

SUPERB!.......2006-11-05

Jules Massenet breaths life into the work of Erik Satie through the senuous, surging outpourings of a spare accordion. Outstanding transciption and recording!

Erik Satie... on accordion..........2001-03-20

This CD is a collection of Erik Satie solo piano pieces performed on solo accordion... it sounds like... Erik Satie... on accordion. Which is a good thing! Very tastefully done, Mr. Anzellotti sticks to the written notes without over-interpretation or campiness. Heard on accordion, the pieces take on a uniquely dreamy, nostalgic, and slightly surreal quality, especially the exotic "Gnossiennes." The familiar "Gymnopedie #1" sounds especially lovely in this setting, and the jauntier sections of "Sports and Divertissments" benefit from the playful quality of the accordion. While an hour of solo accordion is a bit much in one sitting, this is a wonderful release for those wanting to hear Satie's music in a refreshing new light. Mr. Satie himself would be pleased, no doubt! (And as usual, the Winter & Winter label outdoes itself with beautiful packaging and design!)

Average customer rating: Still the best collection of Berlioz's lovely songs

Berlioz: Melodies Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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 Allen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music ASIN: B000001GGX Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

1. Nocturne a deux voix (H. 31, 1818-30) 'Je veux dans l'inconstance'
2. Le maure jaloux: Romance (H. 9B, 1819-21/1822): Moderato ma non troppo: 'Je vais revoir'
3. Amitie, reprends ton empire: Romance et invocation (H. 10B, 1819-21/1823): Andante sostenuto: 'Am...
4. Canon libre a la quinte (H. 14, 1822); Lento sostenuto: 'La nuit de son voile epais'
5. Pleure, pauvre colette: Romance a deux voix egales (H. 11, 1822): Andantino: 'Aupres de moi Colette'
6. Le Montagnard Exile: Chant Elegiaque (H. 15, 1823): Andante Poco Lento: 'Loin De La sauvage Campagne
7. Le Roi De Thule: Chanson Gothique (H. 33A, 1828: Huit Scenes De Faust Op.1 N.6): Poco Andante: 'A...
8. Serenade De Mephistopheles (H.33, 1828: Huit Scenes De Faust Op.1 N.8): Allegro: 'Devant La Maiso...
9. Helene: Ballade A Deux Voix (H.40A, 1829; Irlande Op.2 N.2): Allegretto: 'Qui Se Souvient D'Helene'
10. Chant Guerrier (H.41, 1829: Irlande Op.2 N.3): Allegro Non Troppo: N'oublions Pas Ces Champs'
11. La Belle Voyageuse: Ballade (H.42, 1829: Irlande Op.2 N.4): Allegretto Non Troppo: 'Elle S'en Va...
12. Chanson A Boire (H.43, 1829: Irlande Op.2 N.5): Allegro Frenetico: 'Amis, La Coupe Ecume''
13. L'Origine De La Harpe; Ballade (H.45, 1829: Irlande Op.2 N.7); Andante: 'Cette Haroe Cherie'
14. Adieu Bessy: Romance Anglaise Et Francaise (H.46B, 1829/1849: Irlande Op.2 N.8): Andante Non Troppo
15. Elegie En Prose (H.47, 1829: Irlande Op.2 N.9): Adagio: 'Quand Celui Qui Adore'

Tracks:

1. La Captive: Orientale, Op.12 (H. 60C, 1832): Andantino: 'Si Je N'etais Captive'
2. Sara La Baigneuse: Ballade, Op.11 (H.69C, 1834/1849, Reduction Pour Piano D'Auguste Morel): Alleg...
3. Je Crois En Vous: Romance (H.70, 1834): Andantino Non Troppo Lento: 'Quand Mon Ame Ravie'
4. Chansonette De Mr. Leon De Wailly (H.73, 1835): Allegro Mosso (Presque Le Mouvement De La Valse)...
5. Le Matin: Romance (H.125, 1850: Fleurs Des Landes Op.13 N.1); Andantino Quasi Allegretto: 'Pour Chan
6. Le Trebuchet: Scherzo A Deux Voix (H.113, 1846: Fleurs Des Landes Op.13 N.3): Allegretto Leggiero...
7. Le Jeune Patre Breton (H.65C, 1833/1834: Fleurs Des Landes Op.13 N.4): Allegretto Simplice Un Po...
8. Le Chant Des Bretons (H.71B, 1835/1849: Fleurs Des Landes Op.13 N.5): Allegro Fieramente: 'Oui, N...
9. La Mort D'Ophelie: Ballade (H.92A, 1842): Andantino Con Moto Quasi Allegretto: 'Aupres D'un Torre...
10. Zaide: Bolero (H.107B, 1845: Feuillets D'album, Op.19 N.1): Allegretto: 'Ma Ville, Ma Belle Ville'
11. Les Champs: Romance (H.67B, 1834/1850: Feuillets D'album, Op.19 N.2): Allegretto: 'Rose, Partons...
12. Priere Du Matin (H.112, 1846): Andantino: 'O Pere Qu'adore Mon Pere'
13. La Belle Isabeau: Conte Pendant L'orage (H.94, 1843): Allegretto Moderato: 'Dans La Montagne Noire'
14. Le Chasseur Danois (H.104A, 1844):Allegro Con Fuoco: 'Entendez-Vous Dans La Bruyere'

Customer Reviews:

Still the best collection of Berlioz's lovely songs.......2006-01-31

Berlioz didn't challenge his artistry in these 29 songs, which are mostly simple but very appealing melodies with basic piano accompaniments (Berlioz couldn't play the piano and didn't write difficult music for it). Taken a handful at a time, this 2-hour collection from DG, which was acclaimed when it first appeared in 1994, provides much sweet listening.

The four soloists are variable: von Otter is magnificent (her contribution was recorded separately in Stockholm, the other singers in three spearate locations!), and Thomas Allen rises to a high level of artistry even in the simplest songs. Tenor John Aler is uncomfortable in French, I would guess, and tends to mumble. Soprano Frnacoise Pollet, being a native speaker, has perfect diction but a wobbly voice that tends to spread out in loud passages. The biggest letdown is the piano accompanist, Cord Garben, who is routine and unimaginative. His lack of spark affects every song, unfortunately, although the overall level of performance is always good enough to provide enjoyment of these rarely recorded songs.

For someone who doesn't want to explore this deeply into Berlioz's vocal writing, von Otter's five solo songs have been excerpted on a marvelous recital album that features an incomparable Les Nuits d'Ete. In all, I found this 2-CD set highly enjoyable, although there are no hidden masterpieces to be uncovered.

Average customer rating: sensational Sumi! Best for a Sumi Jo primer Stunningly GORGEOUS A Thousand Stars! Amazing Coloratura

The Art of Sumi Jo Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: French Coloratura Arias Sumi Jo - Bel Canto / Arevalo · ECO · Carella Sumi Jo - Virtuoso Arias ~ Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Meyerbeer Sumi Jo sings Mozart Sumi Jo - Les Bijoux / Carella ASIN: B000009OUB Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. La Belle Ines Fait Flores
2. Je romps la chaine qui m'engage
3. O zittre nicht
4. Die Zauberflote: DER HOLLE RACHE
5. Valse tyrolienne
6. Mes cheres soeurs
7. Ah! vous dirai-je, maman
8. Qui je suis?
9. Sevillana
10. Couplets du Mysoli
11. Bolero
12. Avec son petit air...Car la femme
13. Flamme Vengeresse
14. Carnaval de Venise

Customer Reviews:

sensational Sumi!.......2006-10-23

Sumi Jo is one of the greatest coloratura sopranos of recent times. This disc from Decca compiles many of her best arias. Hers is a bell-like voice with a very high capacity for those wicked top notes, but her mid-voice is also warm and well developed. Many sopranos find a balance between their head and chest voices very difficult, but Sumi Jo does not, allowing a greater variety in repertoire, and abundance of roles.

Sumi Jo has made the role of "Die Zauberflote"'s Queen of the Night her own, and this disc includes the murderously-difficult "Der Holle Rache" and "O zittre nacht" arias. Other choice pieces include "Sevilliana" (Massenet's "Don Cesar de Bazan"); "Bolero" (Boieldieu's "La Fete du village"); and "Valse tyrolienne" (Offenbach's "Un mari a la porte").

I also recommend the many other Sumi Jo recordings, specifically her album 'Les Bijoux' which focuses on the French arias (available on the Erato label). For those who would like a concise collection of Sumi, or are beginning a collection, this disc is a wise purchase.

While this disc is currently out-of-print, most of the selections also appear on the 2-CD set 'Portrait of Sumi Jo', available on Decca [473 821-2].

[Decca/Polygram 458 927-2]

Best for a Sumi Jo primer.......2005-06-28

This includes a sampler of arias taken directly from the recordings of operas, as opposed to the arias sung solo with backing orchestra which is the case in some of her other CDs. I like it better when I hear her in the context of the other singers and the narrative of the story.

So if you don't own any Sumi Jo CDs yet, you might want to check this one out first.

What more could I say about her voice? Though certainly no soprano expert, and not really a fan of opera, I can say that her voice is one of the most beautiful that I've ever heard. Arvo Part is quoted as saying that "the voice is the most perfect of instruments" and in that cases Sumi Jo may have in her posession one of the most perfect vocal instruments.

Another of her CDs that I enjoy very much, and which is not opera arias, is "Prayers." For those like me who do not appreciate as much the opera arias with their trills, this might be another title to check out.

Stunningly GORGEOUS.......2004-01-18

Her voice is incredibly beautiful... I've never heard such effortless high notes from a soprano leggiero.. Brilliant is not enough to describe this gem of a voice! It's a gift from God! Buy this and be enchanted by the goddess of beautiful singing!

A Thousand Stars!.......2003-05-08

I can think of no better description of Sumi Jo's incredible voice - especially as displayed on this CD - than a quote from Ann Patchett's "Bel Canto: A Novel":

Never had he thought, never once, that such a woman existed, one who stood so close to God that God's own voice poured from her. How far she must have gone inside herself to call up that voice. It was as if the voice came from the center part of the earth and by the sheer effort and diligence of her will she had pulled it up through the dirt and rock and through the floorboards of the house, up into her feet, where it pulled through her, reaching, lifting, warmed by her, and then out of the white lily of her throat and straight to God in heaven.

This is most assuredly a "must-have" CD, and one I treasure. There's not a bad track or false note...as close to Heaven as we'll be this side of Heaven itself.

Amazing Coloratura.......2002-02-08

There's not much I can write that Andre hasn't already said - I just wanted to second his recommendation of this CD. One of my favorite tracks is the delightful "Ah, vous dirai-je, maman" from a French opera-comiquè by Adam. Just try not to smile. Additionally, this CD features the two highlight Queen of the Night arias from "Die Zauberflöte" - "O Zittre Nicht" and "Der Hölle Rache", for which Sumi Jo is justly famous. I prefer these recordings to those on the Arnold Östman recording of The Magic Flute on period instruments (which is a pity because that recording features Barbara Bonney - the best Pamina I've ever had the pleasure of listening to). On that recording, Sumi sounds too quiet and restrained - "Der Hölle Rache", an aria of rage and terrible beauty, comes out sounding like a very rushed vocal exercize (albeit a beautiful one :). On this disc, however, the two arias are sung with power and presence.

Anyway, if you're looking for brilliant coloratura singing with impeccable technique, look no further - here is your CD. I think it's a shame that this CD is not more widely available - best of luck in obtaining it.

World Music:

1. Joao Ferreira Rosa/Jorge Fernando - Fado
2. Julien [Import]
3. Juusan-Kai Wa Gekkou [Limited Edition] [Import]
4. Kesse Kesse
5. Kings & Queens of Bollywood [Import]
6. Le Piu Belle Canzoni [Import]
7. Les Lettres De Mon Moulin: Alphonse Daudet
8. Les Originaux [Import]
9. Live at the Hardrock Cafe [Import]
10. Live XV Anniversary

World Music

world music

World Music

Brighter Day

Mozart, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Reger: Variations

Plácido Domingo - Live in America [Live]

Best of Chick Corea

Pachanga

PART III

Nita

Road to Rouen [Import]

Rough Trade Field Guide to Music 1

Music Of Silvestre Revueltas

Overcome by Happiness

Le Piu Canzoni [Import]

Nometiresdelalengua [Import]

Brotherhood of Brass

Murder on the Orient Express