Tozzi [Import]

Product Description
C.G.D.

Tozzi,Umberto Tozzi,WEA,Italian,Italian Pop,Italy,World Music

Average customer rating: Some Enchanted Soundtrack! south Pacific Sound track South Pacific A dramatic, heartfelt and sometimes even brooding score--but still one of the best happy albums of all time !!! "Happy Talk"

South Pacific (1958 Film Soundtrack) Mitzi Gaynor , Giorgio Tozzi , Muriel Smith , Bill Lee , and Alfred Newman Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack) The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack) The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack) My Fair Lady (1964 Film Soundtrack) Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack) ASIN: B00004ZDXK Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

1. South Pacific Overture
2. Dites-Moi
3. Cock-Eyed Optimist
4. Twin Soliloquies/Some Enchanted Evening
5. Bloody Mary
6. My Girl Back Home
7. There Is Nothin' Like A Dame
8. Bali Ha'i
9. I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair
10. I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy
11. Younger Than Springtime
12. Happy Talk
13. Honey Bun
14. Carefully Taught
15. This Nearly Was Mine
16. Finale

Customer Reviews:

Some Enchanted Soundtrack!.......2007-03-11

My family had this album in the house when I was a kid, so I knew most of these songs by heart when I was about 8 years old. Recently I saw the film on TV, and when I heard "Bali Ha'i", I knew I had to get this CD. This is one of the best soundtracks that I have ever heard, equalled only by, perhaps, "West Side Story". "Bali Ha'i" is my favorite. It works on me like magic, still evoking the mysterious wonder surrounding that "special island". In fact, the movie, with all of its colorful effects, plays in my head when I hear these songs. There are the fun numbers like "Bloody Mary" and "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame". The ballads "Some Enchanted Evening", "Younger Than Springtime" and "This Nearly Was Mine" are all that one could want in a romantic song. And Mitzi Gaynor's big moments - "Cockeyed Optimist", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" and "I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy" - are pure joy. She conveys the hopeful naivete' of the 50's to perfection. "Dites-Moi" is a treat for me because, guess what? Je comprends le francais! But you don't have to speak French to appreciate this album. These songs have universal appeal with interesting, recognizable melodies, fun to sing along with. The remastered sound gives the orchestral arrangements (Ah, those soaring strings!) a new clarity that I could not have appreciated when I was much younger. The entire CD sounds fantastic, so if you like this movie, you will love the soundtrack.

south Pacific Sound track.......2007-01-09

music is very good all the way.. I made the mistake of ordering the sound track instead of the movie,, my fault,,, the soundtrack is excellant!

South Pacific.......2007-01-09

The CD came as promised and in the condition promised. I'm very satisfied.

A dramatic, heartfelt and sometimes even brooding score--but still one of the best happy albums of all time !!!.......2006-12-23

Movie buffs and fans of the great musicals will not be disappointed in the original soundtrack recording of the words and music from the epic motion picture South Pacific. The digital transfers by Mike Hartry provide us with a fresh sound exactly the way it was intended to be heard; and the quality of this sound on my portable CD player is excellent.

The CD begins with the "South Pacific Overture." This beautiful, bold and striking piece of music sets the tone for a musical of magnificent acting, singing and cinematography. The next track is very sweet; "Dites-moi" is a ballad performed by Mitzi Gaynor as Nellie Forbush and a children's choir playing the roles of island native children.

A number of songs and ballads on this CD are worth special mention. "Twin Soliloquies/Some Enchanted Evening" deals with the emotions two people feel as they are falling in love; and "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame" is a memorable homage to beautiful women sung by incredibly talented men playing the roles of soldiers. In addition, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" is an amusing ballad about a lady who cannot tolerate her man's flaws while "I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy" and "Happy Talk" express the joy of love. Finally, "This Nearly Was Mine" is a touching ballad by a man who has lost a love. Excellent!

The Ken Darby Singers work wonders to enhance the beauty of songs including "Bali Ha'i;" "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" and "I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy." You will be thrilled with their performances.

The liner notes offer us a track listing of the songs on the CD. Moreover, Joseph F. Laredo writes an extensive essay about the history of the Broadway show and how it was transformed into a major motion picture. Of particular note we learn that the film version of South Pacific has several "ghost singers." Mitzi Gaynor sang her own songs; but leading man Rossano Brazzi's vocals were dubbed by Giorgio Tozzi. Juanita Hall played Bloody Mary but her vocals were dubbed by Muriel Smith who had played Bloody Mary in the London production. John Kerr plays the role of Lieutenant Cable; but his vocals are dubbed by Bill Lee.

South Pacific remains one of the greatest motion picture musicals to this day and this CD proves why. The songs are written by Rodgers and Hammerstein; consequently both the vocals and the musical arrangements are flawless. The performers who sing these songs express every single emotion--even mixed emotions--with great sensitivity and much thought. Fans of great classic musicals will be thrilled by the quality of this CD; and people who appreciate music from both stage and screen will never be dissatisfied. ENJOY !!!

"Happy Talk".......2005-09-30

I used to purchase LPs in the 70s of every Broadway cast recording or film soundtrack I could afford as a teen with a part time job. It is odd that it took me so many years to update my CD library with classic R & H scores. This CD of the soundtrack to "South Pacific" is fine in sound quality with ample liner notes. My only caveat is that it did not get the classic Angel Records treatment accorded to "Oklahoma!", "The King & I" and "Carousel".

Average customer rating: Superb singing by my favorite tenor exceptional recording of Bizet, Verdi and Puccini The Kiss of Jussi Notes on a classic Pearl Fishers Duet

The "Pearl Fishers" Duet Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Milanov, Zinka | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection The Most Famous Opera Duets Bizet: The Pearl Fishers (Complete opera); Hendricks, Aler, Plasson, Capitole de Toulouse Jussi Björling Rediscovered Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias ASIN: B000003ERE Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint
2. Tosca: Mario, Mario, Mario! - Zinka Milanov
3. Don Carlo: Io L' Ho Perduta!, Dio, Che Nell' Alma Infondere
4. Manon Lescaut: Tu, Tu, Amore? Tu? - Licia Albanese
5. La Boheme: O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni
6. La Forza Del Destino: Solenne In Quest' Ora
7. Aida: La Fatal Pietra; Oterra Addio - Zinka Milanov
8. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!; Non Piangere, Liu - Renata Tebaldi
9. Otello: Si, Pel Ciel Marmoreo Giuro!

Amazon.com

This disc is essential for Jussi Bjoerling fans--doesn't that include almost everyone?--and for anyone who wants a distinctive sampling from recorded opera's most eloquent age. Best are Bjoerling's duets with baritone Robert Merrill--especially the classic "Au fond du temple saint" from The Pearl Fishers--and the scene with Renata Tebaldi, "Signore, ascolta; non piangere, Liu," from Turandot. Although the sound is variable--and sometimes disappointingly, annoyingly glitch-ridden in these recordings made between 1950 and 1959--the voice, the style, and the passion of the inimitable Bjoerling more than make up for it. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Superb singing by my favorite tenor.......2006-12-29

I can hardly tell you how much I loved this CD when musicologist David St. George gave
gave me a copy of it. Each time I hear the CD, Bjoerling's singing astounds me, because
depsite his age, he was in excellent voice when he recorded the "Pearl Fishers Duet."
My only complaint about Bjoerling is that a year before my birth, he died. :)

exceptional recording of Bizet, Verdi and Puccini.......2006-10-23

The beautiful main duet from Bizet's "The Pearlfishers" ("Au fond du temple saint") is the centerpiece of this disc, that also features pieces from "Aida", "Tosca", "Turandot" and "Otello", amongst others by Puccini and Verdi.

Legendary opera stars Robert Merrill, Zinka Milanov, Licia Albanese and Renata Tebaldi have the kind of voices that one rarely hears these days in opera. It's such a pleasure to know that these singers have received immortality thanks to CD reissues like this one. As other reviewers have noted, these recordings have great historical value but don't expect miracles with the overall sound quality.

[RCA/BMG Classics GD87799]

The Kiss of Jussi.......2006-08-23

Bjoerling never misses his pitch, never struggles with any note in his repertoire, never runs out of breath, and most importantly, never fails to makes any note perfectly beautiful. Bjoerling's supporting cast are immortalized by their association with this incomparable singer. Every track in this album is historically as well as artistically precious.

Notes on a classic.......2006-06-04

I'm prompted to comment only because a reviewer below offers no criticism of this famous duets recording exceept for the Manon Lescaut excerpt with Licia Albanese. As it happens, the only weakness in the cuts with Bjorling and Merrill is the workaday conducting by Renato Cellini (and the boxy sound that deserves the same miraculous remastering BMG has recently given to Toscanini). The Met was a singers' house and often fell short on conducting, saddling Golden Age voices with less than stellar maestros like Cillini, Fausto Cleva, and Leinsdorf (who actually does a very good job, for him, in Turandot, Bjorling's last opera recording before he died).

But the RCA Manon Lescaut from Rome was a wonderful exception. It is arguably the most satisfying collaboration in Bjorling's career, thanks to Jonel Perlea and the inspired Licia Albanese. Others might argue for the Aida with Milanov or the famous La Boheme with de los Angeles under Beecham. But for me the dramatic intensity of this Manon Lescaut is unparalleled. It's true that Albanese doesn't sound like a lush, full-voiced Puccini soprano, but she inhabits the role of Manon with astonishing realism and passion.

Pearl Fishers Duet.......2006-03-18

The Pearl Fishers Duet by Georges Bizet is well presented and delightfully sung. There are several additional duets on this CD which, whilst sung correctly and well, do not come over with the same lightness and flow. They would not be the best of their genre.

Average customer rating: Very Fine - Not the Last Word Mithical Edition! Turandot, third time around Excellent Turandot! Historic Turandot Recording Finally Back in the Rich Sound It Deserves

Puccini: Turandot [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | 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 General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini: Madama Butterfly [Hybrid SACD] Traviata (RMST) [Hybrid SACD] Puccini: La Bohème [Hybrid SACD] Spain (RMST) Don Quixote/Don Juan (RMST) ASIN: B000G759LM Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Act I: Popolo Di Pekino!
2. Act I: Gira La Cote, Gira, Gira!
3. Act I: Perche Tarda La Luna?
4. Act I: O Giovinotto (Funeral March)
5. Act I: O Divina Bellezza!
6. Act I: Figlio, Che Fai?
7. Act I: Fermo! Che Fai? T'arresta!
8. Act I: Non Indugiare!
9. Act I: Singore, Ascolta!
10. Act I: Non Piangere, Liu!
11. Act I: Ah! Per L'ultima Volta!
12. Act II - Scene 1: Ola, Pang! Ola, Pang!
13. Act II - Scene 1: Ho Una Casa Nell'Honan
14. Act II - Scene 1: O Mondo...O Mondo...
15. Act II - Scene 1: Non V'e In China Per Nostra Fortuna
16. Act II - Scene 2: Gravi, Enormi Ed Imponenti
17. Act II - Scene 2: Un Giuramento Atroce Mi Costringe
18. Act II - Scene 2: Popolo Di Pekino!

Tracks:

1. Act II - Scene 2: In Questa Reggia
2. Act II - Scene 2: Straniero, Ascolta
3. Act II - Scene 2: 'Giuzza Al Pari Di Fiamma'
4. Act II - Scene 2: 'Gelo Che Ti Da Foco'
5. Act II - Scene 2: Figlio Del Cielo!
6. Act II - Scene 2: Tre Enigmi M'hai Proposto
7. Act II - Scene 2: Ai Tuoi Piedi Ci Postriam
8. Act III - Scene 1: Cosi Comando Turandot
9. Act III - Scene 1: Nessun Dorma!
10. Act III - Scene 1: Tu Che Guardi Le Stelle
11. Act III - Scene 1: Straniero, Tu Non Sai
12. Act III - Scene 1: Principessa Divina!
13. Act III - Scene 1: Chi Pose Tanta Forza
14. Act III - Scene 1: Tu Che Di Gel Sei Cinta (Death Of Liu)
15. Act III - Scene 1: Ah! Tu Sei Morta
16. Act III - Scene 1: Principessa Di Morte!
17. Act III - Scene 1: Che E Mai Di Me?
18. Act III - Scene 1: Del Primo Pianto
19. Act III - Scene 2: Diecimila Anni

Amazon.com

This reissue of a 1959 recording captures four glorious voices at their peak, triumphantly conquering one of the most brutally difficult operas in the literature. Puccini taxed his singers almost beyond human endurance with his prolonged stratospheric writing (he also loved the musical depiction of physical torture). Nilsson's Turandot is thrilling; every inch the Ice Princess, her voice cuts through and soars over orchestra and chorus with the intense, brilliant radiance of a snowfield reflecting the sun, especially in the uppermost range. Required to sing at full volume until near the end, her stamina is incredible, as is her ability to suddenly modulate her voice from vengeful defiance to human warmth. Tebaldi's voice is achingly beautiful, lustrous and creamy; she makes Liu's submissiveness and fortitude deeply moving. Bjoerling combines the power and brightness of a "Heldentenor" with melting lyricism; his top has a radiant, clarion ring. Tozzi's sonorous bass gives Timur both majesty and desperation, De Paolis' Emperor quavers with age, the three Councilors are a pathetically antic comedy act. Puccini intended the last duet and orchestral finale to be an apotheosis, showing Turandot's transformation to humanity through love. Tragically, he died before they were finished - and before he could undertake his customary revisions - and Franco Alfani completed the opera, using some earlier material. A competent composer could hardly be expected to realize the vision of a genius, however, so Turandot feels both unfinished and incomplete. Still, despite its blood-thirsty plot and unbelievable characters, it is a fascinating masterpiece. The recording's only lack is a libretto; it is available on a website, but downloading is not every opera lover's forte. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Very Fine - Not the Last Word.......2007-03-27

Nilsson's Turandot is reason enough the acquire this recording, but her later version for EMI is vocally and dramatically finer still. Bjoerling is a very good Calaf for the phonograph who probably couldn't have brought it off in the theater. As a lyric voiced Calaf, he doesn't pack the sheer visceral excitement of the Nilsson/Corelli pairing on EMI. Tebaldi is vocally bested only by her younger self in the early stereo Decca effort that also featured Inge Borkh and Mario del Monaco. She's pretty conventional on the dramatic side - for a real change of pace listen to Schwarzkopf's detailed characterization on EMI with Callas. Tozzi, in my opinion, is the best Timur on record. The Ping, Pang and Pong are nicely characterized and well sung. Leinsdorf's conducting is on the restrained side but very satisfying, bringing out a lot of orchestral detail.

The SACD includes the three channel mix, giving a theatrical perspective to the voices and orchestra. No rear channel fake ambiance, thank goodness. While this latest remastering betters the older Red Seal and Living Stereo incarnations of this venerable recording, it didn't come out as well as the other Living Stereo SACD opera sets released at the same time (Boheme, Butterfly, Traviata) despite its repuation over the years as a sonic blockbuster. The sound is still somewhat harsh and congested in places but probably as good as we'll get from the master tapes. Nevertheless, it is better sonically than Nilsson's later effort on EMI where the shrill recording doesn't do the outstanding performance justice.

Mithical Edition!.......2007-01-10

A splendid, mithical edition: one of the best of the XX sec. Birgit Nilsson is yet widely known as the leading Turandot of any time. Renata Tebaldi was and is one of the best soprano voices that any century has ever heard.

Turandot, third time around.......2007-01-05

Puccini's final opera, Turandot, with an outstanding cast (Jussi Björling, Birgit Nilsson, Renata Tebaldi, Giorgio Tozzi, and Mario Sereni as principal singers) and illustrious conductor (Eric Leinsdorf) has now been released for the third time in Super Audio version (supplanting the Living Stereo version of a few years back). To the untrained ear, so to speak, there appears to be little difference between the two recent versions; nonetheless, the Super Audio (played on a SACD,5.1 chanel system) captures the nuances and dynamics of both orchestral and vocal production in a manner that sets it apart from the Living Stereo initial release. The orchestra sounds much richer than before. The choral accompaniment and comprimario singers (Ping, Pang, and Pong)have an immediacy and clarity that seem lacking in previous versions. Björling's hauntingly exquisite voice projects an Italianate warmth, coupled with a glistening upper register, that makes it extremely effective in the role of Calaf; Nilsson's heroic soprano (reflecting her Wagnerian training and repertory) rings out with a penetrating clarity of tone and pitch. She blends power and sweetness in a superb interpretation of the ice princess, Turandot. The final duet with Björling is indeed well worth the price of the two-disc set; both voices join in lyrical and dramatic utterances of rare beauty that elicit something close to awe in the listener.

There are some minor defects (at times Björling sounds oddly distant and the orchestra tends to cover the singers in the crescendo passages) due, perhaps, to the problems of early stereo recording (1959). For those who are Corelli or Pavarotti fans, this performance may not supersede these great artists' classic recordings of Turandot but the Leinsdorf/Björling/Nilsson Super Audio release is still one of the very best currently available. It belongs in the top three by virtue of its superior artistry and dramatic force. Highly recommended.

Excellent Turandot!.......2006-10-15

This recording of Turandot is great for three reasons: Nilsson, Jussi, and Tozzi. The voices are in great shape. For many reasons, Nilsson is my favorie in this role. Crystal clarity! Power beyond belief. Tozzi is grand and Jussi is NOT Pavarotti. So unmannered. Thankfully.
Enough said!!This recording is not satisfactory for Leinsdorf and the orchestra. Thank you for great singing!!
The remastering is quite good. The voices are in the correct perspective and sound great!

Historic Turandot Recording Finally Back in the Rich Sound It Deserves.......2006-09-26

Here, at last, the famous 1959 RCA recording is presented in what is truly "master tape" sound. Originally recorded in three channel stereo, this SACD allows playback in that format, in an SACD mixdown to two channels, or in CD audio of the two channel mix -- and all at a bargain price! The lack of artificially added reverb boosts the presence of the voices of the cast, emphasizing the authority of Giorgio Tozzi's Timur, the passion and resignation of Renata Tebaldi's Liu, and the gleam and burnished luster of Jussi Bjoerling's late-career Calaf. Choral passages that formerly were muddy-sounding are now clear, and, in the orchestra, the basses, timpani and bass drum benefit from a much more solid bottom end sound. The SACD formats also allow the brass to shine more brightly, and nothing is over-modulated. Yes, the winds and the strings are still horribly out-of-tune, but the sound overall is clear and present. The exception to the relatively dry acoustic is the voice of Birgit Nilsson, who, in her portrayal of Turandot, makes the Rome Opera House absolutely ring (pun intended?) with her voice.

The characters can be followed as they navigate the soundstage, with no remixing attempts to "correct" the original choreography by artificially placing the voices in the center, as has been done previously with some sections of this recording.

The enclosed booklet contains poorly reproduced pictures taken during the recording sessions (if it was a choice between preserving the original photos or the master tapes, thank goodness it was the tapes!), and no libretto. However, an internet link for downloading the libretto as a PDF file is included.

Average customer rating: "It is a long winter here..." THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPERA Someone Revived It! Someone Revive This....Soon! A Masterpiece!

Barber - Vanessa / Steber · Gedda · Elias · Tozzi · Resnik · MET · Mitropoulos Samuel Barber , Dimitri Mitropoulos , Eleonor Steber , Nicolai Gedda , Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus , Rosalind Elias , Giorgia Tozzi , Regina Resnik , George Cehanovsky , and Robert Nagy Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Barber: Vanessa [Hybrid SACD] Massenet: La Navarraise / Horne, Domingo, Milnes, Bacquier, Zaccaria, Davies, LSO, Lewis Massenet: Cendrillon The Ballad of Baby Doe Lalo: Le Roi d'Ys ASIN: B000003ES5 Release Date: 1990-02-13

Tracks:

1. VANESSA: Act 1: Potage creme aux perles
2. VANESSA: Act 1: No, I Cannot Understand
3. VANESSA: Act I: Must The Winter Come So Soon?
4. VANESSA: Act I: Listen!... They Are Here...
5. VANESSA: Act I: Do Not Utter A Word, Anatol
6. VANESSA: Act I: Yes, I Believe I Shall Love You
7. VANESSA: Act I: Who Are You?
8. VANESSA: Act II: And Then?---He Made Me Drink
9. VANESSA: Act II: No, You Are Not As Good A Skater
10. VANESSA: Act II: 'Under The Willow Tree...'
11. VANESSA: Act II: Erika, I Am So Happy
12. VANESSA: Act II: Our Arms Entwined
13. VANESSA: Act II: Did You Hear Her?
14. VANESSA: Act II: Outside This House The World Has Changed
15. VANESSA: Act II: Orchestral Interlude---Hymn

Tracks:

1. VANESSA: Act III: The Count And Countess d'Albany
2. VANESSA: Act III: I Should Never Have Been A Doctor
3. VANESSA: Act III: Here You Are!
4. VANESSA: Act III: At Last I Found You
5. VANESSA: Act III: Nothing To Worry About
6. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 1: Why Did No One Warn Me?
7. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 1: Why Must The Greatest Sorrows
8. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 1: There, Look!
9. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 1: Anatol, Tell Me The Truth!
10. VANESSA: Act III, Scene 1: Take Me Away
11. VANESSA: Act III, Scene 1: Grandmother!---Yes, Erika
12. VANESSA: Act III, Scene 1: Intermezzo
13. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 2: By The Time We Arrive
14. VANESSA: Act III, Scene 2: For Every Love There Is A Last Farewell
15. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 2: And You, My Friend
16. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 2: To Leave, To Break (Quintet)
17. VANESSA: Act IV, Scene 2: Goodbye, Erika

Customer Reviews:

"It is a long winter here...".......2003-01-24

... has got to be the loveliest aria ever for a mezzo. Elias convinces me the opera should be called "Erika."

THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPERA.......2002-11-07

If you want to leave for a while very well known operas, then you'd hear this one. The only reasons are: Barber, Steber, Gedda, Elias, Tozzi, Resnik, the MET and Mitropoulos. I think I do not have to say anything more

Someone Revived It!.......2002-10-30

As an addendum to my previous review, I'm pleased to say that the Washington Opera revived Vanessa this year. I haven't seen the production, but my sister raved about it. Maybe this will give new life to this amazing work!

Someone Revive This....Soon!.......2002-06-25

This may be one of the greatest American operas of all time. It is shocking that a work of this quality isn't more widely performed. It is a vocal showcase.

Vanessa suffers perhaps from a bit overwrought libretto. Menotti is guilty of his usual excesses. But Barber more than makes up for this in the sweep of his melodies. Musically, the piece is tonal, but harmonically adventureous. Interestingly, some of the piece calls to mind composers such as Bernard Herrmann or Miklas Rosza...high praise indeed for dramatic music in my mind. The final quintet at the end of the fourth act is rapturous. I find myself listening to it again and again.

The performance is as close to perfect as a composer could wish for. Steber is brilliant as Vanessa and Rosalind Elias is a moving Ericka. Mitropoulos conducts with sweep and power.

I wish opera companies would revive this work. It really deserves it.

A Masterpiece!.......2002-04-30

A truly gorgeous recording. What amazed me the most is the perfect diction of each performer. What a lesson for singers young and old! Barber's score is hauntingly beautiful.The cast is, without exception, brilliant Why isn't this work done at the Metropolitan on a regular basis?

Average customer rating: A Fine Performance in Refurbished SACD Sound captivating!

Puccini: La Bohème [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | 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 Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini: Madama Butterfly [Hybrid SACD] Traviata (RMST) [Hybrid SACD] Puccini: Turandot [Hybrid SACD] Spain (RMST) Don Quixote/Don Juan (RMST) ASIN: B000G759KS Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Questo Mar Rosso
2. Nei Cieli Bigi
3. Gia Dell'Apocalisse Appariscono I Segni
4. Pensier Profondo!
5. Legna!-Sigari!-Bordo!
6. Si Puo?-Chi E La?-Benoit
7. Timido In Gioventu
8. Chi E La?-Scusi.-Una Donna!
9. Oh! Sventata!
10. Che Gelida Manina
11. Mi Chiamano Mimi
12. Ehi! Rodolfo!
13. O Soave Fanciulla
14. Aranci, Ninnoli!
15. Questa E Mimi
16. Una Cuffietta A Pizzi
17. Oh!-Essa!-Musetta!
18. Quando Me'n Vo' (Musetta's Waltz Song)
19. Gioventu Mia-Sciogli, Slaccia!
20. Caro!-Fuori Il Danaro!

Tracks:

1. Ohe, La, Le Guardi! Aprite!
2. Chi Nel Ber Trovo Il Piacer
3. Sa Dirmi, Scusi, Qual'e L'Osteria
4. O Buon Marcello, Aiuto!
5. Marcello, Finalmente!
6. Mimi E Una Civetta
7. Donde Lieta; Addio, Senza Rancor! (Mimi's Farewell)
8. Che Facevi, Che Dicevi
9. In Un Coupe?
10. O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni
11. Eccoci.-Ebben?
12. The Quadrille And Duel
13. C'e Mimi Che Mi Seque E Che Sta Male
14. Vecchia Zimarra, Senti
15. Sono Andati? Fingevo Di Dormire
16. Che Ha Detto Il Medico?

Customer Reviews:

A Fine Performance in Refurbished SACD Sound.......2007-01-09

This recording has always been tied with the classic Beecham version (EMI) for pride of place as my reference recording of this warhorse. Moffo's Mimi really sounds like a fragile young woman, not a prima donna star turn. Costa's Musetta is likewise well sung and characterized. Whatever happened to her?

Of the men, Merrill and Tozzi are paricularly satisfying with plush voices and good vocal acting. Maero does journeyman's work - here's much better here than as the "evil brother" in the RCA "Lucia" with Roberta Peters. Corena makes something memorable of his brief appearance as the landlord.

Tucker is not in the same league as Bjoerling (or Pavarotti or Bergonzi for that matter)for tonal allure. It's a thoroughly professional performance that has its moments - its just that the voice seems more suited to heavier roles.

Leinsdorf was a star conductor who's posthumous reputation is somewhat diminished. He is viewed in some quarters as cold and analytical. I think he strikes an near ideal balance between classical restraint and romantic sweep. He reveals many engaging details in Puccini's colorful orchestration. The fact that many of the participants were Met roster artists who appeared together regularly adds to the fine ensemble.

Finally, this is a very good example of DSD/SACD technology applied to analog source material. The results of the remastering are much more musical and accurate than previous my earlier RCA Victor Opera Series version. Plus, if you have multi-channel capability, you'll get a nice sound stage on the front three channels - no rear channel artifical reverb, thank goodness.

Classic performance, great sound and reasonable price - who could ask for more?

captivating!.......2006-09-19

One could not escape the charm and fervor contained in this cd edition of Puccini's masterwork (unless you're opera-phobic)--
highly recommended!

Average customer rating: Beecham's noisy Messiah The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself! Comfort Ye! Familiarity hasn't bred much affection Thanks to Jon!

Handel - Messiah / Vyvyan · Sinclair · Vickers · Tozzi · Royal PO · Beecham George Frideric Handel , Sir Thomas Beecham , Jennifer Vyvyan , Monica Sinclair , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Jon Vickers , and Giorgio Tozzi Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | 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 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 General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock Handel: Messiah Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx Handel - Joshua / Kirkby, Bowman, Oliver, Ainsley, George, The King's Consort ASIN: B000003FB8 Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Messiah: Recit: Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
3. Messiah: Air: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
4. Messiah: Chorus: And The Glory Of The Lord - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
6. Messiah: Air: But Who May Abide (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
7. Messiah: Chorus: And He Shall Purify - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
9. Messiah: Air & Chorus: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings (Contralto) - John McCarthy
10. Messiah: Recit: For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
11. Messiah: Air: The People That Walked In Darkness (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
12. Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
14. Messiah: Recit: There Were Shepherds Abiding (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
15. Messiah: Recit: And The Angel Said Unto Them (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
16. Messiah: Recit: And Suddenly There Was (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
17. Messiah: Chorus: Glory To God In The Highest - John McCarthy
18. Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
19. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall The Eyes (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
20. Messiah: Air: He Shall Feed His Flock; Come Unto Him (Contralto & Soprano) - Monica Sinclair
21. Messiah: Chorus: His Yoke Is Easy - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Chorus: Behold The Lamb Of God - John McCarthy
2. Messiah: Air: He Was Despised (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
3. Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - John McCarthy
4. Messiah: Chorus: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - John McCarthy
6. Messiah: Recit: All They That See Him (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
7. Messiah: Chorus: He Trusted In God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Recit: Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
9. Messiah: Air: Behold, And See If There Be (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
10. Messiah: Recit: He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
11. Messiah: Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
12. Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads - John McCarthy
13. Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are The Feet (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
14. Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - John McCarthy
15. Messiah: Air: Why Do The Nations So Furious Rage (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
16. Messiah: Chorus: Lets Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - John McCarthy
17. Messiah: Recit: He That Dwelleth In Heaven (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
18. Messiah: Air: Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
19. Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah! - John McCarthy
20. Messiah: Part III - Air: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan
21. Messiah: Chorus: Since By Man Came Death - John McCarthy
22. Messiah: Recit: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
23. Messiah: Air: The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
24. Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is The Lamb - John McCarthy

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Recit: Unto Which Of The Angels (Tenor) - Jon Vickers
2. Messiah: Chorus: Let All The Angels Of God Worship Him - John McCarthy
3. Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up On High (Bass) - Giorgio Tozzi
4. Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave The Word - John McCarthy
5. Messiah: Recit: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass (Contralto) - Monica Sinclair
6. Messiah: Duet: O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Contralto & Tenor) - Monica Sinclair
7. Messiah: Chorus: But Thanks Be To God - John McCarthy
8. Messiah: Air: If God Be For Us (Soprano) - Jennifer Vyvyan

Amazon.com essential recording

Sir Thomas Beecham's Messiah has become notorious among baroque purists (like this writer) for embodying the worst excesses of pre-1960 Handel performance: ponderous tempos, stentorian opera singers, huge lumbering choruses and orchestras, crashing cymbals, clanging triangles.... Well, we'll need a new straw man: this performance is WONDERFUL. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi negotiate Handel's writing surprisingly well; Jennifer Vyvyan takes to it naturally. The chorus and orchestra (yes, including trombones, tuba, triangle, and cymbals) may obscure the part-writing, but they fill the music with power, grandeur, and faith. If Mozart could re-orchestrate Messiah, why not Beecham? This may not be Handel's Messiah as such, it may even be a period piece itself--but it's magnificent. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beecham's noisy Messiah.......2006-12-23

Here's the famous Messiah from Thomas Beecham and forces that uses crashing cymbals, enhanced timpani and brass to make it sound like a collusion between classical forces, a rock band and Canadian Brass. Listen to second CD excerpt from "Hallelujah!" for the opening cymbal crash to get an idea of what's going on.

This performance has been debated for 40 years as to whether it is musically adept, musically correct, an exemplar of the English choral tradition, or just a big old batch of fun at Handel's expense. I first owned this during a time when I also owned a recording Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" featuring 40 woodwinds. The two made roughly an equal amount of noise.

There isn't much question this performance is completely out of step with the way Handel is performed in most venues today. Check out the wonderful Jon Vickers' highly operatic opening aria, "Comfort ye", then compare that to any leaned-out period group you've heard. You'll get another idea of the dimension of Beecham's project.

While not on the agenda of the Flat Earth Society, the only real interest in a performance like this -- especially having to endure it on three CDs when just about everyone else puts it on two -- is nostalgia or history, whichever happens to be the case for you.

My personal favorite version is in the 4-CD box of "Messiah" and "Israel In Egypt" where Andrew Parrott leads his Taverner Choir & Players and some of the best early music singers including Emma Kirkby, Emily van Evera, Margaret Cable, David Thomas, and Joseph Cornwall. HIs Messiah isn't perfect -- it uses a countertenor for a bass in one aria -- but it is more moderate than most PPP recordings and has a wonderful romantic edge to most of the score. It comes with a top notch recording of "Israel in Egypt" and still costs less than the Beehcham.

The Big Victorian Handel 'Messiah': Indulge Yourself!.......2006-12-16

We live in an era when purity of intent and respect for composers' works is at an all time high. Not only are we blessed with superb 'authentic' performances on period instruments and with small choruses and countertenors and state of the art bel canto singers for Handel's evergreen "Messiah", there are many superlative recordings that are as polished as any one work on current recordings. Supposedly we are hearing Messiah the way Handel envisioned it. Perhaps so, but who is to say that had Handel the resources available today he wouldn't have jumped for joy at the drama of the old British Choral Societies version that Sir Thomas Beecham conducts on this anything but dusty recording from many years ago. The 'Old School' had its good points.

Beecham goes all out with an orchestration, while attributed to Sir Eugene Goosens is also probably some of Beecham's own inimitable tinkering, that adds instruments not only in numbers but also in color and depth of sound. Winds double strings, percussion includes the full battery instead of just tympani, the big cello and viola sound stand equally with the big violin sound, etc. The chorus is huge, and while this allows the big dramatic moments to be intense, the fine diction Beecham demanded remains solidly intact.

The soloists are in an operatic class of their own. Jennifer Vyvyan and Monica Sinclair were major singers when this recording was made and their singing is big and well ornamented. Jon Vickers and Giorgio Tozzi bring Verdi into the room and he is a welcome visitor to Beecham's vision of this work.

For this listener, who prefers the 'correct, authentic' performance, this recording and others even older that celebrate the BIG Messiah are a delight. And that just proves that performance standards, no matter the interpretation of the conductor, are paramount: Beecham gives a solid, convincing interpretation to the operatic Messiah. It is lush, and huge, and absolutely wonderful to hear again! Grady Harp, December 06

Comfort Ye!.......2006-10-30

If your not familiar with "Messiah" don't let the reviews scare you - this is certainly a great choice for your first or only recording. There is a lot of feeling in the playing and singing, and i feel it is quite respectful not only of the composer, but the subject matter. It includes a booklet with all the lyrics, and an essay by Beecham himself about the piece. It is a complete recording, with a "bonus cd" of extra verses not usually performed (as explained in the essay). The audio quality is great for the time it was recorded. Its much more worthy to be listened to and contemplated than to be put on as backround music at Christmastime. The price is certainly reasonable in light of the quality of the performance.

Familiarity hasn't bred much affection.......2005-11-02

I first became acquainted with this recording at the tender age of 12 when I received the original Soria edition as a Christmas gift. I remember being intensely disappointed at what seemed to me then as more circus than music. Time has mellowed that negative reaction and gives a more balanced assessment of Beecham's achievement - I bought the CD reissue after all. It still doesn't inspire much affection in yours truly although I can appreciate the soloists' contributions, particularly Tozzi. The lamented Vyvyan was in better voice with Boult. Here she has a rapid vibrato and a curious way of articulating the high notes. The orchestrations seem to maintain more of the clarity of the writing by concentrating on the bass and the top without clogging up the middle voices in the manner of the Victorians. There are three pieces where it just doesn't work at all to these ears: the brassy "All we like sheep," "Hallelujah" (which summons visions of Fucik's 'Entry of the Gladiators' every time I hear it), and the disintegration of the obbligato trumpet into flute noodlings in "The trumpet shall sound," in a lightweight performance that is at odds with the grandeur of the text. I'll also admit that the splashy brilliance of "For unto us a Child is born" and the surging drama of "Surely, He hath borne our griefs" are very satisfying.

In the forty some recordings I own (and the many performances I've attended) there's no best and no definitive. This is one I respect but don't care to hear very often.

Thanks to Jon!.......2005-03-08

This recording is worth having first of all beacause of the credible singing of Jon Vickers! Yes, he really sings on the words. The "Comfort Ye" and "Every valley..." have a knew dimension after Jons reading of the score. Of course I know that in tradition we want a very much more lyrical voice to this masterpiece. But he's not alone here, and now we are already into the problem; the choir! It's just terrible, yes terrible!
I'm just ending up with "Thanks to Jon!"

Average customer rating: Perfection in Seville Un 'Barbero' sorprendente Strange to say, but probably one of the best Barbers Pure Bliss!!! YOU MUST GET THIS!! Hey! This is one of the BEST!

Rossini - The Barber of Seville / Roberta Peters · Leinsdorf Gioachino Rossini , Erich Leinsdorf , Roberta Peters , Robert Merrill , Fernando Corena , Margaret Roggero , Carlo Tomanelli , and Giorgio Tozzi Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Giacomo Puccini: La Rondine Verdi: Ernani (Complete) [Germany] Bizet: Carmen / Price, Corelli, Merrill, Freni; Karajan Mozart - Die Zauberflöte / Araiza, Te Kanawa, Studer, Ramey, Lind, van Dam, Bär, Marriner Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro ASIN: B000003G4F Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

1. The Barber Of Seville: Overture
2. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Piano, pianissimo (Count)
3. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Ecco ridente il cielo (Count)
4. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Ehi, Fiorello! - Mio signore! (Count)
5. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Mille grazie, mio signore (Count)
6. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Gente indiscreta! (Count, Figaro)
7. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: La ran le lera; Largo al factotum (Figaro)
8. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Ah, ah! che bella vita! (Count, Figaro)
9. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Non e venuto ancora (Rosina, Count, Bartolo, Figaro)
10. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Se il nome saper voi bramate (Rosina, Count, Figaro)
11. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Oh, cielo! (Count, Figaro)
12. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: All'idea di quel metallo (Count, Figaro)

Tracks:

1. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene 1: Evviva il mio padrone - Rossini
2. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Una voce poco fa (Rosina) - Rossini
3. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Si, si, la vincero! (Rosina, Figaro, Bartolo) - Rossini
4. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: La calunnia e un venticello (Basilio) - Rossini
5. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Ah, che ne dite? (Basilio, Bartolo, Figaro, Rosina) - Rossini
6. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Dunque io son... tu non m'inganni? (Rosina, Figaro) - Rossini
7. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Ora mi sento meglio (Rosina, Bartolo) - Rossini
8. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: A un dottor della mia sorte (Bartolo) - Rossini
9. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Brontola quanto vuoi (Rosina, Count) - Rossini
10. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Ehi, di casa... buona gente (Count, Bartolo, Rosina, Basilio) - Rossini
11. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Che cosa accadde, signori miei (Figaro, Bartolo, Count, Basilio) - Rossini
12. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Fermi tutti, nessun si mova (Bartolo, Figaro, Basilio, Count, Rosina) - Rossini
13. The Barber Of Seville: Act I: Scene: 2: Mi par d'esser con la testa (Rosina, Count, Basilio, Bartolo, Figaro) - Rossini

Tracks:

1. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Ma vedi il mio destino! (Bartolo)
2. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Pace e gioia sia con voi (Count, Bartolo)
3. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Insomma, mio signore (Bartolo, Count, Rosina)
4. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: 'Contro un cor che accende amore...' (Rosina, Count)
5. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Bella voce! (Count, Rosina, Bartolo)
6. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: 'Quando mi sei vicina...' (Count, Bartolo)
7. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Bravo,signor barbiere,ma bravo! (Figaro, Bartolo, Rosina, Count)
8. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Don Basilio! Cosa veggo! (Rosina, Count, Figaro, Bartolo, Basilio)
9. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Buona sera, mio signore (Count, Figaro, Basilio, Rosina, Figaro, Bartolo)
10. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Orsu, signor don Bartolo (Figaro, Bartolo, Count, Rosina)
11. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Ah! Disgraziato me! ma come? (Bartolo,
12. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Il vechiotto cerca moglie
13. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Dunque voi don Alonso non conoscete affatto? (Bartolo, Basilio, Rosina)
14. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Temporale - Storm
15. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Alfine eccoci qua (Figaro, Count, Rosina)
16. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Ah! qual colpo inaspettato! (Rosina, Figaro, Count)
17. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Ah,disgraziati noi! come si fa? (Figaro, Count, Rosina, Basilio)
18. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Il conte! ah che mai sento! (Bartolo, Count)
19. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Cessa di piu resistere (Count)
20. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Insomma, io ho tutti i torti! (Bartolo, Figaro, Basilio, Rosina)
21. The Barber Of Seville: Act II: Di si felice innesto (Figaro, Bartolo, Basilio, Rosina, Count)

Customer Reviews:

Perfection in Seville.......2007-05-14

I think the mezzo vs high coloratura soprano as Rosina is irrelevant when considering the merits of this recording. This is almost a complete reading of the score which benefits from the casting of most of the original cast of a production that was still relatively new in 1958 when the recording was made.

All the soloists have the bel canto style nailed down. The Figaro of this recording is Robert Merrill and his voice is caught in all of it's prime time state. Simply gorgeous golden tone here that is richly masculine with an easy upper register. The rest of the cast, the conducting and playing of the Met Opera orchestra and chorus are perfection.

Although there is some minor master tape related problems, and they are really minor, RCA's Living Stereo process is remarkable. This edition's sonics are an incredible improvement over RCA's original CD release.

Un 'Barbero' sorprendente.......2004-10-31

Este 'Barbero de Sevilla' (grabado en 1956 por el sello RCA) depara muchas sorpresas agradables. Se trata de una version completisima (se incluyen todos los recitativos y ademas el aria de Almaviva 'Cessa di piu resistere', que suele suprimirse y que aparece aqui por primera vez en la historia en grabacion de esta opera).
El reparto se acerca bastantea la realidad rossiniana de los canones de hoy en dia (lo que debe sorprender, porque en 1956 eran bien diferentes) Como Almaviva tenemos al tenor CESARE VALLETTI, que combina una bella voz con un dominio de la coloratura bastante correcto para la epoca. La Rosina de ROBERTA PETERS (en version soprano ligera) derrocha una cantidad de agudos y sobreagudos con una seguridad y limpieza absolutamente pasmosa: la voz puede gustar o no, pero su dominio del agudo y del registro agudo no se le puede negar.
ROBERT MERRILL es un Figaro diferente, que quiza pueda chocar un poco, porque es el que mas alejado esta de la realidad rossiniana de hoy en dia. FERNANDO CORENA es un Don Bartolo que quiza peca de excesos de comico y GIRGIO TOZZI es un Don Basilio imponente. La lista de secundarios cumple perfectamente con sus cometidos y ERICH LEINSDORF realiza una lectura que, aunque hoy en dia puede resultar poco rossiniana, no deja de ser interesante ante unos cuerpos estables del Metropolitan de Neuva York que, como siempre, responden con calidad.
En definitiva, sin ser un Barbero de primera opcion, es una buena forma de ver cuanto ha evolucionado la historia del canto y de la conduccion rossiniana, disfrutando y sorprendiendose. Una version que, aunque a priori pueda prometer poco, ofrece bastante. Recomendable.

Strange to say, but probably one of the best Barbers.......2004-10-27

It's funny how some "classic" recordings might be classic but they arent necessarily good introductions to an opera. For example, the Maria Callas/Tito Gobbi/Luigi Alva Barber of Seville is often thought to be the classic recording of Rossini's comic gem. While I agree that recording is unique, it's also extremely cut, and it goes for a drier, more "subtle" humor.
OTOH, the Leinsdorf recording, with a cast of Cesare Valletti, Roberta Peters, Robert Merrill, and Fernando Corena is well-sung, relatively complete, well-recorded, and most of all has a freewheeling sense of fun that I think perfectly captures the charm of this opera.
Roberta Peters was a high, light soprano. Her voice can sound a bit glassy and colorless, but her Rosina is lively, virtuostic, and properly spunky. The only caveat is that like some sopranos she transposes "Una voce poco fa' up to F, while the aria IMO is much more charming in its original key of E. Cesare Valleti's Almaviva is more caressing than dazzling (unlike Juan Diego Florez), but unlike many Almavivas he actually sings the whole part. He does not cut his final aria "Cessa di piu resistere."
Overall, I'd say none of the individual singers on this recording are necessarily the best, but together this is a great ensemble recording, and I highly recommend it as an introduction to the opera. To opera, in fact.

Pure Bliss!!! YOU MUST GET THIS!!.......2003-07-29

Okay, if you are just browsing amazon and this set caught your eye let me just say STOP!! GO NO FURTHER!! THIS IS THE BEST!!
THIS IS PERFECTION!! THIS BORDERS ON DIVINE!! There is simply no point in looking for that all important "most enjoyable piece of opera in the world" BECAUSE THIS IS IT! Its this simple folks, if you like opera, if you like beautiful voices, if you like perfect timing, pitch and recording quality you must get this. This is the DEFINITIVE Barber of Seville. I will let the previous reviews here tell you about the story and the performers. My review is here for just one reason - to let people that are on the fence wondering if they should really get this -YES YOU SHOULD! You absolutely will not be dissappointed - I stake my brothers life on it. :)
End of rant.

Hey! This is one of the BEST!.......2002-07-18

I've owned this on vinyl for decades, and it seldom comes any better. Most of you know that, being familiar with Roberta Peters in her prime, along with Valletti, Merrill, Corena, and Tozzi. This is one of the most balanced casts ever assembled. I happen to like both approaches to Rosina- high in the stratosphere vocalizing and the more down-to-earth approach of Teresa Berganza. In Cesare Valletti, we have one of the finest Almavivas since the days of Fernando de Lucia. Valletti gets right into the meat of this character, with Nicolai Gedda being the only modern Almaviva to rival Valletti's voice. (I can't wait to hear Florez sing this!) What can one say about Robert Merrill? If he didn't love singing Figaro, he's done a fine job of fooling me. I do not agree with all of his interpretation, but this is one of the finest baritones having fun with a role that deserves it. (He has formidable competition here: Stracciari is incredible as Figaro. He had one of the most glorious high baritone voices you could ever want to hear and he's darned funny as Figaro to boot. Then there's Sherrill Milnes, who had a voice to rival Stracciari's formidable instrument and the same sense of fun.)

Then there are the not so minor roles of Bartolo and Basilio. Corena had a powerful, rich voice used here with a sense of character that's almost impossible to surpass. Has anyone ever had a better voice for Bartolo? Not in my memory! Giorgio Tozzi's Basilio is one of the glories of this performance; a rich, colorful voice with great beauty of tone... all at the service of one of opera's funniest `villains'. Leinsdorf does a fine job capturing the ambience of Barbiere, so I find it hard to go wrong with this recording...

So now it's time for a little rant and rave... One of the reviewers chided Corena and Tozzi for going over the top, speaking of them like dogs who were caught digging holes in the neighbors' gardens. (What must he think of Capecchi? I shudder to think of it!) The Barber of Seville is not a dusty old museum piece, it's a comedy about very human people going about their businesses with wacky results. This opera somewhat resembles a train wreck in the making, with boxcars full to the brim with maniac clowns. I love it when the singers get into the meat of their characters. Combining it with glorious voices and breathtaking singing only adds to the joy. Corena's performance of Doctor Bartolo IS over the top- which is what is needed- Bartolo is a very over-the-top man. Three cheers to Fernando Corena!

Average customer rating: Something Different Rare revival that meets all expectations. Short and Not So Sweet you'll spend many an "enchanted evening" with this CD LINCOLN CENTER'S "SOUTH PACIFIC" FINALLY MAKES IT TO CD!

South Pacific (1967 Lincoln Center Cast) Richard Rodgers , Oscar Hammerstein II , Florence Henderson , and Giorgio Tozzi Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: My Fair Lady (20th Anniversary Broadway Cast) The King and I (1964 Lincoln Center Cast) Candide (1974 Broadway Revival Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000GPIPU6 Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Dites-Moi
3. A Cockeyed Optimist
4. Twin Soliloquies
5. Some Enchanted Evening
6. Bloody Mary
7. There Is Nothin' Like A Dame
8. Bali Ha'i
9. I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair
10. A Wonderful Guy
11. Younger Than Springtime
12. Bali Ha'i (Reprise)
13. Happy Talk
14. Honey Bun
15. You've Got To Be Taught
16. This Nearly Was Mine
17. Finale

Amazon.com

Having already headlined Noel Coward's The Girl Who Came to Supper, and developed a relationship with Rodgers and Hammerstein (a national tour of Oklahoma!) and Joshua Logan (the 1954 Fanny), Florence Henderson makes an attractive and very enjoyable Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center's 1967 production of South Pacific. She's joined by Giorgio Tozzi (who dubbed the vocals for Rosanno Brazzi in the 1958 South Pacific movie) as Emil de Becque, Irene Byatt as Bloody Mary, and Justin McDonough as Lt. Joe Cable, while as Liat, Eleanor Calbes has an interesting reprise of "Bali H'ai." This 48-minute recording won't replace the original Broadway cast, of course, but it's a solid all-around effort especially because of Henderson, who went on to future fame as the matriarch of The Brady Bunch. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Something Different.......2007-01-04

For many people they only think of Mary Martin or Mitzi Gaynor in "South Pacific" so this should be a new and enjoyable experience. I love getting different performers takes on roles that is why I purchase so many different recordings of the same title. This recording sounds remarkable with all the new technology they use to preserve these recordings. It was really great to listen to this because I have heard so much about this limited production so many years ago. I think Florence Henderson is a natural for Nellie Forbush, I think she is a very underrated stage performer and singer.So many people tend to just think of Ms.Henderson as that famous Mrs.Brady role. One shall be quite surprised. Another surprise on this was Giorgio Tozzi his operetic voice brings such depth and masculinity to his role as Emile, it is a perfect match for Ms.Henderson's in their duets. The rest of this cast sounds fine and it is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's best scores. I think the best things about this recording is that this availability gives people more avenues to enjoy and explore this classic work.

Rare revival that meets all expectations........2007-01-03

The original South Pacific is still the benchmark for this work. The soundtrack for the movie is fine, too, although I can't watch the movie - too many colored gels for my taste. This revival album includes slightly longer versions of the songs than the original cast album due to LP's advantage over 78s and 45s. The LP had just come in, and the industry didn't know how to handle the varying media. Of the Lincoln Center revivals, this was one of the best. Georgio Tozzi is just as phenominal as he was in the soundtrack. Florence Henderson, despite her TV credits, had a really great Broadway kind of voice - good belt with easy switch to head voice. She is fully the equal to Mary Martin and Mitzi Gaynor. It's nice to hear the extra verse sung by Liat, too. All in all, a first-rate, great-sounding release. (The original cast sound is good, but shows its age.)

Short and Not So Sweet.......2006-09-20

My first big surprise was the Overture. It's the trucated overture used on the 1949 original cast recording, not the one used in the theatre and most subsequent recordings of "South Pacific." If you want a short stereo version of "South Pacific," this is the album for you. No dance break in "Bloody Mary," no chorus interlude in "Honey Bun," no reprises.

Florence Henderson uses two voices -- show and operetta -- and switches mid-song in a number of instances. It's jarring and doesn't work well in establishing the character of Nellie.

Bottom line: With so many other "South Pacifics" from which to choose, this "new" CD falls close to the bottom of the list. The Mary Martin/Ezio Pinza version, short but definitively sung, is the best. It's mono, sounds like it was recorded over 55 years ago, but is still magnificent and the recent remastering only adds to its majesty. The 2-CD JAY recording is the most complete and gloriously performed. The recent Carnegie Hall version has Brian Stokes Mitchell's epic "This Nearly Was Mime." The bottom of the list is reserved for the TV version with Glenn Close.

you'll spend many an "enchanted evening" with this CD.......2006-09-04

The 1967 Music Theatre of Lincoln Center revival of SOUTH PACIFIC was a very successful production, completely overseen by Richard Rodgers himself, and with a handpicked cast. The main stars of the revival were Florence Henderson (fresh from her performance in "The Girl Who Came to Supper") as Ensign Nellie Forbush, and Giorgio Tozzi (who had previously dubbed for Rossano Brazzi in the film version) as Emile.

The entire album is flawless in terms of performances, Henderson particularly shines as Nellie with "A Wonderful Guy", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" and "A Cockeyed Optimist". Tozzi's performance on this album does not vary greatly from his work on the film soundtrack, his silky and stridant voice is still perfectly suited to "Some Enchanted Evening".

Richard Rodgers had been grooming Florence Henderson for stardom; she had headlined a touring company of "Oklahoma!" (and appeared opposite Gordon MacRae in excerpts from the show for the General Foods TV tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein); and had recorded the role of Laurey for a Columbia studio cast album in 1964. In 1961 she starred in the national tour of "The Sound of Music", and in 1965 played Mrs Anna in the Los Angeles Music Center's revival of "The King and I". Henderson's natural progression to the role of Nellie - in the closest SOUTH PACIFIC has ever come to a Broadway revival - was a big feather in her cap, and she is the main reason why this album is so enjoyable.

The stereo placements on the album are great, and there is a fantastic energy to the overall recording. A very welcome CD premiere from Sony/BMG.

LINCOLN CENTER'S "SOUTH PACIFIC" FINALLY MAKES IT TO CD!.......2006-09-01

Even though SOUTH PACIFIC initially ran on Broadway for 1925 performances, won thirteen Tony Awards AND the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950, and became a very successful motion picture (1958), it is the only major Rodgers and Hammerstein show that has never seen a Broadway revival. Go figure. In spite of the fact that I saw the movie version four times, I must confess that the score ranks number four with me, behind CAROUSEL, THE KING AND I, and OKLAHOMA! (I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't like THE SOUND OF MUSIC!) That doesn't mean that I'm not a SOUTH PACIFIC fan. The final scene always hooks me. And I treasure the 1949 original cast album.

A few weeks ago I was reading John Kendrick's reviews (Musicals101.com) and came across the following: "The 1967 Lincoln Center Cast (Columbia) has not made it to CD, but for many years it was an excellent (and more complete) alternative to the Original Bway Cast. Giorgio Tozzi is a superb Emile, and Florence Henderson perfect as Nellie. Irene Byatt's Bloody Mary and Justin McDonough's Lt. Cable are thoroughly satisfying, as are the ensemble numbers. This production was overseen by Rodgers, so it is small wonder everything turned out so well. A real pleasure if you can find it." When I read that it was to be released (on August 29), I immediately pre-ordered my copy.

This recording is everything Mr. Kendrick says it is. It also benefits from stereo recording, even though it's not as lush and layered as the Lincoln Center recording of THE KING AND I. If Florence Henderson sounds a bit like Mary Martin, well . . . . (I caught Ms. Henderson's outstanding "Maria" in the National Tour of SOUND OF MUSIC. I didn't miss Mary Martin at all.) Georgio Tozzi is every bit as fine as Ezio Pinza, and he had already dubbed Rossano Brazzi's songs for the movie. Justin McDonough is fine, and Irene Byatt could be a vocal twin of Juanita Hall. The big bonus is Eleanor Calbes (Liat) singing a lovely French version of "Bali Ha'i."

My only reservation is that this recording lacks the sparkle of the `49 original cast. At times, the chorus and orchestra are just a little too smooth. But it's a very small complaint, and didn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying this recording. And, yes, I got a little chocked up during the final scene.

Just because I don't want Florence Henderson to remembered primarily for "The Brady Bunch," let me suggest the Sony studio recording of OKLAHOMA! (She was seventeen when she made her Broadway debut in WISH YOU WERE HERE; she was eighteen when she recorded her "Laurey.") If this recording of SOUTH PACIFIC is successful, perhaps Sony/BMG will reissue THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER (1963) and Harold Rome's marvelous FANNY (1954). In that show Ms. Henderson stars with -- would you believe? -- Ezio Pinza.

Highly Recommended.

Average customer rating: A good album to introduce yourself to italian music music from the past

Le Mie Canzoni: The Best of Umberto Tozzi Umberto Tozzi Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Italian | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Greatest Hits Toto Cutugno I Grandi Successi Greatest Hits The Best of Laura Pausini: E Ritorno Da Te ASIN: B0000074J9 Release Date: 1996-04-11

Tracks:

1. Io Camminero
2. Qualcosa Qualcuno
3. Ti Amo
4. Tu
5. Stella Stai
6. Notte Rosa
7. A Cosa Servono Le Mani
8. Gloria
9. Donna Amante Mia
10. Si Puo Dare Di Piu
11. Immensamente
12. Gente Di Mare
13. Gli Altri Siamo Noi
14. Se Non Avessi Te

Album Details

2002 Best Of.. Compilation from the Italian Vocal Superstar.

Customer Reviews:

A good album to introduce yourself to italian music.......2006-07-19

This cd is a collection. It really includes the best songs of Umberto Tozzi. The orchestrations make the songs really easy to listen to, and Tozzi's voice is really unique and appropriate for the sentimental songs he sings. I, particularly like, Nr.1 "Io caminero" Nr. 3 "Ti amo" Nr. 9 "Donna amante mia" Nr. 12 " Gente di mare" which means the people of the sea.

If you would like to listen to some Italian music this would be a good album to start with. A good thing is that the booklet of the cd contains the lyrics.

If you are in your late thirties you might be surprised that you have already heard some of these songs.

music from the past.......1999-05-17

this album features some of his greatest songs, like Gloria and Ti amo. These where all great succeses in Italy and in the rest of Europe. Although the songs are a bit old, from the seventies and eighties, the words and feelings are timeless. It's great music to listen to, it picks you up when you feel down. Just listen for yourself!!! You'll fall in love instantly.

Average customer rating:

Broadway Sings the Blues: Party's Over Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Hallelujah, Baby! (1967 Original Broadway Cast) Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast) A Little Night Music Legends of Broadway ASIN: B000002921 Release Date: 1993-09-21

Tracks:

1. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered (Mono) - Vivienne Segal
2. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (Mono) - Joan Roberts
3. I Never Know When - Elaine Stritch
4. Lonely Town - John Reardon
5. Where Am I Going? - Gwen Verdon
6. If He Walked Into My Life - Angela Lansbury
7. Anyone Can Whistle - Lee Remick
8. This Nearly Was Mine - Giorgio Tozzi
9. My Own Morning - Leslie Uggams
10. Send In The Clowns - Glynis Johns
11. Be On Your Own - Karen Akers
12. Being Alive - Dean Jones
13. Fifty Percent - Dorothy Loudon
14. What I Did For Love - Priscilla Lopez/Company
15. Bill - Anita Darian
16. The Party's Over - Judy Holliday

World Music:

1. Traditional Andean Music Vol. 2
2. Tribal Symphony [Import]
3. Turquie: Chants sacres d'Anatolie (Turkey: Sacred Chants of Anatolia)
4. Ur Holminum
5. Uwolani
6. Variete Francaise, Vol. 2
7. Viaje [Import]
8. Welcome to Paradise
9. Wonder Dancing on Global Bop
10. World Music from Transylvania

World Music

world music

World Music

Sea Dream

Johannes Brahms: Symphonies Nos.3 & 4

In Flanders Fields 15

The Jack Montrose Sextet

I'm in Love Pt.2 [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

I'ts Good to Be Alive [Import]

Gia oles tis fores [Import]

Moontan [Original recording remastered] [Import]

I've Got the Rock N Rolls Again [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Composers of the Holocaust: Ghetto Songs & Instrumental Works

I Think I'm Paranoid, Pt. 2

L'arca Di Noe: Live [Import]

Kontroversial

Good to Me: Live at the Whiskey a Go Go, Vol. 2

Remember That I Love You