Zingari [Import]

1. Ussa Sà

2. Musikanti

3. Thessaloniki

4. Mire Jaka/Borki

5. Tromba De' Zingari

6. Pabuf Pabuf

7. Sciukar Arab/Ale

8. Esclaras

9. Ohi Mama Mia!

10. 'O Sarracino "Zigano"

11. Mostar

Tracks:

Gia, Il Sole dal Gange
Son tutta duolo
Se Florindo e fedele
O cessate di piagarmi
Spesso vibra per suo gioco
Caro mio ben
Pur dicesti, O bocca bella
Intorno all'idol mio
Nel cor piu non mi sento
Il mio ben quando verra
O leggiadri occhi belli
Quella fiamma che m'accende
Selve amiche
Sebben, crudele
Tu ch'hai le penne, amore
Se tu m'ami
Chi vuol la zingarella
Amarilli
Delizie contente
Sposa son disprezzata
Vittoria, vittoria!

Amazon.com

The 17th-century Italian art song repertory traditionally reserved for novice singers is given new life via Bartoli's artistry. With impeccable diction and evocative phrasing, she captures every innuendo of these simple, but passionate, pieces. No two repetitive phrases are alike; she chisels every line into a landscape of interpretive magnificence. Scarlatti's simple "O Cessate di Piagarmi" becomes a testament of innocent pain and plaintiveness. Giordano's "Caro Mio Ben" is transformed into a tender cry for love. All embellishments are imaginative and well executed. Accompaniment by György Fischer is equally appealing, sensitive and precise. Every singer questing for the art of singing should study these. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

useful.......2007-04-11

I feel like recommending this compilation to neophites wanting to listen to some old arias to learn if they like this genre and to singing students:
Ms Bartoli's voice is not beautiful, nor perfect when heard live, but her technique sounds perfectly good on record. Here and there her voice gets harsh, flat, losing brilliance and warmth, but most of the time one can concentrate on the accurate rendering of these old and beautiful arias.

She wisely decided to follow the letter of Parisotti's score, therefore meeting the need of all singing students of having a reference for their study. The agility is outstanding but pronunciation and expression, as well as the perfect gusto in presenting the phrases, are what make this compilation worthwhile. Not a word goes wasted or neglected but her being Italian and her sensitivity manage to avoid overkill.

One could wish she would publish compilations of single authors of the xvi and xvii centuries, edited according to philological criteria or else other compilations of the dated but still useful Parisotti edition.

Cecilia Bartoli at her best........2007-03-06

A great singer is one who dedicates singing to the text itself instead to himself/herself.
This is achieved 100% by Ms. Bartoli in this earlier album of hers. The recordings here cannot be termed otherwise than 'immaculate'. The very opening song 'Gia sole dal gange' is a display of Bartoli's unique timbre in its full beauty - glorious, rich and full. Many singers could tackle the range of this song, mezzos or sopranos, but who could pull it off in the manner as Ms. Bartoli? Credit to the one who picked this as the opening song of this fantastic album.
The songs following come in different styles and moods, all given full authentic interpretations by the singer. Compare the 'Vittoria, vittoria mio core' to 'Intorno al'idol mio' or 'Amarilli, mio bella' the vast contrast of mood, brought out equally well. The songs' requirement of versatility of interpretation is fully catered for.
I hate it when people say that this is a learners' album accompanying the 24 Italian Songs edited by one publisher. Such remarks could barely do justice to Ms. Bartoli's superb artistry, though admittedly, this CD would be an invaluable one for THAT purpose. What about the songs NOT included in the 24 Italian songs?

Great companion to Schirmer's 24 Italian Arias book.......2007-02-21

Cecilia Bartoli beautifully demonstrates many of the songs in Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs & Arias Of The 17th & 18th Centuries, which is widely recognized as an intermediate collection of Italian repitoire.

Great Bartoli, but not her best Italian songs.......2006-06-15

'The Impatient Lover' sung by Cecilia Bartoli is a collection of 18th and 19th century songs in Italian which were written by the predominantly German composers, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, and Hayden. Oddly, this is very seriously a better, or at least a more enjoyable collection, to my ear, than the 'If you Love Me' collection of Italian songs written by Italians, including Scarlatti, Caldera, and Vivaldi. And, neither collection of Italian songs is as interesting as Mme. Bartoli's collection of French love songs, 'Chant D'Amore'. All are done on London, but with three different accompaniests. I think the French material is just better than the Italian.

Beautiful and useful CD.......2006-03-22

I used this CD as accompaniment and inspiration for a voice class. It's very useful and Cecilia Bartoli sounds amazing.

Average customer rating:

Was there ever a more exciting night at Salzburg?
Must We Forget Leontyne Price?
An old friend returns, yet again
A minority opinion on this famous Trovatore
A riveting live performance

Verdi: Il Trovatore

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mascagni - Cavalleria rusticana / de Los Angeles · Corelli · Santini ~ Leoncavallo - Pagliacci / Corelli · Gobbi · Amara · von Matacic
Guiseppe Verdi: Aida
Puccini: Turandot
La Tebaldi
Puccini: Tosca

ASIN: B0000012WQ
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Part I, Scene 1: 1. Intro: 'All' Erta! All' Erta!' - Nicola Zaccaria/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part I, Scene 1: Racconto: 'Di Due Figli Vivea Padre Beato...Abbietta Zingara'/'Sull'orlo Dei Tetti' - Nicola Zaccaria/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part I, Scene 2: 2. Scena E Cavatina: 'Che Piu T'arresti?' - Laurence Dutoit/Leontyne Price
Part I, Scene 2: 2. Scene E Cavatina: 'Tacea La Notte Placida...Di Tale Amor' - Leontyne Price/Laurence Dutoit
Part I, Scene 2: 3. Scena, Romanza E Terzetto: 'Tace La Notte!' - Ettore Bastianini
Part I, Scene 2: 3. Scena, Romanza E Terzetto: 'Deserto Sulla Terra' - Franco Corelli/Ettore Bastianini/Leontyne Price
Part II, Scene 1: 4. Chor Di Zingari E Canzone: 'Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie' - Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part II, Scene 1: 4. Chor Di Zingari E Canzone: 'Stride La Vampa!' - Giulietta Simionato/Chor Der Weiner Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio/Franco Corelli/Rudolf Zimmer
Part II, Scene 1: 5. Scena E Racconto: 'Soli Or Siam!'/'Condotta Ell'era In Ceppi' - Franco Corelli/Giulietta Simionato
Part II, Scene 1: 6. Scena E Duetto: 'Non Son Tuo Figlio?...Mal Reggendo All'aspro Assalto' - Franco Corelli/Giulietta Simionato
Part II, Scene 1: 6. Scena E Duetto: 'L'usato Messo Ruiz M'invia!' - Franco Corelli/Giulietta Simionato/Kurt Equiluz
Part II, Scene 2: 7. Scena Ed Aria: 'Tutto E Deserto' - Ettore Bastianini/Nicola Zaccaria
Part II, Scene 2: 7. Scena Ed Aria: 'Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso' - Ettore Bastianini
Part II, Scene 2: 7. Scena Ed Aria: 'Qual Suono! Oh Ciel!' - Ettore Bastianini/Nicola Zaccaria/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part II, Scene 2: 8. Finale II: 'Ah! Se L'error T'ingombra'/'Perche Piangete?' - Leontyne Price/Laurence Dutoit/Ettore Bastianini/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part II, Scene 2: 8. Finale II: 'E Deggio, E Posso Crederlo?' - Leontyne Price/Ettore Bastianini/Franco Corelli/Nicola Zaccaria/Laurence Dutoit...

Tracks:

Part III, Scene 1: 9. Chor D'Introduzione: 'Or Co' Dadi...Squilli, Echeggi La Tromba Guerriera' - Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio/Nicola Zaccaria
Part III, Scene 1: 10. Scena E Terzetto: 'In Braccio Al Mio Rival!' - Ettore Bastianini/Nicola Zaccaria/Giulietta Simionato/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part III, Scene 1: 10. Scena E Terzetto: 'Giorni Poveri Vivea' - Giulietta Simioinato/Nicola Zaccaria/Ettore Bastianini/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part III, Scene 2: 11. Scene Ed Aria: 'Quale D'armi Fragor Poc'anzi Intesi?' - Leontyne Price/Franco Corelli
Part III, Scene 2: 11. Scene Ed Aria: 'Ah! Si, Ben Mio' - Franco Corelli
Part III, Scene 2: 11. Scene Ed Aria: 'L'onda De' Suoni Mistici' - Leontyne Price/Franco Corelli/Siegfried Rudolf Frese
Part III, Scene 2: 11. Scene Ed Aria: 'Di Quella Pira' - Franco Corelli/Siegfried Rudolf Frese/Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio
Part IV, Scene 1: 12. Scena, Aria E Miserere: 'Siam Giunti; Ecco La Torre' - Siegfried Rudolf Frese/Leontyne Price
Part IV, Scene 1: 12. Scena, Aria E Miserere: 'D'amor Sull'ali Rosee' - Leontyne Price
Part IV, Scene 1: 12. Scena, Aria E Miserere: 'Miserere'/'Ah! Che La Morte Ognora' - Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper/Roberto Benaglio/Leontyne Price/Franco Corelli
Part IV, Scene 1: 13. Scena A Duetto: 'Udiste? Come Albeggi' - Ettore Bastianini/Leontyne Price
Part IV, Scene 1: 13. Scena A Duetto: 'Vivra! Contende Il Giubilo' - Leontyne Price/Ettore Bastianini
Part IV, Scene 2: 14. Finale Ultimo: 'Madre, Non Dormi?' - Franco Corelli/Giulietta Simionato
Part IV, Scene 2: 14. Finale Ultimo: 'Si, La Stanchezza M'opprime, O Figlio'/'Ai Nostri Monti' - Giulietta Simionato/Franco Corelli
Part IV, Scene 2: 14. Finale Ultimo: 'Che! Non M'inganna Quel Fioco Lume?...Ha Quest'infame L'amor.. - Franco Corelli/Leontyne Price/Giulietta Simionato
Part IV, Scene 2: 14. Finale Ultimo: 'Ti Scosta!'/'Non Respingermi' - Franco Corelli/Leontyne Price/Ettore Bastianini/Giulietta Simionato

Customer Reviews:

Was there ever a more exciting night at Salzburg?.......2006-11-26

Herbert von Karajan was a conductor who made a specialty out of Il Trovatore, and that influence can be seen directly in his handling of the score with De Sabata's orchestra six years earlier. Here, with six years trailing that magnificent recording, we find Karajan in demented form, carressing Verdi's score with passion, pathos, lyricism, and beauty, and driving the Vienna forces with that unique verve which made his Verdi so unique. I believe this is the best recording of Il Trovatore, despite the recording flaws, and with the magnificent cast, it is not easy to see why Deutsche Grammophon coerced the Austrian Broadcasting company to give them the master tapes of this performance. Everything in this performance--the cast, conductor, chorus, and the orchestra--all worked to make this broadcast special, albeit the less-than-ideal sound.

This recording brought Leontyne Price's Leonora to the Salzburg stage, a contribution that was in many ways the ideal combination of vocal beauty, drama, and Verdian sensitivity. Although Price is a lesser Leonora than Maria Callas, she performs very well on this recording, revealing much of Leonora's distress and pathos over Manrico's predicaments. I have never heard a more beautiful Tacea la notte or D'Amor sull'Rosee sung in all the Trovatores I've heard, and she adds a few high notes of her own in bits of the score. A wonderful performance. It was no doubt that Karajan would say that he got goosebumps when he heard her sing.

Corelli is Manrico. He may not have the beautiful legato of Carlo Bergonzi or the smooth discipline of Placido Domingo, but what a Manrico! You could hear a true gyspy in this performer, and he sings with such macho verve that it would be no doubt that Leonora would fall in love with this one tenor. A performance to keep for the ages!

Simionato is Azucena. With Stignani, Cossotto, and Barbieri, Simionato joined these great mezzos in the tier of Azucenas who make this role the center of the opera. She is perhaps the most insightful and powerful mezzo to take the role, and the runs simply pose no problems for her. She is the definitive Azucena, along with today's Dolora Zajick.

Ettore Bastianini is di Luna. Need I say more about this Verdian baritone except that he is excellent in every sense of the word? Bravo!

With Karajan on the podium in demented form, and a cast that matches his pacing word for word, this is probably my Trovatore of choice.

Must We Forget Leontyne Price?.......2006-01-08

I can appreciate all of the reviews given. I wish not so much to review the album of which I have 5 different recordings, but rather to sing the praises of the reviewers that at least acknowledged Leontyne Price. To those who took the time to focus on her performance, justice is finally meted out.

I cannot believe the reviewers who went on and on about Corelli, and the Azucena, and conveiently mentioned Miss Price only in passing or in many cases not at all.

But so much for reviews and reviewers. I can never forget what a teacher of organ, Zubin Mehta's brother, once said to me. Those who can, do. Those who cannot teach, and those with even lesser gifts review those to which they cannot hold a candle.

Thanks to all those reviewers who gave Miss Price the dignity that she deserves. I think history will eventually bear witness to the exceptional gifts of this artist. And to those in question, please read the reviews of Paul Hume circa 1960 from a Washington, DC newspaper, regarding Leontyne Price. He was a reviewer that was the exception.

An old friend returns, yet again.......2005-10-05

This is an old and familiar live performance which has been kicking around in sundry Lp and CD versions for quite awhile. The cast list tells virtually all that anyone needs to know about the thing: Price, Corelli, Bastianini, Simionato, not to mention the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Karajan.

I gather this version is in considerably improved sound. Well and good, for some versions have sounded--with the best of good will--pretty awful.

I am giving this only four stars because of Price. Yes, I know that at the time this recording was made she was still a keen and willing performer, not yet immobilized in her diva-hood. Nevertheless, I am simply not willing to give her the benefit of a doubt because I had the misfortune to see her in two live performances, once in "Ballo in maschera" and once in "Il trovatore." One of those two performances was the worst I have ever seen on stage and the other was the second worst--only I am not quite sure which was which. In both cases, she mooched around the stage, ignoring all others, softly crooning to herself until her big solo numbers, then she marched down to the footlights at center stage, faced forward and sang like an angel. That done, and having exhausted the cheers of the audience, she mooched back into the opera, loftily ignoring all others until the final curtain. But forget all that as sour grapes on my part, the fact remains that I can name a half-dozen sopranos easily available on CD who offer Leonoras equal to or better than this one from Price, starting with Bianca Scacciati, way back in 1930.

The previous Amazon reviewer downgraded this recording because of the presence of Corelli, calling him "a ludicrously vulgar Manrico." I do not object to that. Everyone has a right to his or her opinion. I must point out, however, that Manrico is a ludicrously vulgar part in a gloriously, marvelously, ludicrously vulgar opera. (And also this: computers have a wonderful thing called a spell-checker. Use it!)

A minority opinion on this famous Trovatore.......2005-10-05

This must have been a great night at the opera, and thanks to the official Radio Austria tapes, one can hear it in easonable mono sound. the glory of the evening was Leontyne Price, who had already earned herself a half-hour ovation as Leonora when she debuted at the Met. Thanks to the close mike placement, you can hear her quite clearly without distortion, and Karajan does an exemplary job from the pit. Simiantato is also a excellent Azucena, avoiding the out-of-control histrionics usually inflicted on this part and actually singing the notes.

But the good news stops there. The Conte di Luna of Bastianini, well past his vocal prime, is full of hollow tones and hokey overplaying. Corelli was a shameless primo tenore who had no patience for phrasing and no intelligence for much else besides singing as loud as he could and turning his handsome profile to best advantage. He is a ludicrously vulgar Manrico, second only to Tucker, who unfortunately paired with Price on her first Trovatore in 1959 for RCA.

Given all that, I think it's worthwhile to buy the cheapest version of this Trovatore that you can find--I have the super-bargain set from Opera d'Oro--so that you can revel in Price's singing and skip very quickly past Corelli's. The recent reawakening of enthusiasm for this crude singer is beyond me.

A riveting live performance.......2005-04-04

Corelli is quite overwhelming. He is in truly brilliant voice, and sings with great feeling and brio. The duos are all dead-on, and the aria Ah si, ben mio is sung with a longing and melancholia that are quite memorable. Reminds me of Pertile at his best, though Franco, of course, had basically a much finer voice.

As usual, rhythm is the weakest element in Corelli's performance, but Herbert von Karajan, master of rubato, stays with him almost preternaturally, providing a cushion of musical continuity that is like a masterclass in opera conducting. The aria thus becomes an unusual marriage of Italian feeling and Austrian grandeur: quite a performance! (And how the Vienna Philharmonic breathe with von K !!)

The Pira is the one instance when HvK decides not to accomodate: he wants to go very fast, martial style. Franco wants to go considerably slower, and the two are never once together, except in the first High C, which seems to last forever. In the choral/orchestral coda, Karajan forges ahead, as if to say: "I'll show you!". But, at such speed, chorus and orchestra fall apart (the very loud trumpets and percussion end up in different counties!) and then Franco comes in for the kill with a second High C that has to be heard to be believed!! It does last forever! Live!

Part of Corelli's rhythmic issues have to do with von Karajan's love for many different and contrasting speeds. This is absolutely idiomatic in an opera like Trovatore, but not every singer can keep up with that.

One who sure can is Giulietta Simionato, the Azucena. Whatever von K throws her way, she can handle: she is like a mad dog. Every syllable, every word, every phrase is "burnt in" with a volcanic power and a supreme self-assurance that I have not heard in any other Azucena. No matter how slow a waltz-rhythm, she never runs out of breath or steam. If fast, she eats it up. Loud? She is like Vesuvius. Soft? Just listen to the ending of the Condotta ell' era in ceppi, when she seems to be humming from inside her skull, as in a vision.

My favourite moment is the finale of the first scene of act III. Giorni poveri vivea. K sets a slow, weary movement to the initial arioso for Azucena, which Simionato handles with a dark, mournful colour and seemingly endless supplies of breath. Then K goes as fast as the wind into the stretta, and old Giulietta digs into it like a starved greyhound, taking, but of course, all the high options. Brava, diva! Karajan had found his match.

Average customer rating:

Paisiello: Overtures and Symphonies
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
Manufacturer: Dynamic Italy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Giovanni Paisello: The Complete Piano Concertos (Box Set)
Giovanni Paisiello: La Passione di Gesù Cristo
Symphonies Concertantes
Paisiello - Il barbiere di Siviglia
Giovanni Paisiello: Lo sposo burlato

ASIN: B00005LZQX
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

Il Barbiere di Siviglia
La Scuffiara
Il Duelo Comico
L'Osteria di Marechiaro
Il Re Teodoro
Sinfoni funebre
Sinfonia in tre tempi: Allegro
Sinfonia in tre tempi: Andantino
Sinfonia in tre tempi: Allegro molto
Sinfonia in tre tempi: Nina, ossa la piazza per amore
La Due Contesse: Allegro con spirito
La Due Contesse: Andante
La Due Contesse: Allegro
La Due Contesse: L'Idolo Cinese
La Due Contesse: La Molinara
La Due Contesse: Le Zingare in Fiera

Average customer rating:

OD Highlights

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000016E0
Release Date: 1994-09-23

Tracks:

Hej Dunkom
Uti VHage
Pjet I Sol - W Peterson-Berger
Ett bondbrp: (4) I brpsgen - A Sman
Kung Liljekonvalje - D Wikander
Four Old Hungarian Songs - B Bart
I. The Songs Of Hamlet - V Tormis
II.
I. Three slovakian folksongs - E Suchon
II.
III.
Wir Zogen In Das Feldt - J N David
Traumlicht - R Strauss
An Das Meer - M Reger
Stopwatch - S Baber
Il brivido - E Bossi
Psaume 121 - D Milhaud
Psaltarelle - C Saint-Sa
Il trovatore: Coro Di Singari - G Verdi
Faust: Ch Des Soldates - C Gounod

Biber, Schmelzer: Seventeenth Century Music and Dance from the Viennese Court [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Biber, Schmelzer: Seventeenth Century Music and Dance from the Viennese Court [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Chesky Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]
Telarc SACD Sampler: The Absolute Sound
Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B0000AOV3R
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Average customer rating:

Five stars for Yu Qiang Dai
Alagna the Over-rated -- He's fine for the deaf!
Alagna brings verismo favorites and rarities to 'real life'
5 for Variety 3 for Voice
What a cool recital!

Nessun Dorma; Roberto Alagna
Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari , Mark Elder , Roberto Alagna , London Voices , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House - Covent Garden
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Roberto Alagna - Verdi Arias / Gheorghiu, Berlin Phil., Abbado
Roberto Alagna & Angela Gheorghiu - Duets & Arias
Roberto Alagna - Opera Arias
Roberto Alagna - French Arias / Bertrand de Billy
Bel Canto: Arias by Bellini & Donizetti; Roberto Alagna

ASIN: B0000DD76K
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Nessun Dorma!
Colpito Qui M'avete...Un Di All'azzurro Spazio (Improvviso)
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
Quando A Solden
Giulietta, Son Io
Non Parlate Cosi...Io Non Ho Che Una Povera Stanzetta
Musetta! O Gioia Della Mia Dimora!...Testa Adorata
Cielo E Mar!
Comare Lola...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Mamma! Quel Vino E Generoso
La Dolcissima Effigie Sorridente
L'Anima Ho Stanca, E La Meta E Lontana
Dammi Un Amore Selvaggio E Ribelle
Che Piu Mi Resta! Tu Sola A Me Rimani
E Un Riso Gentil Qual'alba D'April
Mai Piu, Zaza, Raggiar Vedro
Tornato E Maggio Dopo Lungo Viaggio
Amor Ti Vieta
Un Orso In Musoliera Innamorato
Nessun Dorma!...O Sole! Vita! Eternita!

Amazon.com

Here Roberto Alagna takes on verismo arias, works which require a type of exclamatory delivery very unlike arias from the bel canto period or the French repertoire. The danger for any tenor in this music is overstatement and oversinging - passions run high in this music, and the orchestral accompaniment is big and aggressive. Alagna is, for the most part, remarkably successful, bringing interesting nuances to even the most familiar of the arias ("Nessun dorma," "Cielo e mar") and making a fine case for a beautiful, sad aria from Zandonai's Giulietta e Romeo and painting a vivid portrait of the drunken title character from Wolf-Ferrari's Sly. He occasionally sings sharp: a phrase or two at the close of Turiddu's "Addio" from Cavalleria and every so often in the otherwise mellow "Amor ti vieta." But this recital never bores or tires the listener, and there's a good chance that Alagna is finally living up to his reputation as "the fourth tenor." This is terrific, and worth repeated hearings. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Five stars for Yu Qiang Dai.......2005-01-28

It was a big shock to hear Yu Qiang Dai's debut cd. He is, I think, the best lirico-spinto tenor nowadays. He has a lovely voice, which is very well produced. The center is wonderful, the lower notes are good, the high notes are shining and of fantastic quality... the singing through the passage is very well handled. He is an itelligent musical interpreter and singer, with an interesting and appealing line and sense of style. Very good dynamic changes. He offers some of the absolutely best renditions of some arias (nessun dorma and cielo e mar, for example) that I have heard in many years.
He still has to work his Italian (specially the consonants) and his French. But there were great historical tenors with bigger idiomatical problems.

Despite taking spinto repertoire, Yu never pushes, never tries to make the voice sound darker than it is, everything is always under control, and he takes the chance to give very stylish renditions (for example, of una furtiva lagrima), which is strange for tenors who "want to sing spinto".

The tenor is a fantastic discovery, one of the best ones around. Actually, all my criticism goes to EMI and the production of the CD: no choirs, no solists (for example, for the aria of Cavalleria, where the mother should sing her line), and the acoustic "atmosphere" has made some people to doubt if Yu's voice is really as big as it seems (people who saw his Cavaradossi at Covent Garden say that it is very big, actually).
Not a the best production job by the people of EMI, but five stars (ten if possible) for the singer. Simply wonderful.

Alagna the Over-rated -- He's fine for the deaf!.......2004-12-18

For Heaven's sake, it is ludicrous to compare Alagna -- who has talent but is NOT one of the "greats" -- to the likes of Jussi Bjorling or Domingo. The only reason other reviewers are impressed by this recording is because they haven't heard these arias sung by other, better tenors. First of all, Alagna is a lyric tenor, not a dramatic tenor, and his voice simply isn't big enough to handle the material without displaying a highly unattractrive raspiness, almost a bleating sound, on virtually every aria on the disc. How come no one noticed it (or did his fans simply choose to ignore it)? Alagna can be expressive in his singing, and I have no quibbles with the orchestra or conductor, but this vocal rasp or near-choke hardly makes this CD a listening pleasure for the discerning opera fan. Mario Del Monaco, who had the right dramatic voice for this material, recorded an album of "Verismo" arias which is available on CD and shows how these works should be sung -- with great dramatic power and vitality, not to mention ringing high notes. Alagna hits the high notes, but they are hardly "ringing." This CD demonstrates all too aptly why Alagna has never really caught on with serious and discriminating, knowledgeable opera fans who are familiar with many different tenors of the classic period. Alagna is one of the most over-hyped singers of his generation.

Alagna brings verismo favorites and rarities to 'real life'.......2004-03-21

The composers of the verismo school made it their mission to take opera away from the gods, royalty and nobles which it had exclusively depicted in the previous centuries and to finally have it concern people who lived 'real lives.' Unfortunately, too many opera fans and performers - especially tenors - make the mistake of assuming that the intense passions and 'crude realism' depicted by these composers is a license for excessive sobbing, gulping, screaming, macho posturing and other inartistic distortions of the music and drama. Roberto Alagna doesn't. What is so wonderful about his new disc of verismo arias is that none of what he sings is here merely a 'tenor showpiece'. His emotion is absolutely genuine, never 'look at me emote!'. He is always totally in tune with the dramatic situations, and serves them with a wide palette of tonal colors and vivid word-painting made even more intense by the clarity of his Italian diction, as superb as his native French. Although he has plenty of power and drama when required, more often he sings sweetly, smoothly, gently, and lyrically, even in the heaviest repertory. Best of all, Alagna's recent tendency to overuse the darker, rougher sides of his voice in recordings of Italian works has disappeared. This CD is his best work in that language and his singing here bodes extremely well for his future live excursions into these roles.

The title track 'Nessun Dorma' sets the stage for much of what follows. I can think of no higher praise than to say that it recalls that of Jussi Bjorling. Although Alagna doesn't have Bjorling's blazing voice and unsurpassable tonal beauty, he provides just as much sensitivity, nuance, and soft singing - this is a young man in love with a beautiful princess, not a soccer fan. His Andrea Chenier truly is a poet - youthful, passionate and desperate, and is Loris is equally impressive. Turridu in 'Cavalleria Rusticana' is surely an ideal vehicle for this tenor of Sicilian parentage, with his high spirits and smile in the voice for the drinking song turning serious and repentant for 'Addio alla madre'. For Enzo in 'La Gioconda', Alagna's 'Cielo e mar' is thoughtful and introspective, with a gorgeous diminuendo on 'O sogni d'or'. And what a joy to have Maurizio in 'Adriana Lecouvreur' sung by such a beautiful lyric voice, especially with more lovely pianissimo singing in 'L'anima ho stanca'! Can we hope for at least a live performance of the complete opera with his wife Angela Gheorghiu, who would be ideal in the title role?

Of course, any CD project Alagna undertakes will include a high percentage of rarities, and the very best of these are 'variations on a theme' to operas that Alagna is already famous for singing. Many consider his greatest role to be Romeo in Gounod's 'Romeo et Juliette', so it is no surprise that he is just as moving a Romeo in the tender and passionate tomb scene from Zandonai's 'Giulietta e Romeo'. In going from Puccini's version of 'La Boheme' to Leoncavallo's, Alagna switches from Rodolfo to Marcello, who is the tenor lead in this version. Having heard this opera in its entirety, I had originally thought that it was interesting but clearly inferior to the Puccini. Now I'm beginning to think all it needs is the right cast! More Leoncavallo rarities show Alagna at his most lighthearted and ebullient, even while playing some rather unsympathetic characters, from the feckless, selfish prince in 'I Zingari' to the married man having an affair with the title character in 'Zaza'. But in the wonderful 'Tu sola a mei rimani, poesia' from 'Chatterton', written by Leoncavallo when he was 17, Alagna is once again a heroic figure unlucky in love.

The 'Song of the Bear' from Wolf- Ferrari's 'Sly' is another triumph. Alagna darkens his tone to a rich bronze to become both the drunken poet of the title and his alter ego, the pathetic, lovestruck performing bear. He even improvises a delightful growl after 'voglio l'orsa!' ('I want the she-bear!'). Giordano's 'La Cene della Beffe' with its tale of a tenor jester's terrible revenge, would be a superb stage vehicle for Alagna's considerable dramatic talents, although here we only hear the character sweetly serenading about love in springtime. It is also nice to hear 'Quando a Solden', Hagenbach's anguished apology to the title character from Catalani's 'La Wally', an opera known mainly for the soprano aria 'Ebben? Ne andro lontano'.

The only problem I have with this disc, and I considered but decided against deducting the final star because of this, is that at least in the familiar selections I find conductor Mark Elder's tempos a little too slow. Although this allows Alagna to be at his most expressive, it takes away from the drama and urgency that is so necessary in this music. The Covent Garden orchestra does their usual splendid job, as does London Voices in their choral contribution, and Marianne Coterill and Tasmin Dalley are fine as Lola and Mamma Lucia. In addition to a wonderful background essay by John Steane, the documentation includes full texts and translations and - FINALLY - a biography of Alagna, as well as one of Elder.

I hope Alagna will get the opportunity to perform much of this material on stage, especially the rarities, although it might be best to limit his appearances in these roles to small theaters. Although Alagna has recently left EMI to go freelance, I am sure we will hear and see more of him in this and other interesting repertory - especially as he wants all his roles on DVD. Until then, "Nessun Dorma" is an ideal showcase for the marvelous voice and adventurous spirit of one of the greatest tenors of our day.

5 for Variety 3 for Voice.......2004-03-19

First off I think that it is really awesome that Roberto Alagna is recording rare works. On the flip side of that coin I dont really see how his voice can last through much more.
It is very clear that Alana should not really touch Verismo. I don't say this to be cynical or dismissive, he just goes very sharp and shows alot of force. The voice is very comfortable in French lyric Rep. When building a carrer, I think, a singer must find what his voice natually tends to and build around that. Certainly you can test and push boundaries, but If you make it your whole life pushing boundaries, than the voice breaks down. A similar fate befell Carreras, Di Stefano and many other singers. When I say that he should not touch verismo, I don not say that he brings nothing to the table, but that his voice does not have squillo and he goes very sharp when he hits high notes under stress, a sign of forcing. There is no squillo in his tone or dramatic declamation, and he has picked up the odd habit of scooping to seeminly every higher note.

The real positive is the interpretative ability, it is clear that Alagna is really thinking about each note, expecially in his excellent stuff from Cavalleria. I really enjoyed the Aria from sly, and listen to it more than most of the other tracks combined. Overall this is a good buy for some arias that you probably havent heard before.
I am not suggesting that roberto Alagna will ruin his voice. I am suggested that he is slowly beating the bloom out of his high notes, and taking the flexibilty and bright color by doing many artificial things in heavier rep.
So although I enjoyed this disc, and would recommend its purchace, I don't think it is the idiomatic verismo voice that one might expect in a verismo recital disc.

What a cool recital!.......2004-02-18

After a downright magnificent account of Berlioz, Roberto Alagna ventures into an equally demanding world of verismo. With Ruggero Leoncavallo most prominently featured, a wealth of material abounds.
Some of the grounds covered here were recently treaded by Argentinean tenor José Cura. I would venture to say that while Cura's recital was unusual and interesting, the CD at hand provided a lot more exciting moments in its 65-min time span save for the double-take of "Nessun Dorma." (the "updated" version would be welcome on another disc, I don't believe we need to have them both here for contrast).
Alagna's matured tenor is remarkably agile and the top notes are very secure. Even the rare sharps don't sound out of place. While there is an occasional unsteadiness in upper range, he makes up for it by a strong attack and seemingly endless breath span. He is also able to infuse a little sob when called for - some argue that this sob and not a hair more is what verismo demands. Such treatment of little known aria from Zaza "mai piu, Zaza, raggiar vedro" brought to mind young Carreras on his extremely rare Philips album. It's really a heart-gripping piece and it's a shame that a full recording of the opera is not available. Aside from this brief comparison, I wish Mr. Levine et al would stop the senseless references to the "4th tenor". The only "package" deal that Alagna participates in is with the missus - soprano Angela Georghiu. I sincerely hope he would not ever consider forming another duo or trio and ever venturing into pop. It's better to be a leader than a follower, even if the latter approach makes more money.
With his latest two CDs, Alagna shines as a pioneer of wonderful, but forgotten material. I have little doubt that composers such as Zandonai and Franchetti just found legions of fans thanks to this recital. I hope to be treated to a full recording soon!

Rossini: Il Turco In Italia (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Average customer rating:

A Funny side we dont hear often
Delightful and surprising Callas
So funny
Deliciously funny!
Only for Callas lovers

Rossini: Il Turco In Italia (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Gioachino Rossini , Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Maria Callas , Nicola Rossi-Lemeni , Nicolai Gedda , Mariano Stabile , Piero de Palma , and Franco Calabrese
Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rossini: The Barber Of Seville with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Alceo Galliera, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus
Verdi: Rigoletto (Complete Opera); Maria Callas; Tito Gobbi; Giuseppe di Stefano
Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra
Verdi: La Forza Del Destino (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Richard Tucker, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Puccini: Turandot (Complete Opera) Maria Callas; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf: Eugenio Fernandi; Tullio Serafin

ASIN: B000002RY2
Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

Il Turco In Italia: Sinfonia
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene 1- Nostra patria (Zaida, Albazar)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Ho da fare un dramma buffo (Poeta, Coro)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Ah! se di questi zingari l'arrivo (Poeta)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Vado in traccia di una zingara (Geronio)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Chi vuol farsi astrologar? (Geronio, Zaida, Coro)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Ah, mia moglie, san chi sono (Geronio, Zaida, Coro)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Non si da follia maggiore (Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Voga, voga, a terra, a terra (Coro, Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Bella Italia, alfin ti miro
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Serva...Servo... (Selim, Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Amici...soccorretemi
Il Turco In Italia: Act I: Un marito-scimunito!
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: Ola tosto il caffe (Fiorilla, Selim)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: Siete turchi, non vi credo
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: Io stupisco, mi sorprende
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: Come! si grave scorno soffrir potete in pace? (Fiorilla, Selim, Geronio, Narciso)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: Un vecchio far non puo maggior follia (Geronio, Poeta, Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: Per piacere alla signora
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene II: No, mia vita, mio tesoro (Geronio, Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Gran meraviglie (Coro, Zaida)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Per la fuga e tutto lesto (Selim, Poeta, Zaida)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Perche mai se son tradito (Norciso)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Evviva d'amore il foco vitale (Coro)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Chi servir non brama Amor s'allontani (Fiorilla, Selim)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Qui mia moglie ha da venire
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Ah! che il cor non mi'ingannava (Geronio, Fiorilla, Selim, Narciso, Poeta, Zaida)
Il Turco In Italia: Act I Scene III: Vada via, si guardi bene di cercar l'amante mio (Zaida, Fiorilla, Selim, Narciso, Geronio, Albazar, Poeta)

Tracks:

Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: A proposito, amico (Selim, Poeta, Geronio)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: D'un bell'uso di Turchia
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: Se Fiorilla di vender bramate (Selim, Geronio)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: Non v'e piacer perfetto se nol procura amor (Coro, Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: Che turca impertinente! (Fiorilla, Zaida, Selim)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: Credete alle femmine che dicon d'amarvi!
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: In Italia certamente non si fa l'amor cosi (Selim, Fiorilla)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: Fermate...Cosa c'e? (Poeta, Geronio, Narciso)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: E Selim non si vede!
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene I: Oh! guardate che accidente! (Fiorilla, Narciso, Selim, Zaida, Geronio)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene II: Dunque seguitemi
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene II: Questo vecchio maledetto (Selim, Narciso, Selim, Zaida, Geronio)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene III: Si mi e forza partir
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene III: Son la vite sul campo appassita (Fiorilla, Poeta, Geronio)
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene III: Rida a voi sereno il cielo
Il Turco In Italia: Act II Scene III: Restate contenti (coro, Selim, Zaida, Poeta, Fiorilla, Geronio, Narciso)

Customer Reviews:

A Funny side we dont hear often.......2005-11-07

Callas is so associated with her roles of tragic women such as Norma, Lucia ,Violeta and Tosca that her talent for other roles are overshadowed. The La Divina is so versatile and talented that people almost forget that she is equally good in tragic and light comedy roles. The light and comic side of Callas is not often revealed. This recording proves that the charming and witty music that suites the character of Fiorilla is suited for the great talent of Maria Callas .The other performers in this recording did a superb job in their performances. Selim is a charm, Nicolai Gedda shows youth, and Stabile creates an impression in his role as Prosdocimo. Overall this is the Best Il turco in Italia among the three versions I have heard. So for Callas fans who want to hear the other side of Callas purchase this recording its worth every penny.

Delightful and surprising Callas.......2005-08-13

I have been looking for this CD for a long time. I had an old set in tape format. When EMI first remastered this performance in CD, it was very expensive for me at the time. This performance goes in and out of production, I guess it does not sell well, which it is a shame, because these are superb performances from all the principals and supporting cast.

This recording is a joy to listen to. Who knew that all these singers known for their powerful dramatic performances in heavy hitters such as Bellini's "Norma" could be such great comedians. Their performances are a feast for the ears.

My most favorite scene is from Disc 1 tracks 18 to 21. It is hilarious to hear Callas singing the crafty Fiorilla, playing the "offended" wife to her husband's attempts to rein in her roving eye!. When she sings "No mia vita...mio tesoro" (No my darling... my treasure) with such fake sticky-honeyed-tongue,you can HEAR her fake tears. Callas subtly overplays her singing from such roles as Elvira and Medea in this very small scene alone. She does it with such mastery, you can hear the musical threads of Elvira from "Qui la voce" in Fiorilla's "voi crudele!... mi fatte oltraggio! mi offendete!" (you cruel one!, you humilliate me!, you offend me!) in such pitiable tones that her husband bids good-bye to his courage after listening to such demonstrations of wounded dignity and pride.

She sings her fake tears in such a way, that, for a moment you feel sorry for this wronged woman! then, through a subtle change in the shading of the notes,you realize, she's faking them! thorough the music, you can picture Fiorilla, looking thorough her fingers at her husband, pouring it on, laying it on thick, watching the effect her "tears" are having on the poor chap.

When he kneels at her feet defeated, begging forgiveness, she rounds on him with such a Medea-esque fury in "ed ossate minnaciarmi! maltratarmi, spaventarmi! (and you dare to threaten me, mistreat me, scare me!) that the unhappy, innocent, unsuspecting, antler-addled man has no idea how he lost the argument!!. When Fiorilla knows she's won, you can hear again on her music, how blythely, happily and carefree, she goes out enjoying her power. I replay this scene over and over. And along with her husband, I am caught unaware and became dumbstruck by her tears and her fury.

My other favorite scene is on track 28, when Fiorilla and Zaida have a fight. The have such a row, you cannot help but to picture these two women in an Italian open-air market, among the produce and fish stalls with those typical italian gestures, being dragged away from each other by their embarrased lovers hurling abuse at each other trying to have the last word.

If you want a more musical critique regarding this opera, John Ardoin's "The Callas Legacy" book is a superb source explaining Callas' musical genius. Ardoin will give you greater details on the music execution of the entire cast and interesting tidbits on one of the cast members, Aureliano Pertile.

The booklet that accompanies this set is very informative and in various languages. I love this set and hope that whoever listens to it will enjoy as much as I do. I wonder how Cecilia Bartoli's Turco would measure against Callas'. Although I love and admire Cecilia's ability to sing bel canto roles and her deft handling of Rossini's music,but, I'm afraid I know and love Callas's singing skills even more.

So funny.......2004-06-13

This is proof that those who say that Callas couldn't sing happy or funny parts. Her Fiorilla is deliciously funny. Absolutely exquisite, a must!

Deliciously funny!.......2004-01-28

I saw her live in this role... She was the funniest Fiorilla ever! An enchanting must for every operalover!

Only for Callas lovers.......2001-06-15

Yes, this recording is only for Callas lovers, because she do so well her part in this ultra-cut recording. Rossi-Lemeni doesn't reach the power of Ramey, but Stabile print his personal and arcaic way of singing and doing comedy. But for Rossini lovers, this recording seems a "demo" or "sample" one, because there are parts in pieces or complete pieces which has been cut (it must be because there was not a critic edition of this opera). I'm disapointed of Rossini when I listened Il Turco (i didnt never heard this opera) but when i heard the Marriner and Chailly recording, I disapointed from Gavazzeni and La Scala. If this was recorded in the critical and complete edition, it was the definitive recording (the same appreciation applies for the Puritani, Barbiere, Sonnambula, Lucia, Norma, etc)

Leoncavallo: Rolando di Berlino; Franchetti: Sinfonia

Average customer rating:

Leoncavallo: Rolando di Berlino; Franchetti: Sinfonia

Manufacturer: Bongiovanni
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004S96Y
Release Date: 2000-03-15

Biber, Schmelzer: Music and Dance from the Viennese Court

Average customer rating:

A MELODIOUS "EAR MASSAGE"

Biber, Schmelzer: Music and Dance from the Viennese Court

Manufacturer: Chesky Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Biber: Unam Ceylum /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen
Biber: The Rosary Sonatas

ASIN: B00000DHZ4
Release Date: 1998-12-15

Tracks:

Sonata Pro tabula In C Major: Grave, Adagio, Presto, Allegro, Aria
Balletti a 4 In G Major: I. Sonata: Adagio, Presto, Adagio, Presto, Adagio
Balletti a 4 In G Major: II. Allemande
Balletti a 4 In G Major: III. Courante
Balletti a 4 In G Major: IV. Sarabande - (Aria)
Balletti a 4 In G Major: V. Gigue
Balletti a 4 In G Major: VI. Sonatina: Adagio
Sonata a 5 In C Major: Allegro, Adagio, Allegro, Presto, Adagio, Presto, Allegro
Partita ex Vienna: Branle de village, Courante, Sarabande - Brader Tantz zu Wien, Alio modo
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: I.
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: II.
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: III.
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: IV.
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: V.
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: VI.
Ballettae a 4 In D Major: VII. Minuett
Sonata ad tabulam In G Major: Allegro
Sonata ad tabulam In G Major: Adagio
Sonata ad tabulam In G Major: Allegro
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): I. Aria I: Borea, Allegro
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): II. Aria 2: Ciaconna detta la bella zingara
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): III. Balletto di matti - Aria 1
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): IV. Aria 2: Ciaconna detta la bella zingara, Reprise (Viola)
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): V. Aria 3
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): VI. Aria 2: Ciaconna detta la bella zingara, Reprise (Contrabass)
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): VII. Balletto di matti - Aria 2: Bergamasco, Canario (Presto), Gavotte (Adagio), Sarabanda, Aria 3
Balletto I. di zingari In D Minor (From No. 3 Balletti duplices): VIII. Aria 2. Ciaconna detta la bella zingara, Reprise (Organ)
Sonata per chiesa e per camera In G Major: I.
Sonata per chiesa e per camera In G Major: II.
Sonata per chiesa e per camera In G Major: III.
Balletti Francesi In A Minor: I. Allemanda
Balletti Francesi In A Minor: II. Courante
Balletti Francesi In A Minor: III. Aria
Balletti Francesi In A Minor: IV. Sarabanda
Balletti Francesi In A Minor: V. Retirada
Sonata a doi chori In G Major: I.
Sonata a doi chori In G Major: II. (Flauti tacent) - Allegro
Sonata a doi chori In G Major: III. Allegro
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): I. Sonatina: Presto, Adagio, Presto, Adagio
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): II. Balletto 1
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): III. Mattacina: Presto
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): IV. Balletto 2
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): V. (Balletto 2)
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): VI. (Balletto 1)
Arie con la mattacina (D Major): VII. Mattacina, Reprise

Customer Reviews:

A MELODIOUS "EAR MASSAGE".......2003-02-19

A fetching parlay of sundry sonatas and dance music ("balletti") by contemporaries Heinrich Biber [1644-1704] and Johann Schmelzer [1620-1680], the former known for his rather austere violin works, the latter his innumerable instrumental ballet suites. Remarkable about this collection is its melodic appeal, as well as its diverse, and diverting, invention. No hint of dour academia surfaces here in music originating from Austria under the umbrella of the "Viennese Court." No pedagogy, either, just attractive, smoothly charming and comforting compositions intended, over three hundred years ago, for exactly this purpose.

Special mention should be made concerning the thoroughly delightful period instrument performances by Ars Antiqua Austria, under director, and first violinist, Gunnar Letzbor, assisted by the excellent Recorder Consort, under leader and soloist Michael Oman, using non-period instruments that blend perfectly. The accessibility of this music is made tantamount in a recital that must certainly be a model of period instrument practice.

Further mention should be made relative to the recording venue, the St. Florian Monastery in Austria, whose intimate ambience cocoons the listener in a realm of sound completed wedded to the music.

Pop Music:

Pop Music