Arco & Tecla [Import]

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Violinist and Pianist Perform Songs from Caetano Veloso, Tom Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Vinicius De Moraes, Dory Caymmi, Among Others.

Arco & Tecla,Ricardo Amado,Flavio Augusto,Rob,World Music
Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A musical treasure-box
  • a beautiful journey into melancholy
Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley
John Dowland , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Wilson , The Consort of Musicke , Colin Tilney , Anthony Bailes , Jakob Lindberg , Nigel North , Glenda Simpson , Peter Holman , and John Donne
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5
  2. William Byrd: Consort Songs
  3. Bach: The Landowska Recordings
  4. Britten Conducts Britten
  5. Janácek: Operas

ASIN: B000004CYV
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

  1. First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
  2. First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
  3. First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
  4. First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
  5. First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
  6. First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
  7. First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
  8. First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
  9. First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
  10. First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
  11. First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
  12. First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
  13. First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
  14. First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
  15. First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
  16. First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
  17. First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
  18. First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
  19. First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
  20. First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
  21. First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

  1. Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
  2. Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
  3. Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
  4. Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
  5. Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
  6. Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
  7. Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
  8. Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
  9. Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
  10. Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
  11. Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
  12. Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
  13. Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
  14. Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
  15. Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
  16. Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
  17. Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
  18. Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
  19. Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
  20. Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
  21. Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
  22. Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

  1. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
  2. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
  3. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
  4. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
  5. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
  6. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
  7. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
  8. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
  9. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
  10. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
  11. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
  12. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
  13. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
  14. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
  15. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
  16. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
  17. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
  18. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
  19. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
  20. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
  21. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

  1. A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
  2. A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
  3. A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
  4. A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
  5. A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
  6. A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
  7. A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
  8. A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
  9. A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
  10. A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
  11. A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
  12. A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
  13. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
  14. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
  15. A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
  16. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

  1. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
  2. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
  3. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
  4. A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
  5. A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
  6. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
  7. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
  8. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
  9. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
  10. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
  11. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
  12. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
  13. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
  14. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
  15. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
  16. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
  17. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

  1. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
  2. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
  3. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
  4. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
  5. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
  6. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
  7. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
  8. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
  9. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
  10. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
  11. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
  12. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
  13. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
  14. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
  15. Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
  16. Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
  17. Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
  18. Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
  19. Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
  20. Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
  21. Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
  22. Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
  23. Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
  24. Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
  25. Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
  26. Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
  27. Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
  28. Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

  1. Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
  2. Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
  3. Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
  4. Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
  5. Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
  6. Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
  7. Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
  8. Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
  9. Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
  10. A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
  11. Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
  12. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
  13. Instrumental Music: Galliard
  14. Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
  15. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
  16. Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
  17. Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
  18. Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
  19. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
  20. Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
  21. Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
  22. Instrumental Music: Comagain
  23. Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
  24. Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: Preludium
  2. Lute Music: Lachrimae
  3. Lute Music: Can She Excuse
  4. Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
  5. Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
  6. Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
  7. Lute Music: Fantasia
  8. Lute Music: A Dream
  9. Lute Music: Almain
  10. Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
  11. Lute Music: Coranto
  12. Lute Music: Resolution
  13. Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
  14. Lute Music: Almain
  15. Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
  16. Lute Music: Fantasia
  17. Lute Music: Loth To Depart
  18. Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
  19. Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
  20. Lute Music: Pavan
  21. Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
  22. Lute Music: Aloe
  23. Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
  24. Lute Music: What If A Day
  25. Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
  26. Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
  27. Lute Music: Galliard
  28. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
  2. Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
  3. Lute Music: [Jig]
  4. Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
  5. Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
  6. Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
  7. Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
  8. Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
  9. Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
  10. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
  11. Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
  12. Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
  13. Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
  14. Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
  15. Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
  16. Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
  17. Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
  18. Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
  19. Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
  20. Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
  21. Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
  22. Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
  23. Lute Music: Galliard
  24. Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
  25. Lute Music: Galliard
  26. Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
  27. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
  2. Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
  3. Lute Music: La mia Barbara
  4. Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
  5. Lute Music: Lachrimae
  6. Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
  7. Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
  8. Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
  9. Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
  10. Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
  11. Lute Music: Galliard
  12. Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
  13. Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
  14. Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
  15. Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
  16. Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
  17. Lute Music: Galliard
  18. Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
  19. Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
  20. Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
  21. Lute Music: Solus cum sola
  22. Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
  23. Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
  24. Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
  25. Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
  26. Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

  1. Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
  2. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
  3. Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
  4. Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
  5. Lute Music: A Coy Toy
  6. Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
  7. Lute Music: [Almain]
  8. Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
  9. Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
  10. Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
  11. Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
  12. Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
  13. Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
  14. Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
  15. Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
  16. Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
  17. Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
  18. Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
  19. Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
  20. Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
  21. Consort Music: Almain a 2
  22. Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
  23. Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
  24. Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
  25. Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
  26. Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
  27. Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

  1. Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
  2. Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
  3. Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
  4. Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
  5. Consort Music: Pavan a 4
  6. A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
  7. A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
  8. A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
  9. A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
  10. A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
  11. A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
  12. A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
  13. A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
  14. A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
  15. A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
  16. A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
  17. A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
  18. A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
  19. A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
  20. A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
  21. A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
  22. A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
  23. A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
  24. A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
  25. A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

5 out of 5 stars a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Dowland, a contemporary of Shakespeare, discovered that meditating on a sad theme is, at the same time, a way of discovering a special beauty that we tend to avoid (maybe because of the "tragic" heritage of the Romantics). So, in the end, meditating on sadness is an uplifting experience! This box set is a journey into melancholy that includes songs, chamber music, pieces for lute, some rare sacred music and -as a highlight- Dowland's beautiful collection of seven pieces for viola which he called "Lachrimae" (Tears).
Tartini: The Devil's Sonata / Andrew Manze
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Astounding recording, worthy of consideration!
  • One of the Greatest Baroque Players Today
  • I think this is actually the devil playing!
  • Hauntingly Beautiful
  • The Devil's Sonata as it Should be Played!
Tartini: The Devil's Sonata / Andrew Manze

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by TartiniAll Works by Tartini | Tartini, Giuseppe | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Pandolfi: Complete Violin Sonatas
  2. Biber: Violin Sonatas
  3. Uccellini - Sonatas / Romanesca - Manze · North · Toll
  4. Biber: The Rosary Sonatas
  5. Telemann: Twelve Fantasias for Violin Solo; Gulliver Suite for Two Violins

ASIN: B000005Z35
Release Date: 1998-03-10

Tracks:

  1. The Devil's Sonata: La Sonata del Diavolo in G Minor - Largo
  2. The Devil's Sonata: La Sonata del Diavolo in G Minor - Allegro
  3. The Devil's Sonata: La Sonata del Diavolo in G Minor - Andante, Allegro, Adagio
  4. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Theme & variation 1
  5. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variations 2 & 4
  6. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variations 9, 15, & 12
  7. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variatios 10 & 20
  8. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 29
  9. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 30
  10. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 33
  11. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 34
  12. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 23
  13. The Devil's Sonata: L'arte del Arco - Variation 38
  14. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Cantabile
  15. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Allegro
  16. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Andante
  17. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Giga
  18. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Aria (with variations)
  19. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 1
  20. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 2
  21. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 3
  22. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 4
  23. The Devil's Sonata: Sonata in A minor - Variation 5
  24. The Devil's Sonata: Pastorale for violin in scordatura - Grave
  25. The Devil's Sonata: Pastorale for violin in scordatura - Allegro
  26. The Devil's Sonata: Pastorale for violin in scordatura - Largo, Presto, Andante

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Violinist Andrew Manze did something truly breathtaking in 1998--he transformed the way we hear Giuseppe Tartini's The Devil's Sonata by playing it solo, without accompaniment. And we'll never hear it the same way again. It's a riveting performance, filled with as much improvisation as many jazz compositions, and yet it remains thoroughly faithful to Tartini's vision (Manze was inspired to play the work solo by the composer's own correspondence). Hands down, one of the best Baroque performances ever. --Jason Verlinde

Amazon.com essential recording

This is one of the craziest classical CDs you will ever hear, but the madness is inspired. Andrew Manze, following a suggestion in one of Tartini's letters, gets rid of the published accompaniment and plays these pieces on the solo violin. In the other three works he takes plenty of liberties, but in the famous Devil's Trill Sonata he embellishes, improvises, departs from the text and comes back again. The verbal description sounds like my idea of a nightmare, but the execution is so inspired that this is one of the most compelling Baroque performances ever. Whether it is "authentic" or not, I have no idea, and Manze probably doesn't either. But this is a recording you will remember. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Astounding recording, worthy of consideration!.......2006-02-02

I picked this disc up several years ago, and I frequently return to it whenever I crave a fine example of baroque violin. The naysayers will say what they will about Manze's departure from a literal interpretation of the music, while his advocates point out that this is very much in the style of baroque performers as historians now understand it.

In either case, Manze proves that this music is still as alive and relevant as it was in Tartini's day. The perfomance is technically above reproach. The only complaint I can think of, and I'm nitpicking here, is that there is just a bit too much reverb for my liking. I prefer a much more straightforward recording of solo violin work, such as in the Michael Rabin or Itzhak Perlman recordings of Paganini's 24 Caprices.

This disc was well worth the $20 I paid for it.

5 out of 5 stars One of the Greatest Baroque Players Today.......2005-10-06

Andrew Manze utterly captures the essence of Baroque playing in this recording. At the heart of Baroque tradition is embellishment and intricate decoration, beautifully exmplified in this work. The quality of Manze's playing is heard in his masterful control of tone and dynamic. As a violinist, I am awed by his ability and the passion that he exudes. In particular his dynamic range and control of vibrato makes this work fascinating to listen to. If you wish to hear a recording that best exemplifies the music of the Baroque period as it was intended to be played, this recording is for you.

5 out of 5 stars I think this is actually the devil playing!.......2005-03-19

Manze's interpretation of the Devil's Trill Sonata is absolutely breathtaking. Other than the pure amazing virtuosity, the most brilliant part of Manze's rendition is that despite the extreme amount of liberty he takes with the piece, it still remains true to the style and feel of the original.

Tartini said that he heard the Sonata played by the Devil in a dream, but was unable to fully capture the way it sounded when he woke and composed it. When I hear Manze's version, I can't imagine the piece could have been any better in Tartini's original dream than it is on this CD.

If you are a purist this rendition might not interest you from a historical perspective. However, as a music lover, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't like this amazing CD. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars Hauntingly Beautiful.......2004-11-13

Having listened to several performances of Tartini's the Devil's Sonata this is simply gorgeous. Andrew Manze is breathtaking and amazing, to think it is only played by one man yet it seems like a full orchestra. The technique of the Devil's Sonata is estounding and truelly unigue and masterful, but with Manze it was made Heavenly. I was taken away by this CD and I think anyone with a true appreciation for beauty will be. I like to think Tartini would be proud of this performance.

Angela.

5 out of 5 stars The Devil's Sonata as it Should be Played!.......2004-11-06

If I wish to demonstrate to someone why the 'Baroque Violin' is special, this is the album I play to them. There is no 'modern' rendering that approaches it. The dynamic range, intimacy and passion inherent in this CD are incomparable. Though I am sure the adherents of Josh Bell, Sarah Chang and Vanessa Mae would hoot me down, I will assert that in musicianship and technical ability Manze is the finest violinist living. Period.

In over 20 years of pursuing the 'ideal' solo violin recording this would be my choice.
The Emma Kirkby Collection
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Interesting music interestingly sung
  • The marriage of skill and magic
  • There is no such thing as too much Emma Kirkby
  • emma's pure and magical voice.
  • Voice of an Angel!
The Emma Kirkby Collection
Claudio Monteverdi , George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Sigismondo D'India , John Dowland , Guillaume de Machaut , Hildegard of Bingen , Thomas Campion , Henry Lawes , Henry Purcell , Michael East , The Consort of Musicke , Taverner Consort Players , Roy Goodman , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Page , Denys Darlow , Andrew Parrott , Parley of Instruments , London Handel Orchestra , Gothic Voices , David Reichenberg , and Instrumental Ensemble
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. William Byrd: Consort Songs

ASIN: B000002ZJG
Release Date: 1993-11-12

Tracks:

  1. Confiterbor tibi, Domine (Psalm 110)
  2. Now Hath Flora Robbed Her Bowers
  3. Stript Of Their Green Our groves Appear
  4. Voglio di vita uscir
  5. Piangono al pianger mio
  6. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
  7. Foy Porter
  8. Columba aspexit
  9. Sheep May Safely Graze
  10. Time Stands Still
  11. Diana
  12. Quel squardo sdegnosetto
  13. Maledetto sia l'aspetto
  14. The Lark
  15. Move Now With Measured Sound
  16. Sharp Thorns Despising
  17. Sich tiben im Lieben
  18. You Meaner Beauties Of The Night

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Interesting music interestingly sung.......2007-02-01

Much of this vocal music is from an era with which I am unfamiliar. It ranges from the work of Hildegarde of Bergen (1098-1179) to Handel (1685-1759); obviously, this album covers much territory! Emma Kirkby displays her virtuosity on this CD. The notes from the CD say that "One of the favorite adjectives used by critics. . .is the word 'celestial.'" At a later point, the notes speak of Kirkby further: "There is a freshness, an openness, an honesty about her voice. . ."

Some comments on works randomly selected.

Monteverdi's "Confitebor tibi, Domine." Here, Kirkby displays a clean light voice. She exhibits a spirited "Gloria Patri" with some spare but interesting ornamentation.

Campion's "Now hath Flora robbed her bowers." This cut shows off to good effect the agility in her voice.

John Dowland, "Flow not so fast, ye fountains." Here is displayed her smooth voice; her singing flows smoothly from one note to the next. There is a poignancy in her singing on this piece.

Guillaume de Machaut, "Foy porter." She treats the redoubtable de Machaut well; his works are some of the best of his time. This is smoothly song and does his work justice.

Hildegarde of Birgen, "Columba aspexit." This is the oldest composition on this CD by far. The work is spare, but well sung. There is a hypnotic quality to the work and Kirkby sings it well.

Lawes, "The Lark." Again, nice agility of her voice is displayed.

Other compositions on this CD are by Purcell, J. S. Bach, Sigismondo d'India, and Handel.

All in all, a nice sampling of the work of Emma Kirkby. I was not much familiar with her work before listening to this CD, but I am delighted that I did purchase this work.

5 out of 5 stars The marriage of skill and magic.......2007-01-12

Ms. Kirby's voice is limpid, exquisitely pitched, strong, and yet beautifully refined. Her command of her voice is extraordinary, with phrasing, delicate embellishments and what I think are some vocal cadenzas, all showing the skill and craft of an artist who has brought her artistry to its highest state. But she makes her artistry sound so easy, so natural: nothing of bravura, nothing forced here. The selections are wonderfully chosen; together, they give us the whole range of early to late Baroque, in every mood. Each listening refreshes the spirit. What an artist!

5 out of 5 stars There is no such thing as too much Emma Kirkby.......2002-07-16

The only defect in this disk is that it isn't a three or four disk set. Some people don't appreciate her beautiful voice and I feel sorry for them. I first heard her voice live in a concert here in Ann Arbor in December of 1980 and she stunned me. The memory of her beautiful voice still lives in my mind and heart.

Well, this disk gives us 18 selections from a number of different composers from the Baroque. Every one of them is a treasure and has its own charms. I can't pick a favorite, but I can say that each of these pieces show off her voice and singing style in different ways.

Yes, I wish she had included more Purcell and something even nicer than what we have on track 3, but what would I give up? Well, that is where I say we need this to have been a two or three disk collection.

You won't go wrong with this wonderful disk!

4 out of 5 stars emma's pure and magical voice........2000-10-16

This cd shows Emma's versatility as a Baroque and early music performer. Her pure voice matches the music so well. I really enjoy the song "You meaner beauties of the night." This is only one among many cd's which shows Emma's great voice. I highly recommend the Emma Kirkby collection.

4 out of 5 stars Voice of an Angel!.......1999-07-20

One of the most beautiful angelic voice in the world! But I don't think this collection shows her best recording pieces.
Alma Brasileira
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best guitar duo in the world plays Lobos & Marlos Nobre
Alma Brasileira

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005IYY
Release Date: 1991-11-03

Tracks:

  1. Ciclo Nordestino No. 3: Cantiga de Cego
  2. Baiao Malandro
  3. A lenda do caboclo
  4. Jobiniana No. 1
  5. Ciclo Nordestino No. 3: Capoeira
  6. Choro de mae
  7. Serie de arco
  8. Toccata em ritmo de samba
  9. Alma Brasileira
  10. Ciclo Nordestino No. 1: Martelo
  11. Suite Retratos: Pixinguinha
  12. Suite Brasileira: Baiao
  13. Ciclo Nordestino No. 2: Praiana
  14. Frevo
  15. Suite Brasileira: Cancao

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best guitar duo in the world plays Lobos & Marlos Nobre.......2001-04-22

Sergio & Odair Assad made the world most famous guitar duo. They play in such a incredible virtuosistic and musical way, that you can hear them like a gigantic guitar, listining as a 12 strings guitar, never like two different instruments.I listen this beautiful CD many times, always astonished by the extraordinary musicality of the two musicians. The repertoire it is not the best, mixing some easy writing popular stuff with the work of two truly genius of the latin-american music, Villa-Lobos (Choros nº5/Lenda do Caboclo) and MARLOS NOBRE, the heir of Villa-Lobos, the world famous composer of our time in Latin-America, with the gems of the two-guitar repertoire, a truly favourite pieces, his "Cantiga de Cego", "Capoeira", "Martelo" and "Praiana" from his 15 pieces of the cycle "Ciclos Nordestinos I,II and III". This music it is the truly revelation and discover of this CD. The Duo Assad must now record the whole 15 pieces of this genial work from Marlos Nobre.
Verdi - Giovanna d'Arco (Joan of Arc)/ Caballé · Domingo · Milnes · LSO · Levine
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great Singers, not-Great Verdi
  • Verdi the patriot
  • Good music. Libretto by baboons
  • ok...
  • Verdi: The Early Years...Still A Great Opera
Verdi - Giovanna d'Arco (Joan of Arc)/ Caballé · Domingo · Milnes · LSO · Levine
Giuseppe Verdi , James Levine , Montserrat Caballé , Plácido Domingo , London Symphony Orchestra , Ambrosian Opera Chorus , Sherrill Milnes , Robert Lloyd , and Keith Erwen
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002S1A
Release Date: 1990-05-07

Tracks:

  1. Sinfonia
  2. Qual V'Ha Speme?
  3. Il Re!
  4. Sotto Una Quercia Parvemi
  5. V'Ha Dunque Un Loco Simile
  6. Pondo E Letal, Martiro
  7. Gelo, Terrore M'Invade!
  8. Oh, Ben S'Addice Questo Torbido
  9. Sempre All'Alba Ed Alla Sera
  10. Paventi, Carlo, Tu Forse?
  11. Tu Sei Bella
  12. Pronta Sono!...Son Guerriera...
  13. Ai Lari!...Alla Patria!
  14. Questa Rea Che Vi Percuote
  15. Franco Son Io, Ma In Core
  16. So Che Per Via Di Triboli
  17. Qui! Qui...Dove Piu S'Apre Libero Il Cielo
  18. O Fatidica Foresta
  19. Ho Risolto...
  20. T'Arretri E Palpiti!...
  21. Taci!...Le Vie Traboccano
  22. Vieni Al Tempio

Tracks:

  1. Dal Cielo A Noi Chi Viene
  2. Ecco Il Luogo...Speme Al Vecchio Era Una Figlia...
  3. Te, Dio, Lodiam
  4. Compiuto E Il Rito!...Non Fuggir, Donzella!
  5. No! Forme D'Angelo...L'Amaro Calice Sommessa Io Bevo
  6. Ti Discolpa!...Imbianca E Tace!
  7. I Franchi!...Oh Qual Mi Scuote Rumor Di Guerra?
  8. A Lui Pensa!...Amai, Ma Un Solo Istante
  9. Tu Che All'Eletto Saulo
  10. Or Dal Padre Benedetta
  11. Ecco! Ella Vola
  12. Di Novel Prodigio Il Ciel Ne Arrise
  13. Quale Piu Fido Amico
  14. Un Suon Funereo
  15. Che Mai Fu?...S'Apre Il Cielo...

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great Singers, not-Great Verdi.......2007-05-21

Most of the reviewers here have been kind to this recording, pointing out the singing of the three pricipals and Levine's conducting. No argument on these. But most have gone a bit overboard on the quality of Verdi's composition. It is, in all truth, very small potatoes for the man who wrote OTELLO, DON CARLO and FALSTAFF. Even the usually very astute Mr. Cantrell of Canada gives this more credit that is deserved. But we all know it's a matter of individual taste as well as objective quality.

I'd suggest thrift if you want to try out this opera and go with the Opera d'Oro version with Tebaldi. She's as good as Caballe (it was a frequently performed role in her early years) and the sound is quite OK. Then, if you feel you need a starrier cast and better sound, go to this one.

4 out of 5 stars Verdi the patriot.......2006-02-10

Giovanna d'Arco is an average opera compared with the rest of Verdi's works. I'm glad someone recorded it as it is rarely performed. Caballe is excellent in the title role. I think recording is the best because, as others have already noted, the sound quality is horrible in the Tebaldi versions. It's interesting to see how Verdi's music was developing at this time. The opera was a success, due largely to its themes and the Italian people's nationalistic feelings towards the Austrian presence within their own country. Verdi had used his music to inspire this movement and inspire Italian unity, which would come but not for many years later. Is it just me or does "Ai Lari!...Alla Patria!" sound vaguely similar to the main motif of the Dies Irae of his famous Requiem many years later? Perhaps he was drawing some inspiration for his later works from these early works.

5 out of 5 stars Good music. Libretto by baboons.......2005-11-24

Source: Analog studio recording from 1973, digitally remastered in 1998.

Cast: Giovanna d'Arco - Montserrat Caballe; Carlo VII, Re di Francia - Placido Domingo; Giacomo d'Arco - Sherrill Milnes; Lord Talbot - Robert Lloyd; Dilil - Keith Erwen. Conductor - James Levine, with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Ambrosian Opera Chorus.

Format: Disk 1: Prologue and Act I, 71:22. Disk 2: Acts II and III, 49:28.

Documentation: Libretto in Italian, French, German and English. Brief and perfunctory history of the opera. Track listing with timings.

"Giovanna d'Arco" was Verdi's seventh opera. In the years that followed his huge success with "Nabucco," Verdi wrote to the order of impresarios and publishers--and he did it primarily for the money. Later in life, he came to loathe this period and the working conditions imposed on him. He described it as his "years in the galley." Even so, he managed to grind out more good operas than clunkers. "Giovanna d'Arco" was one of the more successful. It was produced between "I due Foscari" and "Alzira," two of the clunkers. Verdi was writing on tight schedules and setting librettos churned out by writers whom it is overpraising to call hacks. If ever a libretto was written by baboons, it was this one. I'm not sure whether the baboon-in-chief was Schiller, on whose play "Die Jungfrau von Orleans" it was loosely based, or Temistocle Solera, who cast it into Italian doggerel. There is certainly blame enough to share.

Verdi, a hard-headed and canny peasant from Busetto, could count "Giovanna" as a success as measured by that most objective of judges, the box office. Its financial success in Italy and elsewhere was due solely to Verdi's music. Even in its first run, the libretto of "Giovanna D'Arco" was a problem. It blatantly contradicted both the facts and the popular legend of the young woman who always called herself Jehanne la pucelle (Joan the Maiden).

In the opera, Giovanna encounters the despairing Charles VII of France, bucks him up and sets off to drive back English invaders. Having won great successes on the battlefield, Giovanna is rapturously acclaimed by the French. Charles, of course, has fallen for the warrior-girl. He offers his love. The English, having lost Orleans, are in disarray. Up pops Giovanna's beloved father, who has convinced himself that his daughter has sold herself to the devil to win the love of the king. In an aria, "Franco son io," that surely would have earned a seal of approval from the Vichy government, Giacomo tells the English invaders that he is a patriotic Frenchman who would die for his country and its honor, therefore he has come to betray his country, his king and his daughter to them. Later, he publicly advises his little girl to purge her soul of sin by allowing herself to be burnt at the stake. The people of France turn on Giovanna, thinking that her old Pa must surely have some inside dope. In the last act of the opera, Giovanna is a prisoner in the English camp, chained to a rock, awaiting her fate. Her father, that patriotic Frenchman, happens to be strolling around in enemy territory and he overhears her prayers. Moved by her obvious piety, he decides that he has made a mistake. He releases her. She rides off into yet another battle. She is successful but mortally wounded. She expires in the finale, to the grief of all--excepting the local troop of frustrated devils, of course--especially of the king and her dear old Dad.

If you manage somehow to push aside the idea that it is supposed to have something to do with the historical Joan of Arc, "Giovanna" is a highly enjoyable pot-boiler, full of crackling, good tunes and rousing, lively choruses. Even a gang of devils has its own charming little dance tune. When he wrote "Giovanna," Verdi was still adhering to traditional operatic forms and walking in the well-trodden paths of Donizetti and Bellini. Already, though, he had replaced their elaborately decorated melodies with a raw power unknown to the older masters. In his years in the galley, Verdi developed the tools of greatness but he still awaited a librettist who would provide him with characters into whom he could breathe life, a Rigoletto, a Violetta or an Azucena.

This recording, to the best of my knowledge, is the only one currently available that offers more or less modern sound. Caballe, Domingo and Milnes are all justly acclaimed singers and all are in good voice. James Levine's hard-charging conducting is appropriate for the opera. The orchestra and the chorus are excellent. These things fully justify a five-star rating.

That said, I feel obliged to point out that Caballe, with all her undoubted and splendid virtues, just isn't a Joan of Arc. There is not a thing in her lovely voice to make men imitate the action of the tiger, to stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, to disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage. And Domingo--wonderful voice, tremendous singer, no doubt about it--but he's not very apt to get at the heart and soul of a character. He's an amiable, one-size-fits-all sort of guy.

Amazon has two other sets of "Giovanna d'Arco." Both offer sound quality that is inadequate. (Audiophiles would more likely say they are abominable.) Both star Regina Tebaldi, who is a Joan of Arc to the very core. Tebaldi performed the part many times in the early days of her career. Her Giovanna is all down-and-dirty, big-time Italian diva singing. Even for Tebaldi, it is impressive. Read the other Amazon reviews and you will find that even those who rate this opera highly, tend to do so with an implied ho-hum. Tebaldi shows why there were likely to be riots in the streets of Austrian-occupied Italy after a performance! On one of the recordings, Tebaldi is teamed with the young Carlo Bergonzi, who had just moved up from baritone to tenor. There is still a baritonal darkness in his voice, but all the ring and power that anyone could want. On the other set, Tebaldi's Carlo VII is the sadly under-recorded Gino Penna. Neither tenor needs to take a back seat to Domingo in sound and both offer far more impressive characterizations.

By all means purchase this fine 1973 recording, but make an inexpensive investment in Tebaldi's Giovanna as a second set to discover what the opera is all about.

3 out of 5 stars ok..........2005-07-08

but the Tebaldi cd is much better if you can put up with its poor audio quality.

I usually like Levine, but he rushes a bit too much in this cd.

5 out of 5 stars Verdi: The Early Years...Still A Great Opera.......2003-10-15

Giuseppe Verdi is best remembered for Aida, which is generally considered to be his masterpiece, but hardcore opera fans enjoy his Trovatore, the intimate and romantic La Traviata, and his Shakespeare-based operas Macbeth and Othello. The early Verdi operas were directly influenced by the "bel canto" style, were of an impossibly melodramatic nature and naturally were not as mature as his later works. One of these early operas was Giovanna D'Arco (Joan of Arc). The opera deals with the martyrdom of the spiritual and militant Joan of Arc, set to very bel canto techniques- lyrically slow cavatinas for the soprano and florid coloratura caballetas, as well as showcases for the heroic tenor, not to mention chorus and ensembles. This opera would not have been recorded or interesting if the vocal cast was weak. Fortunately, all the singers in this recording are in fine singing condition, they are recognized as opera "big time" stars and provide a fiery drama,

Montserrat Caballe, the lush voiced Catalan soprano, sings with grace and lyric ease in the role of Joan of Arc. Especially touching are the moments which bring out the spiritual and mystic visionary that she was and is contrasted when she engages in battle and leads her forces into vicotry. She sounds appropriately heroic and intense in those scenes which was why they had to cast Montserrat Caballe, who has a Niagra Fall voice and commanding presence. Tenor Placido Domingo does a marvelous job as Joan's love interest and the hero of the opera. Placido has no difficulty in any of the tenor arias and his acting power saves the opera from being shallow. Placido Domingo's art of acting and singing combined with the beauty of Montserrat Caballe's voice (even if she fails to be as dramatic an actress) makes this recording a must have. The othe strength is bass-baritone Sherril Milnes, whose acclaimed voice conveys appropriate drama, darkness and masculine power. This opera is a must have if you are a fan of Domingo and Caballe and if you want to get a taste of what the young Verdi was like when he composed his first operas. It's a rare jewel at a good price.
La Tebaldi
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Tebaldi at her best!
  • Tebaldi the Great
  • A legacy for the ages!
  • Best Collection
  • Modified rapture
La Tebaldi

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Very Best of
  2. The Best of Tebaldi
  3. Grandi Voci: Renata Tebaldi
  4. Verdi: Il Trovatore
  5. Renata Tebaldi: Aria & Scenes

ASIN: B0000041Y8
Release Date: 1991-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Madama Butterfly: Un bel dvedremo
  2. La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
  3. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte
  4. Mefistofele: L'altra notte
  5. Aida: Ritorna vincitor
  6. Otello: Mia madre aveva...Piangea cantando...Ave Maria - Verdi
  7. Il Trovatore: Siam giunti...D'amor sull'ali rosee
  8. Verdi: Pace, pace, mio Dio!
  9. Guglielmo Tell: S'allontanano alfine!...Selva opaca
  10. Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco, respiro appena...Io son l'umile ancella
  11. Cecilia: Grazie sorelle

Tracks:

  1. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
  2. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo
  3. Andrea Chenier: La mamma morta
  4. La Wally: Ebben?... Ne andro lontana
  5. Don Carlo: Tu che la vanit
  6. Un Ballo in Maschera: Ecco l'orrido campo...Ma dall'arido stelo divulsa
  7. Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro, ma prima in grazia
  8. Giovanna d'Arco: Oh ben s'addice...Sempre all'alba
  9. Turandot: In questa reggia
  10. La Gioconda: Suicidio!
  11. La rondine: Sogno di Doretta
  12. Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete
  13. L'arlesiana: Esser madre e un inferno

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Tebaldi at her best!.......2007-04-07

I'd highly recommend these CDs!They have a little of everything. They'd make an excellent addition to anyone's opera collection. Her voice is etherial!

5 out of 5 stars Tebaldi the Great.......2007-02-19

Renata Tebaldi is one of the glorious voices of the past half century. Recordings here come from the 1950s and 1960s. She had a sumptuous spinto voice, clearly manifest on this 2 CD set. Here are some of her "greatest hits." As would be expected, the repertoire of Puccini and Verdi is heavily represented here.

She "leads off" with "Un bel di" from Puccini's "Madame Butterfly." Her voice brings life to this aria; her characterization is right on. At the point, where the volume of her voice increases, the sound remains lush; there is no bleating or ugliness in her singing.

There follow two more classic Puccini arias that Tebaldi does justice to. "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from "La Boheme" is a wonderful version of this work. She captures the poignancy in Mimi's character. Her work here can probably justly be termed "iconic." In short, this is a ravishing turn by "La Tebaldi." So, too, is her take of "Vissi d'arte" from "Tosca." One can understand the enthusiasm of her claque at La Scala as one listens to her singing. Her rich voice fits these roles nicely; her characterization is well rendered. Her version of "Ritorna vincitor" from Verdi's "Aida" is also well done. Her voice richly captures the character and fits the music well.

Verdi and Puccini are not the only composers represented on this 2 CD set. Also recorded are her singing Boito ("Mefistofele"), Rossini ("William Tell"), Cilea ("Adriana Lecouvreur"), Giordano ("Andrea Chenier"), Catalani ("La Wally"), and so on. Once more, the selection of music in this set well represents her body of work.

All in all, a satisfying selection of "the greatest hits" of Renata Tebaldi. The "liner notes" conclude by referring to her as possessing "a perfect voice of bewitching beauty." I'm not sure that anyone can achieve perfection (the statement has a bit of hyperbole); nonetheless, her voice is ravishing as already noted. Those interested in her recorded oeuvre would be well rewarded by acquiring this work. The CDs serve well to introduce "La Tebaldi" to those who may not have heard her before. Such listeners will be richly rewarded by that introduction.

5 out of 5 stars A legacy for the ages!.......2001-02-23

Perhaps the greatest spinto and certainly among the greatest sopranos of all times, with an extremely powerful, amazingly beautiful instrument, Renata Tebaldi on this set heard in some of her best moments! I will not repeat comments on her beautiful voice since it often overshadows the pathos with which she performed each role. To me, she knew exactly where to draw the line between acting and singing. Not too much to become annoying, not too little to become boring. This compilation also shows how versatile this soprano was, with repertoire ranging from Puccini and Verdi to Rossini and even Wagner (though no Wagner aria is heard on this particular double cd). In her early years she also performed Mozart roles!

Her Puccini arias will make the most demanding listener cry. Her verdian heroines, enriched with her personal touch, are of exceptional value. Her Desdemona (Otello), Donna Leonora (Forza del destino) and Aida stand perhaps out. Her many verisimo roles sooo moving, full of sorrow and pain, exactly how they are supposed to sound. Just listen to "La mamma morta"! An unsurpassed shocking experience! A previous reviewer (F.W.Barton) correctly mentioned that not all moments are from her complete studio recordings, so this is a unique chance to enjoy alternative Tebaldi performances. Strongly recommended!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Best Collection.......2001-01-11

If you love the warmth and power of Renata Tebaldi then this collection is for you. This has Two CD's of her best works. My favorites are her "o mio babbino caro" her tosca which isnt as dramatic as callas but has a vocal warmth in that aria that makes her voice so perfect for the aria. Another soothing aria would be her Un del di from Butterfly what sweetness and amazing finish to that aria!!! Her amazing power was noticed in La mamma morta and In questa reggia ( which was sooo good that it made me wonder WHY DIDNT SHE SING THIS ROLE ON STAGE) oh and of course her Suicido was also very well done.....Renata Tebaldi was without a doubt one of the best of the century...and this collection proves it.

3 out of 5 stars Modified rapture.......2000-04-24

I bought this collection of Tebaldi's Decca recordings with the hope to experience some great singing. However, I can't help feeling a bit disappointed in the end. There are some thrilling performances here, for example, the dark, passionate renditions of the arias from La Gioconda and L'arlesiana, but overall, the achievements are rather uneven. Tebaldi certainly possesses a most beautiful and powerful voice, something to take bath in. Yet, she evinces little of the psychological insights, intense pathos and interpretive individuality of Claudia Muzio, Meta Seinemeyer, Maria Callas and Leonie Rysanek. Compare her performance of 'Ma dall'arido Stelo divulsa' from Verdi's 'Un Ballo in Maschera' with that by Leonie Rysanek (On RCA Living Stereo): The aria is magnificently vocalised by Tebaldi, but it is Rysanek who effectively combine vocal opulence with dramatic insights, evincing Amelia's exteme desperations. Perhaps Tebaldi was constrained by the restrictions and protocols of recording studios and unable to realise her full dramatic potentials --- in this case she is best heard on live recordings where we could experience her in full flight. Furthermore, the 1964 Come back album items on the second disc demonstrate a voice that has lost much of its pristine freshness and youthfulness, even though there are exciting things to hear. Still, the beauty of the voice and the sincerity of utterances are there for us to experience. For ardent Tebaldi fans, this is definitely a must, but for those looking for truly great singing and acting, you might want to look elsewhere for Tebaldi's live recordings and Maria Callas, etc.
Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni; Guido: Le Quattro Stagioni Stagioni dell' Anno [Hybrid SACD]
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    Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni; Guido: Le Quattro Stagioni Stagioni dell' Anno [Hybrid SACD]

    Manufacturer: Cpo Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0001WGEIO
    Release Date: 2004-05-18

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    3. Allegro
    4. Allegro Ma Non Molto
    5. Adagio
    6. Presto
    7. Allegro
    8. Adagio Molto
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    11. Largo
    12. Allegro
    13. Le Temps Vole (Presto)
    14. La Nuit (Adagio)
    15. Chaque Saison S'ensuit (Allegro)
    16. Andante, Les Ruisseaux (Adagio), Les Oyseaux, Andante
    17. Air De Trompette (Allegro)
    18. Chant Des Coucous (Presto)
    19. Un Violant Orage (Prestissimo)
    20. Celebrons Le Retour De L'automne (Allegro Assai)
    21. La Chasse (Allegro), Fuite Du Cerf, Allegro
    22. La Saison Des Frimats (Largo)
    23. Laissons Gronder Les Vents (Prestissimo), Bannissons La Tristesse (Allegro)
    Verdi: Complete Preludes, Overtures and Ballet Music
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Verdi: Complete Preludes, Overtures and Ballet Music

      Manufacturer: Chandos
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000BLI35W
      Release Date: 2005-11-22

      Tracks:

      1. Overture To Oberto, conte Di San Bonifacio
      2. Overture To Un Giorno Di Regno
      3. Overture To Nabucco
      4. Prelude to Ernani
      5. Prelude To I Due Foscari
      6. Overture To Giovanna D'arco
      7. Overture To Alzira
      8. Prelude To Attila
      9. Prelude To Macbeth
      10. Ballo I
      11. Ballo II
      12. Ballo III
      13. Prelude to I Masnadieri
      14. Prelude To Il Corsaro
      15. Overture To La Battaglia Di Legnano

      Tracks:

      1. Prelude To Jerusalem
      2. 1. Pas De Quatre
      3. 2. Pas De Deux
      4. 3. Pas Solo
      5. 4. Pas D'ensemble
      6. Overture To Luisa Miller
      7. Overture To Stiffelio
      8. Prelude To Rigoletto
      9. 1. Pas De Bohemiens
      10. 2. Seviliana
      11. 3. La bohemienne
      12. 4. Galop

      Tracks:

      1. Prelude To La Traviata, Act I
      2. Prelude To La Traviata, Act III
      3. Overture To Les Vepres Siciliennes
      4. I. L'Hiver
      5. II. Le Printemps
      6. III. L'Ete
      7. IV. L'Automne
      8. Prelude To Simon Boccanegra
      9. Prelude To Un Ballo In Maschera

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      1. Prelude To La Forza Del Destino
      2. Prelude To Don Carlo, Act II
      3. I. Andante/Tempo Di Valzer/Allegro Vivo
      4. II. Finale. Prestissimo
      5. Overture To La Forza Del Destino
      6. Prelude To Aida
      7. I. Danza Sacra Delle Sacerdotesse, Act I
      8. II. Danza Di Piccoli Schiavi Mori, Act II
      9. Ballet Music From Aida, Act II
      10. Overture To Aida
      11. Ballet Music From Otello, Act III
      Tercer Arco
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        Tercer Arco
        Los Piojos
        Manufacturer: Dbn
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
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        5. Al Atardecer
        6. Que Decis
        7. Don't Say Tomorrow
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        9. Intro Marado
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        11. Gris
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        13. Verano Del '92
        Verdi: Overtures, Vol. 2
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          Verdi: Overtures, Vol. 2

          Manufacturer: Naxos
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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          ASIN: B000001447
          Release Date: 1994-11-29

          Tracks:

          1. Ernani: Prelude
          2. Il finto Stanislao (Un giorno di regno): Sinf
          3. Don Carlo: Prelude to Act III
          4. Giovanna d'Arco: Sinf
          5. Rigoletto: Prelude
          6. Nabucco: Ov
          7. I masnadieri: Prelude
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          9. La battaglia di Legnano: Sinf
          10. I due Foscari: Prelude
          11. La forza del destino: Sinf

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