Firenze [Import]

Product Description
Compilation of Greatest Hits from Popular Italian Singer of the Old Generation featuring 'firenze,' 'ho Sognato Firenze,' 'chitarra Romana' and Many Others.

Firenze,Carlo Buti,Dvmor,Italian Folk,Italy,World Music

Average customer rating: The best opera album ever Beautiful Music, Nice price

Puccini: Great Opera Arias Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Ultimate Puccini Collection The Most Famous Opera Arias Puccini Without Words Puccini: Arias Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... ASIN: B00005YQLA Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
2. Gianni Schicchi: Firenze e come un albero fiorito
3. La Rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
4. La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
5. La Boheme: Quando m'en vo
6. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedremo
7. Madama Butterfly: The Flower Duet
8. Madama Butterfly: The Humming Chorus
9. Madama Butterfly: Tu? tu? Piccolo iddio
10. Tosca: Dammi i colori
11. Tosca: Vissi d'arte
12. Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
13. Turandot: Signore, ascolta!
14. Turandot: In questa reggia
15. Turandot: Nessun dorma
16. La Fanciulla Del West: Ch'ella mi creda libero e lontano
17. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo
18. Le Villi: Se come voi piccina io fossi
19. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide
20. Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata

Customer Reviews:

The best opera album ever.......2007-01-26

I have listened this album almost every day for the past 4 years. For begginers and amateurs in this kind of music, the album rocks in every song with the exception of track 2 and 5.

Beautiful Music, Nice price.......2007-01-04

I purchased this CD for my daughter while searching specifically for arias. She was very pleased and I find myself enjoying it as well.
A wonderful collection for a terrific price, super fast shipping too- as always.

Average customer rating: A great compilation THE Opera C.D. for the Opera Illiterate!

Opera Goes to the Movies Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Catalani, Alfredo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Caballé, Montserrat | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mad about The Classics The Movies Go To The Opera: Great Operatic Melodies featured in Classics at the Movies The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias ASIN: B000003F60 Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

1. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di (Fatal Attraction) - Leontyne Price
2. Turandot: Nessun dorma (The Witches Of Eastwick) - Jussi Bjoerling
3. La Boheme: Quando m'en vo (Moonstruck) - Anna Moffo
4. La Boheme: Donde lieta usci (Mimi's Addio) - Moonstruck - Leontyne Price
5. The Barber Of Seville: Una voce poco fa (Dark Eyes) - Roberta Peters
6. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries (Apocalypse Now) - Eugene Ormandy
7. La forza del destino: Overture (Jean de Florette) - James Levine
8. The Barber Of Seville: Overture (Prizzi's Honor) - Fritz Reiner
9. Gianni Schicchi: Firenze e come un albero fiorito (A Room With A View) - Peter Seiffert
10. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (A Room With A View) - Leontyne Price
11. La rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta (A Room With A View) - Anna Moffo
12. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo (Godfather III) - James Levine
13. Pagliacci: Vesti la biubba (The Untouchables) - Placido Domingo
14. La Wally: Ebben? Ne andro lontano (Diva) - Eva Marton
15. Rigoletto: Questa o quella (Wall Street) - Alfredo Kraus
16. La Boheme: O soave fanciulla (Moonstruck) - Placido Domingo
17. Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata (Hannah And Her Sisters) - Leontyne Price
18. Martha: M'appari (The Grey Fox) - Placido Domingo

Customer Reviews:

A great compilation.......2006-01-10

As the other reviewer noted, I bought my copy of this after hearing someone else's and I had to have one of my own. A great gift, too. We gave this to people for Christmas one year with a couple of DVDs of the films (Prizzi's Honor among them). Highly recommended.

THE Opera C.D. for the Opera Illiterate!.......1999-04-19

If you only buy ONE opera C.D., this is it!!! A compillation of famous highlights from operas we all know we've heard before (but might not know where to find them again). Some of my favorites: #3Puccini's Turandot-"Nessun Dorma", #4 Delibes: Lakme-Viens Malika...Dome Epais, #5 Puccini's La Boheme-Quando M'en vo. All treasures.

Of course, there are a few selections that break the otherwise romantic, thought-provoking and quiet-whistful mood the rest of the C.D. creates: all selections that are symphony-only, such as #8 Wagner" Die Walkure - the thunder-crashing sound of the ride of the Valkyries, ever famous but disruptive.

In spite of the few objections, this is a C.D. well-worth having! (Everyone who's heard my copy buys one for themselves) Makes a GREAT gift, too.

Average customer rating: Very Bad Different is not always bad! Pay special attention to this new promise ! A tenor who wishes he were a baritone Finally, a SPINTO tenor!!!

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo Giacomo Puccini , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Plácido Domingo , and Jose Cura Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cura, José | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | 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 Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Artist Portrait Jose Cura Verdi Arias Anhelo: Argentinian Songs Verismo Boleros ASIN: B000005E5L Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Turandot (Act III): Nessun dorma
2. Turandot (Act I): Non piangere Liu!
3. Gianni Schicchi: Avete torto! - Firenze ome un albero fiorito
4. Il Tabarro: Hai ben ragione
5. Il Tabarro: Io voglio la tua bocca - Folle di gelosia
6. La Rondine (Act I): Parigi! a cittei desideri
7. La Rondine (ActIII): Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi
8. La Fanciulla del West (Act II): Una parola sola - Or son sei mesi
9. La Fanciulla del West (Act III): Risparmiate lo scherno - Ch'ella mi creda
10. Madame Butterfly (Act I): Dipende dal grado di cottura - Amore o grillo
11. Madame Butterfly (Act III): Addio fiorito asil
12. Tosca (Act I): Recondita armonia
13. Tosca (Act III): E lucevan le stelle
14. La Boh (Act I): Che gelida manina
15. Manon Lescaut (Act I): Tra voi, belle
16. Manon Lescaut (Act I): Donna non vidi mai
17. Manon Lescaut (Act II): Ah, Manon mi tradisce
18. Manon Lescaut (Act III): Ah! non v'avvicinate! - No, pazzo son
19. Manon Lescaut (Act IV): Manon...senti, amor mio - Vedi, son io che piango
20. Edgar (Act II): Orgia, chimera dall'occhio vitreo
21. Le Villi (Act II): Ecco la casa - Torna ai felici di

Amazon.com essential recording

Good tenors are always in short supply, a particularly lamentable circumstance given the great demand for them in the operatic and symphonic repertoire. Thus, the advent of a good young tenor is always cause for rejoicing. A tenor of the caliber of Jose Cura--a composer, conductor and guitarist as well as a singer--is really good news. There is nothing wimpy about Cura's singing, nothing strained; he sings with baritonal beef and strong, chesty high notes. A protege of Placido Domingo, he shares some qualities with the older tenor, but is definitely an artist with something to say for himself. This is a career to watch. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Very Bad.......2007-03-29

First of all, his voice does not suit for Puccini(I do not know what is fitting for him). If you buy this cd, you may listen the worst "Non piangere liu" "E Lucevan Stella" etc. He can not bring a little emotion. But Puccini demands it.

Different is not always bad!.......2006-11-26

It's very interesting to read all the reviews smashing Jose Cura for his "baritone-like" voice and supposed stiff and unvaried interpretation. The first opera I ever saw was The Washington Opera's 1997 production of Samson et Dalila (I was 13) with Jose Cura and Denyce Graves. Immediately I was converted into an opera lover! (specifically an opera-goer-lover) I don't necessarily like listening to all opera, and a lot of singer's voices still annoy me, but Jose Cura's voice is different (the source of much of the controversy...). The richness and deep quality of his voice that so contrasts with most tenor's voices (which can be rather squeaky at times) is what attracts me. And you should see this man act! A refreshing experience against the stereotypical stiff opera singer standing in the middle of the stage bellowing his/her lungs out. So please, try to actually see the man before you form an unshakeable opinion. I think his voice alone is gorgeous (especially with Puccini's incomparable work!), but pared with his charisma and ability on stage, it's irresistable.

Pay special attention to this new promise !.......2006-06-30

A talented artist, a potent and polished voice emerges to satisfy the Opera lovers all over the world.

Jose Cura is nowadays, one the most prominent figures of the Bel Canto. His charismatic presence and his timber have deserved him the best praises all over the world.

In this opportunity we may listen him singing a selection of Puccini's Arias, accompanied by Placido Domingo with the Philharmonia orchestra, a magnificent occasion to enjoy his art and impeccable timber.

A tenor who wishes he were a baritone.......2005-12-14

I bought this CD because I love Puccini above all other composers, due to the sheer emotion that he could put into his music. I also wanted to hear Placido Domingo conduct and I'm always on the lookout for a good tenor. However, this is not the CD to buy if you're looking for a good tenor. I can't help but agree with the reviewer who gave only one star, at first Jose Cura sounds great. But after I really listened I had to change my opinion. Cura sings ridiculously heavy to be a tenor. If you listen to him with the mindset that this is a tenor it's really laughable how heavy and pressed his voice is. I was reminded of Placido Domingo (Ugh) or Franco Corelli who also depressed his larynx giving him a very baritonal sound but by the time he was in his forties, when most voices really blossom, his was declining do to the tremendous weight he sang with. Cura scoops up even to middle register notes because he is unable to start on the pitch, and has one tone to his voice (except when he goes bellow mezzo forte when he has almost no control) and very little in the way of vocal expression due to the restrictions this weight puts on the voice. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not usually an opera snob (I listen to and love Josh Groban, Russel Watson, and Andrea Bocelli), but Cura truly warranted a review. I gave it two stars because I didn't think Placido did a bad job at conducting (not the best by any means but certainly not bad) and despite everything I just said, I really like Cura's performance of Nessun Dorma (I don't get why it's weak).

Finally, a SPINTO tenor!!!.......2005-10-14

I am SO happy that there is finally a tenor out there with the vocal power to sing over a Puccini orchestra but still keep the lyricism for the upper register! If your preference is for a sweeter, lighter sound, check out recordings of Carlo Bergonzi and Roberto Alagna. This is a voice meant for singing over large orchestras with some "muscle" in the low register and the ability to make high notes soar. (It also doesn't hurt that Sr. Cura is as gorgeous as his voice! :) )

Average customer rating: Unbelievable , this is Opera For those who like the stirring operatic bits EDUCATIONAL Some of Opera's Best Gems Some of Opera's Best Gems

The Movies Go To The Opera: Great Operatic Melodies featured in Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Opera Goes to the Movies Panorama: Music from the Movies The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B000002SQ3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Fatal Attraction- Madama Butterfly- Un bel di
2. Death Of Butterfly
3. Giacomo Puccini / Turandot-Nessun Dorma (Witches Of Eastwick)
4. Lakme-Viens, Mallika (Someone To Watch Over Me)
5. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz (Moonstruck)
6. La Boheme-Mimi's Farewell (Moonstruck)
7. Dark Eyes / Una voce poco fa
8. Apocalypse Now / Ride of the Valkyries
9. Jean De Florette, Manon Of The Spring / Overture
10. La Wally-Ebben? Ne Andr Lontano (Diva)
11. Les Pecheurs De Perles-Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Gallipoli)
12. Manon Lescaut-Sola, Perduta E Abbandonata (Hannah And Her Sisters)
13. Gianni Schicchi-Firenze-Come...(Room With A View)
14. Gianni Schicchi-O Mio Babbino Caro (Room With A View)
15. Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
16. Cavalleria Rusticana-Intermezzo (Raging Bull)

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievable , this is Opera.......2007-06-26

These are opera melodies that have been adapted to some outstanding feature films. Looking at some of the scenes and hearing the music has enforced sight and sound. Even if you are not an opera buff or a movie buff you will be entralled by what you hear. You may even want to buy the film or the music album/

For those who like the stirring operatic bits.......2004-04-29

I'm not a diehard opera fan. That means I can't sit through the no or low musical sections. After all, opera is a visual art as well as an aural one, and there's alot of low energy periods where one would have to be watching it live to avoid slipping into a coma. If that. I tend to like the arias and the duets. These are the bill of fare on this album, with a healthy portion of brain glue added by each piece's tie-in with a major motion picture. For instance, a favorite picture of mine is the Australian production of "Gallipoli", which depicts the carnage inflicted on Aussie and Kiwi troopers doing the Queen's dirty work with wave after wave of direct frontal infantry assaults against Turkish heavily fortified breastworks and murdurous interlocking fields of fire of many heavy machine gun positions and pre-sited mortar batteries. There is a certain eerie and sad scene depicting a couple of young Aussie junior officers, boys really, in the tent of a superior on the night before the early morning attack. The viewer has the superior vision of recorded history, while these apple cheeks have no inkling of the mailed fist that will hammer them down in a few hours. The older officer puts a platter on the crank up Victrola, and for most of us, we get our first introduction to the haunting strains of "Au Fond du Temple Saint" from the French opera "Pêcheurs de Perles". I'm sure a portion of the haunting and eerie qualities stem from my total lack of french language skills. That piece will forever be associated with the bloodbath at Gallipoli Peninsula, at least as far as my brain goes. And so it goes with many of the other pieces of music in this collection. From "Apocolypse Now" is included the best piece of music to attack an enemy by, "Ride of the Valkyries" from the famous AirMobile copter assault, an attack scene that redefined cinematic battle sequencing forever. Everyone should recognise at least one musical movie slice here.
Tie ins include Raging Bull, Fatal Attraction, and Someone to Watch Over Me.

EDUCATIONAL.......2002-04-20

I BOUGHT THIS CD SOMETIME AGO WHEN I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERA. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CD'S OUT WHEN CONSIDERING TRYING TO TURN YOUNG PEOPLE ON TO THE ARTS, ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO THIS WILL DEFINETLY HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAVORITE.

Some of Opera's Best Gems.......2002-04-01

I've long been an opera fan, so you might expect me to sneer at a compilation. Not so! For opera fans, this is a "stroll down memory lane," offering some lovely jewels from well-loved operas. For those new to opera, this is a wonderful introduction. Even if you don't know the language or the story, you will be utterly transported by several of these arias.

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few tidbits about some of my favorites on this CD:

­- The angelic duet from Lakmé is about a sacred river in India whose banks are overflowing with fragrant spring flowers.

- In the duet from Les Pecheurs de Perles (Pearl Fishers), two men who are best friends sing rapturously about falling in love at first sight with a beautiful woman; for each it was an almost mystical experience. When they realize they are in love with the SAME woman, they are alarmed, and vow to not let anything destroy their friendship.

­- "Quando m'en vo" from La Bohème is really funny because a woman is bragging loudly about how popular she is, to make an ex-boyfriend jealous. (It works, and she wins him back.)

­- The second aria from La Bohème--Mimi's dying words to her lover Rodolfo and her dear friends--is beautiful and touching. However, you should also hear the glorious songs that Mimi and Rudolfo sing when they first fall in love! (Those are not in this collection.)

­- The dreamy and mysterious "Nessun Dorma" is sung by a man who eagerly anticipates being married to a beautiful princess the next day, but who may very well be put to death instead. His fate hangs in the balance as all the residents of ancient Peking stay awake all night, trying to discover his secret.

Of course, the only way to really know what opera is about is to go to a live performance, where you not only hear the glorious music but also enjoy the entertaining story, costumes, sets, and action. Good bets at first are operas by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini--hold off on Wagner for a while! ....

For what it's meant to do, I would give this CD full marks (5 stars).

Some of Opera's Best Gems.......2002-04-01

I've long been an opera fan, so you might expect me to sneer at a compilation. Not so! For opera fans, this is a "stroll down memory lane," offering some lovely jewels from well-loved operas. For those new to opera, this is a wonderful introduction. Even if you don't know the language or the story, you will be utterly transported by several of these arias.

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few tidbits about some of my favorites on this CD:

­- The angelic duet from Lakmé is about a sacred river in India whose banks are overflowing with fragrant spring flowers.

- In the duet from Les Pecheurs de Perles (Pearl Fishers), two men who are best friends sing rapturously about falling in love at first sight with a beautiful woman; for each it was an almost mystical experience. When they realize they are in love with the SAME woman, they are alarmed, and vow to not let anything destroy their friendship.

­- "Quando m'en vo" from La Bohème is really funny because a woman is bragging loudly about how popular she is, to make an ex-boyfriend jealous. (It works, and she wins him back.)

­- The second aria from La Bohème--Mimi's dying words to her lover Rodolfo and her dear friends--is beautiful and touching. However, you should also hear the glorious songs that Mimi and Rudolfo sing when they first fall in love! (Those are not in this collection.)

­- The dreamy and mysterious "Nessun Dorma" is sung by a man who eagerly anticipates being married to a beautiful princess the next day, but who may very well be put to death instead. His fate hangs in the balance as all the residents of ancient Peking stay awake all night, trying to discover his secret.

Of course, the only way to really know what opera is about is to go to a live performance, where you not only hear the glorious music but also enjoy the entertaining story, costumes, sets, and action. Good bets at first are operas by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini--hold off on Wagner for a while! Before going, be sure to get an overview of the story, e.g. on the Metropolitan Opera's Web site: ...

For what it's meant to do, I would give this CD full marks (5 stars).

Average customer rating: Ahh, Florence!! Best Italian Renaissance disc available. Munrow is magnificent boccacio would be proud

Early Music Festival / David Munrow, Early Music Consort Antonio Zaccara da Teramo , Giovanni Da Firenze , Lorenzo da Firenze , Jacopo da Bologna , Claudio Monteverdi , Luca Marenzio , Cristofano Malvezzi , Emilio de' Cavalieri , Costanzo Festa , Bartolomeo Tromboncino , Giovanni Domenico del Giovane da Nola , Marchetto Cara , David Munrow , John Beckett , James Bowman , Nigel Rogers , Martin Hill , John Frost , Janita Noorman , and Grayston Burgess Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Marenzio | Marenzio, Luca | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music | Eaglen, Jane | Emerson String Quartet | Ensemble Galilei | Ensemble Organum | Eroica Trio | Eschenbach, Christoph General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection Henry VIII & His Six Wives Panorama: Dances of the Renaissance Music Of The Crusades Codex Faenza: Instrumental Music of the Early 15th Century ASIN: B000009DFX Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

1. Ecca la primavera
2. Lamento di Tristano
3. Giuinta vaga bilta
4. Questa fanciull'amor
5. Trotto
6. De! dinmi tu
7. Con dolce brama
8. Due saltarelli
9. Rosetta
10. Quan ye voy le duc
11. Cara mie donna
12. La bionda trecca
13. La Manfredina
14. Donna 'l tuo partimento
15. Chon bracchi assai
16. Istampita Ghaetta
17. Da, da, a chi avaregia
18. Fenice fu' e vissi
19. Biance flour

Tracks:

1. Music For Ferdinando de' Medici: Toccata ('Orfeo')
2. Secondo intermedio: Sinfonia
3. Secondo intermedio: Belle ne fe' natura
4. Secondo intermedio: Chi dal delfino
5. Secondo intermedio: Se nelle voci nostre
6. Secondo intermedio: O figlie di Piero
7. Sesto intermedio: Dal vago e bel sereno
8. Sesto intermedio: O qual risplende nube
9. Sesto intermedio: Godi turba mortal
10. Sesto intermedio: O fortunato giorno
11. Sesto intermedio: O che nuovo miracolo
12. Quando ritrova
13. Allemana-ripresa: Quando ritrova
14. Io son l'occello
15. Pavana 'La cornetta'
16. Gagliarda 'Giorgio'
17. Tri ciechi siamo
18. Io non compro
19. Ahime sospiri
20. Pavana 'Forze d'Ercole'
21. Orsu, orsu, car' Signori
22. Pavana 'El colognese'
23. Dance Songs: Era di Maggio
24. Dance Songs: El marchese di Salluzzo
25. Dance Songs: In questo ballo
26. Dance Songs: Noi ci vogliam' partire
27. Dance Songs: Bussa la porta
28. Dance Songs: La pastorella
29. Dance Songs: E su quel monte
30. Dance Songs: Maggio valente
31. Dance Songs: Sorella mia piacente

Customer Reviews:

Ahh, Florence!!.......2002-10-14

Italian culture during the period from the 14th to the 16th centuries was a whirlwind of developing literature and art, and during this period of history Florence was a political and cultural center to rival Milan or Verona.
I love medieval and renaissance music. They are the "roots" of the great classics centuries later. One does not cultivate a complete education of art by studying only such Masters as Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, Dali etc. So it is with fine music.
These CD's contain examples of Florentine musical composition from the 1300's and 1500's. The first CD, performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort, covers compositions from the 1300's, with many of the works of Francesco Landini, the most prolific Florentine composer of this period. The second covers music from the 1500's and is performed by John Beckett and the Musica Reservata. Here we can see the early development of both symphonic structure and opera.
Both discs are wonderful examples of different periods in the history of musical development, and performed by different conductors and artists. Therefore a comparison between the two is unfair and misplaced. David Munrow and the Early Music Consort are superb, as I have always found them to be, and John Beckett and the Musica Reservata are equally enjoyable.
If you appreciate early music you will find this recording to be a fantastic addition to your collection, and perhaps the definitive collection of early Italian music. If you are unfamiliar with early music or with Italian Renaissance music then these CD's would be a wonderful introduction.

Best Italian Renaissance disc available........2002-06-28

This re-issue of recordings from the early 70's by the Early Music Consort Of London is,in my opinion,the best recordings of Italian Renaissance works.It is the favorite of my eary music discs,and includes music treasures from 14th and 16th century Florence. Great listening on both discs,and worth the money!

Munrow is magnificent.......2001-11-20

The first disc in this collection is delightful. David Munrow's recorder is a genuine treat. The vocal parts blend well and create a festive atmosphere. The Early Music Consort of London offer a splendid performance. By contrast, the second disc, which features Musica Reservata, is a bit disappointing. Two of the solo voices on disc two are harsh, detracting from an otherwise pleasant recording. They may fairly represent the performing style of sixteenth century Florence, but that is small consolation for the twentieth century ear. Nonetheless, the virtues of the first disc are sufficient to warrant purchasing this collection. Munrow is magnificent.

boccacio would be proud.......2000-04-23

this is a superb recording of early music it is well performed and played. the first cd is all music from the 1300,s and the second is from the 1500,s if you like the kind of music this is the cd to get well worth it.

Average customer rating: A Classic Recording A must for a Placido fan Great for what it is Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!

Essential Placido Domingo Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Holdridge, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Domingo, Placido | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bernstein, Leonard | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mahler, Gustav | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Lara, Agustin | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Por Amor Bravo Domingo De Mi Alma Latina Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time ASIN: B00064AEYW Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

1. Nessun Dorma!
2. Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!.. Celeste Aida
3. Ch'Ella Mi Creda Libero E Lontano
4. Una Furtiva Lagrima
5. Quando Le Sere Al Placido
6. Bimba Dagli Occhi
7. Addio, Fiorito Asi
8. Ingemisco
9. Amor Ti Vieta
10. Sincero Amor
11. Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini-O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
12. Apri La Tua Finestra!
13. E Lucevan Le Stelle
14. Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito
15. Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
16. Sole E Amore
17. Von Der Jugend
18. Di Quella Pira

Tracks:

1. Te Quiero, Morena-Jota
2. La Roca Fria Del Calvario (Romanze)
3. Por El Humo Se Sabe Donde Esta El Fuego
4. Granada
5. Andalucia
6. Serenata Tapatia
7. Adoro
8. Siempre En Mi Corazon
9. Malaguena
10. Dulcinea
11. The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
12. In Pace
13. Maria
14. Perhaps Love
15. Love Came For Me
16. A Love Until The End Of Time

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Recording.......2007-03-09

This was a great buy for me. The power and accuracy of Placido's voice are demonstrated well. Two CD's and 34 songs--just can't beat that for the price.

A must for a Placido fan.......2005-04-23

If you've continously listened to this master of tenors and said "wow, I like it, I want to listen even more of him", then raise it to 5 stars, which is the rating I personally give the CD; HOWEVER, if you've only heard him once or not at all, you might want to wait a while and get to know him and other tenors better. Why? Well, disc 1 is the "classical" disc, with arias from famous operas and choral pieces by Puccini and the like, but disc 2, the "modern" or "popular" disc, contains music that will leave you a bit puzzled, since it's is not for everyone; a lot of people have never heard zarzuela or tunes by Manzanero or Lecuona. In short, this disc is better suited for fans of Placido or people who want to know him better, if not, it still is a top choice, and this way you just might fall in love with him (well, his singing, not him literally).

Great for what it is.......2005-01-13

I agree with the previous poster that this does not contain his great dramatic stuff like otello/wagner, but the collection is a beautiful one. There are some great recordings here, and his crossover stuff(maria, Dulcinea, impossible dream) is very interesting. His opera is of course impecable and brilliant. Finally we get to hear Domingo's high C in Di Quella Pira, and its a good one. The zarzuela or spanish operetta type songs and are wonderful.

I found this to be beautiful and exhilirating to listen to.

Certainly not ALLL the Essential Domingo.......2005-01-03

I grew up with Placido Domingo. Not in the sense of being boyhood friends, but rather in the sense that he was part of my "Golden Age" at the Metropolitan Opera. Of the "Three Tenors" (more Marketing hype than useful grouping of three fine singers) Domingo was the most dramatic - the "heaviest" of the three. His repertoire extended well beyond the lyric - and that's why this collection is not all the "essential" Domingo, but rather offers an interesting look at the lighter, more lyric side of Placido Domingo. You won't find Lohengrin or Otello here, but you will find many of the more lyric tenor arias from Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti - to name a few.

There is an "edge" to Domingo's voice that perhaps accounts for his ability to transition successfully into the heavier repertory. I find that tonal quality particularly noticeable in this collection - and sometimes too pronounced. On the other hand, there are a few wonderful surprises. His "Una furtiva lagrima" from L'elisir d'amore is a stand out. Its rare you here a tenor with this much power sing the role. The duet "Bima dagli occhi" from Madama Butterfly with Renata Scotto, again casts Pinkerton with a quality tenor not often found in the opera house any more. I loved the selection from Gianni Schicchi - when is the last time you found Rinuccio cast with this size tenor voice - and the Italian tenor's aria from Rosenkavalier is a treasure from a recording currently out of print. And then there is one of Domingo's signature roles - Jack Rance in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West. No one sings Rance better than Domingo - and the excerpt from the complete recording finds Domingo at his very best.

Disk two is devoted to song - popular and classical. There is a fair amount of tripe - too much cross over (as in who needs to hear Domingo sing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha - Broadway is not Mr. Domingo's genre). But there are some wonderful cuts as well - "Granada" is a Domingo encore specialty, and I was particularly struck by the song "In Pace" from the motion picture Hamlet - I never saw the film and was truly taken aback at how beautiful a song this is, and Domingo's voice soars.

I found the sound of these CD's a bit "tinny". Perhaps its the analogue to digital conversion, but I was disappointed in the overall sound. The album is badly mistitled "The Essential Placido Domingo". Certainly this is some of the essential Domingo - and some very wonderful examples of the lyric Domingo - but there is clearly a volume two to come - the dramatic Placido Domingo. But why wait - buy this fine collection, and then feast on some of the complete recordings such as Otello or Lohengrin.

Solid, comfortable, familiar -- very good!.......2005-01-01

Why wait to see if this reviewer enjoyed Sony's latest offering: I did, and so will you. Hats off to Sony for getting it right with this two CD, 34-song bonanza of Placido Domingo singing -- well, as the name implies -- the essentials, from opera to Broadway to Hollywood, in a mix that keeps its distance while holding it all together in a package that breeds enough familiarity to make even the most harsh tenor critic purr. The more clasical offerings are on the first CD and the more sentimental are on disc two. Interestingly, I found side two more seductive and subdued in tone, and enjoyed listening to Mr. Domingo's interpretation of such popular favorites as "Maria" from "West Side Story", "Dulcinea" from "Man From LaMancha" and a couple duets with John Denver (Perhaps Love) and Maureen McGovern (A Love Without End). The songs selected for side two actually did set a thematic tone. Readers of my reviews know that I place a high value on a CDs overall ability to present what is offered in a bundle that sets and keeps a mood. I usually ask two questions: is it consistent once the mood is set; and does it keep the listener in that mood throughout once established? Here, well, here, I break from tradition and profess some confusion. The mood on disc one is not thematic but ecclectic -- from solo's to duets, from live recordings to studio, from one orchestra to the next, from upbeat to mellow. Technically, while there is some difference in the overall sound quality while switching from one setting to another, it is something you would have to listen for to catch, and becaue of this doesn't amount to a serious flaw as presented. What saves disc one from my usual "tenor blahs" is Mr. Domingo's exceptional voice and the selection of songs chosen -- which, while altering between one mood and another, are all familiar enough that we listen with knowing ease to what we expect. This isn't the kind of CD you put on while holding a conversation with anyone, but rather one you would put on, close your eyes and listen to for its sheer technical achievement -- or more precisely for Mr. Domingo's talent. The voice is clear and strong and passinate and reflects Mr. Domingo's control of his range and interpretive skills. Listen to Verdi's "Ingemisco" with The London Symphony and Leonard Bernstein; Puccini's "Bimba Dagli Occhi" with Renata Scoto (he sings a couple meodies with Scoto) and Umberto Giordino's "Amor ti Vieta" from Fedora to get an idea of what I am referring to here. It took me a couple sessions with each side to settle down and appreciate what was offered. Hopefully this review will get you ready and you will enjoy it from the start. PJW

Average customer rating: One Of The Best outstanding CD and great introduction to these great works

Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ Favorite Arias by the World's Favorite Tenors Giacomo Puccini , Gaetano Donizetti , Giuseppe Verdi , Umberto Giordano , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Jules Massenet , Richard Strauss , Pietro Mascagni , Francesco Cilea , Eve Queler , Lorin Maazel , Emerson Buckley , Michael Tilson Thomas , Sir John Pritchard , Giuseppe Patane , Zubin Mehta , Leonard Bernstein , James Levine , Luciano Pavarotti , Placido Domingo , Jose Carreras , and Ingvar Wixell Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Marton · Scotto · Te Kanawa ~ Favorite Puccini Arias by the World's Favorite Sopranos Christmas Favorites from the World's Favorite Tenors Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta José Carreras ~ Pure Passion José Carreras Sings Catalan Songs ASIN: B0000027IG Release Date: 1991-07-02

Tracks:

1. Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta
2. L'Elisir d'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima
3. Lucia de Lammermoor: Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
4. La Traviata: De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti (Domingo)
5. Rigoletto: Questa O Quella
6. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile
7. TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
8. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
9. Gianni Schicchi: Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito
10. Madama Butterfly: Addio, Fiorito Asil
11. Pagliacci: Vesti La Giubra
12. Andrea Chenier: Un Di All' Azzurro Spazio
13. Andrea Chenier: Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
14. Le Cid: O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
15. Der Rosenkavalier: Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
16. Iris: Apri La Tua Finestra!
17. Luisa Miller: Quando Le Sere Al Placido
18. Adriana Lecouvreur: L'Anima Ho Stanca
19. Turandot: Non Piangere, Liu!
20. Turadot: Nessun Dorma

Customer Reviews:

One Of The Best.......2005-08-07

This album has got to be one of the best compilations in its genre. If you are into male opera singers, specifically tenors, then you should definitely buy this CD. Imagine their hearty expressive voices coming out of your home stereo system. It might make you cry! (in a good way)

outstanding CD and great introduction to these great works.......2000-05-12

These three are amazing and this CD gives you a great introduction to their talent. The music is soothing and relaxing. The Arias chosen for this CD are awesome, however my only complaint would be that most of them are short (2 to 3 minutes). There are few arias that are longer (more than 4 minutes). I found the short arias to be a bit distracting because I'd just start relaxing into a song and then it would be over. Notwithstanding, a great CD and definitely worth owning.

Average customer rating: Great Voice Florez shines in enticing variety, versatility of repertoire Third album by Florez Florez in another dazzling disc! Muy bien cantado...Pero falta algo

Great Tenor Arias Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cimarosa, Domenico | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Juan Diego Florez ~ Rossini Arias Una Furtiva Lagrima Sentimiento Latino Sentimiento Latino Rossini - Il Barbiere Di Siviglia / Juan Diego Florez, Maria Bayo, Pietro Spagnoli, Ruggero Raimondi, Bruno Pratico, Gianluigi Gelmetti, Madrid Opera ASIN: B0002K6ZWU Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. J'ai Perdu Mon Euridice
2. Pietoso Al Lungo PiantoAlfin M'arride Amore...Deh! Lasciate A Un'Alma Amante
3. La Speranza Piu Soave Gia Quest'Alma Lusingava
4. Eccomi Finalmente...Feste? Pompe? Omaggi? Onori?
5. Loin De Son Amie Vivre Sans Plaisirs
6. Languir Per Una Bella
7. La Donna E Mobile
8. Pria Che Spunti In Ciel L'aurora
9. Com'e Soave Quest'Ora Di Silenzio Al Mio Dolente Cor... Anch'io Provai Le Tenere Smanie D'un Puro Amore
10. Avete Torto!...Firenze E Come Un Albero Fiorito

Amazon.com

Here the remarkable young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez not only offers us what we've become accustomed to---gorgeous, graceful singing of very difficult bel canto gems (in this case, high-flying, virtuosic arias from Rossini's Semiramide and L'Italiana in Algeri. He also ventures into unknown waters. He sings an aria added by Donizetti for an Italian production of The Daughter of the Regiment ("La figlia" rather than the usual "La fille") which turns out to be just right for his voice, and he charms with his crisp diction and youthful approach. Paolino's aria from Cimarosa's Il matrimonio segreto is a substantial piece of bel canto writing, with some nice coloratura fireworks near the end which Florez sails through with ease, and Rinuccio's ditty from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi---perhaps the most heavily orchestrated piece he's sung and stylistically the opposite of anything else on the CD---is also tossed off with true élan. On the other hand, Florez has a lot to learn about the Gluckian style, judging from his Romantic approach to Orphée's aria, and his French could use some brushing up if he's going to sing anything from Halévy's La Juive, although the vocal hurdles that the composer put in the tenor's way do not seem to bother him at all. A surprising disappointment is "La donna e mobile," which is over-sung and charm free. But can any tenor around be expected to sing all of these (and a few others, too) perfectly? Florez remains a true delight, his sound beautiful, his production easy from top to bottom. Despite reservations, highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Great Voice.......2007-05-13

This young tenor is a worthy successor to Carreras, he will be a superb singer.

Florez shines in enticing variety, versatility of repertoire.......2005-03-14

An altogether delightful disc. The arias on here that do not require heavy pryotechnics are delightful and reveal a very pleasant insouciance of tone and character that are very fitting, only very intermittently offset by a slight hardness of tone on top. The aria from Semiramide and cabaletta to the charming Cimarosa aria serve up the fireworks, so common on the first disc and perhaps the one that followed it, for those listeners who are attracted to this disc by having heard especially the first and highly brilliant all-Rossini outing. Rossini is also well represented here by a charming romanza and lively cabaletta from Italiana in Algeri.

Several rarities are included, unlike with the above, and he makes something very charming and inviting of the selection from Verdi's Un giorno di regno (Verdi's rarely performed comedic second opera). The alternate Italian aria from Fille du regiment is a welcome supplement to his having recorded the more famous aria for Tony on his second recital disc. The aria from Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia (an easy equal to Lucia in inspiration) is also a highlight, Florez's insouciance of manner here particularly telling, as it has fatal consequences for his character and all this character's buddies in this opera. Eleazar's aria, or one of them, from Halevy's La Juive reveals the possibility of a little greater reach into repertoire that approaches the dramatic for this tenor - but one senses as well that he will and can, should take his time getting there. The tribute to Firenze from Gianni Schicchi at or toward the end of this recital is compelling enough to convince the most hardened travel cynic buying this disc to call the airlines/hotels, inns to book for there right away. The "Che faro" from Orfeo (but sung in French) is an ideal vehicle from which Florez can deliver such a sublime and heartfelt lament, as heard here, albeit a bit too closely recorded.

Carlo Rizzi, not always dependable, gives fine accompaniments here. The engineering does place the voice just a bit too forward, however, yet ironically a voice that has developed full body and better evenness than when his first all-Rossini disc was recorded (yet still certainly too early to tackle the part of Eleazer on stage as of yet), erasing any concerns I may have had at that time. For some readers, any problem with the sound quality here might demote this outing to four stars, but taking the singing, the interesting repertoire chosen for this disc, and the fine, deft accompaniments from Rizzi and the Verdi orchestra from Milan (some alternate band to Muti's peerless one at La Scala? - the endless nature of so much politics in music), have me sticking with five, and with a mind about several other vocal recital discs that have been getting rated too highly on this website.

Ditto. Just received credible correction from Vince Chau of one piece of misinformation I submitted here. The aria that Florez sings from La Juive belongs to the second tenor part of Leopold, not that of Eleazar. While I am on the subject of corrections of my reviews, he also had said that I had incorrectly challenged Gheorghiu's Laggiu nel Soledad for having ended on a high C. Not having been so graphic as that in how I describe what happened there, I had led him to believe and perhaps a few others that I was saying there was no high C in the aria at all, so I have just taken pains to fully explain the situation on the new Gheorghiu Puccini recital by thereby editing my review of it. I would not trade Gina Cigna's ONLY high C TOWARD the end of Laggiu nel Soledad for all the gold in Fort Knox, or Nilsson's or Tebaldi's ...

Third album by Florez.......2005-01-01

This, the young Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez' third album, includes more of the bel canto repertory with which he has risen to international fame. Hearing Lindoro's scene from L'Italiana in Algeri, to cite one example, will make the first-time listener realize why. The tenor's firm, even tone, agility in coloratura and secure high notes--all the way up to a solid high D in one selection--are still sources of wonder.

"Great Tenor Arias" also includes forays into other areas of the repertory, from operas which Florez has not yet sung and may never sing on stage. Indeed, one hopes that no one talks him into trying Verdi's Duke of Mantua any time soon--his rendition of "La Donna e Mobile" is solid, if a bit lacking in charm, but the entire role would surely overtax his vocal resources. Puccini's Rinuccio, from the evidence of Florez' take on the aria from Gianni Schicchi that concludes this somewhat short (less than an hour of music) CD, would be a more comfortable fit, but he is already too much of a marquee name to take on what is basically a supporting role.

If this CD as a whole leaves a slightly unsatisfying impression, it is because the experiments by Florez remain just that--vocal explorations rather than performances undertaken out of deep dramatic or musical conviction. In addition, some of the more obscure music, Cimarosa and early Verdi in particular, is not of the highest quality, and here Florez' comparative inability to characterize vocally becomes a liability. All in all, despite the outstanding singing, a newcomer to this tenor's art would probably be better served by starting with one of his two earlier albums, the first of Rossini, the second Bellini/Donizetti.

Florez in another dazzling disc!.......2004-11-25

Juan Diego Florez is definitely on a spin and that well-deserved
journey is the product of fine training, excellent coaching, and a keen sense of pacing in a career that tends to push the gifted ones too quickly. Though Florez' crowning gifts are in the bel canto repertoire, with this recording he just starts there and pushes into the range of more lyrical arias, and to these ears he succeeds in demonstrating how special is this beautiful voice.

Even the decision about lineup of arias on this fine recording is intelligent: Florez moves from Gluck, Cimarosa and Rossini into Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini with great ease. Here is a tenor who can belt out the high notes to please the balcony but who is equally sensitive to the diminuendos and barely audible phrases that mark the true artist.

Dashingly handsome, and physically as well as vocally a fine actor on stage, this CD simply further demonstrates that Juan Diego Florez is one of the brightest tenors before us today. It is interesting to see how many Latin American tenors are suddenly becoming so important - Villazon, Calleja, Alvarez, Florez, etc. Refreshing! GRady Harp, November 2004.

Muy bien cantado...Pero falta algo.......2004-11-07

JUAN DIEGO FLOREZ es sin duda alguna el mejor tenor de la actualidad en su repertorio (Rossini y ciertos roles belcantistas) y sus trabajos discograficos siempre consiguen los mas fervientes aplausos. Yo mismo, ya elogie en su dia aqui sus dos registros anteriores en solitario con este mismo sello.
Pero ahora, en este tercer trabajo, la magia no se produce de igual manera que las veces anteriores: la voz sigue estando ahi, bellisima y con un alarde de agudos bastante importante...Pero el repertorio no es el mas adecuado a la vocalidad de Florez, por lo que le ofrece escasas posibilidades de lucimiento. Un repertorio como este, en la voz de un tenor desconocido que comienza pudo haber sido interesante, pero en la voz de un tenor ya consagrado como es Florez, deja una sensacion de vacio bastante grave. Habra que esperar al cuarto (ya se anuncian "Canciones latinoamericanas" en lo que puede ser un interesante cambio de registrio) para ver si se vuelve a producir la magia.
CARLO RIZZI y la orquesta rinden a un buen nivel, mucho mayor que la orquesta y el director del disco anterior de Florez.

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Franco Corelli The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli Giuseppe Di Stefano Sings Neapolitan Songs Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor The Very Best of Nicolai Gedda ASIN: B0000A5BXQ Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Addio, Mignon
2. Ah! Non Credevi Tu
3. Io Son Solo...Ah! Dispar, Vision
4. E La Solita Storia (Lamento Di Federico)
5. Lunge Da Lei...De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
6. Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
7. Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'Ali
8. Son Gia Lontani!...Corre A Valle
9. Intanto Amici Qua...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
10. Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
11. Recondita Armonia
12. E Lucevan Le Stelle
13. Dovunque Al Mondo
14. Addio, Fiorito Asil
15. Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
16. La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
17. Una Parola Sola...Or Son Sei Mesi
18. Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero
19. Avete Torto!...Firenze E Come Albero
20. Non Piangere, Liu
21. Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

1. Questa O Quella
2. Ella Mi Fu Rapita!...Parmi Veder Le Lagrime
3. La Donna E Mobile
4. Ah Si, Ben Mio
5. Di Quella Pira
6. Di' Tu Se Fedele
7. Teco Io Sto...Non Sai Tu Che Se L'Anima Mia...Oh, Qual Soave Brivido - Maria Callas
8. Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
9. Che Gelida Manina
10. In Un Coupe?...O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Rolando Panerai
11. Donna Non Vidi Mai
12. Oh, Saro La Piu Bella - Maria Callas
13. No! Pazzo Son! Guardate!
14. A La Barcillunisa
15. Cantu A Timuni
16. 'O Sole Mio
17. Marechiare
18. Core 'Ngrato
19. Torna A Surriento

Average customer rating: Not exactly my cup of coffee!!

Cafe Italia Various Artists Manufacturer: Metro Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Greatest Hits Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics Putumayo Presents: Italian Café Greatest Hits Bella Ragazza ASIN: B0000667PH Release Date: 2002-04-08

Tracks:

1. Voce 'E Notte - The Mandolins Of Genny Esposita
2. Chitarra Romana - Carlo Buti
3. Scalinatella - Claudio Villa
4. Guaglione - The Mandolins Of Genny Esposita
5. Vivere - Tito Schipa
6. Funiculi Funicula - The Mandolins Of Genny Esposita
7. Torna A Surriento - Beniamino Gigli
8. Firenze Sogna - Carlo Buti
9. Primo Amore - Carlo Buti
10. Maria Mari - The Mandolins Of Genny Esposita
11. Dicitencello Vuje - Beniamino Gigli
12. Soli Soli Nella Notte - Gino Bechi
13. Passione - Beniamino Gigli
14. Santa Lucia - Enrico Caruso
15. 'O Sole Mio - Beniamino Gigli

Album Description

Subtitled - A Musical Celebration of Coffee Culture. Budget-price compilation captures the true spirit of Italian culture, the home of coffee, with legendary Italian performers like Carlo Buti, The Mandolins Of Genny Esposito, Beniamino Gigli, & Enrico Caruso. 15 tracks. Metro. 2002.

Album Details

Features Some of the Legendary Italian Performers of the 20th Century.

Customer Reviews:

Not exactly my cup of coffee!!.......2004-03-19

When I purchased this item I had been looking long and hard for one of my favorite artists -- Carlo Buti -- so when I saw that he was one of the featured artists on this album I bought it. Unfortunately the other artists on the album left me wanting more Carlo Buti. While the songs were nostalgic and brought a tear to my eyes, I found myself wishing the entire album had been Carlo Buti. Sorry, Gigli and the others left me wanting more Buti. If not for him the album would have gone in the not played pile. But I loved the songs.

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