| 1. For You |
| 2. Arms To Keep Me Warm |
| 3. Lovin'An Angel |
| 4. Everybody Wants You |
| 5. Tend This Tired Dream |
| 6. Can This Be Love |
| 7. 16Th Candle |
| 8. Lost In Love |
| 9. Lady I Want You |
| 10. A Little Bit Wild |
Editorial Reviews
"Opens your Heart"-Cruising Music!
Product Description
Light World Records: A new label,for a new world.
Sembiante
Sembiante,Sembiante
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The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)
Henry Purcell , Charles Villiers Stanford , Sheppard, John , Haydn, Joseph , Satie, Erik , Schumann, Robert , and Shostakovich, Dmitri Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000002ZDX Release Date: 1995-02-13 |
Tracks:
- Concerto For Two Trumpets, 1687: Allegro
- Abdelazer: Rondeau
- Who Can From Joy Refrain?: A Prince Of Glorious Race
- The Morning: The Glitt'ring Sun
- The Ephesian Matron, Or The Widow's Tears: Vaudeville
- Magnificat In G
- Libera Nos
- Cantigas de amigo: My Love's Coming Home
- My Lady, You Do Great Wrong
- Locus iste
- Symphony No 14 In A: Tempo di Minuetto
- Symphony No 94 In G (The 'Surprise' Symphony): Finale
- Gymnopedie No. 1: Gymnopedie No. 1 (Orchestrated By Debussy)
- Liederkreis op. 39: Waldesgesprach
- Album Leaf In Waltz Form
- Prelude And Fugue In A, Op. 87, No. 7
- Phil The Fluter's Ball
- Piano Concerto In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30: Allegro
- O salutaris hostia
- Da quel sembiante, D. 688, No. 3
- Sonata In G Minor, Op. 5, No. 5: Vivace
- Clarinet Quartet No 1 In E Flat, Op. 2: Rondo
- String Sextet In A, Op. 48: Furiant
- Sherzo In A minor, Op. 81, No. 2
- Come You, Mary, Op. 21, No. 2
- Chorale Prelude 'Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g' mein'
- Deus in adiutorium
- Sortie In E Flat
Customer Reviews:
A MUST BUY!!!.......2001-03-03
Great music, Excellent Value!.......2000-07-26
This truly is essential!.......1999-10-23
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Cecilia Bartoli - The Impatient Lover (Italian Songs by Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart, Haydn)
Ludwig van Beethoven , Cecilia Bartoli , and András Schiff Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000004221 Release Date: 1993-10-12 |
Tracks:
- La partenza, Wo0 124: Ecco quel fiero istante!
- L'amante impaziente I, op. 82 no. 3: Che fa il mio bene?
- L'amante impaziente II, Op. 82 No. 4: Che fa il mio bene?
- Liebes-Klage, Op. 82 No. 2: T'intendo, si, mio cor
- Hoffnung, Op. 82, No. 1: Dimmi, ben mio
- In questa tomba oscura, Wo0 133
- Ridente la calma, K152
- Vedi quanto adoro
- Se dall'Etra
- lo vuo cantar di Cadmo
- La pastorella
- Non t'accostar all'urna
- Guarda, che bianca luna
- Da quel sembiante appresi
- Mio ben ricordati
- Pensa, che questo istante
- Mi battle 'l cor!
- Arianna a Naxos
Customer Reviews:
Better of two collections of songs in Italian........2006-06-15
Intimate Italian Recital By Cecilia.......2004-06-09
The four composers and their songs are with Cecilia Bartoli in attentive, careful and tender hands. Her musical integrity clearly shines through on this disc. She is in glorious voice as she took me with her through all the emotions which are distilled here, going from lightness in several of these songs to the fierceness and poignancy of Arianna in Haydn's cantata. Bringing out every shade and nuance for this listener (as these songs also allow her to display the dark depths of her voice). Andras Schiff lends her a sparkling and wonderful support on piano. Singer and musician are very much in harmony here with each other.
The booklet contains information about the composers and their songs and also the texts of the songs with translations in English, French and German . I do not have a particular favourite among the songs of Cecilia's intimate Italian recital. This is all in all an excellent disc.
by stardustraven
Recommended to Bartoli fans.......2000-10-30
Enjoyable album . . . . great musicians.......2000-05-10
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Luciano Pavarotti - Donizetti Arias ~ Una furtiva lagrima
Gaetano Donizetti , Richard Bonynge , Sir Edward Downes , Leone Magiera , Luciano Pavarotti , Nicolai Ghiaurov , Eric Garrett , Ambrosian Singers , and Roger Soyer Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000009OUA Release Date: 1998-08-11 |
Tracks:
- Ah! mes amis ... Pour mon ame: La Fille du regiment
- Pour me rapprocher de Marie: La Fille du regiment
- Quanto e bella: L'elisir d'amore Romani
- Una Furtiva Lagrima: L'elisir d'amore
- Una vergine, un'angel di Dio: La favorita Royer, Vaez
- Si, che un solo accento: La favorita
- Favorita del re! ... Spirto gentil: La favorita
- Inosservato, penetrava ... Angelo casto e bel: Duca d'Alba Scribe
- Deserto in terra: Don Sebastiano
- Com'e gentil: Don Pasquale
- Ah! rimiro il bel sembiante: Maria Stuarda
- Tombe degli avi miei: Lucia di Lammermoor
- Tu che a Dio spiegasti l'ali: Lucia di Lammermoor
Amazon.com essential recording
This CD contains arias recorded by Pavarotti between 1967 and 1975, and it would not be an overstatement to say that it is probably the most beautiful CD by a tenor ever released. This was Pavarotti in his early prime--indeed, a couple of the arias are first bloom. It covers music from eight Donizetti operas, from the almost startlingly virtuosic "Ah! mes amis..." (La Fille du Régiment), with its nine perfectly placed high Cs, through the ever popular "Una furtiva lagrima" (L'Elisir d'Amore) and three stunners from La favorita to Edgardo's final scene from Lucia and more. But the two priceless pieces of music here are from the little-known Il Duca d'Alba and Don Sebastiano, two arias of such exquisite beauty that were they the only things Donizetti had ever composed--or the only extant singing by Pavarotti--both would still be considered great. This is a treasure trove. Grab it. --Robert LevineCustomer Reviews:
"The" Voice!.......2007-02-15
He is reported to have said that Juan Diego Florez has taken over from him the 'King of high Cs' title.
Well, to me at least, that is an overtly over-statement, even if coming from Pavarotti himself.
Juan happened to possess a voice that could sing high passages with ease. Of course, he sings it well, too.
Even so, any one that have heard Pavarotti in his 'Regiment' aria "Ah! mes" would agree that it is entirely different from Juan's version. Not that Juan does not sing the notes beautifully. Rather, it appears to be that Pavarotti's timbre is more 'grounded' or 'earthy', thereby throwing the 9 High Cs to greater 'relief' (or contrast) than does Juan.
I agree that this recording captures Pavarotti in his younger and even more beautiful voice than his more mature works.
Everyone should own this CD as a real tribute to Luciano.
Pavarotti Arias .......2006-06-26
Achingly, Heartwrenchingly, Beautiful.......2004-03-13
As many of the reviews mention, this IS Pavarotti in his prime, and this is most apparant in his flawless command of the stratospheric high C's. He's not known as "The King of the High C's" for nothing! In addition, unlike many opera compilations that trundle out the most overplayed snipits from the most well known works, Una Furtiva Lagrima gives us some of the greatest arias from one of opera's most talented composers, Donizetti. This album is a celebration not only of Pavarotti's brilliance, but Donizetti's as well. For an introduction to opera, this album is great. For an introduction to Donizetti, this album is excellent. And for a showcase of the power and range of one of opera's greats, this album is fantastic!
Luciano at his best.......2003-01-22
this is a wondeful recording.......2002-05-09
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Peri - Euridice / Banditelli · Fagotto · Cecchetti · Zambon · Foresti · Bertini · Benvenuti · Zanasi · Ensemble Arpeggio · de Caro
Sergio Foresti , Rossana Bertini , Monica Benvenuti , Furio Zanasi , and Paolo Da Col Manufacturer: Arts Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000005AQ4 Release Date: 1996-06-18 |
Tracks:
- Prologue: Io, Che D'alti Sospir Vaga E Di Pianti - Gloria Banditelli
- Scene I: Ninfe, Ch'i Bein Crin D'oro - Sergio Foresti/Mario Cecchetti
- Scene I: Vaghe Ninfre Amorose - Monica Benvenuti
- Scene I: Donne, Ch'a' Miei Diletti - Gloria Banditelli
- Scene I: Credi, Ninfa Gentile - Mario Cecchetti
- Scene I: In Mille Guise E Mille - Gloria Banditelli
- Scene I: Al Canto, Al Ballo All'ombra, Al Prato Adorno - Monica Benvenuti/Rossana Bertini/Gloria Banditelli/Giuseppe Zambon/Mario Cecchetti/Paolo Da Col...
- Scene II: Antri, Ch'a' Miei Lamenti - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene II: Sia Pur Lodato Il Ciel, Lodato Amore - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene II: Tirsi Viene In Scena Sonando La Presente Zinfonia - Paolo Da Col
- Scene II: Deh Come Ogni Bifolco, Ogni Pastore - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene II: Lassa! Che Di Spavento E Di Pietate - Rossana Bertini
- Scene II: Per Quel Vago Boschetto - Rossana Bertini
- Scene II: Non Piango E Non Sospiro - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene II: Ahi! Mort'invid'e Ria - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene II: Sconsolati Desir, Gioie Fugaci - Mario Cecchetti
- Scene II: Cruda Morte, Hai! Pur Potesti - Monica Benvenuti
- Scene III: Se Fato Invido E Rio - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene III: Con Frettoloso Passo - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene III: Io Che Pensato Havea Di Starmi Ascoso - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene III: Se De' Boschi I Verdi Onori - Monica Benvenuti/Rossana Bertini/Gloria Banditelli/Giuseppe Zambon/Mario Cecchetti/Paolo Da Col...
- Scene III: Poi Che Dal Bel Sereno - Mario Cecchetti
Tracks:
- Scene IV: Scorto Da Immortal Guida - Monica Benvenuti
- Scene IV: L'oscuro Varc'onde Siam Giunti A Queste - Monica Benvenuti
- Scene IV: Funeste Piagge, Ombrosi Orridi Campi - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene IV: Ond'e Cotanto Ardire - Furio Zanasi
- Scene IV: Dhe, Se La Bella Diva - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene IV: Dentro L'infernal Porte - Furio Zanasi
- Scene IV: O Re, Nel Cui Sembiante - Gloria Banditelli
- Scene IV: A Si Soavi Preghi - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene IV: Sovra L'eccelse Stelle - Sergio Foresti
- Scene IV: Trionfi Oggi Pieta Ne' Campi Inferni - Furio Zanasi
- Scene IV: Poi Che Gl'eterni Imperi - Monica Benvenuti/Rossana Bertini/Gloria Banditelli/Giuseppe Zambon/Mario Cecchetti/Paolo Da Col...
- Scene V: Gia Del Bel Carro Ardente - Giuseppe Zambon
- Scene V: Voi, Che Si Ratt'il Volo - Mario Cecchetti
- Scene V: Quand'al Tempio N'andaste, Io Mi Pensai - Mario Cecchetti
- Scene V: Chi Puo Del Cielo Annoverar Le Stelle - Mario Cecchetti
- Scene V: Gioite Al Canto Mio, Selve Frondose - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene V: Quella, Quella Son'io Per Cui Piangeste - Gloria Banditelli
- Scene V: Modi Or Soavi Or Mesti - Gian Paolo Fagotto
- Scene V: Felice Semideo, Ben Degna Prole - Mario Cecchetti
- Scene V: Ritornello Strumentale - Ens Arpeggio/Roberto De Caro
- Scene V: Biond'arcer, Che D'alto Monte - Gloria Banditelli
Customer Reviews:
The first complete opera to have survived in a fine recording.......2005-11-01
They called what they did the "New Music" or the "Second Practice" and music students learn to call this style monody (solo voice with simple accompaniment). It caused quite a furor among those who were proponents of the older style of counterpoint. One of those who opposed Monteverdi was a fellow named Artusi. Every music student reads his articles against those composers with "smoke in their heads". And of course, Artusi always comes out on the wrong side of history and made to look the fool. However, the art of these composers was shocking and their free use of dissonance compared to the rules of Zarlino and the practice of Palestrina, Ockeghem, Josquin, and others is jarring. However, we have a hard time hearing the difference in these musical styles unless you pay close attention and develop some familiarity with what the argument was all about.
Some of these Second Practice composers came to believe that the Greeks sang their plays from beginning to end. This is almost certainly not true, but the point was they believed it. Composers such as Caccini, Peri, and Monteverdi developed a style of solo singing they felt captured this idea and called it the "stile rappresentativo" (the representative style). It is this recitative style that Caccini and Peri used in developing their art. When you listen to Peri's "Euridice" you will notice that most of it is a very expressive version of what we would call recitative - the almost spoken parts between the arias - and that the aria as even Monteverdi developed it a few years later is almost nonexistent. If you understand that they were trying to recapture the Greek storytelling that they believe was a sung style, this makes a great deal of sense.
In fact, this kind of work was not called "opera" until the mid-seventeenth century (opera simply means "work" as in a work of art). Before that term came into general use, the composers referred to their works as musical fables or music dramas. However, our referring to all of it as opera makes sense given the genealogy of the art form.
Peri's "Euridice" is the first surviving opera we have in complete form. His "Dafne" came first, but is now lost. Caccini was a court rival and was working on his own version of "Euridice" and at the first performance there was apparently a mix of the two composer's works. But the nod is given to Peri and Caccini published his own version, but he completed his version later. It is interesting the Monteverdi also did a version of this myth, but called his "Orfeo".
This is a beautiful recording of this work. It is important to know that even though the complete opera in printed form survives, there is a great deal that is not in the score. A great deal of scholarship and artistic sensitivity has to go into recreating a version of this opera that both succeeds musically and has some claim of authenticity to Peri's intentions for performance.
You will also note the vocal style has nothing to do with Verdi or Wagner. This was for a much smaller hall with only a few hundred of the nobility present. And while it was first performed for a wedding festival and did not please those for whom it was written, it began a four hundred year development of an art form that millions adore and consider to be one of mankind's great achievements. I am one of them.
Enjoy! There is a very helpful booklet with these disks to help you understand the history and the libretto is provided in English and Italian.
Complete opera at mid-price.......1999-03-18
Recorded in Bologna in 1992. Full libretto and English translation. Total time 101'40.
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Mozart Heroines; Natalie Dessay
Natalie Dessay , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Louis Langrée , and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000050G2M Release Date: 2001-01-09 |
Tracks:
- Die Zauberflote, K.620: Akt II: Arie Der Holle Rache
- Die Zauberflote, K.620: Akt II. Arie: Ach, Ich Fuhl's
- Lucio Silla, K.135: Atto II. Recitativo: Vanne, T'affreta...
- Lucio Silla, K.135: Atto II. Aria: Ah Se Il Crudel Periglio
- Zaide (Das Serail), K.344: Akt I. Arie: Ruhe Sanft, Mein Holdes Leben
- Zaide (Das Serail), K.344: Akt II. Arie: Tiger! Wetze Nur Die Klauen
- Ascanio In Alba, K.111: Dal Tuo Gentil Sembiante
- Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail, K.384: Akt II. Rezitativ: Welcher Wechsel...
- Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail, K.384: Akt II. Arie: Traurigkeit Ward Mir Zum Lose
- Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail, K.384: Akt II. Arie: Martern Aller Arten
- Idomeneo, Re Di Creta, K.366: Atto III. Recitativo: Solitudini Amiche...
- Idomeneo, Re Di Creta, K.366: Atto III. Aria: Zeffiretti Lunsinghieri
- Die Zauberflote, K.620: Akt I. Arie: O Zittre Nicht, Mein Lieber Sohn!
Amazon.com
On previous releases, Natalie Dessay has established herself as perhaps the leading coloratura soprano of the day. Consider, for example, her artistry on the 1998 Lakmé. From the sensational fireworks heard in The Magic Flute's "Queen of the Night" arias that open and close this stimulating disc, her venture into the Mozart repertory is a resounding success. Dessay's elaborate embellishments in the arias from some of Mozart's little-known earlier works are as breathtaking--the high-flying aria from Ascanio in Alba leaves one begging for more. But roles like Pamina in The Magic Flute and Kostanze in The Abduction from the Seraglio are more properly the province of lyric sopranos, and often one feels the need for a voice with more expansive depth. Dessay nicely captures the tenderness in her affecting "Ach, ich fühl" lines, but Kostanze's "Martern aller Arten" would benefit from a juicier mid- and lower range. But the coloratura arias alone are worth hearing for their thrilling vocalism. --Dan DavisCustomer Reviews:
Dessay Shows How It's Done.......2007-03-23
Dessay leads off with guns a-blazin' by singing "Der Holle Rache" from "The Magic Flute". This is a punishing aria with high F's and coloratura passages that most women can't sing at all. I agree with some of the reviews that noticed some minor intonation issues, but there are more criteria by which to judge this performance than the 3 or 4 pitchy notes. Her intention is very strong, and it could be her intensity that causes her to lose some support. Her support is extraordinary in the coloratura passages. Natalie follows these fireworks with Pamina's famous aria, the poignant "Ach ich fuls". Some have said that Natalie's voice is too light for Pamina. This may be true in our age of obsessive pigeon-holing of voices, but she sings it beautifully. Natalie returns to the Queen of the Night character by closing this CD with "O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn!". It is very well done.
I really enjoyed some of the lesser known arias on this CD. The arias from "Zaide" were gorgeous, and the aria from "Ascanio in Alba" was vintage Mozart.
Perhaps the best arias on the CD were from "Abduction from the Seraglio", "Welcher Wechsel..Traurigkeit" and "Martern aller Arten".
Natalie collaborates with the sensitive Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under Louis Langree. This is a great pick for her small voice. In addition, the sound engineering is perfect, and a real tribute to the staff of Virgin Classics. All told, this is a wonderful collection that will give you over an hour of beautiful Mozart arias that are well sung and played.
Highly recommended.
HIgh Gs?!?.......2006-10-14
Super-human Singing!.......2006-06-12
Okay, but not spectacular.......2006-01-29
The best Mozart recital you'll hear!.......2005-06-12
The selection of arias is excellent - we are presented with a very agreeable collection of familiar and less familiar arias from the major and minor operas (if you consider any of Mozart's operas "minor" - I do not!).
Natalie Dessay sings with HIP sensibilities and her orchestra, The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, is one of the world's greatest period instrument bands.
Listen to "Ah se il crudel periglio" from Lucio Silla and "Marten aller Arten" from Die Entführung aus dem Serail and you will be hooked. She also sings the more tender arias like "Ach, Ich fühl's" from Zauberflöte and the famous "Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben" from Zaide with great pathos and style, too. The timbre of mademoiselle Dessay's voice is very attractive and she knows how to introduce just enough "edge" into her voice when necessary. We hear singing that is stylish, intelligent, characterful, dynamic and deeply moving on this CD.
I do not normally have much time for aria compilation CDs, but this one is totally good.
Please ignore any of the negative reviews of this CD. This is modern Mozart sung by a singer who really "knows her stuff" when it comes to 18th century music, accompanied by an orchestra that specialises in this music.
I can listen to this CD at any time of the day or night and it always puts me into a good mood. What more can I say?!
Average customer rating:
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Recital Covent Garden 1975
Antonin Dvorak , Hugo Wolf , Franz Schubert , Lucia Popp , and Georg Fischer Manufacturer: Gala ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000009Q8R Release Date: 2000-06-06 |
Tracks:
- Five Evening Songs: Visions Of Heaven I Foundly Paint
- Five Evening Songs: This I Would Ask Each Tiny Bird
- Five Evening Songs: Like A Limetree Am I
- Five Evening Songs: All Ye That Labour, Come To Me
- Five Evening Songs: All Through The Night A Bird Will Sing
- Horike-Lieder: Nimmersattle Liebe
- Horike-Lieder: Bei Einter Trauung
- Horike-Lieder: Verborgenheit
- Horike-Lieder: Im Fruhling
- Horike-Lieder: Agnes
- Horike-Lieder: Mausfallenspruchlein
- Non T'accostar All'urna
- Mio Ben Ricordati
- Da Quel Sembiante Appresi - Lucia Popp L
- Der Alpenjager
- Der Blinde Knage
- Lachen Und Weinen
- Die Junge Nonne
- Klage An Der Mond
- Lied Der Anna Lyle
- Ganymed
- An Die Musik
Customer Reviews:
Lucia Popp.......2005-09-22
Popp's Ambitious Song Recital.......1999-09-13
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A. Scarlatti: Cantata per la Notte di Natale
Manufacturer: Opus 111 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000005W4T Release Date: 1996-12-17 |
Customer Reviews:
A. Scarlatti: Cantata per la Notte di Natale ~ Alessandro Carmignani.......2005-08-02
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Gaetano Donizetti - Maria Stuarda
Gaetano Donizetti Manufacturer: Opera D'oro ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005OC5V Release Date: 2001-11-06 |
Tracks:
- Act One: Qui Si Attenda
- Act One: Si, Vuol Di Francia... Ah, Quando All'ara
- Act One: Ah, Dal Ciel Discenda
- Act One: Ah, Rimiro Il Bel Sembiante
- Act One: Sei Tu Confuso?
- Act One: Era D'amor L'immagine
- Act Two: Allenta Il Pie', Regina
- Act Two: Oh Nube! Che Lieve
- Act Two: Non M'inganna La Gioia?
- Act Two: Da Tutti Abbandonata
- Act Two: Qual Loco E Questo?
- Act Two: E Sempre La Stessa
- Act Two: Morta Al Mondo
- Act Two: Figlia Impura Di Bolena
Tracks:
- Act Three: E Pensi? E Tardi?
- Act Three: Quella Vita A Me Funesta
- Act Three: Deh! Per Pieta Sospendi
- Act Three: La Perfida Insultarmi
- Act Three: Quando Di Luce Rosea
- Act Three: Un'altra Colpa
- Act Three: Vedeste? Vedemmo
- Act Three: Anna...
- Act Three: Deh! Tu Di Un Umile
- Act Three: Di Un Cor Che More
- Act Three: Ah! Se Un Giorno
Customer Reviews:
Royal cat fight (II).......2006-01-11
Sound: Pretty good 1970s live mono. The French audience is generally well-disciplined, except for one or two spectacularly ill-timed and unwelcome coughs. At appropriate places, their applause and cheers are pleasingly enthusiastic.
Format: Disk 1, Act I, tracks 1-6; Act II, tracks 7-14. Disk 2, Act III, tracks 1-11.
Cast: Elisabetta, Regina d'Inghliterra - Michele Vilma Menendez; Maria Stuarda, Regina di Scozia - Montserrat Caballe; Roberto, Conte di Leicester - Jose Carreras; Lord Guglielmo Cecil - Enrique Serra; Anna Kennedy - Ruth Bezinian; Giorgio Talbot - Maurizio Mazzieri. Conductor: Nello Santi with the Lyric Orchestra and Chorus of the ORTF.
Documentation: No libretto. Track list does not show timings or identify singers. Short synopses of the history of the opera and its plot. (The cover portrait shows an attractive, if stolid young woman. She is painted in a magnificently rendered gown that is both provincial and out-of-fashion. The lady is not Mary, Queen of Scots, but a member of the previous generation, Anne of Cleves. She had married Henry VIII, survived both the marriage and the man, and by a remarkable piece of Parliamentary double-think became in English law both a princess of England and Henry VIII's "sister." Contemporary references to Anne insist on her lack of beauty, while Mary's contemporaries regarded her as gorgeous. Oddly, all the portraits show Anne to be quite good-looking and Mary to be rather plain.)
This is a historical opera that in good Nineteenth Century style, rides roughshod over mere, dreary factual verisimilitude. It is based on a play by Schiller, that same bright spark who perpetrated a play in which Joan of Arc dies heroically after a final success on the battlefield (set very effectively to music by Verdi as "Giovanna d'Arco.")
The heart of the play, occupying Act II of the opera, is an extended scene in which the two queens meet and trade insults while Lord Leicester, the true and loyal lover of the Queen of Scots, looks on ineffectually. It hardly needs to be said that all this is what we here in the Frozen North call pure bumph. Dramatic potential notwithstanding, there is not a shred of evidence that such a meeting ever took place. Considering Queen Bess' habitual avoidance of irretrievable decisions, even to the point of refusing to name a successor, it is probable that such a meeting was never even given serious consideration.
And Leicester as the true lover of Mary Stuart? Not a chance! Leicester, although not highest in feudal rank, was the premiere nobleman in Elizabeth's glittering court. He was a true denizen of the Renaissance, a complex mixture of ability, self-interest, chivalry and deviousness. It is true that there had been some plans on the part of Elizabeth to advance him, willy-nilly, to serve as a consort to Mary when she still ruled in Scotland. The Queen eventually sent an Anglo-Scottish noble named Darnley instead. Young Darnley married Mary Stuart, fathered James VI of Scotland (who would eventually become James I of England), jealously slew a favorite of the Queen of Scots and, in return, got himself gorily slaughtered--just another ordinary Renaissance career. Leicester, throughout, had his eyes on a higher thing, the hand of Queen Elizabeth, herself. He never achieved it, but his maneuverings may--or may not--have included the murder of his inconvenient wife along the way.
Turning from history to opera, I believe that I can safely say that I hold a minority view when I state that I prefer the comedies of Donizetti to his dramas. As Donizetti's dramas go, however, his 1835 "Maria Stuarda" is top notch, and outshone only by the evergreen "Lucia," also from 1835. "Maria Stuarda" is a two-prima donna extravaganza centered on a knock-down, drag-out, hissing, screaming cat fight between two historic Queens. Honestly, except for a little mud wrestling, what more could anyone want?
The star of this recording is unquestionably Montserrat Caballe. Opera fans, by their very nature, are prone to nitpick and draw ultra-fine distinctions, to give wholly undue weight to stunt-singing, to trifling trills and interpolated notes flying high above the staff. It is perfectly proper that they should do so, but the detailed analysis (i.e., fault finding) should not obscure the plain fact that Caballe's Maria offers abundant riches of big-time, full-voiced, down-and-dirty, diva singing seldom matched by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Caballe is strongly seconded by Carreras, who gives the audience all that they want and more.
Caballe and Carreras are in good voice and are captured in good sound in a good opera. These two performers offer singing of such power and beauty that there really isn't any logical rating to give the recording other than five stars.
Having said that, as an opera fan, myself, I shall now nitpick. This performance is very good, but it remains some steps away from perfection. Brilliant as Montserrat Caballe was, she was always a bit too much of a lady to seize onto the ultimate in characterization. The two queens should work themselves into a frenzy of mutual loathing. Maria sneers at the daughter of Anne Boleyn, calling her "vil bastarda." I can recall restaurants in which waitresses--ahem--wait staff have asked me whether I wanted a cup of coffee with more hostility than Caballe's Maria hurls at Elisabetta.
José Carreras is a good tenor--a fabulously good tenor--but I always want to shake him and say, "Don't do that!" How I wish I could be his voice coach just long enough to tell him to relax a little. Just look at any video of Carreras. Every muscle in his upper body is tense and his throat is held in absolute rigidity. As he became older, his notes would often come to a too-abrupt close because of that rigidity. Carreras seems to have viewed singing as a job of work to faced manfully and seriously. I have no objection to a good work-ethic, but I hear little or no joy in the man's singing, only an earnestness that shades perilously toward ponderousness.
Elisabetta, the English Queen, was portrayed by Michele Vilma Menendez. Ms. Menendez was all right in her way, not bad at all, as a matter of fact--but she was clearly not in the class of her two stellar colleagues. Their quite extraordinary abilities made her, I think, sound worse to some reviewers than she really was.
All that aside, this is a fine recording at a bargain price. Every fan should have it.
Give and take from Caballe's earlier Stuarda.......2005-08-08
What we miss on this recording is a good Elisabetta. Michele Vilma gulps, wobbles and messes up the fioritura throughout the performance. With all these problems there's hardly any room for drama (or more for that matter). I wish Cossotto had considered this part. She would have been an excellent competition for Verrett's very impressive performance at La Scala.
We've lost a great Elisabetta but at least gained a luxurious Roberto. This Roberto sounds less congenial than Roberto Devereux for the young Carreras but his most handsome voice compensates for any strains. And as always with this tenor, his phrasing is perfect. Mazzieri is a fine, less famous bass who sings with style and stands out from the rest of the cast.
I found maestro Santi more interesting than Cillario at La Scala but then again, the sound of the Scala performance is inferior to this Paris one (which is very good) so I might have missed some of Cillario's details. Cheap recording, cheap booklet as usual.
Extremely good!.......2005-03-17
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The 3 Tenors ~ José Carreras · Luciano Pavarotti · Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo , Luciano Pavarotti , José Carreras , and Giuseppe Verdi Manufacturer: Goldies Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000086DX Release Date: 1997-04-24 |
Tracks:
- Quanto E Bella - Luciano Pavarotti
- Una Furtiva Lacrima - Luciano Pavarotti
- A Te O Cara - Luciano Pavarotti
- Egli S'avanza - Luciano Pavarotti
- Cuius Aninam - Luciano Pavarotti
- Oh Fede Negar Pstessi Agl'occhi Miei - Luciano Pavarotti
- La Donna E Mobie - Luciano Pavarotti
- Che Gelda Manina - Luciano Pavarotti
- Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti
- La Mia Letizia - Jose Carreras
- Oh Belle A Questa Misera - Jose Carreras
- Questa O Quella - Jose Carreras
- Ella Mi Fu Rapita - Jose Carreras
- La Donna E Mobile - Jose Carreras
- Brindisi - Jose Carreras
- S'avanza Il Conte - Jose Carreras
- Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti - Jose Carreras
- Ah Dessa E La - Jose Carreras
- Ah Rimiro Il Bel Sebiante - Jose Carreras
- Ideale - Jose Carreras
- Malia - Jose Carreras
- L'alba Separa Dalla Luce Lombra - Jose Carreras
- Merce Diletti Amici - Placido Domingo
- Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi...celeste Aida - Placido Domingo
- Parle Moi De Ma Mere - Placido Domingo
- La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Placido Domingo
- L'anima Ho Stanca - Placido Domingo
- Bridnisi - Placido Domingo
- Recitar...vesti La Giubba - Placido Domingo
- Ideale - Placido Domingo
Album Description
Import exclusive compilation features one disc apiece for the '3 Tenors', Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, & Jose Carreras. Goldies. Standard jewel cases housed in a slipcase. 1999.Album Details
This Box Set is Comprised of Live Recordings of the Three Tenors, Each Performing Separately During the Mid-To Late 1960's & Early 1970's. Luciano Pavarotti Performs Excerpts from Sabat Mater, Turandot, La Boheme & Other Works. Jose Carreras Sings Passages from La Traviata, Rigoletto, I Lombardi & More. Placido Domingo Vociferates Sections from Carmen, Cavalleria Rusticana, Aida & Others.Customer Reviews:
One of Great album for Opera.......1999-03-21
Best yet from the 3 Tenors!.......1998-08-30
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Schubert, Mozart, Dvorak, Mahler, Strauss: Lieder / Lucia Popp
Manufacturer: BBC Legends ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000K2FA Release Date: 1999-09-21 |
Tracks:
- Ridente la calma, K.152 (K.210a)
- Als Luise die Briefe ihres ungetreuen Liebhabers verbrannte, K.520
- An Chloe, K.524
- 4 Canzonen, D688: I. Non t'accostar
- 4 Canzonen, D688: II. Guarda, che bianca luna
- 4 Canzonen, D688: III. Da quel sembiante appresi
- 4 Canzonen, D688: IV. Mioben ricordati, se avvien, ch'io mora
- Dass sie hier gewesen, D775
- Wonne der Wehmut, D260
- An Silvia, D891
- V tak mnohem srdci mrtvo jest, Op.83 No.2
- Cyprise: Me srdce casto v bolesti
- Cyprise: O byl to krasmy zlaty sen
- Rheinlegendchen
- Ablosung im Sommer
- Wo die schonen Trompeten blasen
- Ich ging mit Lust durch einen grunen Wald
- Wer hat dies Liedlein erdacht?
- Himmelsboten zu Liebchens Himmelbett, Op.32 No.5
- Ein Obdach gegen Sturm und Regen, Op.46 No.1
- Morgen! Op.27 No.4
- Wiegenliedchen, Op.49 No.3
Amazon.com
This is a recording to enchant both ear and heart. Lucia Popp's voice is bright but warm, pure, perfectly controlled; her intonation is impeccable, her phrasing poised, leisurely, elegant. Though a distinguished opera star, she brings to these songs a wonderful immediacy and simplicity, identifying with mood and character without overdramatizing or exaggerating, and inflects and colors her voice only for expression, never for effect. Her program, recorded live at two different recitals, is varied and imaginative and includes several unfamiliar songs, such as four "Canzonen" by Schubert, sung in Italian, and three songs by Dvorák, two of them from the cycle Cypresses, which he later arranged for string quartet, sung in Czech. Unfortunately, the producers apparently expect the listener to be equally multilingual and provide no texts or translations. However, Popp can put a smile, a tear, tenderness, love, ghostly dread, and ardent ecstasy into her voice, giving it an eloquence beyond words. Her pianists are admirable, though Gage's playing in the Mahler songs is too fussy, and in Strauss's "Morgen!" the violin obbligato is sadly missing. --Edith EislerCustomer Reviews:
Another treasure from a much loved, much missed musician.......2000-10-08
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