Storia d' Amore

1. Come Prima

2. Margherita

3. Il Padrino

4. Volare

5. Arrivederci Roma

6. Venezia A Settembre

7. Storia D'Amore

8. Tu

9. Pensami

10. Al Di La'

11. O Sole Mio (Dance Mix)

12. Voglia Di Te

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Born in Venice, Italy, Donadi now lives in Orlando, FL where he entertains international audiences with his unique style of music.

In addition to his commanding vocal talent, Donadi is also an accomplished pianist- all of the piano and keyboard heard on the album 'Storia d' Amore' are his own performances.

Before his current career in popular music, Donadi was originally trained in Opera and Orchestral Conducting. He has also had vast immersion in the fields of electronic music and sound engineering, which allowed him to completely shape the style of 'Storia d'Amore' to his own personal musical vision.

Product Description
'Storia D'Amore' is the world premier recording featuring the internationally acclaimed vocal artist and musician 'Donadi'.

Originally from Venice, Italy, Donadi created this album as a tribute to his heritage- the album features popular Italian melodies recorded in a contemporary style, with elements of jazz, latin and swing music.

Having lived in Italy, France, and now the United States, Donadi credits the numerous musical influences of this album to his immersion in the lifestyles and diverse cultures of the countries where he has resided.

Although originally inspired by popular Italian music, the album has an international feel that spans many continents. The clever and stylish songs of 'Astoria D'Amore' invoke feelings of romance, love, life and dance that will appeal to a wide audience of listeners around the globe.

Storia d' Amore

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi...Celeste Aida
La Donna E Mobile
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Qual Turbamento...Salve Dimora
O Dolce Incanto...Chiuder Gli Occhi
Che Gelida Manina
Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Dovunque Al Mondo
Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
Intanto Amici, Qua...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
Non Colombelle!...Ah! Tu Ch'Odi Lo Mio Grido
Che Avvien?...Ah! Non V'Avvicinate...No! Pazzo Son!
Cujus Animam
Panis Angelicus
Ingemisco
Ave Maria
Core 'Ngrato
Funiculi, Funicula - Chorus

Tracks:

'O Sole Mio
La Serenata
La Danza
Aprile
Mattinata
Torna A Surriento
L'Ultima Canzone
La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno
E La Solita Storia Del Pastor
Un Di All'Azzurro Spazio
Andrea Chenier...Corragio!...Si, Fui Soldato
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
Di' Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M' E Forza Perderti
Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir...Vainement, Ma Bien-Aimee
Io Son Sol...Ah! Dispar, Vision
Ah! Non Mi Ridestar
Quanto E Bella - Chorus
Nessun Dorma - Chorus

Customer Reviews:

The Art of Gigli.......2007-03-09

After Caruso's death, Beniamino Gigli became one of the most renowned tenors in the world. His rich voice well justified his reputation. While some of his mannerisms (the little "cries" and "catches" in his voice) can be a bit overdone, they were not atypical of the time. A few reactions to specific cuts.

"Celeste Aida" from Verdi's opera is smoothly sung; his rich voice serves to good effect. As already noted, the little "cries" are unfortunate, but hardly an issue. His higher notes flow smoothly from lower ones, in a seamless fashion. It would have been nice to hear him try for the piano at the end, but he did not choose to do so. Any way you slice it, a nice version of a glorious aria.

"La donna e mobile" is taken at a rather slow pace. It is smoothly sung but does not really catch the spirit of the wretched Duke. He shows wonderful breath control. This is more a workmanlike than scintillating version. On the other hand, "Che gelida manina" is wonderful. Smooth, elegant singing. A very well done high note. An iconic version.

The twin arias from "Tosca," "Recondita armonia" and "E lucevan le stelle" are very well executed. His rendering of the final "la vita" in the latter aria is, again, noteworthy.

And now for something completely different. . . . "Funiculi funicula" is spritely sung, in good spirits, and it is a lot of fun! Most enjoyable. "O Sole mio," likewise, is well rendered. As previously noted, some "off putting" cries, but the warm, full voice more than makes up for such mannerisms. He does not overpower this song with operatic technique. The end result is most satisfying.

"La danza" befuddled the great Caruso (in his version, his breathing fell apart at one point). But not Gigli. Well sung, good breath control. Bravo Gigli!

Back to opera. . . . "Nessun dorma" is well sung. The vocalization is smooth. Gigli's voice soars over orchestra and other voices. The final "Vincero" rings out.

While this CD is not without some questions, as noted above, it is worth 5 stars for its full portrayal of the work of Gigli. As such, it can be recommended for anyone who wants a comprehensive introduction to this singer.

Gigli Is A Wonderful Singer!.......2006-07-31

It's an honor for me to be "the first" to review this recording for Amazon. As "opera lovers" know, Gigli was "the greatest tenor in the world" for many years after the death of Caruso. If you haven't heard Gigli, a great treat is in store for you! He had "penache" and drama in the way he sang. Plus he had a beautiful tonal quality! I could go on and on but if you "pass this guy up" you'll be missing some beautiful and dramatic singing from a "world class" singing actor.

Besides listening to Gigli on Cd, you'd be doing yourself a favor to buy a movie in which Gigli appears and sings. The movie is called "Non Ti Scordar di Me". I'll try to find it on amazon or from "The Bel Canto Society" and give it a "review" also. It's an "old movie" but it has a VERY touching story, is well acted, and you get to see and hear Gigli which is a great treat since he has been gone for at least 50 years. He "comes alive" in this CD and in the movie. You will "thrill" to the sound of his voice. Enjoy! Email:boland7214@aol.

Average customer rating:

Voice of the 20th Century..
The OTHER essential Bjoerling CD; 10 stars! 20!

Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias
Giacomo Puccini , Umberto Giordano , Francesco Cilea , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Friedrich von Flotow , Gioachino Rossini , Nils Grevillius , and Jussi Bjorling
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | 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

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jussi Björling Rediscovered
Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection
The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
Jussi Björling: Opera Arias
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

ASIN: B000002S05
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Act II: 'Una furtiva lagrima': L'Elisir d'Amore
Act III: 'Ah! si ben mio coll'essere': Verdi: Il Trovatore
Act I: Di tu se fedele': Un Ballo in Maschera
Act I: 'Se quel guerrier': Aida
Act I: 'Recitar!...Vesti la giubba': I Pagliacci
Act I: 'Che gelida manina': La Boh
Act I: 'O soave fanciulla': La Boh
Act I: 'Recondita armonia': Tosca
Act Three: 'E lucevan le stelle': Tosca
Act Three: 'Ch'ella mi creda libero': La Fanciulla del West
Act Three: 'Nessun dorma!': Turandot
Act Three: 'Amor ti vieta': Fedora
Act II: 'E la solita storia': L'Arlesiana
'Mi batte, il cor... O paradiso': L'Africaine
Act III: 'Salut! demeure chaste et pure': Faust
Act III: 'Je suis seul!...Ah, fuyez, douce image': Manon
Act III: 'M appari tutt'amor': Martha
Cujus animan: Stabat Mater

Customer Reviews:

Voice of the 20th Century.........2000-07-13

Björling tops most polls as "singer of the 20th century", and justly so. Whether one prefers his velvety,lyrically smooth voice of the 30s and 40s, or his more full-bodied, darker power-tenor of the late 50s (he was ready to take on Lohengrin and Otello just before his death), no other human voice has left a legacy of Björling's caliber in recording history.

This collection is a wonderful presentation of the young Björling. His voice was said to have a direct appeal to emotions. Listen to "Ch'ella mi creda libero" with its almost extraterrestial "lift" and try to keep the lump in your throat from growing!

The-37 "O Paradiso" is a fantastic display of power blended with beauty - which is also the case with the Tosca arias presented here.

"Che Gelida Manina" is by many regarded as Björling's signature aria, just as "La Boheme" was said to be his signature opera. The -36 version here shows Björling aged 25 with wonderful silvery tone and grasp of message, problems with Italian pronounciation or not.

Björling never lapsed into self parodic sobbing or exaggerated shouts or gliding "loops" to get a message across. He insisted on sticking to what the composer actually had written down...and within these vocal restraints, Björling still managed to portray an unexplored universe of human feelings. "Vesti La Giubba" is a good example of this: no sobbing or bitter laughter but downright hartbreaking nonetheless. True art!

His -44 studio version of "Nessun Dorma" makes an interesting comparison with his -59 recording from the complete Turandot. Touch and go which one to go for as the second or third best version of "...Dorma" ever in recording history. The shining beacon is in my opinion from a radio concert in Sweden in 1944, where Björling for once actually DOES go beyond the strict readings of the work. His final B just stretches on and on and on into eternity - read heaven.

As for his famous ringing high notes, his final D flat on Cujus Animan may be THE one most beautiful sound I've ever heard from a human being!

If you do not have any Björling CDs, this may be a perfect introduction to his art.

And where to go from there? Well,"O Paradiso" is one of many excellent collections from the 50s. There's also a Norwegian compilation called "jussi's Beste" (which sold to platinum in Norway 35 years after his death...). This CD contains among other highlights the wonderful Christmas song "O Helga Natt", in which the final high note is sung with such force that it threatens to blow your speakers to oblivion, never mind your ears...(if it is the last sound I will ever hear, it is OK by me...).

If you want a complete opera recording, you just have to invest your hard earned cash (or bank credit as is the case with me) on Beechams "La Boheme".

Someone said elsewhere that once you have listened to Björling, you may never want to listen to any other tenor...ever: HOW VERY TRUE!

The OTHER essential Bjoerling CD; 10 stars! 20!.......1999-03-15

Along with the "Pearl Fishers Duet" CD, to me this is the other essential Bjoerling. (The more than 2 dozen friends who've received those 2 CDs as a gift can testify to that!)

The "Vesti" is completely heartbreaking, maybe because there's none of the histrionic sobbing that usually accompanies it. And of course there is that 1945 recording of "Nessun dorma!", which I have seen referred to as one of the 5 greatest recordings of all time. The arias from Tosca are also outstanding. The only addition that would make this perfect CD "even more perfect" would be the inclusion of the Gonoud "Ah! Leve-toi, soleil!"

Although I have loved classical music since I was a kid, until Jussi every tenor I ever heard sounded like an opera parody. Jussi is different; he doesn't make you think "Now there's a guy taking a deep breath and singing loud." To steal a line from Amadeus, when he opens his mouth you "hear the voice of God"; absolute, divine beauty, untainted by ego or eccentricity. that seems to flow without strain or effort.

Tracks:

Lamento: E La Solita Storia
Recitativo E Romanza: Inosservato...Angelo Casto E Bel
Aria: Quanto E Bella
Aria: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Recitativo Ed Aria: Tombe Degli Avi Miei...Fra Poco
Aria: Il L'ho Perduta...Io La Vidi
Aria: Io L'ho Perduta...Io La Vidi
Aria: O Figli...Ah! La Paterna Mano
Scena Ed Aria: Ella Mi Fu Rapita...Parmi Veder
Canzone: La Donna E Mobile
Scena, Aria E Cabaletta: Lunge De Iei...De' Miei Bollenti...O Mio Rimorso
Aria: Che Gelida Manina
Aria: E Lucevan Le Stelle
Aria: Anche Tu Beppe Giungi...O Amore
Aria: Vergini, Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito

Amazon.com

This is a glorious debut recital by a tenor, from whom, if he sings the right roles and keeps way from jet-setting and too much singing, might just be the lyrico-spinto tenor we've been waiting for. He has the class of Carlo Bergonzi and a ringing tone which is somewhere between Domingo's big, dark sound and Pavarotti's brightness; he sings with a true mezza voce (not a falsetto); he always obeys the composer's markings and delineates character. He seems incapable of vulgarity, refusing to gulp or sob when a musically expressive gesture will do. The opening aria here--from L'Arlesiana--is so beautifully, touchingly sung that it's a heartbreaker; he doesn't take the usually opted-for high note near the end, but never fear: in the Traviata and Bohème excerpts, Villazon offers big, whopping high Cs. This CD is a knockout; let's hope it's only the beginning of an illustrious career, both recorded and live. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Another supeb tenor........2007-05-13

We can be thankful that the old guard of the opera stage has been replaced by a trio of youthful artists. Villazon along with Calleja and Florez makes a great addition to the world of opera.

The one........2006-06-24

He's the real deal. Domingo-like burnished voice, great actor. Not just hype, he's genuinely worthy of all the praise.

A New Star voice.......2005-09-25

Rollando Villazon can't fail to impress a listener. He is an enourmous breath of fresh air for people waiting for a new generation of Opera superstars to emerge. Those somewhat dissapointed by the somewhat ncomfortable edge to Salvator Licitra's voice, may take refuge in the freshness of Villazon.
I don't really want to ruin the magic of his singing, with caddy comparisons, but it is sufficient to say that he excellent. Many compare his to Domingo, to that I would say that Villazon has an ease to his top that Domingo never had, but perhaps lacks the focus and thickness of Domingo's lower registers.
Overall what hits you most about Villazons performance, is the induviduality of his interpretations and voice. The top of his voice has a ring and tone that sets his apart from the pack.
To my ear, he sounds at his best in the Mid Period verdi, where the cut of voice come through in the long high-lying passage, (expecially the cut from Traviata,
Enjoy this incredible singer

Quite Good.......2005-05-26

A very promising debut album with some excellent burnished tenor sound. To the reviewer who went on and on about Mr. Villazon only being in his 20's -- I hate to burst your bubble, but he was born in 1972, which makes him 33! And, by the way, the age of the singer is not a "huge" advantage; let us remember that some of our greatest singers didn't come into their element until their 40's (e.g., Flagstad, Milanov...)

Promising debut by new lyric tenor.......2005-05-05

Rolando Villazon immediately made himself a name we should all watch out for, after his appearance on a NY City Opera telecast of Boheme, as Rodolfo. Since then he has become a regular artist in leading lyric roles at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, has sung two parts at the Met already, and obviously has much ahead for him. The voice itself has a number of virtues, evenness of tone across the different registers, and the ability to encompass long lines without taking unnecessary breaths and showing the control to taper many lines off softly. It has also taken on perhaps a prematurely dark quality, in contrast with what I remember of the La Boheme telecast.

This recital of Italian opera arias presents Villazon near the alpha of his career (one appearance as the Steersman on the Barenboim Flying Dutchman before, for Teldec) and the conductor at his omega - the just deceased Marcello Viotti, at the age of 52, who suddenly replaced Sinopoli in Berlin for the second of two performances of Verdi's Aida in 2001. Sinopoli had passed away at 54 the night of the first performance that weekend in Berlin.

On first impression, Federico's lament from Cilea's L'Arlesiana is taken too slowly, and yet from repeated listening to this disc, it is one of nearly half a dozen selections that contribute the most to making this an interesting recital. The lachrymose manner and delivery here, though, sets a little too much of an overall tone for the rest of the recital, including its several or so lighter numbers. Said to also be a Caruso favorite, the aria from Donizetti's Duca d'Alba is a real highlight as close to being Schubertian in feeling as some Verdi - as late into Verdi's work as Forza and Don Carlo. Villazon's singing here is as warmly ardent as you'll find anywhere on this disc, and his personal identification with the character of Don Carlo, several tracks later, is as complete as that of its best interpreters of the recent past, Placido Domingo especially.

The two Elisir d'amore selections are pleasant vocally, but too dark, especially the start to so many phrases of "Una furtiva." The remorse felt during the opening aria of the Tomb Scene from Lucia, after a slightly uncertain start, is entirely felt. Oronte's brief aria from Verdi's Lombardi is handled with an easy, pleasant swagger from both Villazon and Viotti, leading one to expect similar lightness in selections that soon follow, and which is not entirely forthcoming; the beginning of the recitative to "Parmi veder" from Rigoletto shows a palpable anxiety in this peculiar moment for the Duke in which he finds himself. Intonation falters momentarily at the end of this aria. "Ah! la paterna mano", after good recitative, gets pushed a little too forward, robbing the crest of several lines in it their full expressive potential. Contrast of expression between Alfredo's aria and cabaletta from Traviata is so minimal, almost to have been erased altogether; Viotti here, so deft and highly musical an accompanist he is for most of the rest of this disc, is similarly disengaged. Connecting music between aria and cabaletta and repeat of the latter both get awkwardly cut.

That leaves four verismo tracks for the remainder of this disc. Most distinctively sung is "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca, but frequently quite close to sounding a copy of Domingo's interpretation. The honeyed placement for the top of the staff, once the voice takes on the melodic line, could hardly remind you of anyone else. "Che gelida manina" is also given a fine performance here, but begins to lose all consonants on a couple of words right before the ascent to the high C in the aria. After hearing Dino Borgioli and Cesare Valletti as Fritz, each more of a benchmark than Pavarotti, it is hard to identify the villager Fritz, from how disinteresed Villazon sounds. A slight cut is taken between two portions of recitative before Fritz's Act III aria. "Quando al soave anelito" from Mascagni's Nerone, obviously a rarity, is one for which I can only find a Domingo recital before. Here, the singing is fine, but the youthful sense of wonderment for Nero, in his vision of Venus, as wordly-wise a fellow he is, gets understated. Accompaniments to these four arias are mostly as fine as the others, but all come to abrupt endings, the endings of Boheme and Amico Fritz which lose all their shimmer here.

Much criticism here, but there is also much hope felt from listening to this disc, for a bright future for Mr. Villazon still. He is only seldom a conscientious and musical performer, but as opposed to what the liner notes might say, part of being musical in singing such selections or opera in general, is being specific for each character being portrayed here. Villazon should also take note that his singing is most interesting and also most easy to distinguish from his widely celebrated mentor, when he sings lightly. First impressions are strong - I first anticipated awarding this disc five stars - but unfortunately it just barely deserves four. Sound quality, if a bit heavily miked for climaxes and a bit recessed for the orchestra, especially at closings to arias, is warm and full.

Jussi Björling Edition: Studio Recordings 1930-1959

Average customer rating:

Superb!
Beatiful singing - but where are the Swedish texts?
if you like bjorling this is the best thing you can get!
The ULTIMATE Collection
Definitive survey of one of the finest singers on record

Jussi Björling Edition: Studio Recordings 1930-1959

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | 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

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Jussi Björling Rediscovered
Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection
The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
Jussi Björling: Opera Arias
Voices of Firestone: Jussi Bjorling

ASIN: B000002S9L
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

Aida: Se quel guerrier...Celeste Aida
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Tosca: Recondita armonia
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
La fanciulla del West: Ch'ella mi creda
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
L'africaine: Mi batte Il cor...O paradiso
Ideale
O sole mio
The Vagabond King: Only A Rose
For You Alone
Manon: Instant Carmant ... En ferman les yeux
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
Martha: Cujus animam
Messa da requiem: Ingemisco
Il Trovatore: Ah si ben mio
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Il Trovatore: Ah si, ben mio
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Rigoletto: Questa o quella

Tracks:

La Boheme: O soave faniculla
Rigoletto: E il sol dell'anima
Rigoletto: Questa o quella
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di' tu se fedele
Turnadot: Nessun dorma!
Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
Fedora: Amor ti vieta
Cavalleria Rusticana: Mamma!...Quel vino
Pagliacci: Recita! ... Vesti la giubba
Mattinata
L'Elisir D'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Les Pecheurs De Perles: Je crois entendre encore
Romeo et Juliette: Ah! leve-tol, soleil!
Manon: Je suis seul! ... Ah! fuyez, douce image
L'arlesiana: E la solita storia
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
Tosca: Recondita armonia
Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
La Boheme: O soave fanciulla
Romeo et Juliette: Ange adorable
Jocelyn: Concealed In This Retreat
L'albe separa dalla luve l'ombra

Tracks:

Romeo et Juliette: Hoj dig, du klara sol
Rigoletto: O, I kvinnor: Questa o quella
L'illustre Fregona: Fylld av vemod sanker sig natten: Melancolque tombe le soir
Knyaz (Prince) Igor: Dagen gick langsamt till ro: Vladimir's Cavatina: Medlenno den' ugasal
Tosca: Det skona star att finna: Ricondita armonia
Tosca: Ja minns stjarnorna lyste: E lucevan le stelle
Rigoletto: Ack, som ett fjun sa latt: La donna e mobile
Il Trovatore: Skyhogt mot himlen
Pagliacci: Spela komedi! ... Pudra ditt anlet: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
La fanciulla del West: Lat henne tro: Ch'ella mi creda
Fanal: I manner over lag och ratt
Sadko: I sonderns hav
La Belle Helene: Uti en skog pa berget Ida
Der Zigeunerbaron: Vem har oss vigt?
Der Bettelstudent: Skall jag tala ... Antag det fall
Der Bettelstudent: Ny ar jag pank och fagelgri: Ich hab keion Geld, bin vogelfrei
Nar hag for mig shalv i morka skogen gar
Bland skogens hoga furustammar
Ack Varmeland, du skona
Allt under himmelens faste
Tonerna
Sommarnatt: I de lyse naetter
Ett Folk: Sverige
Land, du valsignade
Namner du Sverige

Tracks:

Adelaide
Morgen
Cacilie
Bon i ofredstid
Bisp Thomas frihetssang
In The Silence Of Night
Siren: Lilacs
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Because
Sylvia
A Spirit Flower
Ah, Love But A Day
Tonerna: I Bless Ev'ry Hour
Till havs
Sangen till havest
Visa king slandblom och manskara
Jungfrun under lind
Kung Helmer och Aslog
Trollsjon
Sa tag mit hjerte
Demanten pa marssnon
Cantique de Noel: Julsang (O helga natt) : Cantique de Noel

Amazon.com

This set tells you why Jussi Bjorling is a perennial entrant in the "Tenor of the Century" sweepstakes. Even as the voice darkens from the light lyric to the full, darker instrument of the later recordings, we hear a singer whose elegant style, lovely timbre and innate musicality touch the heart. Many of the selections are sung in Swedish, less of a liability than you might suppose. In whatever language, Bjorling's molten gold flows lavishly. He eschews the sobs and sentimentality that disfigure so much verismo repertory, making his points with stylish vocalism. He's been called a "cool" singer, but try his Puccini and Verdi arias on Disc One and you'll find more than enough vocal and emotional heat. The selections include many neglected Scandinavian songs, sung, like the arias, with a naturalness that disarms criticism. -- Dan Davis

Amazon.com

Swedish tenor Jussi Björling gets many votes for the distinction of greatest all-time tenor. Up to the end, the voice projected a boyish vulnerability, though he also had enough stentorian power to sing the heavy Puccini roles and was ready to take on Lohengrin when he died. He was so deeply musical he eschewed the usual tenor vulgarity without ever slighting the music's theatricality. Even these four well-filled discs of arias and songs can't fully encompass the vocal riches he left behind, but there's a lot here, much of it from his earliest years and (hope you don't mind) sung in a Swedish translation. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Superb!.......2001-07-29

This is an wonderful compilation of one of the most incredible voices on record. Whether you are a new or old Bjorling fan -- and who could hear that voice and not be enthralled by it -- this is a fine CD to have. The quality of the recording is excellent, and the range in years, from 1930 to 1959, gives a splendid overview of his dazzling talent. In addition to many of the arias one might expect, there are also lieder and songs in Swedish, as well as some charming duets with Jussi's wife, Anna-Lisa. I have quite a few other Bjorling CDs, and this is one of the best in terms of quality and scope. It is a most worthy addition to any Bjorling collection, regardless of its size.

Beatiful singing - but where are the Swedish texts?.......2001-06-22

This is an excellent collection, the best available overview of a great tenor.

This would get 4 stars but has been marked down for only supplying token texts and translations in the large booklet. It is understandable (sort of) that the Italian opera excerpts don't merit texts and translations as (apart from the Callas recitals series) EMI generally doesn't provide texts with historical issues. However the tempting inclusion of a dozen or so texts to the Italian and Swedish songs makes one all the more aware of the miserliness of not providing all the texts.

if you like bjorling this is the best thing you can get!.......2000-06-26

this is so awesome, i love his voice, this is good for anyone, the professional or just someone who wants to hear the greatest tenor of all times! this is so great

The ULTIMATE Collection.......1999-11-02

When starting my Bjorling collection, I saw MANY CDs, with his early recordings. I was in a quandry as to what to buy, UNTIL I found this set. TRULY remarkable in many levels.FIRST and foremost, the voice. Captured in all levels, from the earliest to the latest. Truly wonderful, and the Swedish versions are a real treat to hear, don't worry, the Italian versions are here too!!Secondly, the remastering process. This set was remastered at Abbey Studios in London. For the first time I've heard, they actually pressed NEW 78s from the metal plates, and THEN remastered the new discs!!! Inspired, and the results--incredible.I find myself listening to Disc 3 the most. Very interesting, as it is the Swedish one. When the songs are terrific, along with the "standard" tenor arias, and it all comes together, it is PURE MAGIC!! I will admit that due to time limitations of recordings of this era, the opera house Bjorling is not fully conveyed. There are other CDs for that. Most notably "Romeo and Juliet", and for a REAL thrill, his ATLANTA concert, in STEREO, so much so, that the piano is even divided; left hand left, right hand right. Wait a minute, am I playing TWISTER??:-)) But if you want to skip all those unknown labels, you couldn't have a MORE complete set. ALL wit the great remastering I spoke of. Bjorling--His voice will NEVER die, at least in MY house!!!

Definitive survey of one of the finest singers on record.......1998-09-25

Jussi Bjoerling was one of the greatest singers of the century. His voice is pure, effortless and yet thrilling. Even better than the quality of the voice is his style. He never scoops up to a note nor does he ever whoop down from one, instead, he uses perfect legato and faultless intonation to deliver the cleanest sound you'll ever hear from a tenor.

Album Description

Disc 1: Donizetti Arias from L'elisir d'amore, Maria Stuarda, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Fille du Regiment, Linda di Chamounix, La Favorita, and Don Paquale

Disc 2: Bellini/Donizetti/Verdi Includes arias from I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Norma, La Sonnambula (1976 Duet Recording), I Beatrice di Tenda, I Puritani, Don Sebastien, Il Duca d'Alba, I Lombardi, I due Foscari, Ernani, and Attila

Disc 3: Verdi 1 Includes arias from Macbeth, Luisa Miller, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, La Traviata, and Les Vepres Siciliennes

Disc 4: Verdi 2 Includes arias from Un Ballo in Maschera, La Forza del Destino, Don Carlos, Aida, Otello, and Requiem

Disc 5: Puccini Includes arias from La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot

Disc 6: Puccini and Verismo Includes arias from Cavalleria Rusticana, Manon Lescaut, Pagliacci, Andrea Chenier, and Tosca

Disc 7: Arias 1 Includes arias from La Griselda, Atalanta, Orfeo ed Euridice, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan Tutte, Guillaume Tell, and more. Includes Unreleased Material.

Disc 8: Arias 2 Includes arias from Martha, Mefistofele, La Giocanda, Adriana Lecouvreur, Rosenkavalier, Fedora, Werther, Faust, Carmen, and more

Disc 9: Italian Songs Includes: In questa tomba oscura, Me voglio fa'na casa, Non t'amo piu, Pace non trovo, and more

Disc 10: Neapolitan and Italian Popular Songs Includes: O sloe mio, Torna a Surriento, Core 'ngrato, Funiculi Funicula, Non ti scordar di me, Mamma and more

Bonus CD: The 1964 EP (previously unreleased) "Che Gelida Manina," "E lucevan le stelle," "Questo o quella," "La Donna e mobile," and "Parmi veder" with Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Edward Downes conducting

Customer Reviews:

Beyond all description..........2006-09-19

As a boy, I heard so many hyperbolic references to the legendary Enrico Caruso that I chose to purchase a remastered copy of his "Greatest Hits" when I first began to acquire recordings as a young man. Soon after, I discovered Pavarotti and my life was changed by his music. Caruso ended up in the Goodwill Store. I am convinced that in 500 years, should the earth cool again and the Muslim hoards abate, the civilized world will still tell tales of the greatest tenor. I have often found myself grumpy when searching for recordings of Pavarotti because of the inconsistent fidelity of the recordings. That search for the definitive Pavarotti recordings, regarding both content and fidelity, has ended with the release of this extraordinary collection. Worth it's weight in gold, the Puccinni Volume (#5) alone is enough to send someone like me into hyperspace. I am astounded by the beauty and power of these performances. I will always remember the day, not long ago, when a NPR commentator glibly mentioned between the weather and the night's playlist the terrible words, "Luciano Pavarotti has announced that he is retiring from Opera." I felt as if something indescribably beautiful was fading from the world. Of course, beauty in all of its earthly forms is fleeting at best, but these discs contain a reflection of it that will surely bolster any soul.

An Absolute Must-Have for Any Pavarotti Fan.......2004-01-09

...and that certainly goes without saying. My one tiny little problem with it is that his recordings of "Santa Lucia" and "Caruso" are not on this incredible box-set. Even though I have those recordings on other CDs, I still think those are very important pieces to include on this set (assuming that this set of Pavi hits would be the only compilation that that any fan of this phenomenal tenor would have). He is probably my biggest idol, and he deserves to have been one of the biggest opera stars in history.

Wonderful!!!!.......2002-11-07

This Pavarotti set; The Pavarotti Edition; is a wonderful collection of Arias and songs that cover Luciano's great career. Pavarotti is THE Voice of the 20th Century and this set does him justice. It includes 10 CDs with over 750 minutes of music; Includes Music from All of His roles; has a beautiful 76 page full color booklet; Has a wonderful write up; and includes a bonus CD of Pavarotti's fist album, a 45, from 1964, which has never been released on CD before this set. Every Song is hear, This SET is a must have for every Pavarotti Fan.

Average customer rating:

This is the very best

Very Best of
Jussi Bjorling
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano
Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias
Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection
The Very Best of Franco Corelli

ASIN: B000083GOH
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Questa O Quella - Jussi Bjorling
La Donna E Mobile - Jussi Bjorling
Ah Si, Ben Mio - Jussi Bjorling
Di Quella Pira - Jussi Bjorling
Di Tu Se Fedele - Jussi Bjorling
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida - Jussi Bjorling
Ingemisco - Orchestra
Cujus Animam - Orchestra
Una Furtiva Lagrima - Royal Orchestra
Cielo E Mar - Orchestra
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Jussi Bjorling
Amor Ti Vieta - Orchestra
E La Solita Storia - Nils Grevillius
Donna Non Vidi Mai - Royal Orchestra
Che Gelida Manina - Jussi Bjorling
In Un Coupe?...O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Robert Merrill
Recondita Armonia - Jussi Bjorling
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Nils Grevillius
Nessun Dorma - Orchestra
Mamma! Quel Vino E Generoso - Nils Grevillius
Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba - Jussi Bjorling
No. Pagliaccio Non Son - Robert Shaw Chorale

Tracks:

Mi Batte Il Cor...O Paradiso - Orchestra
Salut! Demeure Chaste Et Pure - Orchestra
Ange Adorable - Nils Grevillius
Ah! Leve - Toi, Soleil - Royal Orchestra
Intant Charmant...En Ferment Les Yeux - Orchestra
Je Suis Seul!...Ah, Fuyez, Douce Image - Royal Orchestra
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee - Orchestra
Je Crois Entrende Encore - Royal Orchestra
Adelaide - Harry Ebert
Morgan! - Harry Ebert
Cacilie - Harry Ebert
In The Silence Of Night - Nils Grevillius
Lilacs - Nils Grevillius
Ideale - Orchestra
'O Sole Mio - Orchestra
Mattinata - Orchestra
Becuase - Royal Orchestra
Only A Rose - Orchestra
For You Alone - Orchestra
Uti En Skog Pa Berget Ida (Au Mont Ida Trois Deesses) - Orchestra
Nu Ar Jag Pank Och Fagelfri ( Ich Hab Kein Geld) - Orchestra
Julsand (O Helga Natt) - Royal Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

This is the very best.......2007-01-25

Unless, you are as crazy as I am about Bjorling and willing to buy everything available anyway, this is the collection to purchase.

It includes the best of all the other compilations. The sound is very clean: much better than some of the records that I have with the same material.

The French stuff is wonderful -- especially Le Reve. There is something so melancholic about his voice. He doesn't need to act or add anything phony. As soon as he opens his mouth, you know this story is not going to end well.

The collection covers more than 20 years. It's amazing that the voice changed so little. His voice lost none of it beauty or power over the years.

Best Beethoven Adeliade ever. What a pity he never recorded any Schubert song cycles.

My God, this collection even includes Adam's Julsang -- which as far as I know existed only in a Swedish RCA 33 rpm. You will never think of "Oh, Holy Night" the same way again.

If you have not listened to Bjorling before, you will never think of some other famous tenors the same way either.

And a bargain. Two disks for $17? Start here.

Average customer rating:

The Best of José Carreras

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000411R
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Torna A Surriento
Fenesta Che Lucive
E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca)
My Own True Love (Gone With The Wind)
Nessun Dorma (Turandot)
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
Una Furtiva Lagrima (L'elisir D'amore)
Granada
Core 'Ngrato
Che Gelida Manina (la Boheme)
Love Is A Many Splendoured Thing
Pourquoi Me Reveiller? (Werther)
Memory (Cats)
Mattinata
Ave Maria
Tonight
Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'ali

Tracks:

Because You're Mine
'A Vucchella
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno (Der Rosenkavalier)
Forse La Soglia Attinse - ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
Parlami D'amore, Mariu
Vesti La Giubba (I Pagliacci)
As Time Goes By
Oh, Fede Negar Potessi - Quando Le Sere Al Placido (Luisa Miller)
Panis Angelicus
'O Sole Mio
E La Silita Storia (L' Arlesiana)
Be My Love
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz (Das Land Des Lachelns)
Because
Donna Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescaut)
You Belong To My Heart
Di Quella Pira

Average customer rating:

You'll Love This
The greatest tenor after Caruso at his best
A priceless musical document
The greatest lyric tenor ever, at the start of his career.

Giuseppe Di Stefano: The Early Years

Manufacturer: Bongiovanni
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Giuseppe di Stefano the Early Years, Vol. II

ASIN: B00000448G
Release Date: 1996-08-01

Tracks:

L'arlesiana: E' la solita storia del pastore
L'amico Fritz: Ed anche Beppe amo
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lacrima
Manon: Sogno
I pescatori di perle: Mi par d'udir ancora
Werther: Pouquoi me reveiller
Elegie
Si vous l'avez compris
Ninna nanna della vita
Santa Lucia
Musica proibita
Santa Lucia Luntana
Torna a Surriento
L'Elisir d'Amore: Voglio dire...lo stupendo elisir
L'Elisir d'Amore: La ra, la ra, la lera
L'Elisir d'Amore: Adina, credimi
L'Elisir d'Amore: Venti scudi
Il Tabarro: Hai ben ragione
Il Tabarro: Dimmi: perche, gli hai chiesto... Vorrei tenerti

Customer Reviews:

You'll Love This.......2002-01-19

Production values are awful, and sound quality is pretty bad. For all the world, it sounds like a silent film piano player with a guy singing...but I tell you, it's just about the greatest thing you've ever heard.

Around the third time I listened to this, I actually began to like the flaws; they became endearing. Reminds me of those 1/4 inch thick Carusso records I started out with, lo these many moons ago. Perfection...? Hell, it's for sure nothing here is flawless. It's just, well...flawless. Giuseppe at his youthful, incomparable best. Strong buy.

The greatest tenor after Caruso at his best.......1999-04-16

This record shows Di Stefano was in his prime at the age of 23 in 1944. Incomparable beauty of timbre, clarity of diction, sureness of interpretation, and amazing technical feats reminiscent of 19th century bel canto tenors. This recording should finally assure Di Stefano of his long deserved place as one of the top 5 tenors of the century.

A priceless musical document.......1999-01-14

This is not simply a collector's item. These imperfect recordings, made by an unknown POW in a war camp, reveal di Stefano's stunning natural talent perhaps even more completely than his more polished later singing. His boyish voice here is glowing, his interpretations fresh and fearless. You simply have to hear his "Mi par d'udir ancora" (better known as "Je crois entendre encore") on this recording, the most compelling account of this aria I've ever heard. He sings it in a full voice, with measured sprinklings of mezza voce, while most tenors just croon this aria in a pitiful falsetto. For me di Stefano, even at his most inexperienced, is the ultimate tenor benchmark.

The greatest lyric tenor ever, at the start of his career........1998-12-27

This is what the tenor voice is all about, there has never been a voice like this. Hear this great tenor at his the very beginning of his career. Listen to the beauty that the human voice can produce. Di Stefano puts everthing into every song/aria on this recording. The quality of sound on this disc may not be great( 2 Stars), but the performance is outstanding. If you are an opera fan, and particularly fond of tenors, this recording is a must.

Average customer rating:

A primer of great singing
Outstanding
A collection made with taste and savvy
One of the Great Bargains

Prima Voce Treasury of Opera, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music

The Prima Voce Treasury of Opera, Vol. 2
The Golden Age of Singing, Volume One 1900 - 1910
The Golden Age of Singing: Vol. 3 1920-1930
The Golden Age of Singing, Vol. 4; 1930-1950
Golden Age of Singing Vol.2 (1910-20)

ASIN: B000042NZP
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

Adriana Lecouvreur: Poveri Fiori - Claudia Muzio
L'Africaine: O Paradiso - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Aida: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi... Celeste Aida - Enrico Caruso
Aida: Ritorna Vincitor - Rosa Ponselle
Andrea Chenier: Un Di All'azzuro Spazio - Giovanni Martinelli
Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta - Claudia Muzio
Andrea Chenier: Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Giovanni Martinelli
L'Arlesiana: E La Solita Storia - Tito Schipa
Atalanta: Care Selve - Eide Norena
Attila: Dagli Immortali Vertici - Igor Gorin
Un Ballo In Maschera: Di Tu Se Fedele - Enrico Caruso/Metropolitan Opr Chor
Un Ballo In Maschera: Eri Tu, Che Macchiavi - Mattia Battistini
Un Ballo In Maschera: Saper Vorreste - Luisa Tetrazzini
Il Barbiere De Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Riccardo Stracciari
Il Barbiere De Siviglia: Se Il Mio Nome - Tito Schipa
Il Barbiere De Siviglia: Una Voce Poco Fa...Io Sono Docile - Conchita Supervia

Tracks:

La Belle Helene: Au Mont Ida Trois Deesses - Jussi Bjorling
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Beniamino Gigli
La Boheme: Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi - Claudio Muzio
La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci - Nellie Melba
Boris Godunov: Varlaam's Song - Feodor Chaliapin
Cagliostro In Wien: Zigeunerkind, Wie Glanzt Dein Haar - Lotte Schone
Le Cid: Enfant Cheri...Le Tambour-Major - Pol Plancon
Carmen: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Conchita Supervia
Carmen: Pres Des Remparts De Seville (Seguedille) - Conchita Supervia
Carmen: Chanson Du Toreador - Lawrence Tibbett/Metropolitan Opr House Chor
Carmen: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Carmen: Je Dis Que Rien Ne M'epouvante (Micaela's Aria) - Eide Norena
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola, C'hai Di Latti La Cammisa (Siciliana) - Tito Schipa
Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi Lo Sapete - Claudia Muzio
Cavalleria Rusticana: Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Cavalleria Rusticana: Addio Alla Madre - Enrico Caruso
La Cenerentola: Non Piu Mesta - Conchita Supervia

Tracks:

Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille - Mabel Garrison
Le Coq D'Or: Hymne Au Soleil - Eide Norena
La Dame Blanche: Reverie De Georges Brown - David Devries
Dinorah: Ombra Leggiera - Amelita Galli-Curci
Dinorah: Ah! Mon Remords Te Venge - Pasquale Amato
Don Carlos: Ella Giammai M'amo - Ezio Pinza
Don Carlos: O Carlo, Ascolta - Mattia Battistini
Don Cesar De Bazan: A Seville, Belles Senoras (Sevillana) - Amelita Galli-Curci
Don Giovanni: Deh Vieni Alla Finestra - Ezio Pinza
Don Giovanni: Il Mio Tesoro - John McCormack
Don Pasquale: Sogno Soave E Casto - Tito Schipa
Don Pasquale: Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere - Amelita Galli-Curci
L'Elisir D'Amore: Quanto E Bella, Quanto E Cara - Beniamino Gigli
L'Elisir D'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Tito Schipa
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: Wer Ein Liebchen Hat Gefunden - Alexander Kipnis
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: Durch Zartlichkeit Und Schmeicheln - Eide Norena

Tracks:

Ernani: Come Rugiada Al Cespite - Giovanni Martinelli
Ernani: Ernani! Ernani, Involami - Rosa Ponselle
Ernani: Infelice! E Tu Credevi - Ezio Pinza
Ernani: O,De' Verd' Anni Miei - Giuseppe De Luca
Eugene Onegin: Letter Scene - Lotte Lehman
Eugene Onegin: Lontan, Lontan (Lenski's Aria) - Dmitri Smirnov
Faust: Salut! Demeure Chaste Et Pure - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Faust: Il Etait Un Roi De Thule - Conchita Supervia
Faust: Ah, Je Ris De Me Voir Si Belle (Jewel Song) - Eide Norena
La Favorita: A Tanto Amor - Mattia Battistini
La Favorita: O Mio Fernando - Sigrid Onegin
La Favorita: Spirito Gentil - Beniamino Gigli
La Figlia Del Reggimento: Convien Partir - Toti Dal Monte
Die Fledermaus: Mein Herr - Lotte Schone
Die Fledermaus: Czardas - Elisabeth Rethberg

Tracks:

La Forza Del Destino: Alzatevi...La Vergine Degli Angeli - Rosa Ponselle/Ezio Pinza
La Forza Del Destino: Solenne In Quest'ora - Beniamino Gigli/Giuseppe De Luca
La Forza Del Destino: Invano, Alvaro...Le Minaccie, I Fieri Accenti - Giovanni Martinelli/Giuseppe De Luca
La Forza Del Destino: Pace, Pace Mio Dio - Claudia Muzio
La Gioconda: Ah! Pescator Affonda L'esca - Titta Ruffo
La Gioconda: Cielo E Mar - Jussi Bjorling
La Gioconda: Suicidio - Rosa Ponselle
Grafin Mariza: Gruss Mir Wein Wien - Richard Tauber
Guillaume Tell: Sombre Foret (Cavatina) - Eide Norena
Les Huguenots: Une Dame Noble Et Sage - Mario Ivogun
Les Huguenots: Bianca Al Par - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Iris: Apri La Tua Finestra - Antonio Cortis
Jocelyn: Caches Dans Cet Asile (Berceuse) - Alma Gluck
Lakme: Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue (Bell Song) - Amelita Galli-Curci
Das Land Des Lachelns: Von Apfelbluten Einen Kranz - Richard Tauber

Tracks:

A Life For The Tsar: I Do Not Grieve For That - Antonina Nezhdanova
Linda Di Chamounix: O Luce Di Quest' Anima - Marcella Sembrich
Lodoletta: Flammen, Perdonami - Mafalda Favero
Lohengrin: Euch Luften, Die Meine Klagen - Kirsten Flagstad
Lohengrin: In Fernem Land - Miguel Fleta
Louise: Depuis Le Jour - Ninon Vallin
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Cruda Funesta Smania - Mariano Stabile
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Ardon Gl'incensi - Frieda Hempel
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'ali - John McCormack
Lucrezia Borgia: Il Segreto Per Esser Felici (Brindisi) - Ernestine Schumann-Heink
Luisa Miller: Quando Le Sere Al Placido - Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Die Lustigen Weiber Von Windsor: Nun Eilt' Herbei - Maria Ivogun
Die Lustige Witwe: Lippen Schweigen (Ballsirenen-Walzer) - Richard Tauber
Madama Buterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo - Rosa Ponselle
Manon: Il Sogno (En Fermant Les Yeux) - Jussi Bjorling
Manon: Obeissons, Qukkand Leur Voix Appelle (Gavotte) - Amelita Galli-Curci
Manon: Dispar, Vision - Tito Schipa

Amazon.com

This spectacular collection of more than 90 arias sung by 46 of the greatest singers of the century consists of recordings made between 1906 and 1943. Naturally, they are in far from high fidelity, but this is more charming than disturbing. And all the greats are here: from the tenors Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, John McCormack, and Jussi Bjoerlong, to the sopranos Rosa Ponselle, Amelita Galli-Curci, Claudia Muzio, and Kirsten Flagstad, to mezzos Conchita Supervia and Ernestine Schumann-Heink, to baritones Giuseppe de Luca and Mattia Battistini, and basses Ezio Pinza and Feodor Chaliapin--to mention a few. The six and a half hours of listening is a veritable primer in Grand Opera; a short synopsis of each selection is included. This set lives up to its name--it is indeed a treasury. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A primer of great singing.......2006-11-07

The Prima Voce Treasury of Opera Vol 1 contains arias and a few duets from operas A- M ( Adriana Lecouvreur- Manon)sung by singers of the first half of the 20th Century. Vol 2 continues with excerpts from operas M-Z ( Manon Lescaut - Die Zauberflote).All the tracks are taken from the Nimbus Prima Voce catalogue, using their controversial re-recording technique, which many people dislike for the over reverberant sound.Personally, I find the transfers more acceptable than the strident, edgy transfers of some other companies.

Opinion about any compilation of this sort is a personal matter. I find the choice of singers predictable and unimaginative and at times rather strange: Lauri-Volpi is not a representative Don Jose nor Faust for example.Overall though the standard of singing is very high.

The accompanying booklet contains well written potted biographies of the singers featured on the CDs.

This compilation is a very good primer of great singing from the past for someone starting out in this field but not for anyone who is already steeped in historic recordings, except perhaps to listen to in the car, which is what I bought it and Vol2 for.

Outstanding.......2001-09-12

As it happened, I bought Vol. 2 of this collection before Vol. 1, and everything I said in my review of Vol. 2 applies equally here. The breadth and depth of the operas and the singers are incredible, and the price for 6 CDs is an amazing bargain. The sound is remarkable, especially considering that some of the recordings are nearly 100 years old, though most are from the 20s and 30s. Highly recommended, whether you are new to opera or a seasoned veteran!

A collection made with taste and savvy.......2001-03-10

The English just know how to do things in good taste and I must say, the elements of this Prima Voce collection have been carefully selected and arranged. Arias are grouped so that you have two or three from the same opera together. This is a sensible arrangement and each singer selected for those particular arias is one who sings it very well and in a unique way. I had already been collecting single singer albums from Prima Voce when I discovered this Treasury compilation and wish now I had bought it first, because you get a good sampling of all the great singers in their catalog and will hear artists of whom you may not have been aware. From this Treasury collection you will hear singers that especially please your ear and then you might buy albums just of them. For me, this set confirmed those choices of favorites such as Claudia Muzio and Tito Schipa. Best of all, the six CDs make for a pleasing listening experience as a whole. I listen to them while I drive. There aren't any bad performances here and quite frankly there are few contemporary artists that can match or top these. It's a great way to establish an historical foundation for your recordings if you are building a collection of singers.

One of the Great Bargains.......2000-06-23

This is one of those rare bargains that one dreams about. I discovered it while browsing and I could not believe that one could have six disks for less than the normal cost of two. Nor is this an economy issue, transferred from what I assume is original pirate recordings along the lines of Gala and Opera d'Oro and even Myto. The transfers are clean and the collection is nonpareil. In all transfers I miss texts. But the music itself is glorious, the selection intelligent, and the artists the stars of the opera world. Unlike other collections arranged in chronological order, these use a simple alphabetic sequence of operas, so one can follow in one's own libretto or score more easily. The recordings appear to bridge the two world wars. If this is indeed volume one, I cannot wait for two.

Average customer rating:

Best of Opera (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Tracks:

The Magic Flute: Overture
The Magic Flute: Aria From The Queen Of The Night
The Magic Flute: Sarastro's Aria
The Magic Flute: Chorus Of The Three Graces
The Magic Flute: Aria Of The Queen Of The Night
The Magic Flute: Tamino's Aria
The Magic Flute: Priest's Chorus
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture
The Marriage Of Figaro: Susanne's Aria
The Marriage Of Figaro: Chorus Amanti Constanti
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Overture
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Aria Of Blondchen
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Aria Of Blondchen
Cosi fan tutte: Overture
Cosi fan tutte: Despina's Aria
Cosi fan tutte: Despina's Aria
La Clemenza di Tito: Overture

Tracks:

Fidelio: Abscheulicher, wo eilst du hin
The Coronation Of Poppea: Addio, Roma
La Favorita: Oh Leonore
Orfeo ed Euridice: T'assiste Amore
William Tell: Qui Vous L'Arrachez
Orfeo ed Euridice: Che Fare Senza
The Barber Of Seville: Overture
The Barber Of Seville: Una Voce Poco Fa
La Gazza Ladra: Overture

Tracks:

If I Were King: Overture
Aida: O Patria Mia
Carmen: Outside The Wall Of Sevilla
Aida: Ritorna Vincitor
TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
Samson And Delila: Mon coeur s'ouvre ta voix
L'arlesiana: E la storia solita
Werther: Aria of Charlotte: These Letters
Il Bajazzo: Choir Of Paysans
La Boheme: Si, mi chiamo Mimi
The Merry Wives Of Windsor: Overture
La Gioconda: Voce di Donna

Tracks:

Tannhauser: Dich Teure Halle, gruss' ich wieder
La Gioconda: Suicidio - in guesti fieri
La forza del destino: Overture
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Prince Igor: Polovtzian Dances
Notre Dame: Intermezzo
Pique Dame: Oh Jungenderinnerungen
La forza del destino: Pace, pace
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Nabucco: The Prisoner's Chorus
Carmen: Overture Act IV

Pop Music:

Pop Music