Florencia in the Amazon

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Mexican composer Daniel Catan's Florencia was an enormous hit when it was premiered in Houston in 1996, and it's easy to see why. The plot of the 99-minute opera involves a riverboat sailing up the Amazon to the opera house in Manaus. Onboard are the diva, Florencia (in disguise), who, 20 years before, left the area and Cristobal, the man she loved; a writer named Rosalba, who is writing a biography of Florencia, but does not recognize her; a middle-aged couple trying to rekindle the love they once had; and the captain, his nephew, and a mysterious river creature named Riolobo. There is a violent storm, and at the end, no one can leave the ship because there's been an outbreak of cholera in Manaus. All along, there had been tinges of mysticism, but it really takes hold in Florencia's final scene--her spirit wafts towards her long-lost love. The librettist refers to the story as "magical realism," and it's an apt description. Catan's harmonies and melodies are exquisite, the orchestration is as lush as the Rain Forest, the vocal lines singable and memorable. The entire cast is wonderful; Patricia Schumann's Florencia is particularly moving, and Mark S. Doss as the mysterious Riolobo is properly fascinating. Highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Florencia in the Amazon, Music, Catan, Fuentes-Berain, Doss, Martinez, Summers, Classical, Classical Music, Opera / Operetta / Oratorio, Opera/Operetta

Average customer rating:

A lovely opera

Wonderful

Beautiful music!

Impressionist Florencia

Got to see it

Florencia in the Amazon
also be searchable as "Daniel Catan" , Fuentes-Berain , Doss , Martinez , and Summers
Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00007IG3O
Release Date: 2002-12-24

Amazon.com

Mexican composer Daniel Catan's Florencia was an enormous hit when it was premiered in Houston in 1996, and it's easy to see why. The plot of the 99-minute opera involves a riverboat sailing up the Amazon to the opera house in Manaus. Onboard are the diva, Florencia (in disguise), who, 20 years before, left the area and Cristobal, the man she loved; a writer named Rosalba, who is writing a biography of Florencia, but does not recognize her; a middle-aged couple trying to rekindle the love they once had; and the captain, his nephew, and a mysterious river creature named Riolobo. There is a violent storm, and at the end, no one can leave the ship because there's been an outbreak of cholera in Manaus. All along, there had been tinges of mysticism, but it really takes hold in Florencia's final scene--her spirit wafts towards her long-lost love. The librettist refers to the story as "magical realism," and it's an apt description. Catan's harmonies and melodies are exquisite, the orchestration is as lush as the Rain Forest, the vocal lines singable and memorable. The entire cast is wonderful; Patricia Schumann's Florencia is particularly moving, and Mark S. Doss as the mysterious Riolobo is properly fascinating. Highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A lovely opera.......2005-12-19

This is not the weightiest opera you will ever hear, but it's certainly lovely. The story reminds me of John Adams' "I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky" (June Jordan's libretto), but the music reminds me of Puccini and perhaps Michael Nyman. Lush and transporting, it blooms with color and feeling: you just can't help being swept away. The performances are terrific too: Patricia Schuman and Ana Maria Martinez particularly stand out.

Wonderful.......2005-10-14

This is as lovely an opera as any I've ever heard. I can't wait to see it staged live in person!!

Beautiful music!.......2005-08-03

I can't help wondering why this great work has not appeared in New York, either at City Opera or at the Met! To me it is virtually a miracle that a composer in late 20th century can compose such beautiful flowing melodies with a good plot in the bargain. Patricia Schuman has luscious music to sing and she does it brilliantly. There is not a weak link in the performance. Summers and the orchestra walk away with the highest of honors doing justice to themselves and to the score Catan has composed for them. I cannot imagine a more superb production and presentation of this opera which absolutely belongs on your opera shelf. In this August's "Opera News", the author, Gavin Bortchert gives all the credit do to Albany Records for recording this work and to Houston Grand OPera for having the foresightedness to join albany in this Cd release. Seattle Opera and Houston Grand Opera have had a series of sellout premiere's and revivals of this work. While we wait for it locally, we have these wondrous CD's to enjoy and revel in. This recording is worth your hearing and purchase!!!!

Impressionist Florencia.......2004-10-31

The music in Florencia reminds me a lot of Debussy and Satie. The music displays a lot of impressionistic influences. Even though the music is beautiful, mostly the voice seems to take precedence throughout the piece.

I recently attended the world premiere of Catan's new opera "Salsipuedes" in the Houston Grand Opera. I enjoyed it much more than Florencia. It has a lot of Caribbean sounds and the arias are well paired with the music. I look forward to a release of Salsipuedes, do not miss it if it comes to a city near you.

Got to see it.......2003-12-16

This recording is gorgeous but simply can't do justice to the opera. You've go to to see it. It is a tremendous stage work and the music is even more beautiful in that context. Buy this recording to familiarize yourself with the lush score and intriguing story. Then book a flight to Seattle for winter 2005 to see it. It was a huge hit here and is being brought back by popular demand.

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