Handel: Oratorio Arias
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This is a splendid recording. The music is beautiful, though of the 13 arias, only the one from Messiah is well-known. The rest come from relatively obscure oratorios (or operas--the distinction is often blurred). Artfully arranged for maximum diversity of tempo, length, tonality, mood, and character, they add up to a consistently engrossing program. The performances could hardly be better. David Daniels is an extraordinary artist. His voice, effortlessly produced and impeccably focused, has an incredibly pure, even quality over an enormous range. He can give it an infinite variety of nuance, inflection, and expression, from exquisite sweetness in the lyrical arias to assertiveness and defiance in the dramatic ones; it even matches the color of the instruments in answering phrases. His coloratura, delivered in smooth legato but clear and flawless like a string of pearls, is stunning. He gives every note vibrant life and brings out the character of each aria without fuss or exaggeration. In the da capo arias, he embellishes the repeats with imaginative but never excessive ornamentation that sounds genuinely improvised. The period orchestra is excellent. Using normal tuning but baroque style, the players can step forward as soloists or set and underline mood and atmosphere. Listeners will choose their own favorite gems from this treasure-trove, but listening to the concluding aria, "He was despised," one understands why Messiah is Handel's most enduringly popular oratorio. --Edith Eisler
Handel: Oratorio Arias, Music, George Frideric Handel, David Daniels, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Federico Marincola, Choral, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Music, Classical Vocals, Oratorio
Average customer rating:
- Can't recommend it
- a voice teacher and early music fan
- Without peer....!
- Best Tenor Handel Singing Ever
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As Steals the Morn: Handel Arias & Scenes for Tenor
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
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Similar Items:
- Haendel: Il Duello Amoroso
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ASIN: B000N6U1B4
Release Date: 2007-06-12 |
Customer Reviews:
Can't recommend it.......2007-07-03
I can't recommend this recording unreservedly. Mr. Padmore's voice seems hard pressed and tremulous in some of the arias, and his Italian is un-idiomatic. His diction is superb, in both the English and Italian arias, and the choice of repertoire is adventurous, but I will stick to Robert White.
a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-06-23
PADMORE HAS ARRIVED!!!!!Gramophone writes: "Mark Padmore uses his extraordinary diction and whispering chamber-like intimacy to remind us that the most exalted tenor arias from the operas and oratorios can achieve true potency even out of context..." To which I heartily agree. This is truly a wondrous portrayal of the many and varied moods of Handels' works. The tenor roles on this disc stretch between Handel's first and last oratorios, and most of them share a philosophy that implies that the dire consequences of personal pride, emotional selfishness, political ambition and sexual lust are amended by virtue and reason.
Padmore has always excelled with his velvet-toned tenderness, such as is displayed on this disc in "Where'er You Walk" from Semele and Jephtha's seraphic "Waft Her Angels". However, in this album he shows that he has acquired a stength and Italian vibrancy in his tone quality as he sings Jeptha's victory aria: "His Mighty Arm" and Bajazet's magnificent death aria :"Figlia mia-Tu spietato" from Tamerlano. I have never heard this death aria sung as well by anyone!!!!And, of course , the lovely melody, so beautifully performed by Padmore and Lucy Crowe is the 'crown' on this album: 'As Steals the Morn'.
Mark Padmore can be listed with the best of the present day tenors. And Andrew Manze with his sensively implemented accompaniment; just perfect!!!I would be remiss if I did not mention the very attractive packaging of the disc as well as the accompanying information; very superior.
Without peer....!.......2007-06-14
I fully agree with the listener above, this is some of the most beautiful and expressive Handel singing in a very long time. I sat in rapture between my two B&W's. Mark Padmore has just raised the bar and Andrew Manze and the English Concert support with playing of stunning virtousity....warm enveloping engineering and you most certainly have a disc to treasure. Please don't hesitate if you love Handel!!
Best Tenor Handel Singing Ever.......2007-06-13
We are in a Golden Age of Handel singing with Andreas Scholl, Daniel Taylor, Vivica Genaux, Ewa Podles and others making baroque music popular again. If you don't own any Lorraine Hunt Lieberson singing Handel (especially with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra) buy some today. But buy it alongside this disc. "As Steals the Morn" stole my heart. This is without a doubt the best tenor disc of Handel arias ever. WIth the women and the countertenors great versions of almost everything that Handel wrote abound. Padmore is in a class by himself among tenors singing this music. The singing is beautiful and heartfelt. This would join my Callas Tosca and Scotto Butterfly on a desert island.
Average customer rating:
- Beautiful music
- Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias
- An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias
- amazing talent
- Perfect arias for the perfect voice
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Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung
George Frideric Handel , Giulio Caccini , Charles Gounod , Franz Schubert , Cesar Franck , Gioachino Rossini , Giuseppe Verdi , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Pietro Mascagni , Louis Niedermeyer , Franz Xaver Gruber , John Francis Wade , Jean-Paul Lecot , Myung-Whun Chung , and Andrea Bocelli
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Similar Items:
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ASIN: B00002ND9N
Release Date: 1999-11-09 |
Tracks:
- Caccini/Mercurio: Ave Maria
- Mascagni: Sancta Maria
- Gounod: Ave Maria
- Schubert: Ave Maria
- Franck: Panis Angelicus
- Rossini: Cuius animam
- Verdi: Ingemisco
- Mozart: Ave verum
- Wagner: Der Engel
- Handel: Ombra mai fu
- Niedermeyer: Pieta signore
- Rossini: Dominus Deus
- Schubert/Mercurio: Mille Cherubini in coro
- Gruber/Mercurio: Silent Night
- Wade: Adeste Fideles
- Gloria a te, Cristo Ges
Amazon.com
When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias, the release of which coincides with the first English-language biography of the singer. These performances are filled with the singer's phenomenally well-known vocal signature: his flair for long, sweetly floating high notes and the gentle sense of cadence he brings to a melody. It's a mistake to compartmentalize Bocelli into a singer of "operatic" versus "popular" styles: in truth his approach is at heart the same. Lack of color and control in his phrasing remains a drawback, but the emotional empathy Bocelli evokes is never in doubt. The arias collected here sample some of the most famous devotional pieces: Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Mozart's transporting "Ave Verum," as well as an arrangement of "Silent Night" in which Bocelli tries out his English. There's also a decidedly odd choice of bedfellows for a program of "sacred" music, such as a song from Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder (whose "angel" is the object of an overpoweringly erotic attraction) and Handel's figurative ode to a tree, "Ombra mai fu." Still, Bocelli sings with an unfeigned directness that is sure to expand his already enormous following even further. --Thomas May
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful music.......2007-01-12
This is my second copy of this CD, I burned the first one out!!
Andrea Bocelli has a very gorgeous voice that is a gift from above. His voice is not affected or braggadoccio but naturally magnificent. I could and do start my day listening to this spiritually uplifting CD almost everyday. It is a wonderful way to get off to a pleasant peaceful start, but also a nice way to come home in the evening if you have a CD player in your car. I highly recommend it to all.
Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias.......2006-08-25
Excellent listening. Voice quality and tone is superb. Brings tears to my eyes when I envision listening to this in a church setting.
An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias.......2006-04-28
I bought this CD's special edition with DVD, and I am impressed by bocelli's singing in this album. I have heard many voices singing sacred songs, and christmas songs, but very few singers can achieve the "sacred atmosphere" that bocelli devotes when he sings. He may not have a "strong" voice as opera singers, but I think singing these sacred songs, devoting the "sacred atmosphere" to the audience is much more important, the voice actually is just a tool that helps a singer to achieve the result. For real, I have heard some CD by some chorus that perform sacred arias, but they did not move me as much as this CD does, mostly not even close. Personally I like "O come all ye faithful", "silent night", all "ave maria"'s, "domine deus", "cujus animam" the most. When I listen Bocelli's singing I focus on what he tries to devote in singing more than his voice color, because in terms of voice color he surely cant be compared with pavarotti or domingo, so why compares? The way of listening him and listening real opera singers is different man. But the reason I gave only this CD four stars is that I have heard several sacred arias from this album performed by his voice teacher, the legendary tenor Franco Corelli. I tried not to compare both...but I cant, not because Bocelli sings bad, he is already excellent, just Corelli is TOO excellent that cant be described by human language (well I think even Pavarotti is not even close to Franco Corelli, but this is just my opinion). Anyway if you want to "experience" the true beauty of sacred arias, this CD is highly recommended. And this is also a very good sacred aria album for beginning listeners who want to broaden their musical taste to sacred arias.
amazing talent.......2006-03-25
worth the price the songs are breathtaking and talent is indescribable
Perfect arias for the perfect voice.......2006-03-04
These are just terrific. How does Andrea acheive the range he does, and the power he has, without sounding too heavy or too light? His voice sounds like the perfect voice for these perfect arias.
I have noticed one concern with the CD. I have heard several clicks scattered here and there in the songs -- but the CD is clean and I feel confident it is not the machine. Has anyone else noticed this?
Average customer rating:
- A Legendary Singer.
- Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!
- Glorious singing to treasure for decades
- Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian
- The Stellar Hunt Lieberson
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Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias
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Similar Items:
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ASIN: B00022LZW8
Release Date: 2004-08-10 |
Tracks:
- Ah! Whither Should We Fly...
- ...As With Rosy Steps The Morn
- O Bright Example Of All Goodness!...
- ...Bane Of Virtue, Nurse Of Passions
- The Clouds Begin To Veil The Hemisphere...
- ...Defend Her Heav'n!
- Lord, To Thee Each Night And Day
- She's Gone, Disdaining Liberty And Life...
- ...New Scenes Of Joy
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Cantata
- Se Bramate D'amar, Chi Vi Sdegna
- Frondi Tenere E Belle...
- ...Ombra Mai Fu
Amazon.com
If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Theodora or the cantata La Lucrezia, ends with "Ombra mai fu," and as sung by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, it is so tender, so beautiful, so impeccably shaded, that you'll think you're hearing it for the first time. But that's only four of this disc's 67 minutes---a follow-up to Hunt Lieberson's extraordinarily successful CD of Bach cantatas. There's not a dull or disinterested moment to be heard anywhere. As the violated Lucrezia, Hunt Lieberson alternately rages against the man who raped her and turns her grief inward; the former is terrifying in its intensity, the latter makes us almost feel as if we're eavesdropping. The five arias for Irene, Theodora's friend, confidante, and the upholder of Christian beliefs are all magical prayers or statements of faith, and from Hunt Lieberson, they become real, with each word honestly conveyed and colored. The voice itself is unfailingly beautiful---warm, lush, never forced, agile when necessary---and her breath control is stunning. She is backed ideally by Harry Bicket and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the string soloists in the ensemble---the viola da gamba player, lutenist, etc.---are as gifted as she is. If you want proof that Handel was a great dramatist with a special gift for communicating emotion, all while listening to sublime sounds, this CD is a must. --Robert Levine
Customer Reviews:
A Legendary Singer........2007-03-07
I simply don't have the heart to review Mrs. Lieberson's works.
If we call Ms. Bartoli a 'great' singer, then the description of 'legendary' more aptly depicts Mrs. Lieberson.
If ever a truly good artist lived, Mrs. Lieberson is one such.
The only singer that could be recalled singing in such style is Teresa Berganza; but still, they are different.
This is one of my favourite interpretators of Haendel. Having been 'treated' by those coloraturas of arias of Haendel's period by Ms. Bartoli and others, I find the singing of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson a great relief - at last, this is what Haendel would want it to be. And I equally enjoy the singing of soprano arias by Mrs. Lieberson - the timbre is warmer, but still with all the shimmer - so different from the dark mushy tones of other celebrated 'lyrical soprano' around.
Don't want to say more. Mrs. Lieberson's leaving last year is too heavy a news for me.
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!.......2007-01-06
These deeply felt performances of two of Bach's most moving cantatas show this transcendent singer's combination of emotional honesty and profound musicality, all combined to reveal the very mind of God through divine redemption from suffering. The disc is to be treasured even more in light of the Ms. Lieberson's recent untimely death from cancer. I'm an agnostic, but this music makes me envious of those who can believe. Roy in Pope Valley, California
Glorious singing to treasure for decades.......2006-07-11
By any measure, America's Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is at least the equal of Italy's premier diva, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, although she does not have the same superstar status. It is difficult to recall past mezzos with clearer enunciation of English text, (as favoured in nine excerpts from Theodora), the richness of voice, displayed in full-throated fortissimo and sharply contrasted pianissimo of utmost delicacy, evokes fondest memories of the tragically doomed Kathleen Ferrier. Masterfully chosen to display every facet of Hunt Lieberson's consumate command of Handel's dauntingly difficult music, the disc's repertoire - recitatives and linkig arias from the operas Theodora and Serse, and the cantana La Lucrezia - is stunning. An unsung mezzo who makes the senses tingle!
Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian.......2006-07-06
I have never heard a voice purer of tone, more flexible in phrasing, and so gorgeously produced in a homogeneous column of sound such as this artist in Handel's repertoire. It is very tastefully sung (unlike a certain person whose name begins with R and ends with enaaay Fleming) and so dramatically touching that one could not help but feel that this repertoire finally has found its instrument. And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist. She will be missed.
The Stellar Hunt Lieberson.......2006-03-19
Simply put, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of the very best classical singers alive. She combines vocal elegance and purity with an emotional delivery that raises her above the crowd of technically proficient singers who just don't possess her depth of musical understanding or emotional commitment. Hunt Lieberson is a true artist who resists easy classfication except to say she is perfect in what she does.
Average customer rating:
- Great to hear the Great Tenor
- A childhood memory
- Great collection.
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The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias
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Similar Items:
- Match Point
- Italian Songs: The Digital Recordings
- Great Caruso
- The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
- The Very Best Of Maria Callas
ASIN: B000003EOH
Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
- TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
- Rigoletto: Questa o quella
- Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
- L'africana: O paradiso
- La Juive: Rachel, quand du Seigneur
- La Boheme: Che gelida manina
- Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi; Celeste Aida
- Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
- La Favorita: Romanza: Spirto gentil, ne' sogni miei
- La forza del destino: O tu che in seno agli angeli
- Otello: Ora e per sempre addio
- Les pecheurs de perles: Je crois entendre encore
- La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
- Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
- TOSCA: Recondita armonia
- Faust: Salut, demeure chaste et pure
- L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
- Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
- Serse: Ombra mai fu (Largo)
- Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Amazon.com
There's a plethora of single-disc Caruso collections, but this one's the preferred choice for opera fans who treasure this golden- voiced epitome of Golden Age singing. It's a Greatest Hits collection to beat all Greatest Hits collections. Selections span Caruso's career, from the lyric effusions of 1906-7 to the darker-voiced later recordings, including one of his last records, the 1920 La Juive aria, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," which he invests with a heartbreaking poignancy that hasn't been bettered. Caruso shines brightest in the Italian repertory, capturing the pathos of Vesti la Giubba, the insouciance of the Duke's Rigoletto arias, and the hero's dilemma in Celeste Aida, among much else. But everything here is wonderful--great music, great singing. --Dan Davis
Customer Reviews:
Great to hear the Great Tenor.......2007-04-11
I am impressed how well these almost 100 year old recordings have been transfered to CD. Of course they aren't perfect but considering their age it is still a miracle. It is nice to hear Caruso in his prime and not on a scratchy vinyl. I would recommend this to any lover of Caruso's singing.
A childhood memory.......2006-05-28
I do not really know Opera. I am writing this review because I remember hearing Caruso's voice coming from a seventy- eight on an old Victor gramophone in my paternal grandparents house. The power and lyric quality of the voice struck me so strongly especially in 'Pagliacci'. The phrase has been with me, and comes back occasionally through all the years.
Caruso was then, and I believe still is considered at the very top of operatic singers. And it is a remarkable experience to hear so many years later , and in a stronger and clearer way sounds which one heard long ago in childhood, and have for years only lived in the mind.
Great collection........2000-11-04
This CD is an older RCA release, but still one of the best! A great introduction to Caruso.
Average customer rating:
- When she sang...people would forget all that is conventional in opera
- absolutely Beautiful
- A glorious voice to remember
- An Ode to Beauty and Artistry (Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson, 1954-2006)
- subtle beauty
|
Lorraine Hunt - Handel Arias
George Frideric Handel , Nicholas McGegan , Lorraine Hunt , and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
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- Bach: Cantatas BWV 82 and 199
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- Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias
- Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan
ASIN: B0000007EU
Release Date: 1994-05-17 |
Tracks:
- (Clori: Part I): Va col canto
- (Clori: Part II): Barbaro!
- (Clori: Part II): Amo Tirsi
- (Theodora: Act I, 5): Angels, Ever Bright And Fair
- (Theodora: Act II, 2): With Darkness, Deep
- (Theodora: Act II, 2): Oh! That I On Wings Could Rise
- (Ottone: Act II, 4): Vieni, o figlio
- (Arianna: Act I, 2): Mirami altero in volto
- (Susanna: Part I, 2): Bending To The Throne
- (Susanna: Part III, 2): Guilt Trembling Spoke My Doom
- (Messiah: Part III, 2): He Was Despised
- (Radamisto: Act III, 7): Qual nave
- (Agrippina: Act II, 20): Ogni vento
Customer Reviews:
When she sang...people would forget all that is conventional in opera.......2007-01-11
With Lorraine Hunt you can't go wrong. Her appeal is universal: those who don't fancy opera will love it because of her virtuoso capability, originality and sincerity. Laurent Naouri expressed the core of her appeal: "When she sang her character, people would forget all that is conventional in opera. People would forget even her singing; they would just feel something so deep and true." Bravo, Lorraine, you set a standard for all time.
absolutely Beautiful.......2007-01-10
She really left a wonderful gift in this cd. I wish I could have appreciated her voice before she died so as to have seen her in concert. What a voice she had!
A glorious voice to remember.......2006-10-29
If you love the voice of Janet Baker or Kathleen Ferrier, you will love this collection. Miss Hunt is the peer of any mezzo soprano I have ever heard, bar none. Her voice is pure and rich, her musicality is flawless, her total effect awe inspiring. If you have never heard Lorraine before, this is a great place to start. You won't be sorry!
An Ode to Beauty and Artistry (Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson, 1954-2006).......2006-07-06
I've been meaning to review this album for the longest time, but haven't because of my committments at work and other things. Lieberson's voice, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful instruments of our generation. It is, unlike a certain Renaaay who tries to sing anything and everything as a huge, incoherent slur, a very beautifully and artistically sung Handel recital. The tone is simply magnificent! And no other Handelian artist has connected her singing of the role with a dramatic sense that is so acute as her performances of the role.
It is really sad to know that this great artist died of breast cancer two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was a big loss for the operatic world to lose such a beautiful instrument at such a young age. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson will be missed.
subtle beauty.......2005-11-14
I have had this CD for several years now, and also all of the CDs from which these arias are drawn. What a great album; I would not be without it. Ms. Hunt (now Hunt Lieberson) has the voice, phrasing, discipline...the inner understanding of this music. She's "connected" on almost every piece here. 'Angels Bright and Fair' is a particular standout in my view; but almost certainly, if you are a lover of Handel's music, you will find something special here. Her soprano to mezzo soprano on this CD was a subtle and extraordinary voice for performing these pieces.
Average customer rating:
|
Handel Arias
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
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Similar Items:
- Dowland: Lute Songs
- Vivaldi Heroes
- John Blow: On Ode on the Death of Mr. Henry Purcell
- As Steals the Morn: Handel Arias & Scenes for Tenor
- Byrd: Music for Voice & Viols
ASIN: B000M05VO8
Release Date: 2007-03-13 |
Amazon.com
Five decades ago, when Alfred Deller was trailblazing for the countertenor voice in Britain, Russell Oberlin was doing the same thing in America. Oberlin doesn't sound anything like what we expect from a countertenor. Rather than a velvety alto, his is actually a piercingly sweet tenor timbre, but generally "sitting" at least a fourth higher than the typical lyric tenor. He gets a little reedy at the very top, but he has fine flexibility (listen to the coloratura in "Vivi tiranno" from Rodelinda, sung in rather too "polite" Italian), and he caresses legato passages with expert control (in, for example, an exquisite "Thou shalt bring them in" from Israel in Egypt). Stylistically we've come a long way since Oberlin; there are some scooped attacks and swoopy phrasing, while ornamentation is often musically awkward and, in one instance, downright outrageous (the cadenza concluding Radamisto's "Ombra cara"). Also, although he's a fervent interpreter, genuine dramatic fire isn't Oberlin's to give. Still, the singing here - particularly the more plaintive arias - gives considerable pleasure. The orchestral accompaniment is very much of its time, grand-toned and stodgy. Fine sound, but no texts and only a brief program note. --Roger Pines
Customer Reviews:
A revelation........2007-04-24
So the inside cover of this Disc says : Haendel originally intended many of his oratorios to be sung by countertenors rather than mezzo-sopranos.
So we have Russell Oberlin offering his boyish, metallic-tinged countertenor for some of the really familiar arias from the Messiah and Isreal in Egypt and others.
Well, this is a real revelation, even if your ears are not accustomed to Mr. Oberlin's singing style - the arias sounded much more 'manly' than otherwise sung by mezzo-sopranos, and from this, we gain a sort of insight into Haendel's music that hitherto may have been missed by most listeners.
Unlike some countertenors like Brian Asawa, Oberlin's voice is unique - it has the range of a woman mezzo, but the tone-colour of a male adolescent. Listening to him reminds one of the great countertenors around in the 1970's who interpreted Purcell and Haendel and other Baroque pieces to great heights. Oberlin handles the range well, and though less smooth and creamy sounding, offers an entirely different feel to the songs: the libretti really are sung to greater effect in many cases.
An invaluable recording for Haendel lovers.
Average customer rating:
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Sacred Arias [Special Edition with Bonus DVD]
Andrea Bocelli , Giulio Caccini , Cesar Franck , Charles Gounod , Franz Xaver Gruber , George Frideric Handel , Jean-Paul Lecot , Eric Levi , Steven Mercurio , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Louis Niedermeyer , Gioachino Rossini , Franz Schubert , Giuseppe Verdi , John Francis Wade , Richard Wagner , Myung-Whun Chung , and Santa Cecilia National Academy Orchestra Rome
Manufacturer: Philips
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Similar Items:
- Andrea Bocelli - Amore
- Romanza
- Sentimento: Andrea Bocelli with Lorin Maazel and the London Symphony Orchestra [Limited Edition w/ Bonus Track]
- Andrea Bocelli - The Opera Album ~ Aria
- Cieli di Toscana
ASIN: B0000CE9VO
Release Date: 2003-10-14 |
Tracks:
- Ave Maria
- Sancta Maria
- Ave Maria
- Ave Maria
- Panis Angelicus - Norbert Balatsch
- Cujus Animam
- Ingemisco
- Ave Verum Corpus
- Der Engel
- Frondi Tenere... Ombra Mai Fu
- Pieta, Signore - Norbert Balatsch
- Domine Deus
- Mille Cherubini In Coro - Norbert Balatsch
- Silent Night
- Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) - Norbert Balatsch
- Gloria A Te, Cristo Gesu (The Hymn Of The Great Jubilee)
- Agnus Dei
- I Believe
Amazon.com
When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias. These performances are filled with the singer's phenomenally well-known vocal signature: his flair for long, sweetly floating high notes and the gentle sense of cadence he brings to a melody. It's a mistake to compartmentalize Bocelli into a singer of "operatic" versus "popular" styles: in truth his approach is at heart the same. Lack of color and control in his phrasing remains a drawback, but the emotional empathy Bocelli evokes is never in doubt. The arias collected here sample some of the most famous devotional pieces: Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Mozart's transporting "Ave Verum," as well as an arrangement of "Silent Night" in which Bocelli tries out his English. There's also a decidedly odd choice of bedfellows for a program of "sacred" music, such as a song from Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder (whose "angel" is the object of an overpoweringly erotic attraction) and Handel's figurative ode to a tree, "Ombra mai fu." Still, Bocelli sings with an unfeigned directness that is sure to expand his already enormous following even further. This new special edition includes two bonus tracks on a CD enhanced with a picture gallery as well as a full-length DVD of Bocelli in concert filmed at the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. --Thomas May
Album Description
Special Edition includes enhanced CD with bonus tracks and concert DVD.
Customer Reviews:
A spiritual experience.......2003-11-27
The DVD is the full 77 minute concert with two featurettes previously released alone. The CD is the full 72 minute concert previously released alone, except that two bonus tracks have been added. The audio quality of each one is quite good. (If you have a Dolby Digital stereo, then you must go into the setup menu on the DVD to select Dolby Digital sound. The default music track is the stereo 2.0 sound.) The video quality of the DVD is astonishing.
The DVD gives the feeling that you are in the church with the other worshippers. It literally sends chills up and down my spine. I highly recommend this CD/DVD combination Special Edition while it is still available.
Average customer rating:
- Brava Vivica
- Viva Viveca 2
- A great sequel to Arias for Farinelli
|
Vivica Genaux - Handel/Hasse: Opera Arias
Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
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Similar Items:
- Tragédiennes
- Bel Canto Arias; Vivica Genaux
- Russian Album
- Angelika Kirchschlager Handel arias
- Vivaldi: Griselda
ASIN: B000CEBOTU
Release Date: 2006-09-12 |
Tracks:
- Capece, After Ariosto
- Aria 'Ah Stigie Larve...Gia Latra Cerber.. Vaghe Pupille' Orlando
- Aria 'Sta Nell'Ircana Pietrosa Tana' Ruggiero
- Aria 'Splenda L'alba In Oriente'
- Recitativo 'Tu, Armonica Cecila'
- Aria 'La Virute E Un Vero Nume'
- Aria 'Ti Lascio In Ceppi Avvinto'
- Aria 'Se Mia Sperana Sola' Arminio
- Aria 'Vaghi Rai, Pupille Amate' Arminio
- Recitativo 'No, Perdonami, O Clori'
- Aria 'Trouva Un Sol'
- Recitativo 'Placati, O Pastorella'
- Aria 'Torna In Quell' Onda Chiara'
Amazon.com
The rich-voiced Alaskan mezzo Viovica Genaux's new CD is as dazzling as her Arias for Farinelli disc that appeared a while ago. Here she sings music of Hasse and Handel, two German composers who wrote in what, for the sake of creating an umbrella, can be called perfect pre-Italian bel canto style. Genaux sings two selections from Handel's Orlando---one wild with coloratura and the other the eponymous hero's moody, difficult mad scene---one from Alcina, and a cantata dating from 1711 that features fine writing for recorders. The lesser-known Hasse is represented by three arias from his opera Arminio and a cantata. Genaux leaps every hurdle the composers put in her way---seemingly endless runs, two-octave leaps, trills. Indeed, one is reminded more than once of Marilyn Horne, although Genaux's voice is prettier and not as grand. She can spin a long, quiet line with grace and breath to spare as well. Genaux's sound, like that of all great singers, is unique--in her case, her tone has a milky smoothness that sets her apart. This CD is for all admirers of truly great singing, and the rarities in the program give it extra value. Bernard Labadie leads the French-Canadian group Les Violons du Roy in performances that are rhythmically razor-sharp and thoroughly alive. --Robert Levine
Customer Reviews:
Brava Vivica.......2007-01-09
This CD nearly overcome the "Farinelli Arias" one by Harmonia Mundi. Dazzling coloratura, deep expression.
Viva Viveca 2.......2006-11-11
This artist grows with every listening of one of her albums. She is a treasure and so are her renditions; a rare jewel.
A great sequel to Arias for Farinelli.......2006-09-19
Although this recording is with a different label than Ms Genaux's spectacular Arias for Farinelli, this set of arias by Handel & Hasse can be seen as a second volume on the same theme. The theme is early 18th century opera arias, written for the castrato voice. Today these parts are sung by countertenors and mezzo-sopranos, and the mezzo Vivica Genaux is surely one of the great singers of this repertoire today.
I was very interested in comparing this set to Farinelli album recorded some four years earlier. I wondered how/if her approach to this music has changed. On first listening it seemed that this album was somewhat more restrained than the earlier set. By the second or third listening I knew that I liked this recording at least as much, probably more. While I feel that there is more restraint here (not so much of the huge majestic arias), there is also more delicacy, subtlety, and even vocal beauty in this album. Her vocal technique remains breathtakingly spectacular.
While the Handel arias are beautiful, in this case I liked the Hasse even more, particularly "Se mia speranza sola" & "Vaghi rai, pupille amate". I think this is because in the Hasse there is so much movement between lower and upper register. I find that contrast in Vivica's voice particularly fascinating. Her lower and middle register seem more controlled and restrained, and when she hits those soaring top notes it's like a bird breaking free.
I realize that in writing this review I only compared Vivica to herself, and maybe that says more than anything. In this genre she is in her own class.
Average customer rating:
- When I directed her in muscials in High School, I knew she was special
- What a superb CD!!
- A Blythe Spirit and a Magical Duet With David Daniels
- La Reina!
- Solid baroque
|
Stephanie Blythe - Handel & Bach Arias / David Daniels · Ensemble Orchestral de Paris · John Nelson
George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , John Nelson , Stephanie Blythe , David Daniels , and Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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Similar Items:
- Brahms: Alt-Rhapsody; Wagner: Wesendonck-Lieder; Mahler: Der Abschied
- Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels
- Sento Amor; David Daniels;
- Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto
- Songs by Mahler, Handel & Peter Lieberson
ASIN: B00005A9NK
Release Date: 2001-11-06 |
Tracks:
- Serse: Recitativo: Frondi Tenere
- Serse: Aria: Ombra Mai Fu
- Hercules: Recitative And Aria: Where Shall I Fly?
- Semele: Recitative: Awake, Saturnia
- Semele: Aria: Iris, Hence Away
- Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria: Al Lampo Dell'armi
- Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Recitativo Ed Aria: Dall'ondoso Periglio... Aure, Deh, Per Pieta
- Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria: Priva Son D'ogni Conforto
- Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Recitativo E Duetto: Madre!... Son Nata A Lagrimar - Stephanie Blythe/David Daniels/Martin Isepp
- Saint Matthew Passion, BWV 244: Aria: Erbarme Dich, Mein Gott
- Saint Matthew Passion, BWV 244: Aria: Konnen Tranen Meiner Wangen
- Saint John Passion, BWV 245: Aria: Von Den Stricken Meiner Sunden
- Saint John Passion, BWV 245: Aria: Es Ist Vollbracht! - Stephanie Blythe/Emmanuelle Haim/Jerome Hantai
- Mass in b, BWV 232: Agnus Dei
Amazon.com
This is a lovely recording. Stephanie Blythe's voice must be one of the most beautiful to be heard today: smooth as silk, warm as velvet, pure, dark, almost masculine at times, even in quality across a big range down to F-sharp. She can spin out endless phrases without strain. Her intonation is impeccable, her expressiveness heartfelt, simple, and direct. The program is a string of priceless jewels, opening with the famous "Ombra mai fu" from "Serse" (better known as Handel's Largo) and closing with the Agnus Dei from Bach's B minor Mass. However, with the exception of Juno's furious outburst of jealousy from Handel's Semele, the dramatic "Where shall I fly?" from his Hercules, and one fast, light aria from Giulio Cesare, everything is slow and primarily mournful. This seems to be in the nature of the contralto repertoire, but it does generate a certain sameness despite all attempts to create variety.
One of the highlights is the heartrending mother-son duet between Cornelia and Sesto from Giulio Cesare with the splendid countertenor David Daniels, but Blythe includes both Cornelia's and Cesare's arias, fulfilling a wish no doubt cherished by many great contraltos, but impossible to realize on stage. She seems more at home in Handel's worldly arias than in Bach's sacred ones, some of which--notably the "Erbarme dich" from the St. Matthew Passion--sound a little too operatic. The violinist who plays the wonderful obbligato here is not named (and often inaudible); the fine wind soloists in the St. John Passion are also unidentified. The orchestra is good but rather stiff, the rhythm pedantic, the style, with normal tuning, semi-baroque. This is underscored by the truly baroque gamba solo in St. John. However, the beauty of the singing triumphs over all misgivings. --Edith Eisler
Customer Reviews:
When I directed her in muscials in High School, I knew she was special.......2005-07-08
I was Stephanie's teacher in High School and directed her in several theatrical productions. Not only was she an immensely talented actress, her voice always took my breath away. The other instructors and myself knew that Stephanie had "IT" and would someday be recognized for all the beauty her voice contains. I have seen her perform live and each and every time am amazed at the depth and feeling in her voice. This cd will not disappoint.
What a superb CD!!.......2005-02-27
WOW,
I bought this CD after I discovered this artist totally by accident (well, I usually do not listen to the vocal selections on the sampler CD from the British magazine "The Gramophone"). I guess that it was either fate or luck that made me listen to her selection of Wagner Lieder.
As I have always been a fan of alto/contralto's, I find Stephanie Blythe's voice to be smooth, creamy, solid, and very thrilling!!! I really like all of the Handel arias (which are top notch!!), and I will spend more time with the Bach.
This Virgin Classics CD is up to Virgin's usual high standard of recording, though I do wish that her voice was more centered between the right and left channels. Then again, my new system still needs some dialing in in my room.
I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes vocal music, opera, and best of all, for people who simply like stellar singing!!!
Well worth the 5 stars!!!
A Blythe Spirit and a Magical Duet With David Daniels.......2004-09-02
Contralto Stephanie Blythe has a warm, fluid voice that reminds me immediately of countertenor David Daniels, especially since she sings more accurately in the mezzo-soprano range. What they have in common is an artful blending of male and female vocal characteristics that produces a strong sound, rich and seductive. Dramatically she is not quite at his level yet, but it is a tribute to her interpretative talents that she can convincingly sing both Cesare and Cornelia in "Giulio Cesare in Egitto" in the four beautiful arias here. The disc's high point is in fact, a mother-son duet performed with Daniels, "Madre!...Son nata a lagrimar". Their voices meld together wonderfully. What I find intriguing is how his higher, more nuanced voice brings out the dramatic intensity of the piece, while Blythe's superb lower register brings out a lovely contrast since her voice dips deeper than Daniels'. It is as perfect a match as you'll hear in the Baroque world.
The remainder of the Handel arias displays her exceptional range, especially the plaintive "Ombra mai fù" from "Serse" and the vocal agility she displays in "Iris, Hence Away" from "Semele". The second half of the disc features four arias from Bach's "Passions", all more spiritual in tone than the Handel pieces but not as interesting dramatically. She still sounds lovely, but a certain monotony creeps into the last half-hour since these arias seem to create the same dream-like atmosphere and consequently do not require her to utilize her interpretative skills fully. John Nelson conducts the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris effectively, and perhaps to embody the spirit of the Bach pieces, the disc was recorded in a church, the Eglise Notre Dame du Liban in Paris. It is an impressive recital debut and makes one look forward to Stephanie Blythe's next work.
La Reina!.......2003-10-13
Stephanie Blythe is a name honored in the circles of the music cognescenti where she is considered nearly without peer as the reigning contralto of the day. In this very generous sampling of arias by Handel and Bach the reason for such admiration/devotion becomes readily apparent. Blythe may be called a 'contralto' and, indeed, she has that lush dark burnished tone so often conjured by the contralto roles in opera and oratorio. But she has an amazing range that allows her to effortlessly scale the contralto to mezzo to lyric to coloratura like few other singers. Only Marilyn Horne comes to mind as one with the beauty of voice in tandem with impeccable musicianship and technique for comparison.
Opening this recital (accompanied by John Nelson conducting the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris) she wisely selects the well-known 'Ombra mai fu' and allows first time listeners to bask in the beauty of tone and perfection of execution she brings to every subsequent work on this CD. Unlike other singers who attempt this repertoire Blythe shows no audible break in register as she soars into the passionate stratosphere of 'Where shall I fly' from Handel's "Semele" or plumbs the depths of Bach's touching arias from both the St Matthew and St John Passions.
As far as the perfect display of all her gifts in one piece then her duet with countertenor David Daniels in the 'Madre..Son nata a lagrimar' from Handel's "Guilio Cesare" is that pinnacle. This duet has to be one of the most beautiful baroque experiences ever captured on disc. A singer to watch and collect!
Solid baroque.......2003-09-03
Blythe has an excellent voice. She isn't Marilyn Horne or Ann Murray or Sarah Walker, but she's first class nonetheless, and this album is certainly worth having. The knock on Blythe, in my judgment, is that she lacks emotion and fire. She just sings, and the listener's mind might stray. The duet from Julius Caesar is the finest feature of the album, and is simply glorious. David Daniels is in a class all by himself.
Average customer rating:
- The Art of Serious Fun
- Larmore at her best again!
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Jennifer Larmore Sings Great Operatic Arias
Manufacturer: Chandos
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Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000NY166A
Release Date: 2007-05-22 |
Tracks:
- Star Of the Evening
- O My Beloved
- Fierce Flames Are Raging
- Love Like Mine Is the Light Of Creation
- That Ungrateful Man Betrayed Me
- Where Was I?
- My Beloved
- Hence, Iris Hence Away!
- Tell Me, My Beating Heart
- See, O Norma
- O Hated Gift
- Juliet's Waltz Song
Customer Reviews:
The Art of Serious Fun.......2007-07-01
While most opera stars are submitting to record label hype and narrow artistic freedom, Jennifer Larmore seems to be flourishing in the recording studio. With Opera Rara and now Chandos behind her, she continues to offer sumptuous recordings that are both entertaining and of great artistic caliber. Certainly Larmore does not have to prove herself as she has been performing for nearly 25 years. Anyone who has seen her live knows she is the real deal and she is in top form on this arias disc. Now, mind you, she is singing both mezzo and soprano roles here. And in English. I was skeptical. Being a huge Larmore fan, I though "uh, oh"...My last Chandos purchase was Elizabeth Futral's arias disc and I was not impressed. But here the translations (sung in delicious theatrical English), top-notch singing by Je La and perfect conducting by David Parry with the Philharmonia Orchestra combine to make a highly addictive disc that will go down in history with Larmore's classics Where Shall I Fly and Call Me Mister. She really sets the bar high for other singers.
Thankfully, Larmore goes out of her comfort zone and sings some arias that one would not normally associate with this fearless singer. The Don Carlos and Trovatore arias will certainly give her naysayers something to chew on, but she does it! Note the last few bars of "O Hated Gift". I was on the edge of my seat.
The opening number ("Star of the Evening" from Adriana Lecouvreur) alone is worth the price of the disc. Orchestra and singer match brilliantly and Larmore's final bars brought tears to my eyes. It's good stuff.
The weak spots are minor. Poor Colin Lee is left on the floor in the Favorita duet. A more experienced tenor would have made this duet electrifying. On the other hand, Larmore alone (track 2) singing "O My Beloved" from Favorita proves (as she did in 2001 with OONY) that she should be singing this role on the stage and in a full recording while we're at it. She is Leonora and the tension she creates is heartbreaking.
I could have done without Hence, Iris Hence Away, heard on her In Performance DVD and Where Shall I Fly cd (surely there are other Handel arias, but perhaps that's another Chandos disc in the works???!!!), but it displays how she can still sing Handel like no other. The Tancredi aria is a nice surprise.
The Gioconda track is a blood and guts duet thanks to Susan Patterson and Larmore's singing. I love how Opera Rara and Chandos recital cds always include duets and more. Larmore is a generous singer and part of her genius is how she works off other artists.
As with every Larmore recital disc, she closes with a treat. Juliet's Waltz Song from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet???? Is she kidding??? Nope. I've heard many a soprano struggle though this aria and merely pull it off with a pinched high note. Should Larmore be singing this aria? Hell, no...Can she? Hell, yes!!! But what's so special is she sings it with pure pleasure; as if she'd sung this song her whole career. Not as a mezzo slumming it in soprano territory. And I think that's what she's trying to tell us here. Have fun, be true to your art form and never pander to your audience.
Larmore at her best again!.......2007-06-01
Jennifer Larmore is my favorite mezzosoprano since the very first time. Such an extraordinary artist! To enjoy!
Jennifer Larmore es mi mezzosoprano favorita desde la primera vez que la escuché. Es una artista extraordinaria y este nuevo cd, a pesar de estar grabado en inglés, muestra, una vez más, la calidad interpretativa de esta maravillosa cantante. Incluso se permite el lujo de cantar el vals de Juliette con más seguridad que muchas sopranos que la tienen en repertorio.
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