Kathleen Battle & Jean-Pierre Rampal in Concert

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Before Kathleen Battle became a diva of monstrous proportions, she was a musical talent of intelligence and delicacy. This recording reminds us of the charm and brilliance of her innate talent. Her light soubrette is an enchanting compliment to Rampal's magical flute, as they weave the musical fabrics of Handel, Rameau, Saint-Saens, and Bishop. A shining example of excellent musical camaraderie is given by accompanists Garrett, Newman, and Ritter. Battle's voice and temperament are a lovely fit for Purcell's docile melancholy. The listener is also granted such juicy treats as two pieces by Albert Roussel and four delectable Catalonian morsels by Fernando J. Obradors. Sheer beauty. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Tracks:

Let The Bright Seraphim
No 1: Si Suoni La Tromba
No. 3: Con Voce Festiva
No. 4: Rompe Sprezza
No. 6: Mio Tesoro Per Te Moro (Aria In Forma Di Menuet Alla Francese)
I. Sinfonia. Grave
II. Recitativo
III. Sinfonia-Aria
IV. Recitativo
V. Aria. Largo
VI. Aria. Poco Mosso, Sempre Dolce E Leggiero-Ritornello
VII. Recitativo
VIII. Aria-Sinfonia. Grave (Da Capo)
Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Pace Una Volta
I. Spiritosa, E Staccata
II. (Allegretto-Corrente)
III. Canzone
IV. (Allegro)
Seufzer, Tranen, Kummer, Not
Alle Voci Del Bronzo Guerriero
I. Aria: Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
IV. Chorale: Sei Lob Und Preis Mit Ehren; Alleluja

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant! .......2007-05-31

Spectacular display of brilliance and harmony. Truly, two masters of their respective disciplines melding together to display flawless virtuosity. Wynton Marsalis not only tames the piccolo beast, but somehow expertly mimics the human voice. And not just any voice, but the bright edgeless tone of Kathleen Battle. If you love Baroque, at any level, this is a must buy!

My Birthday Present to me.......2007-05-29

Actually, I was driving and I heard it on the radio. Luckily, the radio station has a website to see what played at what time. After getting goose bumps listening to the little I did on my birthday, I knew I had to have it. Its since been downloaded on my ipod. If you want to feel uplifted, and joyous listen to this wonderful CD . Kathleen Battles voice and Wynton Marsalis trumpet playing is phenominal. My favorites are the last 7 or 8 cuts of the CD especially.

Amazing voice.......2007-05-13

What an amazing voice this woman has. Pairing her with Wynton Marsalis was a match made in musical heaven.

One of the Best.......2007-01-05

I heard cuts from this CD on the radio one early Sunday morning last year. Mesmerized, I ordered it and continue to be zoned out on this incredibly beautiful music masterfully executed by Marsalis and Battle.

Battle and Marsalis scintillating and stunning.......2006-12-28

The making of this album was filmed in a wonderful documentary that brings to the fore the vulnerability and humanity of both artists. Marsalis and Battle are close friends, and the album itself is clearly a labor of love; Marsalis, who stopped performing classical trumpet in the late 80's, returned to the form when Battle was ready to make this recording.

The album is packed with regal music and royal performances. Bach's 51st cantata is particularly captivating, what with its technical demands and relentless pace. But Battle and Marsalis are able to derive strength and energy from one another in the film - through the difficult preparation process of confronting its daunting technical minefield - to realize a stunning result.

Bravo! Their contribution to the recorded corpus here is sublime.

Average customer rating:

Magnificent soprano!
Vintage Mozart!!
Bel Canto
Sublime
Why I love Kathleen

Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
The Bach Album
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
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Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias

ASIN: B000002RO3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Vorrei spiegarvi, oh dio!
Exsultate, jubilate
Il re pastore: L'amero, saro costante
Basta, vincesti...ah non lasciarmi, no
Un moto di gioia
Ch'io mi scordi di te...non temer, amato bene - Scena And Rondo
Misera, dove son!...ah! non son'io che parlo

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent soprano!.......2007-03-28

Kathleen Battle is one in a line of incredibly talented American born sopranos including Anna Moffo, Renee Fleming, Leontyne Price, etc. She has a beautiful voice and perfectly suited to sing Bach, Handel and Mozart. This disc will open your eyes to the beauty of Mozart if you do not already appreciate his work. The standouts here are "Vorrei spiegarvi" which will send chills up your spine, "exsultate jubilate", "l'amero saro costante", "un moto di gioia", and "misera, dove son". Andre Previn does an outstanding job at the conductor's helm.
I was terribly saddened that this great diva's career was sidetracked by supposed temperament difficulties. I'll not fault her too much because we only know the Met Opera's version. Besides, Battle is forgiven for the sheer gorgeousness of her singing. Mozart himself would be so pleased if he heard this cd.

Vintage Mozart!!.......2007-01-12

I was not familiar with Kathleen Battle's voice prior to listening to this recording. I am now, and what a beautiful and talented voice she has!! She has reinforced my belief that Mozart is one of the greatest composers. I never tire listening to Mozart; I listen to this recording often. I am pleased, as I am sure you will be, to have this recording by Ms. Battle in my music library.

Bel Canto.......2006-12-30

The date on my copy, and I assume it is the recording date, I bought it very many years ago, is 1985. It used to be one of my favorite CDs. I won't call Battle an angel because there is no such thing, and I don't know how one would sound if there were. But her voice is warm and smooth and quintessentially beautiful. I love it. I was sorry to read in a review of another CD of hers that she is a gorgon. It diminishes my love greatly, as it did my liking for Callas, who had a poorer voice to begin with. I like to think well of my heroes. This compliation of Mozart is bel canto, but with not so much coloratura. It is deeply pleasurable and soothing. It is sublime, with the meaning that 100 years of Tin Pan Alley and pop tune lyric writers have given it (perfectly pleasurable and agreeable), not the meaning that the word originally or actually had/has (awesome). Compare this Mozart recital with Sutherland's collection of Mozart arias in her Art of collection. (I'm writing these comments under Battle's CD because Sutherland's is in a 6 disc collection that I just opened last night, the only disc I've listened to from it is the Mozart.) I do not like Mozart's operas. That's a fact, and that's all there is to it. Take it or leave it. They bore me green. However, some of his tunes (art songs) and some arias from his operas are divine. And Battle and Sutherland sang some of them. Sutherland's disc is coloratura all the way. It too is exquisitely beautiful, as I expect the whole collection to be. I don't know which I prefer. Must I choose? I perfer Sutherland's disc. Battle's selections are soothing and dreamy. Sutherland's are soothing but arousing at the same time. But that's just my preference. Bel canto (which means beautiful singing) is of course very beautiful (that's redundant), but I prefer coloratura singing, which comes from bel canto, and which many consider an excess, or at least that it can be an excess. I am not one of those. I love the ornamentation. It delights and pleases me. Mozart and the Italians of the 1st half of the 19th Century are considered the bel canto and coloratura masters (though there are instances of coloratura if not bel canto (?!) through the history of music). Notes. I paid full price for my Battle when it came out. Now it's available for a song. If you like just beautiful female music that can make an entire 6 or 7 minute piece with one word for a lyric, I highly recommend it. And if you do want it, and Newbury Comics is an Amazon Marketplace seller of it, you'd be in safe hands and save even more money buying it from them. Likewise the Sutherland Art of 6 disc set. I think I got that from Newbury Comics, and I saved $20, and by spending an extra $2 postage (for expedited shipping), had it in my hands in about 3 days. 4 wonderful things. Mozart's tunes, Battle, Sutherland, and Newbury Comics. I recommend them all.

Sublime.......2006-12-27

If there is a more exquisite CD in my collection, I don't know what it is. When I went shopping for stereo speakers years ago, I used this CD to test the high range. Mrs. Battle's voice is otherworldly in its purity, clarity, and delicacy. This recording is artistically, programmatically, and technologically flawless.

Steve

Why I love Kathleen.......2006-09-21

This album was the reason I fell in love with Kathleen Battle. Her voice is clean, beautiful and pure, just the right type of voice for Mozart.

Fantasia 2000: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Great for kids with Autism!
Fantasia 2000
Great pieces of classical music!
Fantastic!
One song along would make this worth buying

Fantasia 2000: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Fantasia 2000
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ASIN: B000038ICW
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Symphony No.5
Pines Of Rome
Rhapsody In Blue
Piano Concerto No.2, Allegro
Carnival Of The Animals
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Pomp And Circumstance Marches
Firebird Suite-1919 Version

Amazon.com

Without the gorgeous visuals, the soundtrack to Fantasia/2000 is nothing more than a collection of some of classical music's greatest moments. But what moments they are! Conductor James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra provide new (though hardly groundbreaking) arrangements for these classical music warhorses. Piano virtuoso Yefim Bronfman joins in to record the Allegro section of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 (if you like this track, check out Bronfman playing the entire piece on his 1999 disc with the Los Angeles Philharmonic), and soprano Kathleen Battle lends a high note to the climax of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance. We also get the classic Sorcerer's Apprentice from the original (and now out-of-print) Fantasia soundtrack. Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra, the Paul Dukas composition still steals the show. The original movie may have been a flop, but with any luck Fantasia/2000 will turn some young minds on to classical music, especially with such inspired choices as Respighi's Pines of Rome. Like what you hear? Remember, these are just excerpts and you really owe it to yourself to hear the works in their entirety--slow movements and all. That said, whether you're a Disney fan, an IMAX aficionado, or just a classical-lover-to-be, you can't go wrong with this disc. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids with Autism!.......2007-04-10

As a parent of profoundly autistic twin boys, this CD is so calming and I never tire of listening to it in the car. This CD on their Walkman helps get them through loud basketball games or sensory overload events at school. They LOVE "Rhapsody in Blue!"

Fantasia 2000.......2006-12-30

I have most of these pieces on other CD's, and I mostly got this one for 'Rhapsody in Blue'. If you don't own 'Firebird' and don't feel like owning the entire thing, then get this--it's got the highlights. Overall the selection is varied. You have probably forgotten that 'Pomp and Circumstance' is a real piece, and not just a graduation death march--this CD will remind you, with its very wise summary of the very extensive five marches by Elgar. This is certainly a lot more interesting than most classical highlights CD's.

Great pieces of classical music!.......2005-11-16

This is a really lovely collection of exhilarating and intriguing music pieces. Fantasia helped spawn my interest in classical music. The animation is beautiful in the movie but it's the music which makes it happen.

Fantastic! .......2005-07-18

My favorite piece of music ever is "Rhapsody in Blue" and I've managed to collect quite a few versions of it over the years. This is the absolute best recording of "Rhapsody in Blue" I have ever heard! I'm listening to it on a constant loop tonight. The entire record is great as is the other soundtrack from "Fantasia." The movie is a wonderful way to get kids exposed to classical music without them even realizing it! Worked on me when I was a kid. Once again, the Mouse works his magic!

One song along would make this worth buying.......2004-11-21

In my opinion, this CD is worth it just for "Rhapsody in Blue," but there are seven other great tracks, as well. Music like this spans generations; it's essentially timeless in its beauty and ability to put a smile on your face. Great stuff. Yes, there may only be eight tracks on this disc, but four of them are nine minutes or longer, so you're not being cheated out of anything. I'm not a steadfast Disney fan, but they really know how to pick classical music for their masterpiece.

Average customer rating:

"Lord, How Come Me Here"
WOW!
uhm......yeah right!!
scadalise my name
Broadway takes on the spiritual ...

Spirituals in Concert

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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So Many Stars

ASIN: B000001GDC
Release Date: 1991-03-08

Tracks:

In That Great Getting Up Morning
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass
Over My Head/ Lil' David
Oh, What A Beautiful City
Lord, How Come Me Here
I Believe I'll Go Back Home-Lordy, Won't You Help Me
Ride On, King Jesus
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot-Ride Up In The Chariot
You Can Tell The World
Scandalize My Name
Great Day
Oh, Glory
Calvary-They Crucified My Lord
Talk About A Child
Gospel Train
My God Is So High
There Is A Balm In Gilead
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand

Customer Reviews:

"Lord, How Come Me Here".......2007-06-18

I must add, to the praises above, that Kathleen Battle's "Lord, How Come Me Here" is the best "quick" explanation of the long-lasting effects of slavery that I can think of. The line, "They sold my children away," says it all.

And the VERY funny "Scandelize My Name" is also worth the price of the total album!

Alinde O'Malley

WOW!.......2007-03-22

You know, after owning both the CD and VHS of this performance, and having been coached by Sylvia Olden Lee herself, it is no wonder why spiritual mean so much to me. And these two ladies bare their souls and bring these masterpieces to life! WOW!!!

uhm......yeah right!!.......2006-06-21

Clearly you are mistaken. I don't know who that guy is-the person below recommended-but there is NO COMPARISON to JESSYE NORMAN AND KATHLEEN BATTLE!!!! Jessye Norman herself has *30* HONARY DOCTRATES from places like Harvard, Juliard, Yale, Cambridge....I mean HELLO!!!! That guy had no where near the ease, the musicality or even the breath support as these two veterans show!! It is a beautiful CD though it came out in 1991 and I HIGHLY recommend it.

scadalise my name.......2004-10-29

this isn't that good specially after hearing William Warfeild sing it. You can find him at www.wlym.com

Broadway takes on the spiritual ..........2004-01-29

... takes it on and puts it on the canvas by the end of the first round.

I'm going to be the dissenting voice here: thank goodness I signed this disk out of the public library 'cause I'm sure not going to listen to it twice.

There is nothing wrong with the performances. Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle sing beautifully, and there's no problem with the pick-up orchestra under James Levine.

The problem, and it's huge, is the conception of the show and the musical arrangements. To make the video marketable, I suppose, the producers decided that the concert had to be big: big names, big arrangements, big effects. So we have eighteen spirituals given the musical theatre treatment, with a philharmonic chorus providing chain-gang sound effects, big brass, and big percussion -- including a chinese gong. A chinese gong in a spiritual??? Spare me! Almost every track turns out sounding like either a curtain-raiser or a big, end-of-act production number with cute and predictable modulations between some of the stanzas and the sort of curly-cue orchestral ornamentation typical of Broadway shows.

Tracks:

O Come All Ye Faithful
O Holy Night
Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabelle
Fum, Fum, Fum!
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Ave Maria
Gesu Bambino
Medley: I Saw Three Ships; The First Nowell; The Holly And The Ivy
Away In A Manger
Silent Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Mary's Cradle Song
Zither Carol
I Wonder As I Wander
Mary Had A Baby
Rise Up, Shepherd
What Child Is This?
Ave Maria
Finale and Reprise: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; Silent Night; O Come All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle.......2007-01-19

what can i say about the best of the best? As always, Miss Battle makes me wonder how anyone else would dare to sing this music after her rendition. A beautiful CD

One of the most beautiful Christmas albums .......2005-11-22

I love Kathleen Battle's voice, and to get such a great collection of beautiful sacred music, it was like a dream come true. She sings many traditional carols like Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, which is possibly my favorite here, you may think you have heard this song so many times, but Kathleen's voice really shines in it. Her English diction is so incredible, you can understand every word, which is not something many opera singers can achieve. Her singing is always so natural and lovely. Many other songs are oustanding on this album, I love the two version of Ave Maria and the Italian song Gesu Bambino. If you are looking for a really beautiful collection of Christmas music, this album is a great choice.

A Christmas Collection For The Ages.......2005-11-13

If there is one performer I miss hearing on a regular basis, it is Kathleen Battle. Anytime I knew that she'd be in a Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast, I knew it would be a performance to remember and more often than not, I was correct. She has a light voice that reaches the upper reregisters with ease and has as a gorgeous sound. She not a regular at many opera houses these days, and in likelihood, if she still did perform on the world's opera stages, we'd be hearing critics say her voice was not what it once was, but thanks to her recorded legacy, her voice will, always have that youthful, energetic sound.

Overall I believe that Ms. Battle performs better in complete opera recordings than recital albums, but most of her recital recordings are of at least good quality and this Christmas collection is outstanding. She handles all of the works with apparent similar ease, but since the recording is so varied, this is a compliment to her skill as a performer. She begins and ends with "O Come All Ye Faithful" where she does a few vocal acrobatics but it's never overdone. Each time I think of what the bets part of the collection is, my mind changes. She brings her skills from the operatic stage in her renditions of "O Holy Night," "Gesu Bambino" (only Pavarotti sings this better, but it's a very close second), and "The Zither Carol" which sounds so much like something that could come from the mouths of Oscar from UN BALLO or Zurbinetta from ARIADNE AUF NAXOS, two of her signature roles. The music from the African American Spirituals tradition and American background are well done and the accompaniment of the Harlem Boys Choir, used to great advantage here adds so much.

With so many Christmas collections from the world of opera available, choosing one can be difficult, but this is one collection that has proven to be a joy for almost fifteen years and will continue to give holiday pleasure for years to come.

Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas.......2004-12-28

I probably have 50 Christmas albums. I love many of them. This is my favorite. Leaves me astounded and breathless every time I enjoy it.

Pure Joy.......2003-12-07

In a world where disturbing things are all too common, Christian scripture guides us to dwell on that which is lovely. Kathleen Battle's blessed voice is most certainly one of those lovely things.

I bought this CD in the early 1990's, and I am here to buy it again because I have worn out the original with scratches, etc. I only listen to it during the Christmas season, but I enjoy it enough to hear it all year.

The 'Christmas Celebration' CD should be enough to convince you to also purchase Kathleen's 'A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert'. Ms. Battle's wonderful soprano voice is joined by that of the mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the blending is more than memorable. There are a couple of songs which are on both CD's, but you'll want to hear both. In fact, the video of the PBS special is also available, and I recommend buying all three. You won't regret it.

Some of my favorite selections from 'Christmas Celebration' include 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle' and 'Fum, Fum, Fum', both of which are from a culture different from my own. I found such glimpses into unfamiliar favorites to enhance my own enjoyment of the Christmas season, as long as all of my traditional American favorites were included. They were. "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" are there among the other favorites.

Tracks:

Summertime
I loves you, Porgy
Porgi amor
Welche Wonne, welche Lust
S'altro che lagrime
Una donna a quindici anni
Depuis le jour
E pur cosi / Piangeri la sorte mia
Oui! pour ce soir... Je suis Titania
Ah! tardai troppo... O luce di quest'anima
4. Pie Jesu (Sopran)
Voices of Spring, Op.410 (Frohlingsstimmen) - vocal version
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot / Ride Up in the Chariot
Witness "Oh, Lord, what manner of man is dis?"
Talk About a Child
He's got the whole world in His hands

Customer Reviews:

Kathy Rocks Ever!.......2006-01-01

Oh,yeah!Also here in Brazil she commanded,complained,got her tantrums as well but,she is Kathy;highly gifted,charmingly glamourous,her elegant golden singing beautifully soaring over brazilian audiences and so on.About this cd,I would prefer a completely new one.However,this is a gorgeous compilation,just perfect to Battle beginners or her fans,especially these spirituals that belongs incontestablely to her heavenly throat.I hope much more from Miss Battle just 'cause she is a great performer,in fact nobody or nothing couldn't denies that no matter she's doing backstage.Cowardly,poisonous "kid's rewiews" show us solely how empty is this quarrel.I hope a DG reissue of her beloved,out of print Schubert recital as well.

A wide presentation of the work of an amazing artist.......2005-12-23

This CD provides a sampling of Kathleen Battle's voice and interpretive abilities from coloratura virtuousity (Voices of Spring) to the simple, heartfelt spiritual (Talk about a child).

First of all, there's THAT voice. You hear a voice that is uniquely angelic and capable of expressing a wide range of moods. You hear a voice that glitters like a diamond, skips happily and effortlessly (and in impeccable tune) from note to note like it's nobody's business, one that that reminds you of moonbeams and early morning dew on pink rose petals. You've simply got to her it to believe it.

On this CD, the listener is provided with the the works/composers for which she's well known: Handel Opera (E pur cosi / piangero la sorte mia), Mozart Opera (S'altro che lagrime), Bel Canto Opera (Ah, tardai troppo...), French Opera (Depuis le jour), spirituals, and a few popular songs for sopranos such as Gershwin's Summertime and Faure's Pie Jesu

If you're just popping the CD in, try: (1) Ah, tardai troppo, (2) Voices of Spring, (3) Talk about a child, (4) I loves you, Porgy, and (5) Pie Jesu.

I suppose if you are a fan of heavy, dramatic voices, Kathleen Battle may not be to your liking. But I suspect that if you listen to her, you still might be amazed...

A Great Coloratura Soprano .......2005-04-03

Coloratura sopranos are a dying breed today. The era of Lily Pons and Beverly Sills is long gone and opera audiences favor a more "heavy" coloratura sound- or at least a full lyric one, such as the voice types of Kiri Te Kenawa, Carol Vanness and Renee Fleming. Kathleen Battle was in many ways an artist who payed homage to the coloratura queens of olden days. Only Natalie Dessay, of late, represents that kind of singer. much This album showcases her best work, and she is in fine voice, bringing a luminous and sunny quality to her interpretations, while keeping the dramatic appeal of the text. She was at best a Handel/Mozart/Strauss/Gounod singer, and never fared well in the more dramatic reperotoire of Verdi or Puccini heroines. She never sang Madame Butterfly, which if she had gone through training, she could have nailed, especially because her dramatic aspirations coupled with her soft, vulnerable sound would have suited her as Ciao Ciao San, in the way that Ying Huang interpreted the role. Verdi opera must have frightened her and she could never dream of taking on the roles that Leontyne Price performed, surely an influence in her student days made all the more credible because Leontyne Price was a "sister" African-American. So Leonora, Aida and Suor Angelica were out of her reach. While she sang with Jessie Norman in concert and recitals (like the Spirituals Concert), she must have been secretly or overtly ? jealous of the fact that Jessye Norman had a voice that could swallow the world!! A big, beautiful voice such as Ms. Norman's is closer to the true goddesses of operas in the tradition of Maria Callas, while Battle is more of the "tiny, bright, canary" voice. She ranks among the best of the lighter sopranos- Beverly Sills, and like Sumi Jo today. Her fellow co-artists used to call her the "Singing Mosquito". But she is marvelous in singing Handel oratorio(the only times I've heard her sing live), Mozart- Sussannah, Zerlina, the Countess in Figaro, Gounod- Juliette, Bizet- Micaela, but could never truly master the more difficult Mozart heroines- Dona Ana in Don Giovanni or Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte or even Konstanza in Die Entfurung, though try she did. In Strauss operas, she made a fine Zerbinetta, though she always oozed a confidence that made it seem as if these difficult pieces were a piece of cake for her. Some arias in this collection appear that way too.

Kathleen Battle has long since disappeared from the opera world, singing off and on. Her last singing engagement was for the soundtrack to the Japanese action saga "House of Flying Daggers" in which she sings in a very Japanese/poetic style. Before that she sang in Mythodea opposite Jessie Norman in a massive choral work by Vangelis, and also in Disney's Fantasia 2000. Her constant bitchiness, diva antics and disrespect to conductors and singers became too much and finally Joseph Volpe fired her from the Met. She had stayed there for so long because James Levine took a shine to her. As a singer, she was a perfectionist and in her body of work it shows. But she displayed a nasty diva temperament that does not sit well today. In the 80's, she would come to rehearsals late, would criticize everyone from conductor to costuma makers and even once disrespected the much older and experienced Rosalind Elias, a beloved mezzo at the Met. While I think that Volpe did the right thin in firing Battle, I think that Battle's voice is glorious and would buy her albums, even if she mostly poses as if she were in Vogue cover shots.

Great compilation of Kathleen Battle's work.......2005-03-26

This is a great compilation CD of recordings made by Battle, which are currently deleted by Universal Music.
The selections are first rate and capture the artistry of Kathleen Battle perfectly, a shimmering, silvery, clean and clear voice which has captivated millions of people worldwide

Beautiful Voice.......2005-02-24

I find it hard to give anything under 5 stars for any work including Miss Battle. Her technique and mastery of the female voice is quite remarkable. I am a HUGE fan of the soprano voice and I have found no one who posses the talents, skills, and interpretations of Battle. I would like to have seen more variety in this compilation CD. Her Rosina, Zerbinetta, Semele, other such roles were obviously ignored in the making of this CD. I think anyone will be hard pressed to find any lyric/coloratura soprano who amounts to the skill level of Miss Battle. Talent is talent, and she's got plenty of it. A person's attitude has nothing to do with their abilities as a performer, and I am tired of people knocking Miss Battle because of the stigma with which she is attached. Personally, she has never done anything to me nor the number of others who criticize her for her actions which took place over a decade ago. You cannot say that this woman does not posses mad skills. She is a lovely woman who has accomplished great things. I would gladly buy any CD that carries the name "Kathleen Battle".

Average customer rating:

A Soothing And Unique Collection of Bach's Music
Wonderful, Heartfelt
Candidate for the most beautiful piece of music ever written
I'm Enjoying This, My First Real Exposure to Bach, Immensely
Bach, Battle, & Perlman at Their Finest

The Bach Album

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000001GD3
Release Date: 1992-01-16

Tracks:

Kantate BWV 197 No. 8: Vergnugen und Lust, Gedeihen und Heil
Kantate BWV 58 No. 3: Ich Bin Vergnugt In Meinem Leiden
Kantate BWV 204 No. 4: Die Schatzbarkeit Der Weiten Erden
Kanatate BWV 97 No. 4: Ich Rtaue Seiner Gnaden
Kantate BWV 115 No. 4: Bete Aber Auch Dabei
Kantate BWV 171 No. 4: Jesus Soll Mein Erstes Wort
Messe h-moll, BWV 232 No. 23: Benedictus, Qui Venit In Nomine Domini
Messe h-moll, BWV 232, No. 5: Laudamus Te
Kantate BWV 202 No. 5: Wenn Die Fruhlingslufte Streichen
Kantate BWV 36 No. 7: Auch Mit Gedampften, Schwachen Stimmen
Kantate BWV 187 No. 5: Gott Versorget Alles Leben
Kantate BWV 84 No. 3: Ich Esse Mit Freuden Mein Weniges Brot
Kantate BWV 105 No. 5: Kann Ich Nur Jesum Mir Zum Freunde Machen

Customer Reviews:

A Soothing And Unique Collection of Bach's Music.......2003-12-29

THE BACH ALBUM is a beautiful and relaxing collection of Bach arias. Most of the pieces included in the collection are not instantly recognized by the average listener (I include myself in this category) which makes the collection unique and in my opinion gives the collection more of an appeal. I often use it as background music when I am trying to complete a project or wish to create a relaxing atmosphere. Listeners expect great musicianship from both Kathleen Battle and Itzhak Perlman and both deliver exceptional performances. Both compliment each other and neither seems to be competing for attention. The Orchestra of St. Luke's, under the direction of John Nelson supports the two principal musicians well. This album is a must for Bach lovers and anyone else who appreciates the musicianship of these two extraordinary talents.

Wonderful, Heartfelt.......2003-01-14

This CD is a serious candidate for Battle's best - her voice is flawless and at its most expressive (which is saying a lot, considering how gorgeous her voice ALWAYS is), the recording quality itself is warm and intimate, and Mr. Perlman's playing forms an exquisitely tender accompaniment to Battle's singing. I find myself returning again and again to this recording - it will always hold a treasured spot in my collection. Highly recommended.

Candidate for the most beautiful piece of music ever written.......2002-08-15

I believe that track 5 of this CD, "Bete...", is a candidate for the most beautiful piece of music that Bach ever wrote, and therefore for the most beautiful piece of music ever written.

I'm Enjoying This, My First Real Exposure to Bach, Immensely.......2001-01-31

What I love about this album is that some of the selections have an air of rustic simplicity being, as they are, composed predominantly to showcase a single voice and violinist. Ms. Battle's lovely voice, though classically-trained, never overwhelms the (mostly) sacred intent of the songs on this album and her diction and attention to the text is a wonderful thing to behold. None of these songs are dazzling in the way, say, the Queen of the Night's aria (with all of those high F's) is but they are all beautifully rendered here. Itzhak Perlman's playing complements Ms. Battle and one never gets the impression that these two musicians are trying to outshine the other (regardless of what Ms. Battle's reputation may have you believing!). The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because after an hour the music seems a bit monochromatic. I'm not faulting Perlman or Battle for that, I'm sure that these songs are performed exactly as J.S. Bach wrote them. This is the kind of album one could play to unwind after a long day at the office or school. The tone of the album is a tranquil one without any peaks (or valleys) but, while this may be boring for some, I find the uniformity soothing. Again, I must take my hat off to the accomplished playing of Itzhak Perlman and singing of Kathleen Battle. (The inlay has an essay that is informative though dry, while the English translations of the lyrics are poetic and, for the most part, accurate.) Enjoy!

Bach, Battle, & Perlman at Their Finest.......2000-07-06

The magnificence of each J. S. Bach composition featured in this performance is equalled only by the incomparable mastery of coloratura by Kathleen Battle and the cello virtuoso of Itzhak Perlman. I must take exception on two points made in the review of the "music fan from Boston" when reference is made to the "prima donna antics" of Ms. Battle. First, we are reviewing the unmatched soprano skill and vocal talents of Ms. Battle, not her person. I am reminded of the first time I ever heard of Maria Callas. It was not because of her musical ability that I was first introduced to her, but in a newpapaer review that lambasted her "blatantly obnoxious, immature and reprehensible behavior, unbecoming of one of her professional stature." Yet this and other unfavorable characterizations never diminished or tarnished her reputation as a noted soprano. Secondly, the "fan from Boston" says that Ms. Battle's "German is a little suspect." Has anyone ever heard Pavoratti sing in English? A far cry from perfect execution of the language, but, again, we are reviewing the vocal artistry here, not linguistics. The reviews from both S. Africa and Autralia are absolutely correct in their assesments of this remarkable CD and are a refreshing alternative to the brain-washed opinions resulting from over-exposure to U.S. opportunistic/sensationalistic media who delight in the unprofessional and childish practice of bashing Kathleen Battle. Kathleen Battle ranks as one of greatest soprano voices ever. You only have to listen to this performance of Bach's music to confirm my assertion. Her abilities speak for themselves.

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company

Average customer rating:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening
Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing.
Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITES
Fans will be delighted!

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company
John Dowland , Manuel de Falla , Charles Gounod , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Enrique Granados , Fini Henriques , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquim Antonio Barroso Neto , Franz Xaver Richter , Anonymous , William Levi Dawson , Robert MacGimsey , Kathleen Battle , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Angels' Glory
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So Many Stars
The Best of Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart

ASIN: B000002RNM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
Ave Maria
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating:

Smooth Listening
Kathleen Battle,s "So Many Stars".
Pure Listening Pleasure
Simply Wonderful
Simply "One Star"...Kathleen

So Many Stars
Kathleen Battle
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Kathleen Battle
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Spirituals in Concert
Victor Vito

ASIN: B000002C12
Release Date: 1995-09-05

Tracks:

Hush
Cancion de Cuna
Azulao
The Little Horses
Ninghe, Ninghe
Fais Do Do
Angels Watching Over Me
Largo: From The New World: Going Home
Forest Of The Amazon: Melodia Sentimental
He's Gone Away
Del Cabello Mas Sutil
Para Ninar
So Many Stars
Interlude
Steal Away

Customer Reviews:

Smooth Listening.......2007-05-23

In a word; eclectic. Some of the most relaxing sounds to calm a restless spirit. And what an astounding ensemble of accomplished musicians. You need not understand the language of some of the selections, any one of which you'll still find enjoyable.

Kathleen Battle,s "So Many Stars"........2007-01-10

A beautiful CD, recorded by an exceptional artist with backup musicians that are the tops. A CD well worth adding to any library.

Pure Listening Pleasure.......2005-03-09

As "crossover" albums go -- although that's probably an unfortunate way to pigeon-hole it -- "So Many Stars" is one of my all-time favorites. Whether at the end of a grueling day or on a quiet Sunday morning with the New York Times crossword puzzle, the combination of Battle's clear, sparkling soprano and the Caribbean influenced beat of the jazz accompaniment are the perfect antidote to a crazy world. It's superb music to relax into (NOT to be confused with muzak), brilliantly performed by all involved. The arrangements are inspired, the vocals transcendant.

Simply Wonderful.......2004-09-10

Take a trip with Kathleen on this one! Her lush, exquisite, lightly melodic vocals accompanied by the likes of the late Grover Washington, Jr. and the beautiful piano stylings of Cyrus Chestnut are simply wonderful. This piece of work is a must have! Texture upon wonderful texture is captured within this project. If you are a classical music novice, like me, or you simply have ecclectic taste, this CD will become a treasured addition to your music library. Prepare to be delighted.

Simply "One Star"...Kathleen.......2004-07-02

This CD is so superb that I have purcased it three times having given it away to friends who have fallen in love with it at first listen. I still await seeing Miss Battle in concert performing this genre of music in addition to her more formal offerings. Her voice is like silk after listening to the shrillness of so many of todays trained Sopranos. Brava Miss Battle!

Average customer rating:

The Best Battle Album.
Ah, Kathleen!
The greatest of recital albums, part 2
The Magnificent Kathleen Battle Has Done It Again!!
The greatest of recital albums!

Kathleen Battle in Concert

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company

ASIN: B000001GNP
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

The Fairy Queen: Come All Ye Songsters
Oedipus: Music For A While
Pausanias: Sweeter Than Roses
Joshua: O Had I Jubal's Lyre
Bei der Wiege Op. 47 No. 6
Neue Liebe Op. 19a No. 4
Schlagende Herzen Op. 29 No. 2
Ich wollt' ein Strausslein binden Op. 68 No. 2
Sausle, liebe Myrte Op. 69 No. 3
Ridente la calma K. 152 (210a)
Das Veilchen K. 476
Un moto di gioia K. 579
Mandoline Op. 58 No. 1
Les Roses d'Ispahan Op. 39 No. 4
En Priere
Notre amour Op. 23 No. 2
Honor, Honor
His Name So Sweet
Witness
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand

Amazon.com

After years of being one of the foremost singers of light lyrics, Kathleen Battle, searching for challenging new musical expression, tackles the dramatic Mozart repertory. Blessed with one of our generation's prettiest soubrette voices, Battle breezes through the technical challenges of the Countess and Constanze, but sounds like a little girl trying on Mommy's shoes. She lacks the vocal variety and depth to successfully bring these pieces to life. Her renditions of the soubrette repertory, especially "Ruhe sanft," are Mozartfully graceful. In the Magic Flute excerpts she demonstrates that merely singing Mozart's written notes is enough to bring its beauty to life; practically all necessary expression is written into the musical lines. -- Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

The Best Battle Album........2007-02-10

I have most of Kathleen Battle's albums and must say this is my favorite. Her distinctive voice is crisp and sails effortlessly through the music, James Levine on the piano is fantastic and compliments her as if the two had been made for each other, the repitoire is expertly selected, and the recording is crystal clear. This is Battle in the prime of her career -- this is one of those albums you will find yourself coming back to.

Ah, Kathleen!.......2006-03-04

I have been looking to reacquire this album for forever!! It's great, and I love Kathleen's voice here.

I have to say, though, that the Amazon.com editorial review must have been written for another album, for neither 'Ruhe Sanft' nor anything from 'Die Zauberflote' is on this disc.

=^_^=

The greatest of recital albums, part 2.......2005-09-04

It's hard to simply repeat what someone else has written, but before I noticed the review above, I was going to say that this is the greatest vocal recital I've ever heard. It's a pleausre to be the second to voice that opinion.

Why is the editorial review about Mozart? Amazon nods.

The Magnificent Kathleen Battle Has Done It Again!!.......2002-03-04

Go Kathleen! I often dream of what music will sound like behind the Pearly Gates of Heaven-my dreams are no more, I have found what I've been searching for. Just push play and then be prepared for your body and soul to leave this earth behind. Believe me new and established fans-she IS that good.

From the first to the last track "La Battle" captivates and stuns her audience into a cult-like stupor. Indulge in Purcell's "Music for a While". After listening to a 30 second clip, I knew I needed this CD. She slowly and sensually lulls you with her perfected pronunciation. Her performance is like rich imported chocolate melting in your mouth. On Mendelssohn's "Neue Liebe" "La Battle" does an about face and speeds things up a bit. This tounge-twisting, finger-snapping performance is outstanding. Only a great opera Diva can handle such difficult piece of work, but as well all know, Kathleen never disappoints!

Kathleen masters Mozart's " Ridente la calma, Das Veilchen and Un moto di gioia". She paints such wonders with her voice that Monet must be rolling around in his grave. ;)
The 4 Spiritual at the end deserves only the utmost Praise. "Honor, Honor, His Name So Sweet, and Witness and He's Got the Whole World in His Hand". Check out her fantastically flawless super-HIGH notes! These songs are reason enough to get this CD.

I will forever be a Battle fan because of this recital. Thank you for making the Opera world a better place. We LOVE you Kathleen!

The greatest of recital albums!.......2002-01-16

Kathleen Battle In Concert has been a part of my classical listening experience for many, many years, and many, many repeated playings. Every time I play it, I feel real joy at hearing Kathleen Battle in the opening bars of Purcell's "Come All Ye Songsters."

Miss Battle brings a high level of musicality, an impeccable use of phrasing and some truly beatiful high notes to a wonderful mix of lighter art/love songs, and more serious, but very joyous gospel classics, as in her rendition of "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands."

It's been too many years since Kathleen Battle has recorded such a delightful recital album. If you're reading this Miss Battle, please please record another! We miss your voice greatly!!!

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