Lehár: The Merry Widow (Highlights) (Sung In English) [Import]

Track Listings

1. Overture

2. March & Duet A Highly Respectable Wife

3. Hanna's Entrance Gentlemen, No More

4. Solo I'm Off To Chez Maxim

5. Duet Proceed, One Girl Has Almond Eyes

6. Finale Ladies Choice

7. Vijla Song Let's All Now Waken Memories

8. Duet Such A Silly Soldier Boy

9. Romanza Love In My Heart Was Dying

10. Finale This Match Should Last At Least A Year

11. The Cake Walk

12. Njegus' Aria I Was Born By Cruel Fate

13. Cancan We're The Famous Maxim Playgirls

14. Duet Love Unspoken, Faith Unbroken

Tracks:

Una Voce Poco Fa - Sherrill Milnes
Dunque Io Son - Sherrill Milnes
Contro Un Cor - Sherrill Milnes
Ah, Qual Colpo Inaspetatto! - Sherrill Milnes
E Il Sol Dell'anima... Addio! Speranza Ed Anima - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Gualtier Malde... Caro Nome - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Tutte Le Feste Al Tempio... Compiuto Pur Quanto... Si, Vendetta - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
V'ho Ingannato... Lassu In Cielo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere... So Anch'io La Virtu Magica - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Pronta Io Son... Vado, Corro - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Via, Caro Sposino - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Tornami A Dir Che M'ami - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
La Morale In Tutto Questo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Tracks:

Vilia - Beverly Sills
Ah! Je Suis Seule... Dis-Moi Que Je Suis Belle - Beverly Sills
Cielo! Che Diverro?... Si, ferite... Dal Soggiorno... Ah! Che Spiegar - Beverly Sills
Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - John Alldis Choir
Un Di Felice, Eterea - John Alldis Choir
E Strano... Ah, Fors'e Lui... Follie! Follie!... Sempre Libera - John Alldis Choir
Pura Siccome Un Angelo... Ah! Dite Alla Giovine - John Alldis Choir
Che Fai? - John Alldis Choir
Addio Del Passato - John Alldis Choir
Parigi, O Cara - John Alldis Choir

Amazon.com

Beverly Sills hardly needs an introduction. She sang on the radio as a child and on the operatic stage as a teenager; her meteoric international career was launched by appearances in several virtually unknown bel canto operas at the New York City Opera. This compilation of arias and ensembles from some of her signature roles, recorded in the 1970s, with splendid partners like Nicolai Gedda, Alfredo Kraus, and Sherrill Milnes, displays her unique vocal and dramatic artistry at its peak. Her voice, effortlessly produced over an enormous range, is bright, pure, infinitely variable in color, inflection and intensity. Her intonation is impeccable even in huge leaps, and her breath is endless. The coloratura roulades are like strings of perfect, luminous pearls, clearly articulated in seamless legato. But this stunning technique (whose only flaw is a sometimes wide, wobbly vibrato) is never used for show; every note has life and expression, serving the music and the dramatic situation. Indeed, her characters are flesh-and-blood human beings, whose thoughts, emotions and interactions, from inwardness to ecstasy, from lamentation to overflowing joy, she projects with riveting concentration. Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville is a charming, mischievous minx who succumbs to delighted tenderness; Pamira's great scene from his Siege of Corinth shows clearly why her Metropolitan Opera debut in that role was a sensation. In Verdi's Rigoletto, Gilda's hopeful innocence turns into hopeless despair: she dies, palpably, on a floating, celestial pianissimo. In his La traviata, Violetta's initial cool, hesitant restraint gradually melts as she opens herself (and her voice) to Alfredo's ardor and the bliss of love. The vocal balance in their final duet is uncanny; its tremulous tenderness in the shadow of death breaks the heart, as does her duet with Germont. Massenet's Thais is sensuous; Donizetti's Don Pasquale and Lehár's The Merry Widow provide comic relief. --Edith Eisler

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Here's what the fuss was all about!.......2007-07-17

It would have been even better if they had included at least one Cleopatra aria and something from Baby Doe, but it doesn't really matter, because this collection will allow younger listeners especially to hear what the fuss was all about! There are moments listening to Sills, especially from Traviata or Manon, that are so beautifully sung and so genuine that they are heartbreaking. I feel so fortunate to have heard her Queen of the Night, Manon, Violetta, and Baby Doe. She was so generous as a performer and as a humanitarian, and she really brought opera into the American mainstream.

Beverly Sills - The Best.......2007-04-01

What a voice. No coloratura can compare, and she makes it seem so easy.

Beverly Sills' highs are breathtaking!.......2006-09-18

Adio del Passato is incredible! Beverly's high, floating coloratura is no less than ethereal which takes you to another world. Her voice has given me so much joy that it is hard to say one recording is better than another because I love her Mozart album equally with her Bellini/Donizetti. It is so wonderful to have these recordings captured on CD! Enjoy!

THE 2005 OPERA CD OF THE YEAR.......2006-08-19

THIS CD WAS THE BEST OPERA CD ISSUED LAST YEAR, AND HAS CAUGHT THE WORLD'S EAR IN NO TIME. I WAS BUSY WRITING IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL, WHILE THE STATEOWNED FM RADIOSTATION, DEDICATED TO CULTURE, WAS SOFTLY PLAYING OPERA ARIAS IN THE BACKGROUND. SUDDENLY I HEARD THE MOST FANTASTIC RENDERING OF "SEMPRE LIBERA" FROM "LA TRAVIATA". I GOT UP, SAT BY THE RADIO AND WAITED TO KNOW WHO WAS SINGING... THEN GOT BACK TO THE COMPUTER TO ORDER THIS CD FROM AMAZON! INCREDIBLE: ONLY 17 BUCKS FOR THIS, WHILE QUITE A BIT OF TRASH IS SOLD FOR 30.40 AND MORE...
A LADY FRIEND ONCE TOLD ME SHE COULD NOT LISTEN TO THE DUET IN "MADAMA BUTTERFLY" WITH MIRELLA FRENI AND LUCIANO PAVAROTTI (RECORDED IN 1974, BY VON KARAJAN) WITHOUT CRYING. WELL, YOU CANNOT LISTEN TO SILLS IN "LA TRAVIATA" DRY-EYED, NO MATTER WHO THE TENOR IS. SHE PROJECTS THE SAME DRAMATIC FEELING OF "LA DIVINA" CALLAS WITHOUT THOSE SHRIEKED HIGHNOTES; SHE OFFERS THE SAME COLORATURA VOCAL GYMNASTICS AS "LA STUPENDA" SUTHERLAND BUT WITH WARMTH... WHEN BEVERLY SANG, AS IN EVERYTHING ELSE SHE DID, SHE ALWAYS GAVE HER UTMOST. SHE WAS "LA GENEROSA" TO BE SURE.
DON'T JUST SIT THERE READING WHAT OTHERS THINK.
ORDER THIS CD NOW AND MARVEL AT HOW THIS GREAT AMERICAN LADY, IN SO MANY OTHER WAYS, ALSO COULD SING!

EMI Does It Again: Beverly Sills - A Tribute.......2005-07-22

EMI's "Very Best Of" series are perfect introductions to operatic singers of the 20th century. Once you hear these artist tribute albums (much like The Singers series) you will get hooked on the singer and seek out their full-length studio recordings. Beverly Sills was the first truly famous American opera star. One may argue that she was not, that she was merely a continued tradition of American divas such as Mary Garden and Lily Pons and which still continues today with Renee Fleming, Elizabeth Futral and Susan Graham. Beverly was raised in New York City, which is still her home, and which is the home of the New York City Opera and the Met, opera houses which rocketed her to fame. Her first success (not featured in this recording...UH WHY ?) was Cleopatra of Handel's Julius Caesar, a performance she sang opposite the illustrious baritone Norman Treigle. Those performances were legendary because coincidentally at the same time the Met was opening its new theatre and season with what became a disastrous Samuel Barber's Antony and Cleopatra starring Leontyne Price in an overblown, big-budget, epic fiasco. The great roles that followed the 1965 Cleopatra were Manon, Queen Elizabeth I in Roberto Deveraux, Maria Stuarda and Anna Bolena in the Donizetti Tudor Queen operas, Pamira in The Siege of Corinth (which were Sill's La Scala and belated Met debut. None of the Queens are featured in this recording, though its supposedly the Very Best Of. An aria from Rossini's Siege of Corinth is featured here however. What we are treated to however are fine lyric roles- Beverly Sills shone brightly and acted convincingly as Gilda in Rigoletto (the final scene is featured here) as Violetta in La Traviata, Thais, The Merry Widow (the beautiful Vilja is featured here)and the ingenue role of Norina in Don Pasquale is also showcased here. To each of these roles, Beverly Sills delivered an authenticity and dramatic interpretation, not ot mention beautiful, sweet tone. I love her pianissimos, her high notes, her chest register. It was the voice of Beverly Sills who first hooked me into opera. For a recording that should showcase her best work, Manon is not featured nor any of her prized French heroines- Marie in The Daughter of the Regiment and the heroines in Tales of Hoffman. Also not in here is the role that was her first success- the Broadway opera Ballad of Baby Doe. Even as such, the arias here are gorgeous. The Barber of Seville is in here and as Rosina she is playful and charming. Sills was a modern singer, with a voice that was beautiful but willing to sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic content. When Sills was once asked what she thought of the supposed rivalry with Joan Sutherland (which was never real and only gossip from partisan fans) Beverly said something to this effect -Joan and I are apples and oranges in our take on opera, we are Picasso and Monet. She would do anything for the effect of beauty and tone, I'd sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic text. Even as such, I see no ugliness to any of the roles here. All of them are beautiful to hear, full of rich floating celestial tones. It would have been nice to hear the roles that did call for Sills to step up the tense drama - Norma, will her recording ever be reissued by EMI ? Also, few people know that Beverly Sills sung role most would consider dangerous for her voice (though she sang them long before her career even took off)- Aida and Carmen!!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful waltzes conducted by a master of the genre.

Lehár: Waltzes

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1
Waldteufel: Famous Waltzes
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2
Viennese Violin: The Romantic Music of Lehár, Kreisler & Strauss

ASIN: B00005NPJC
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Gold And Silver, Op.79
Ballsirenen (On Themes from 'The Merry Widow')
Where The Lark Sings
Giuditta
Luxembourg (On Themes from 'The Count Of Luxembourg')
Gypsy Love
Eva

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful waltzes conducted by a master of the genre........2003-08-31

Franz Lehar is most famous for his operetta "The Merry Widow," but he wrote several other tuneful operettas -- including "The Count of Luxembourg" -- as well as many delightful waltzes, the most famous of which is the great "Gold and Silver Waltz." This CD presents the "Gold and Silver Waltz," plus a collage of tunes from "The Merry Widow" and another from "The Count of Luxembourg," and other waltzes. The performances are by the Johann Strauss Orchestra conducted by the great waltz conductor Willy Boskovsky. If you love fine waltzes or simply are one of the few people who still appreciate the great music of the Romantic era, please get this delightful bargain CD while it's still available. Unfortunately, EMI CDs are often withdrawn shortly after their release. Please don't let this one get away from you.

Average customer rating:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording
RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006)
SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
¡PERFECT!
PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN

The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann
Strauss: Four Last Songs/12 Orchestral Songs
Schubert: 24 Lieder
Mozart: Opera Arias
Mozart: Lieder & Concert Arias

ASIN: B0000AF1SC
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Ach War Ich Schon (Fidelio)
Non So Piu (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Porgi, Amor (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata (Don Giovanni)
Come Scoglio (Cosi Fan Tutti)
Leise, Leise, Fromme Weise (Der Freischutz)
Dich, Teure Halle (Tannhauser)
Einsam In Truben Tagen (Lohengrin)
Wie Fremd Und Tot (Die Verkaufte Braut)
Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir (Hansel Und Gretel)
Da Geht Er Hin (Der Rosenkavalier)
Es Gibt Ein Reich (Ariadne Auf Naxos) - Richard Strauss
Das War Sehr Gut (Arabella)

Tracks:

Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
Bist Du Bei Mir
Ridente La Calma
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Nachtviolen
Der Musensohn
Auch Kleine Dinge
Mein Liebster Ist So Klein
Verschling' Der Abgrund
Ich Hab' In Penna
Wiegenlied Im Sommer
Mausfallenspruchlein
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken
Mignon (Kennst Du Das Land?)
Gsatzli (Swiss Folksong)
Fruhling
Im Abendrot
Muttertandelei
Zueignung
Klange Der Heimat (Die Fledermaus)
Es Lebt'Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
Im Chambre Separee (Der Opemball)
Wien, Du Stadt Meiner Traume

Amazon.com

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte; Richard Strauss' Ariadne, Rosenkavalier, and Arabella, which rise to real ecstasy; and arias from Weber's Freischütz and Smetana's Bartered Bride, which are wonderfully intimate and touching. She is less convincing in roles she never sang on stage, and the "childish" voice she cultivated especially for Hänsel and Gretel is unnatural and contrived. The same is true of the last two "popular" numbers, which sound condescending and artificial. The songs, however, have all her customary finesse and inwardness; the Wolf group, perhaps chosen for its gentle humor, is charming, while Strauss' "Four Last Songs" (represented by two) shimmer and soar. Schwarzkopf's singing had instantly recognizable characteristics: a tendency to hold back both vocally and emotionally, giving a sense of noble restraint, but also of cool detachment; excessive use of color and nuance, creating a fussy, calculated and somewhat artificial air. Only rarely does she "let go" with full voice and spontaneous feeling. However, as these recordings show, she invariably inspires admiration and captures ear and heart through the inimitable, glorious beauty of her voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording.......2006-11-06

The engineering and audio quality of these 1960's performances are surprisingly good. The songs are wonderfully peformed and cover a range of periods and styles, but I find myself returning to her recording (also re-released on CD) of Strauss' "Four Last Songs", which I would give 6 stars -- my favorite recording of all time.

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006).......2006-08-04

This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician. I was saddened to read about her passing. She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.......2006-01-29

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of. She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas. Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation. She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe', and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel; her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary. She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's. Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from. But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it. A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She's a vocal icon.

¡PERFECT!.......2005-02-10

I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art.

PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN.......2005-02-09

La mejor recopilación de la discografía de Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Su belleza de voz, la impecable hilación de frases, y, sobre todo, su expresiva interpretación son algunas de las sorpresas que se podrán escuchar en estos dos discos. Sin duda, UNA DE LAS MEJORES SOPRANOS DEL SIGLO XX.

Lehár - The Merry Widow / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Steffek, Gedda, Knapp, von Matacic

Average customer rating:

Excellent quality, but lots of talking!
IT'S "ABRIDGED', BUT WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!
Champagne all around--a great recording
ALERT !!!
37 years with this recording

Lehár - The Merry Widow / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Steffek, Gedda, Knapp, von Matacic
Franz Lehár , Lovro von Matacic , Elisabeth Schwarzkopf , Eberhard Wächter , Philharmonia Chorus & Orchestra , Nicolai Gedda , Hanny Steffek , Peter Knapp , and Doreen Murray
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

J. Strauss: Die Fledermaus / Schwarzkopf, Gedda, Streich, Krebs, Kunz, Christ; Karajan
Richard Strauss - Capriccio / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Gedda, Fischer-Dieskau, Hotter, Ludwig, Moffo, Philharmonia Orchestra, Sawallisch
Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann
Great Recordings Of The Century - Humperdinck: Hansel Und Gretel / Karajan, Schwarzkopf, Grummer, Metternich, et al
R. Strauss - Ariadne auf Naxos / Schwarzkopf · Seefried · Streich · Schock · Prey · PO · Karajan

ASIN: B00004VVZF
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

Act One, No.1: Intro/Verehrteste Damen Und Herren - Philharmonia Orch/Lovro Von Matacic/Kurt Equiluz/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid/Josef Knapp
Act One, No.1. Dialog: Danke, Danke, Meine Herrschaften - Josef Knapp/Hans Strohbauer/Kurt Equiluz/Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda
Act One, No.2: So Kommen Sie! 'S Ist Niemand Hier! - Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda
Act One, No.2: Ich Bin Eine Anstand'ge Frau - Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda
Act One, No.2. Dialog: Nun, Njegus, Waren Sie Beim Grafen Danilo? - Josef Knapp/Franz Boheim/Kurt Equiluz/Hans Strohbauer
Act One, No.3. Dialog: Frau Glawari Darf Keinen Pariser Heiraten/Bitte, Meine Herrn - Josef Knapp/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Kurt Equiluz/Hans Strohbauer/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid
Act One, No.3. Dialog: Gnadige Frau, Ich Rechne Es Mir Zur Hohen Ehre An - Josef Knapp/Nicolai Gedda/Hanny Steffek/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Hans Strohbauer/Kurt Equiluz...
Act One, No.3. Dialog: Also Bitte, Njegus, Ich Bin Hier/O Vaterland, Du Machst Bei Tag...Da Geh'... - Eberhard Wachter
Act One, No.4. Dialog: Njegus, Geliebter, Ich Bin Hier - Eberhard Wachter/Franz Boheim
Act One, No.4. Dialog: Bitte Noch, Bitte Noch - Hans Strohbauer/Kurt Equiluz/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter
Act One, No.4. Dialog: Na Endlich, Graf Danilo, Sind Sie Da!/No.6. Dialog: Weil - Weil - Mein... - Josef Knapp/Eberhard Wachter/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid
Act One, No.6: Damenwahl! Hort Man Rufen Rings Im Saal! - Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter/Kurt Equiluz...
Act One, No.6: Hilfe Kommt Zur Rechten Zeit! O Kommet Doch, O Kommt, Ihr Ballsirenen - Eberhard Wachter/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid
Act One, No.6: O Vaterland, Du Machst Bei Tag...Der Junge Mann Tanzt Polka - Eberhard Wachter/Kurt Equiluz/Hans Strohbauer/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Hanny Steffek...
Act One, No.6: Pardon, Madame, Zuviel Reklam'! - Nicolai Gedda/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter/Hanny Steffek/Hans Strohbauer...
Act One, No.6: Der Letzte Ging, Sie Sind Befreit - Eberhard Wachter/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Tracks:

Act Two, No.7: Intro/Ich Bitte, Hier Jetzt Zu Verweilen - Philharmonia Orch/Lovro Von Matacic/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Act Two, No.7: Tanz: Mi Velimo Dase Dase Veslimo! - Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid
Act Two, No.7: Nun Lasst Uns Aber Wie Daheim...Es Lebt' Eine Vilja (Vilja-Lied)/Tanz: Mi Velimo... - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid
Act Two, No.7. Dialog: Was Sagen Sie, Njegus - Josef Knapp/Franz Boheim/Eberhard Wachter
Act Two, No.8. Dialog: Graf Danilo, Ich Wundere Mich/Heia, Madel, Aufgeschaut...Dummer, Dummer... - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter
Act Two, No.9. Dialog: Herr Von Cascada, Verzichten Sie Auf Die Witwe! Wie Die Weiber...Ja, Das... - Hans Strohbauer/Kurt Equiluz/Eberhard Wachter/Josef Knapp
Act Two, No.10. Dialog: Mein Tapferer Reitersmann/Tanz (Kolo) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter
Act Two, No.10. Dialog: Sehen Sie, Da Wurde Ich Jetzt Zu Meinem Manne Sagen/Tanzduett (Walzer) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter
Act Two, No.11. Dialog: Nein, Nein, Nein, Nein/Mein Freund, Vernunft! - Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda
Act Two, No.11: Wie Eine Rosenknospe - Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda
Act Two, No.11: Sieh Dort Den Kleinen Pavillon - Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda
Act Two, No.11. Dialog: Die Baronin Und Herr Rosillon - Franz Boheim/Josef Knapp/Eberhard Wachter
Act Two, No.12: Ha! Ha! - Eberhard Wachter/Josef Knapp/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Hanny Steffek/Nicolai Gedda/Franz Boheim
Act Two, No.12: Wie Eine Rosenknospe - Nicolai Gedda/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Hanny Steffek/Eberhard Wachter/Josef Knapp
Act Two, No.12. Dialog: Nun Wissen Sie, Meine Herrschaften/Den Herrschaften Hab' Ich Was Zu... - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid/Nicolai Gedda/Hanny Steffek...
Act Two, No.12. Dialog: Meine Herrschaften/Ein Flotter Ehestand Soll's Sein...In Mir Tobt Es, In... - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Nicolai Gedda/Josef Knapp/Hanny Steffek/Philharmonia Chor/Reinhold Schmid...
Act Two, No.12: Es Waren Zwei Konigskinder - Eberhard Wachter/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Nicolai Gedda/Josef Knapp/Philharmonia Chor...
Zwischenspiel - Philharmonia Chor/Lovro Von Matacic
Act Three. Dialog: Njegus, Was Ist Das Fur Eine Musik? - Josef Knapp/Franz Boheim
Act Three, No.14: Ja, Wir Sind Es, Die Grisetten - Hanny Steffek/Eilidh McNab/Doreen Murray/Christine Parker/Rosemary Phillips/Noreen Willett...
Act Three, No.14. Dialog: Graf Danilo - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Eberhard Wachter
Act Three, No.15: Lippen Schweigen - Eberhard Wachter/Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Act Three, No.15. Dialog: Oh, Ich Furchte, Wir Storen! - Josef Knapp/Eberhard Wachter/Hanny Steffek/Franz Boheim
Act Three, No.16: Ja, Das Studium Der Weiber Ist Schwer - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Josef Knapp/Eberhard Wachter/Nicolai Gedda/Hanny Steffek/Hans Strohbauer...

Customer Reviews:

Excellent quality, but lots of talking!.......2007-06-09

I actually bought this for my mom, who has the original recording on an LP. She said that this recording seems to have more talking than the original, and thus the magic and tempo of the original is compromised. It could be that she never heard the entire operetta since she is strictly an opera buff, but that said, she understands musicality and she didn't feel this particular CD captured the original integrity (even if this is one is actually more complete!).

IT'S "ABRIDGED', BUT WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!.......2006-08-04

I've heard more recordings of "The Merry Widow" than I can count, and many of them are enjoyable. None, however, has the infectious charm and elegance of this 1962 EMI version. True, the performance could probably have been accommodated on a single CD (with very few seconds to spare!), and yes, there are some cuts, but what is presented here constitutes something so special, so illuminating, and so magical that it hardly matters. Von Matacic shapes this cream puff of an operetta with even more verve that Otto Ackermann did on the previous 1953 EMI recording (also with Schwarzkopf), and one can almost "feel" the fizz of the champagne throughout the entire performance. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was born to sing the title role, and in my humble opinion, no other soprano comes within miles of what she accomplishes here. Her idiomatic dialogue, her vocal shadings, and her musical instincts are balm to the ear. She easily surpasses her previous monophonic EMI performance of nine years earlier (and that was a great one!). Nicolai Gedda also surpasses his earlier work on that legendary 1953 recording, offering singing of very great lyricism and beauty. Eberhart Wachter was a very fine baritone, and made some wonderful recordings. His singing here, however, seems to me to be a little gruff, a little crude, and peppered with too much "speak singing", especially when heard in close proximity to Schwarzkopf and Gedda. Still, this was/is one of the greatest recordings EMI ever made, (truly a worthy entry to the "Great Recordings of the Century" series), and it showcases the artistry of Schwarzkopf magnificently. This would definitely be one of my "desert-island" recordings.
With the announcement this morning that Elisabeth Schwarzkopf passed away, this recording becomes even more legendary. It's a beautiful memorial to one of the greatest sopranos of the last century.

Champagne all around--a great recording.......2005-09-24

This classic recording doesn't need any more accolades, but I wanted to say how much joy it has brought me over the years. I have bought several modern Widows, too, but thrown them all away. This gem will be remembered as long as the work itself, and it's all the more amazing since Schwarzkopf never performed in a staged operetta of any kind.

P.S. - I came late to Schwarzkopf's mono Merry Widow under Otto Ackermann, from the early Fifties, which finds her in even more ecstatic voice. Many listeners may prefer Erich Kunz, whose Danilo is mellower and less fiercely temperamental than that of Wachter in the later set. No one should miss either recording, given the shortfall of joy these days.

ALERT !!!.......2005-07-06

After owning this CD for more than a decade, the goose bumps it instills have not diminished. Simply, this is one of the greatest operetta recordings of all time and should definitely not be missed.

Concerning it's limited minutes, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps those with a burgeoning interest in opera would look to this "short" recording as a introduction to the art form. My personal belief is that this recording is THE PERFECT recording to provide an introduction to opera. And, as those in the opera world know, we need more NEW fans for opera's future.

Although there is an enormous depth of beauty in Wager's Ring music to be heard, for example, one needs a proper introduction to opera in order to "hear" it. In music schools around the world, students are required to have many, many ear training courses before graduation. The simplicity in this recording of Die Lustige Witwe provides just the right amount of "ear training" for someone wanting to learn opera from the beginning.

This is not to suggest, however, that this recording IS simplex. It compares very nicely to Mozart. His music seems simple too ... yet those who know Mozart's music very well (and I refer to pianists Horowitz and Schnabel, among others) there is a sublime beauty that reveals itself upon years of study. This beauty is evident after years of listening to this recording. Hence, I still get goose bumps.

On a different note, every time I listen to Elisabeth Scwarzkopf on this CD there's a certain sadness that strikes me. Her vocal abilities coupled with her operatic personality are unmatched in today's opera world and they come through so clearly on this CD. True, the sound here isn't always perfect and it's sometimes too loud, but why be so picky. There is so much charm in her art form on this CD that it's simply amazing - and wonderful.

Lastly, Hanny Steffek and Nicolai Gedda (one of the most tender of tenors ever) share a chemistry that leaps off the CD.

Summary: Pure enjoyment - this MUST be purchased.

37 years with this recording.......2005-04-18

Ater 37 years of listening to this recording, in one or another of its forms, my delight is is undiminished. Steffek singing of the pavillon is incomparable. Gedda and Schwartkopf still give great pleasure, and von Karajan and Legge merit gratitude. Please consider acquiring his CD

Average customer rating:

Ever-reigning Queen of Sopranos
Lucia Popp
Lucy: The Reigning Queen of Opera

The Very Best of Lucia Popp

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
Lucia Popp: Opera Arias
Very Best of
Very Best of
Opera Arias

ASIN: B0000AHEAY
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Song To The Moon
Should I Ever Learn
How Confused I Feel
Solveig's Song
Solveig's Cradle Song
Amor Volat Undique
Stetit Puella
In Trutina
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Symphony No. 4 In G
Tatiana's Letter Scene

Tracks:

Un Cenno Leggiadretto
Ho Perduto Il Caro Sposo
O Had I Jubel's Lyre
Laudate Dominum
Welche Wonne, Welche Lust
Porgi, Amor
Voi Che Sapete
Giunse Alfin Il Momento...Deh Vieni, Non Tardar
Crudele?...Non Mi Dir
Come Scoglio
Una Donna A Quindici Anni
Der Holle Rache
Ach, Ich Fuhl's
Crucifixus
Die Forelle
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
An Sylvia
Zueignung
Es Lebt' Eine Vilja
Klange Der Heimat

Customer Reviews:

Ever-reigning Queen of Sopranos.......2007-05-28

Listening through these two discs, one thought kept leaping up to mind: will ever there be another soprano as versatile and accomplished as Lucia Popp? Died in 1994 at the early age of 54, the operatic world hadn't really mourned her enough.
People are still lingering on Maria Callas, the 'star' soprano with all her glamour and legendary life could offer.
Real listeners, however, could not give up the memory of Lucia Popp's terrific artistry and almost supernatural voice.
Her Rusalka, her Solveig, her Susanna, Zerlina, Despina in the da Ponte/Mozart trio, her terrific Queen of the Night (unsurpassed by ANY subsequent sopranos up till now), and ALSO her Pamina in the same opera. In any language you ask her to sing, and she excelled. I marvel at the Letter Scene in Eugene Onegin - only if Lucia had the chance to perform the whole opera during her short life! The joy, the expectation, the emotional tribulations, so vividly captured in girlish and pure timbre. No one will ever beat her; not even Fleming and Netrebko.
"Weird and wonderful" - that's what Elisabeth Schwarzkopf said of Lucia Popp's singing. We today would modify it to 'wonderful and unsurpassable'.
This 2-CD set is an absolute must have, even if you have never heard of Lucia Popp before.

Lucia Popp.......2006-01-12

This is a wonderful album showcasing the very best of Lucia Popp (as the title suggests). Her voice was absolutely beautiful. She could sing the slavic languages like no one else. Her version of Dvorak's Song to the Moon is unbeatable. I dare anyone to find a better performance! Also, the song from Die Zauberflute -Ah Ich fuls (sp?) is outstanding. I've yet to hear a better version. Her diction was fantastic and while she wasn't the highest soprano around - she knew what worked for her voice. This is album is a keeper!

Lucy: The Reigning Queen of Opera.......2004-07-12

Lucia Popp is one of the best sopranos to ever grace the operatic/classical voice stage. This CD compilation shows her progression through lyric Handel to lyric and dramatic Mozart (her Der Holle Rache from Magic Flute is unrivaled) to tender art song and operetta literature. The first disc also showcases her adeptness with 20th Century literature as well as the ability to step out of the traditional four languages of opera. Any avid music fan MUST have this CD compilation.

Average customer rating:

A great singer for a great price!!!
Martinez sounds beautiful on disc too!
Reminds me of Leontyne Price
Brava!!!
Martinez: Soprano Arias

Martinez: Soprano Songs and Arias

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Leoncavallo: Pagliacci
Elina Garanca ~ Mozart Opera & Concert Arias
Spanish Night - Domingo
Opera Recital [Includes Bonus DVD]
Rolando Villazon: Opera Recital

ASIN: B000BK53G0
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Les Filles De Cadix
Je Veux Vivre
O Mio Babbino Caro
Vilja-Lied
De Espana Vengo
Violetas Imperiales
Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
Bailero
Un Bel Di Vedremo
Aria (Cantilena)
Danca (Martelo)

Amazon.com

Ana Maria Martinez is a young Puerto Rican soprano with a natural Mediterranean warmth to her tone and an easy upper extension that is suitably bright but does not lose the color and texture of the rest of her voice. Hers is a true lyric which will probably grow darker soon; at the moment, vocally, there's little she has trouble with. Her high pianissimi are lovely, her agility is tested and true in Juliette's Waltz, her sense of rhythm impeccable, as exhibited in both "Les filled de Cadix" and an aria from the Zarzuela "El Nino Judio." Her version of Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras no. 5 is lovely, including the difficult hummed part at the end of the Aria. She lacks both the heft and interpretive subtlety--or interest--for "Un bel di" and Doretta's Dream and lacks charm in "O mio babbino caro," but her "Vilja-Lied" is ravishingly sung. As soon as she begins to delve a bit into the characters she's portraying, she'll be quite something; now, however, Martinez is already a fine singer, with a beautiful voice, and should be heard. Stephen Mercurio is the sympathetic conductor. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A great singer for a great price!!!.......2007-07-01

In this quality CD, Ana María Martínez demonstrates a palettes of colors that clearly shows her mastery over the voice. Her ability to sing such diverse repertoire and keep an artistic consistency throughout the recording is to be expected of her.
Been myself a double bassist, I didn't quite appreciate the repertoire selections for this recording, although I loved the standards. Otherwise, I have played in the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra while accompanying Ana María, and I have always been astonished by her exquisite musical taste and how it shows through her voice. A great buy!!!

Martinez sounds beautiful on disc too!.......2007-04-10

In 2000, I became a fan of Anna Maria Martinez's voice when I appeared with her in a production of L'elisir d'Amor at Houston Grand Opera. Her beautiful tone , passionate acting and amazingly consistant technique made a memorable impression on me.
It is a pleasure to be able to hear her on my stereo and to play for my singing students, a lovely example of a gifted young soprano.
The next year (2001) she returned to sing a role in Catan's "Florencia en el Amazones" and her voice was even richer and more resonant.
I am not aware of any more recent solo recordings so get this one, and I hope that Naxos will bring her back to make another CD, more reflective of how she sings today.

Reminds me of Leontyne Price.......2006-08-04

A beautiful instrument. The voice has such clarity! The Aria choices superb! I cannot bestow enough accolades!

Brava!!!.......2006-02-21

This CD shows to the world what I have known for years.
Ana Maria Martinez in indeed one of the best sopranos alive today. I bought 25 copies of this CD for friends and family and they are all gone. Everyone loves it.
I have the priviledge of knowing Ana Maria for years and through her I met Steve Mercurio on one of Andre Bocelli's concerts( Ana was singing with Bocelli and Steve was conducting). What wonderful people they are. To both of them....Well done!!! Bravi!!!
Athos Colon, MD
Lubbock, Texas

Martinez: Soprano Arias.......2006-01-30

The quality of de cd is superb and so is Ana María Marinez.

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow "

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights)
Offenbach: La Belle Hélène; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights)
Music of Sigmund Romberg
Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld / Burgess, Watson, etc (Highlights)
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3

ASIN: B00009KHY2
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Customer Reviews:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow ".......2006-09-12

This is the "Merry Widow" with English translation by Christopher Hassel sung by June Bronhill. I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it in about 1960. What's to love? First the translation is the best I've heard. The language doesn't sound "stilted" as some others. And, you can understand almost every word sung. Plus, the famous song, "Vilja" has some wording that moves me every time I hear it: The soprano sings, "Love me and I'll DIE for you!" with the word "die" somewhat emphasized. I don't know, there's just something "powerful" about someone saying they'd "die" for love! AND, at the end of "Vilja" the chorus and soprano raise to a crescendo hitting a high note together. In many renditions the chorus is heard but not the soprano on the final high note. In THIS version, the soprano, June Bronhill, can be heard rising to the final high note with an incressing crescendo and fortissimo louder than the chorus and holding the final high note---which gives a very thrilling effect as she holds that final note, I assure you!

The "problem" is that this June Bronhill, Reid, and Hassel version is hard to find on CD. For example, this CD is made in Holland and "there is one left" so it says on Amazon. But, if you can find it, I think it would be very much worth a listen. Then, after hearing it, if you think there's a "better" Merry Widow, please let ME know! Thanks. Email:boland7214@aol.

Average customer rating:

VIENNAFEST A FEAST FOR THE EARS!

Viennafest

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lehár: Waltzes
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1
Ein Straussfest II

ASIN: B00004ZDQ8
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Radetzky March
The Gypsy Baron
Jager Polka
Fruhlingsstimmen Walzer
Nachtigall Polka
Studenten Polka
Gold And Silver Waltzes
Im Sturmschritt, Polka Schnell
Mit Dampf, Polka Schnell
The Merry Widow
Countess Mariza
Hofball-Tanze Walzer
Walzertraume
Zwei Herzen Im Dreivierteltakt
Die Fledermaus
Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein

Customer Reviews:

VIENNAFEST A FEAST FOR THE EARS!.......2000-11-07

Erich Kunzel is the baton and the heart of the Cincinnati Pops. I am fortunate enough to live in the Cincinnati area and have seen and heard the Pops in person. It is an awesome experience. However, if you cannot get to Cincinnati or to one of his on-tour performances, the Telarc CDs are as close to live as you can get! Viennafest is no exception. The care that is so evident on every Cincinnati Pops release is meticulous. The waltzes and marches are melodious and true to the theme of the CD. I eagerly await the release of each Erich Kunzel CD--BRAVO!

Average customer rating:

Review of CD:"The Merry Widow"
witty, wonderful "Widow"
A Merry Widwo with everything but laughter, smiles, and style
Sparkling, Brilliant Production
A Viennese Merry Widow without Viennese tradition

The Merry Widow

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Bonney, Barbara | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lehár: The Merry Widow (Highlights) (Sung In English)
Lehár: Waltzes
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1
Lehar - Merry Widow / Kenny, Skovhus, Kirchschlager, Turay, Kunzel, San Francisco Opera
Lehár - The Merry Widow / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Steffek, Gedda, Knapp, von Matacic

ASIN: B000001GMA
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

The Merry Widow - Act 1: Introduction
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Ball Music And Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Duet
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Entrance Song & Ensemble
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Ball Music
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Entrance Song
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Duet
The Merry Widow - Act 1: Dialogue And Finale 1
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Introduction
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Duet
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Dialogue & Septet
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Dialogue & Duet
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Dialogue & Duet
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 2: Finale 2
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Intermezzo
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Dans scene
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Dialogue & Chanson
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Duet
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Dialogue
The Merry Widow - Act 3: Finale

Customer Reviews:

Review of CD:"The Merry Widow".......2007-01-10

My favorite operetta performed brilliantly: Superb voices! It just about has a permanent place in my car's CD player. I loaned it to a friend. The booklet containing the dialoge has been misplaced. Is a relacement possible? Your loyal account, Jack Findlan

witty, wonderful "Widow".......2006-10-21

THE MERRY WIDOW happily returns to it's Viennese origins with this lovely recording. Although most prefer the English-translated version of the score, I do love the original Franz Lehar "pure version".

The cast is very good, with Cheryl Studer a vocally-capable Hanna; and Boje Skovhus makes the one-dimensional Count Danilo spring to life with a cheeky perfomance. Barbara Bonney and Rainer Trost come across very well too (with the subplot of Valencienne and her erstwhile lover Camille). The musical direction of John Eliot Gardner and the Wiener Philharmonic is sensational.

This studio recording presents the score complete with copious amounts of dialogue, so it's almost like attending a stage performance. Included is a large booklet containing the libretto, singer biographies, and a history of the show and it's composer.

[Deutsche Grammophon 439 911-2]

A Merry Widwo with everything but laughter, smiles, and style.......2005-09-24

This is very competitive if all you care about is the Vienna Phil. Despite Gardiner's unstylish conducting, they sound marvelous. And for pure voice, the leads sung by Studer and Skovhus are excellent, too. But throwing together an English conductor, an American soprano-of-all-trades, and a Swedish baaritone doesn't exactly make things very gemutlich. This is a proficient, unsmiling Widow that I don't want to meet again.

Sparkling, Brilliant Production.......2005-09-18

First a disclaimer: I am a teenage music student and not a "qualified," per se, music critic. I think, though, that I fairly represent many lay opera fans in my opinions, so I hope my review will be worthwhile.

The only recording I have compared this to is the Schwarzkopf recording & the video with Joan Sutherland. I prefer this to both because, although I am aware that the Schwarzkopf version is acclaimed, I found the comic aspect of it overdone...it seemed they focused more on that than the beauty of the voices. John Eliot Gardener's productions (at least, the many I have heard) always seem to be compiled of the most gorgeous voices of the century. The Sutherland performance was good, but I thought that the lack of the charm of the original German made it sparkle less. So onto the pros and cons of this recording.

Bryn Terfel as Zita! Usually the Gilbertian, patter-baritone comic man gets this role; now we have it with someone who can actually sing! I never realized how beautiful his first solo is...Terfel can make any tune attractive. His acting is admittedly, a little over-the-top, but isn't that expected in an operetta?

Barbara Bonney as Valancienne! Bonney is not suited for every role, but she is flawless in this one. Her pristine, light voice brings out all the flirtasiousness of her character, and she plays off a lovely Camille.

Cheryl Studer...I have utmost respect for this great singer, but, let's face it, she can be annoying as Hanna. Her vocal acting seems to consist mainly (in this role) of reaching high notes and getting quieter, almost whiney, on them. It makes me want Joan Sutherland to get back on the scene. She's not bad, and the voice itself is lovely, but she can get monotinous in the comical aspects.

Bo Skovhus...a good, in-character Danilo...I was never really a big Danilo fan, so I'm no real crtitic. His aria ("Lolo, Dodo, Jou-jou, Clou-clou, Margot, Frou-Frou") was entertaining if not brilliant.

Aside from the cast - and they are all good, though Valancienne, Camille, and Zita will likely be most memorable - I adore Gardener's conducting. The tempos, to my unqualified ear, are never too fast or two slow, and the orchestra and chorus are clear and clean. The chorus number before "Viljia" is just chilling in its loveliness.

Personally, I wouldn't own any other recording! Highly recomended.

A Viennese Merry Widow without Viennese tradition.......2000-10-01

I have heard this and a comtemporary production by the Vienna Volksoper (same season). While I think the Staatsoper is the greatest opera house in the world, they have abandonned the tradition of operetta style, so wonderfully present in the Volksoper production. This is a performance that is well nigh perfect with a totally miscast Skovhus, possibly the greatest Don Giovanni of our time, but at a loss of what to do with the music of Danilo. While the orchestral style is there it is not because of the conductor. Tempos are too fast, too strict, and inflection is typical of British recordings of this wonderful opera/operetta. Remember Lehar is credited as the inventor of the "slow waltz! I hope the Staasoper will let a conductor who understands the tradition lead perfomances in this and future seasons. It finally has found a home at the Staatsoper, but seems more at home at the Volksoper. The production at the Volksoper was better sung in all parts, especially the magnicant singing and characterization of Adolf Dallapozza (a tenor) and the traditional voice for this part. Remember most of the subsequent roles by Lehar were written for Tauber.

Tracks:

School Days (Byron G. Harlan)
I Just Can't Make My Eyes Behave (Ada Jones)
San Antonio (Billy Murray & Chorus)
Red Wing (Frank C. Stanley and Henry Burr)
Camp Meeting Time (Collins and Harlan)
Maple Leaf Rag (U.S. Marine Band)
Pagliacci--Vesti la giubba (Enrico Caruso)
Because Youre You (Elise Stevenson & Harry Macdonough)
Let's Take an Old-Fashioned Walk (Ada Jones and Billy Murray)
I Love a Lassie (Harry Lauder)
The Bird On Nellies Hat (Helen Trix)
My Gal Sal (Byron G. Harlan)
"Merry Widow" Waltz (Victor Dance Orchestra)
No Wedding Bells for Me (Bob Roberts)
Harrigan (Billy Murray)
Honey Boy (Columbia Quartette)
Three Rubes Seeing New York (Peerless Trio)
Bake Dat Chicken Pie (Collins and Harlan)
My Irish Rosie (Ada Jones)
Nobodys Little Girl (Byron G. Harlan)
Because I'm Married Now (Billy Murray)
He's a Cousin of Mine (Bert Williams)
The Bully (May Irwin)
If I'm Going to Die I'm Going to Have Some Fun (Arthur Collins)
Auld Lang Syne (Frank C. Stanley)

Customer Reviews:

Old music, fun listening........2007-02-11

In perspective these are some of the most popular songs of their time. I enjoy the historical value of songs from the past. Hearing someone sing about things you may have only learned from a history book, makes it more real.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Barbecue King

Klassische Konzerte für Viola

Linley: Music; Arne: Where the Bee Sucks

Every Other Day at a Time

Love Unlimited [Import]

Party Groove: Motorball, Vol. 2

L'aventure [Import]

Living in America [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

Out of the Woods: BBC Sessions [Import]

Jason Vieaux

New Orleans Masters

Leyendas de la Musica Nortena

Los 100 Mejores Boleros De La Historia V.3 [Import]

Classical Music classical-music-12

Ancestors

1. Overture
2. March & Duet A Highly Respectable Wife
3. Hanna's Entrance Gentlemen, No More
4. Solo I'm Off To Chez Maxim
5. Duet Proceed, One Girl Has Almond Eyes
6. Finale Ladies Choice
7. Vijla Song Let's All Now Waken Memories
8. Duet Such A Silly Soldier Boy
9. Romanza Love In My Heart Was Dying
10. Finale This Match Should Last At Least A Year
11. The Cake Walk
12. Njegus' Aria I Was Born By Cruel Fate
13. Cancan We're The Famous Maxim Playgirls
14. Duet Love Unspoken, Faith Unbroken