Sacred Arias [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Soprano Barbara Bonney Possesses an Extremely Lovely Voice and in this Repertoire She Especially Shines. Sure, There Are Numerous Recordings of Mendelssohn's Lobsgesang, Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate Or Faure's Pie Jesu; But Few Soloists Rival Bonney's Seamless Delivery and Evocative Flair. In Many Selections Bonney is Joined by the Equally Inspired and Capable Soprano Edith Wiens and Throughout Backed by the Leipzig Gewandhaus- One of Europe's Oldest and Most Distinguished Orchestras.

Tracks:

Caccini/Mercurio: Ave Maria
Mascagni: Sancta Maria
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Rossini: Cuius animam
Verdi: Ingemisco
Mozart: Ave verum
Wagner: Der Engel
Handel: Ombra mai fu
Niedermeyer: Pieta signore
Rossini: Dominus Deus
Schubert/Mercurio: Mille Cherubini in coro
Gruber/Mercurio: Silent Night
Wade: Adeste Fideles
Gloria a te, Cristo Ges

Amazon.com

When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias, the release of which coincides with the first English-language biography of the singer. These performances are filled with the singer's phenomenally well-known vocal signature: his flair for long, sweetly floating high notes and the gentle sense of cadence he brings to a melody. It's a mistake to compartmentalize Bocelli into a singer of "operatic" versus "popular" styles: in truth his approach is at heart the same. Lack of color and control in his phrasing remains a drawback, but the emotional empathy Bocelli evokes is never in doubt. The arias collected here sample some of the most famous devotional pieces: Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Mozart's transporting "Ave Verum," as well as an arrangement of "Silent Night" in which Bocelli tries out his English. There's also a decidedly odd choice of bedfellows for a program of "sacred" music, such as a song from Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder (whose "angel" is the object of an overpoweringly erotic attraction) and Handel's figurative ode to a tree, "Ombra mai fu." Still, Bocelli sings with an unfeigned directness that is sure to expand his already enormous following even further. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful music.......2007-01-12

This is my second copy of this CD, I burned the first one out!!
Andrea Bocelli has a very gorgeous voice that is a gift from above. His voice is not affected or braggadoccio but naturally magnificent. I could and do start my day listening to this spiritually uplifting CD almost everyday. It is a wonderful way to get off to a pleasant peaceful start, but also a nice way to come home in the evening if you have a CD player in your car. I highly recommend it to all.

Andrea Bocelli-Sacred Arias.......2006-08-25

Excellent listening. Voice quality and tone is superb. Brings tears to my eyes when I envision listening to this in a church setting.

An "experience" of sacred arias more than "listening" of sacred arias.......2006-04-28

I bought this CD's special edition with DVD, and I am impressed by bocelli's singing in this album. I have heard many voices singing sacred songs, and christmas songs, but very few singers can achieve the "sacred atmosphere" that bocelli devotes when he sings. He may not have a "strong" voice as opera singers, but I think singing these sacred songs, devoting the "sacred atmosphere" to the audience is much more important, the voice actually is just a tool that helps a singer to achieve the result. For real, I have heard some CD by some chorus that perform sacred arias, but they did not move me as much as this CD does, mostly not even close. Personally I like "O come all ye faithful", "silent night", all "ave maria"'s, "domine deus", "cujus animam" the most. When I listen Bocelli's singing I focus on what he tries to devote in singing more than his voice color, because in terms of voice color he surely cant be compared with pavarotti or domingo, so why compares? The way of listening him and listening real opera singers is different man. But the reason I gave only this CD four stars is that I have heard several sacred arias from this album performed by his voice teacher, the legendary tenor Franco Corelli. I tried not to compare both...but I cant, not because Bocelli sings bad, he is already excellent, just Corelli is TOO excellent that cant be described by human language (well I think even Pavarotti is not even close to Franco Corelli, but this is just my opinion). Anyway if you want to "experience" the true beauty of sacred arias, this CD is highly recommended. And this is also a very good sacred aria album for beginning listeners who want to broaden their musical taste to sacred arias.

amazing talent.......2006-03-25

worth the price the songs are breathtaking and talent is indescribable

Perfect arias for the perfect voice.......2006-03-04

These are just terrific. How does Andrea acheive the range he does, and the power he has, without sounding too heavy or too light? His voice sounds like the perfect voice for these perfect arias.

I have noticed one concern with the CD. I have heard several clicks scattered here and there in the songs -- but the CD is clean and I feel confident it is not the machine. Has anyone else noticed this?

Sacred Arias [Special Edition with Bonus DVD]

Average customer rating:

A spiritual experience

Sacred Arias [Special Edition with Bonus DVD]
Andrea Bocelli , Giulio Caccini , Cesar Franck , Charles Gounod , Franz Xaver Gruber , George Frideric Handel , Jean-Paul Lecot , Eric Levi , Steven Mercurio , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Louis Niedermeyer , Gioachino Rossini , Franz Schubert , Giuseppe Verdi , John Francis Wade , Richard Wagner , Myung-Whun Chung , and Santa Cecilia National Academy Orchestra Rome
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Romanza
Sentimento: Andrea Bocelli with Lorin Maazel and the London Symphony Orchestra [Limited Edition w/ Bonus Track]
Andrea Bocelli - The Opera Album ~ Aria
Cieli di Toscana

ASIN: B0000CE9VO
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Sancta Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus - Norbert Balatsch
Cujus Animam
Ingemisco
Ave Verum Corpus
Der Engel
Frondi Tenere... Ombra Mai Fu
Pieta, Signore - Norbert Balatsch
Domine Deus
Mille Cherubini In Coro - Norbert Balatsch
Silent Night
Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) - Norbert Balatsch
Gloria A Te, Cristo Gesu (The Hymn Of The Great Jubilee)
Agnus Dei
I Believe

Amazon.com

When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favorite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias. These performances are filled with the singer's phenomenally well-known vocal signature: his flair for long, sweetly floating high notes and the gentle sense of cadence he brings to a melody. It's a mistake to compartmentalize Bocelli into a singer of "operatic" versus "popular" styles: in truth his approach is at heart the same. Lack of color and control in his phrasing remains a drawback, but the emotional empathy Bocelli evokes is never in doubt. The arias collected here sample some of the most famous devotional pieces: Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Mozart's transporting "Ave Verum," as well as an arrangement of "Silent Night" in which Bocelli tries out his English. There's also a decidedly odd choice of bedfellows for a program of "sacred" music, such as a song from Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder (whose "angel" is the object of an overpoweringly erotic attraction) and Handel's figurative ode to a tree, "Ombra mai fu." Still, Bocelli sings with an unfeigned directness that is sure to expand his already enormous following even further. This new special edition includes two bonus tracks on a CD enhanced with a picture gallery as well as a full-length DVD of Bocelli in concert filmed at the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. --Thomas May

Album Description

Special Edition includes enhanced CD with bonus tracks and concert DVD.

Customer Reviews:

A spiritual experience.......2003-11-27

The DVD is the full 77 minute concert with two featurettes previously released alone. The CD is the full 72 minute concert previously released alone, except that two bonus tracks have been added. The audio quality of each one is quite good. (If you have a Dolby Digital stereo, then you must go into the setup menu on the DVD to select Dolby Digital sound. The default music track is the stereo 2.0 sound.) The video quality of the DVD is astonishing.

Tracks:

Christmas Oratorio BWV 248Â—Großer Herr, o starker König
Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen
St. John Passion BWV 245Â—Betrachte, meine Seel
Mein teurer Heiland, laß dich fragen
St. Matthew Passion BWV 244Â—Mache dich, mein Herze, rein
Messiah HWV 56Â—Behold, I tell you a mystery
The trumpet shall sound
The Seasons Hob. XXI: 3Â—Vom Widder strahlet jetzt
Schon eilet froh der Ackersmann, Erblicke hier, betörter Mensch
The Creation Hob. XXVIII: 4Â—Und Gott sprach: Es sammle sich das
Wasser unter dem Himmel zusammen, Rollend in schäumenden Wellen
Elias op. 70Â—Herr Gott Abrahams, Isaaks und Israels
Es ist genug! So nimm nun, Herr
Paulus op. 36Â—Gott, sei mir gnädig
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Arr. Meyer)
Deep River (Arr. Meyer)

Album Description

Thomas Quasthoff follows his internationally acclaimed and GrammyÂ® winning Bach Cantatas recording with an atmospheric program of sacred arias, including selections from oratorios by Bach, Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn. Mr. QuasthoffÂ's warm, expressive bass-baritone voice perfectly suits this musicÂ—a genre that has always been both central to his artistic life and close to his heart. Pieces include HandelÂ's Â"The trumpet shall soundÂ" from the Messiah, Â"Schon eilet froh der AckermannÂ" from HaydnÂ's Die Jahreszeiten, and excerpts from BachÂ's St. Matthew Passion and Christmas Oratorio. The album also includes a special version of the spiritual classic Â"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.Â"

With Thomas QuasthoffÂ's unique artistry supported by the acclaimed Staatskapelle Dresden, Consider My Soul is a revelation of beauty and power.

Customer Reviews:

Soaring with Thomas Quasthoff.......2007-03-18

On this beautiful CD,"Consider My Soul," Thomas Quasthoff,baritone extraordinaire, takes the listener to great heights with his renditions of arias from the "Christmas Oratorio", "St. John's Passion", "St. Matthew's Passion", and others.
The duet with Sibylla Rubens, from the "Christmas Oratorio", is achingly exquisite, as the two powerful voices-soprano and baritone - blend in sublime beauty and strength.
And what a joy to hear Quasthoff sing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot",as a bonus track.
All one can say, is "Bravo!" and "Bravi Tutti!"

Excellent Collection of Sacred Arias.......2007-01-09

This is an excellent collection of sacred arias, sung by the incredible
talent, Thomas Quasthoff, one of the best male singers to come along
in a long time.

Quasthoff Focuses on Sacred Works and Makes Them New.......2006-11-26

Thomas Quasthoff continues to astonish us with the depth of his sensitivity to a broad range of vocal repertoire. Just when it seems as though he is settling in to the Romantic and Post-Romantic works he records this album of works by the masters of the earlier era.

Singing with the fine support of the Dresden Staatskapelle conducted by Sebastian Weigle, Quasthoff re-visits works that made him famous. From Bach he has selected arias from the Christmas Oratorio and from both the St John and the St Matthew Passions. The color and extensive range of his baritone voice are simply amazing and he brings to these arias conviction and communication. Likewise with the excerpts form Handel's Messiah he converses with solo instruments in a sense of uncanny equality. From Mendelssohn he offers arias from both Elijah and Paulus: few baritones can compare to his dramatic sense he brings to these works.

For this listener, ending the recital with versions of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' and 'Deep River' diminishes the majesty of the CD. Not that his resonant voice is not as tender and warm as any recorded version of these spirituals, for the singing is rich and moving. It just feels like an abrupt change, or encore, to the heftier works on the CD. A small quibble. It remains a fine recording experience. Grady Harp, November 06

Leonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacy [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]

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Leonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacy [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]

Manufacturer: Milken Archive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ellstein: Great Songs of the Yiddish Stage 1 [Milken Archive of American Jewish Music]

ASIN: B0000DD77Y
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Israelite Chorus - Rochester Singers
Invocation And Trance (From Dybbuk) - Barry Snyder
Psalm 148 - Angelina Reaux
Reenah - Rochester Singers
The First Waltz (Canon) - Barry Snyder
Cha-cha-cha - Barry Snyder
Hora - Barry Snyder
Yevarechecha - Aaron Miller
Halil - Bonita Boyd
Simchu Na - Rochester Singers
Oif Mayn Khas'ne - Jean Barr
Vayomer Elohim - Barry Snyder
Yigdal - Rochester Singers
Ilana, The Dreamer - Jack Gottlieb
Idele, The Chassedele - Jack Gottlieb
Yosi, The Jokester - Jack Gottlieb
Dina, The Tomboy Who Weeps Alone - Jack Gottlieb
Silhouette (Galilee) - Angelina Reaux
Hashkiveinu - Hans Peter Blochwitz

Amazon.com

Leonard Bernstein occupies a unique position in the music world for his protean, multi-faceted talents. His ability to draw on and absorb every cultural influence made him the ultimate eclectic, yet he eventually forged a style that was unmistakably his own. This record, which includes vocal, choral and instrumental pieces, some never recorded, performed or published, demonstrates that his Jewish heritage played a formative, lasting, decisive role in this process. The earliest, Psalm 148 (sung in English), written when he was 17, is steeped in an ultra-romantics style, especially Wagner's; it hardly contains a hint of the later Bernstein, but its innocent sweetness is infinitely touching. The longest, Halil, is a virtuoso piece for flute with piano and percussion, written 1981 in memory of a 19-year-old Israeli flutist killed 1973 in the Yom Kippur War. Also written for specific occasions and friends are Silhouette for Jennie Tourel's birthday and Three Wedding Dances for the marriage of Adolph Greene and Phyllis Newman. Excerpts from longer works include At My Wedding from Arias and Barcarolles, a description of a young fiddler playing for a wedding that is both funny and affecting, sung in Yiddish, a chorus from the ballet The Dybbuk, a section of Concerto for Orchestra. These, like several sacred selections--prayers, invocations, hymns of thanks and praise for various parts of the Service--are sung in Hebrew. The most substantial is Hashkiveinu, a prayer for peace, commissioned by the Cantor of a New York synagogue, for tenor solo, chorus and organ, featuring call and response, cantorial chanting and very daring harmonies and tonal juxtapositions. Bernstein later recycled some of this material for other, very different compositions, like films and musicals, perhaps indicating that he considered this style the connecting thread of his creative life. The performances are uniformly excellent; Réaux, Blochwitz and the pianists stand out. --Edith Eisler

Album Description

"What are the Jewish roots I long for?" wrote Leonard Bernstein as he pondered one of his many Jewish-inspired compositions. This unique collection of rarely heard works—including several world-premiere recordings—reveals many possible answers to Bernstein's question. Triumphal processions, mysterious invocations, intimate Jewish character portraits, rousing dances; all of these musical offerings present the great eclectic imagination of one of America's foremost 20th century composers.

Angela Gheorghiu - Mysterium ~ Sacred Arias

Average customer rating:

No. Simply no. Sloppy, badly articulated, meaningless
I love it with my whole heart!
Classic beauty
WOW
Sacred music from an angelic voice

Angela Gheorghiu - Mysterium ~ Sacred Arias
Adolphe Adam , Johann Sebastian Bach , Gabriel Fauré , Evghenie Humulescu , Anton Pann , Franz Schubert , Gheorghe Popescu , Johannes Brahms , Felix Mendelssohn , Giacomo Puccini , Pietro Mascagni , Louis Niedermeyer , Gheorghe Cucu , John Francis Wade , Ion Marin , Angela Gheorghiu , Romanian National Chamber Choir Madrigal , and conductor Marin Constantin
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Angela Gheorghiu - Arias
Diva
Roberto Alagna & Angela Gheorghiu - Duets & Arias

ASIN: B00005OC08
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

Tatl Nostru
Priveghiati Si Va Rugati
Stihuri Din Catavasiile Intampinarii Domnului
Lubi-Te-Voi, Doamne
O Holy Night
Mille Cherubini In Coro
Pie Jesu
Wiegenlied, Op.49 No.4
Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges, Op.34 No.2
Salve Regina
Ave Maria
Pieta, Signore
Quia Respexit
Ave Maria (Ellens Dritter Gesang)
Adeste, Fideles

Amazon.com

At first glance, this looks like another of those star turns in which a highly publicized singer tackles material calculated to broaden her appeal. But it's much more than that, for Angela Gheorghiu, in addition to possessing one of the great voices of our day, exhibits an affinity for most of the 15 selections on this highly attractive disc. She opens with Romanian Orthodox works that are compelling in their heartfelt simplicity. The rest of the program includes standards, like the Schubert Ave Maria, and traditional Christmas songs, such as "O Holy Night" and "Adeste fideles" (both gorgeously sung with a restraint that averts sentimentality), along with others ranging from the familiar to the seldom heard. One of these rarities is the high point of the disc: Niedermeyer's "Pieta, Signor," sung with spectacular intensity and boasting some thrilling trills. Gheorghiu's so good that this Christmas stocking stuffer becomes a disc for all seasons. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

No. Simply no. Sloppy, badly articulated, meaningless.......2006-05-09

I admire Angela Gheorghiu's voice enormously. It's a fabulous colour - dark, with strength and metal and passion - and she's clearly a very intelligent singer. I've heard her doing some wonderful things, but side by side, I've heard her perpetrate some atrocities. Her Verdi album was for the most part phenomenally good (with the exception of an atrocious "Caro nome"); her Puccini album had some excellent things in it; her singing of Amina in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore was surprisingly delightful; her Violetta in La Traviata was wonderful to watch and mostly beautiful to hear. But this!

No. And no.

Almost invariably, singers who produce a "Sacred Album" seem determined to display the very worst of themselves. Renee Fleming perpetrated a sloppy sentimentality that one feared only too likely to occur in her recent album; Sumi Jo produced some of the most horrid sounds in the worst of taste that could be possible with a voice that is as good as hers; and so on and so on. Yet there are exceptions to the "Sacred Album" rule of thumb... and I had hoped this album would be one of them.

It was not. Almost without exception, this was unremittingly awful. It is not one of Ms Gheorghiu's better efforts. Admittedly, there are times when Ms Gheorghiu has produced recordings that are not worthy of her talents - I call to mind her completely unstylistic "Lascia ch'io pianga", among others - but the voice itself is a very, very good voice indeed, not a "run of the mill" voice. I suppose one must expect the good with the bad when one listens to such a unique talent as this often fabulous soprano.

I'm so sorry... but this was one of the bad.

I love it with my whole heart!.......2005-12-15

This won't be as long or detailed or even knowledgable as the previous two reviews. Fortunately, they are both positive where it counts - Angela is well-named, has the voice of an angel. Soft, textury, intense, variegated as some of the yarns I love to knit!

I'm not sure if there could be a human being in the world who failed to appreciate and LOVE this CD. My whole heart adores listening to it!

Janet Knori, author of "Awakening in God"

Classic beauty.......2005-12-10

This is such a beautiful collection, and you can hear that these songs mean a lot to Angela Gheorgiou. I really like the concept of this album, putting together Western classics and spritual songs from her homeland. She sings these very traditional songs like O Holy Night with so much feeling. Her English is very nice, very clear. Mille Cherubini In Coro and other commonly performed Christmas songs sound very fresh in her interpretation. The classical sacred works like Pie Jesu are great too, this piece she sings in such simple, soft, unbelivably beautiful way. The chorus is fantastic, they have a unique sound.
I like the cover too, Angela is made to look like an angel from Orthodox icon.
If you can find copies of this album, it's well worth getting.

WOW.......2005-11-26

A friend of mine suggested this release after I kept on raving on how beautiful Renee Flemings recording of Sacred Songs was. And Ms. Gheorghiu certainly doesn't have to hide behind Renee! Her voice has a tad more ping than Renee's and it's slightly darker but it has this mysterious glow (Excuse my bad descriptions) that makes each of these songs unforgettable. A perfect addition to my ever growing collection of operatic discs. Brava Angela!

Sacred music from an angelic voice.......2004-03-01

'Mysterium', Angela Gheorghiu's offering of sacred music from both the Romanian Orthodox and Western spiritual traditions, is a very personal statement from this great soprano. She grew up during the infamous Nicolae Caescescu dictatorship, where religious music, though barely tolerated, was still one of the few ways one could express oneself and escape the terrors of everyday life. All of this music, both Romanian and European, has very strong spiritual and emotional significance for Gheorghiu - in fact, the album is dedicated to her sister `Nina' (Elena Burlacu Dan, who was killed in a car accident in 1996). The soprano's astonishing voice, huge palette of tonal colors, superb technique, dramatic fire, and most importantly, her genuine faith, total sincerity and commitment, and her humility make this CD a must for anyone even remotely interested in any of this repertory.

One of the things I most admire about Gheorghiu is her desire to share the music of her homeland with the rest of the world, and this CD begins with four mesmerizing selections of music from the Romanian Orthodox Church by late 19th and 20th century composers. These evoke for Gheorghiu and the listener the awe and mystery of Romanian monasteries with their incense and candle wax. Although this music is traditionally sung a capella, it is here sung with orchestral accompaniment - Gheorghiu did check with religious authorities in Bucharest to make sure this was, er, kosher. Actually, some of the intervals and melismas are very reminiscent of Jewish music, and I'd be very interested in learning which tradition borrowed what from whom. The first sound we hear on the disc is the toaca, a wooden percussion instrument used in lieu of bells to call the faithful to prayer. This leads into `Tatal Nostru', a Romanian version of The Lord's Prayer, which immediately shows the arresting, soulful quality of Gheorghiu's voice and ends on a gorgeous floated 'Amen'. `Privegati e si rugati' (`Watch and Pray') is equally beautiful. `Stihuri din Catavasiile intampinarii Domnului' (Verses from the Tellings of the Meetings of the Lord') is the most elaborate of the compositions here, a call and response on the words 'Slava tie Doamne' ('Glory to you, O G-d) contrasting with the more introspective `Iubi-te-voi, Doamne' (`I love Thee, O Lord').

It is a pity that Gheorghiu couldn't devote an entire album to this Romanian music. In particular, I wish she had sung the stunning carol `O ce veste minunata' that her husband Roberto Alagna recorded for his Christmas album, if for no other reason than Decca would have provided the texts and translations that EMI didn't! Still, the Western material which follows is of a very high standard. I applaud Gheorghiu for bringing out such rarities as the Puccini 'Salve Regina' and the Mascagni 'Ave Maria' (based on the intermezzo from 'Cavalleria Rusticana'), in addition to the famous Schubert version of the prayer. And, of course, we have 'popular' sacred songs and Christmas carols that are also dear to the soprano. An otherwise stunning version of `O Holy Night', with rich, broad phrasing and a spectacular high C, is marred slightly by her singing it in English instead of the original French. `Mille cherubini in coro' is the sweetest and tenderest lullaby imaginable, as is the famous one by Brahms. We go a bit more into 'art song' territory with Gheorghiu's laughter-filled, tender and seductive 'Auf Flugeln des Gesanges'. Oratorios are represented by 'Quia respexit' from the Bach Magnificat, which makes me eager to hear Gheorghiu sing the soprano lead in the Mozart as well as the Verdi Requiem she has already recorded, and the 'Pie Jesu' from Faure Requiem. Despite Gheorghiu's palpable sorrow, this is a bit of a disappointment because she seems to have trouble actually pronouncing the word 'requiem'. A truly 'joyful and triumphant' 'Adeste Fideles' concludes the album.

However, the highlight of the Western pieces is Louis Niedermeyer's `Pieta, Signore'. I was surprised that Gheorghiu included this since it is a piece I usually regard as tenor property - I have recordings by Bjorling, Kraus, and Pavarotti. She makes this into a mini-opera, a drama of repentance and plea for G-d's mercy with glowing tone, impassioned urgency, and magnificent trills. I only wish she had taken the reprise pianissimo as Bjorling did.

Of course, one must acknowlege the superb work of the Madrigal Choir, who are full and equal partners to Gheorghiu - I'm a choral singer, so I know! The blend of sound is gorgeous and they are adept in every style and in every language on the program, English included. I hope to find other CDs featuring them, and that Gheorghiu (who loves them) works with them again. Ion Marin does a fine job conducting the London Philharmonic and instilling the proper Romanian spirit into these English musicians.

I have somewhat mixed feelings about the notes. Although there is good biographical information about Gheorghiu and her relationship to this music, there isn't enough information about the music itself, and some of the comments about the 'desacralized cosmos' come off as somewhat pretentious for a CD booklet. Also, the Madrigal Choir sing in all the Romanian selections, not just the two they are credited for. Finally, the cover really is unfortunate. I understand that they were trying to paint Gheorghiu as a Romanian Orthodox icon, but it comes out looking rather cheesily new age/heavy metal.

This CD was intended as a companion to the superb BBC documentary `Angela Gheorghiu's Romanian Journey' where the soprano travels to the astoundingly beautiful Romanian `painted churches', narrates a history of the Romanian Orthodox Church and its music, and sings several several selections from this album. I can only pray that this is released on DVD or at least shown in the US. In the meantime, with 'Mysterium' you can have a religious music experience far classier than the average 'diva/divo Christmas album' and hear a singer who truly has 'sacred fire' in her soul.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan

Handling Handel With Unparalleled Skill and Power

Very beautifully intoned

Handel: Oratorio Arias

A beautiful recital

Handel: Oratorio Arias

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vivaldi: Stabat Mater, Nisi Dominus, Longe Mala

Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été

ASIN: B000066I62
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

"Destructive War" (Belshazzar)
" O Sacred Oracles Of Truth" (Belshazzar)
"Despair No More Shall Wound Me" (Semele)
"Your Tuneful Voice" (Semele)
" The Raptured Soul" (Theodora)
"Deeds Of Kindness" (Theodora)
" Kind Heaven" (Theodora)
"Sweet Rose And Lily" (Theodora)
"Brave Jonathan" (Saul)
"O Lord, Whose Mercies Numberless" (Saul)
"Up The Dreadful Steep Steps Ascending" (Jephtha)
"Dull Delay" (Jephtha)
"He Was Despised" (Messiah)

Amazon.com

This is a splendid recording. The music is beautiful, though of the 13 arias, only the one from Messiah is well-known. The rest come from relatively obscure oratorios (or operas--the distinction is often blurred). Artfully arranged for maximum diversity of tempo, length, tonality, mood, and character, they add up to a consistently engrossing program. The performances could hardly be better. David Daniels is an extraordinary artist. His voice, effortlessly produced and impeccably focused, has an incredibly pure, even quality over an enormous range. He can give it an infinite variety of nuance, inflection, and expression, from exquisite sweetness in the lyrical arias to assertiveness and defiance in the dramatic ones; it even matches the color of the instruments in answering phrases. His coloratura, delivered in smooth legato but clear and flawless like a string of pearls, is stunning. He gives every note vibrant life and brings out the character of each aria without fuss or exaggeration. In the da capo arias, he embellishes the repeats with imaginative but never excessive ornamentation that sounds genuinely improvised. The period orchestra is excellent. Using normal tuning but baroque style, the players can step forward as soloists or set and underline mood and atmosphere. Listeners will choose their own favorite gems from this treasure-trove, but listening to the concluding aria, "He was despised," one understands why Messiah is Handel's most enduringly popular oratorio. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-10-07

Handel's oratorio style was the product of many mingled elements. Germany, Italy and England all had a hand in its formation. But the work that Handel did in the development of the oratorio alone gives him the right to rank among the greatest of those to whom we owe the modern forms of music. David Daniels to my mind has chosen six of the greatest of Handel's oratorios. 'Belshazzar' was written to a text based on the book of Daniel, by the rich and eccentric land-owner Charles Jennens with whom he collaborated many times. 'O Sacred Oracle of Truth' is sung by the imprisoned prophet Daniel, while 'Destructive War' is sung by the haughty and magnamimous Cyrus, King of Persia, who frees the Hebrews from their slavery under the Babylonian king Belshazzar."Semele" is a secular story taken from Greek mythology put into verse by William Congreve. Jupiter lusts after a mortal woman snatching her from her family in the form of an eagle. The young woman, Semele,arouses the jealous anger of Juno, who takes her revenge. As a result of a plot that the goddess hatches,Semele is destroyed by fire. The 2 arias heard here are for Athamas who is betrothed to Semele. He finally gains consolation by marrying Semele's sister. The heroine of 'Theodora' is a Christian martyr whose life is recounted by St. Ambrose in his 'De virginibus of AD377. When Theodora is punished for refusing to worship the Roman gods, Didymus(a Roman soldier who has secretly converted to Christianity) rescues her from imprisonment; is then condemned to death, Theodora joins him in martyrdom. The oratorio 'Saul' centres on the celebrated trio of Saul,David and Jonathan. Based on the first book of Samuel, it dealt with a familiar story to most of the public at that time. 'Brave Jonathan' and 'O Lord, whose mercies Numberless' are both sung by David being pursued by a jealous Saul, but is sustained by the staunch friendship of Jonathan. 'Jeptha' is based on Chapter 11 of the book of Judges. The theme; Jeptha's promise to sacrifice to God ,in exchange for a victory over the enemy ,the first person to come out of his house to greet him after the battle; and it is his daughter Iphis. But what the Christian God really demands is that his daughter consecrate herself to Him and thus retain her virginity. And Hamor (countertenor) although very unhappy indeed sighs for her 'Up the Dreadful Steep Ascending' and 'Dull Delay'. The libretto of the "Messiah" is based on extracts from the Bible and The Book of Common Prayer, arranged by Charles Jennens. Unlike the other oratorios,it does not tell a story. 'He Was Despised' invites the listener to meditate on the horrendous suffering imposed by mankind on Jesus before his crucifixion.

Handling Handel With Unparalleled Skill and Power.......2004-08-08

If you need evidence on why David Daniels has been rising so fast as the leading countertenor voice today, you need only listen to this wonderfully recorded disc of Handel's oratorio arias, which captures him at full vocal power with amazing coloratura. Although the countertenor voice is generally described as androgynous and often effeminate because of the high range, Daniels has an intensely passionate style that actually sounds warmer and more masculine than one would think possible for such a voice type. Consequently, he is playing a pivotal role in broadening the audience significantly for not only countertenors but also Handel's wondrous music.

Daniels' first solo recording for Virgin Classics in 1998 (strongly recommended) focused on Handel's Italian operas, while this one focuses on his English oratorios composed specifically for the concert stage. Except for the language difference, the distinction is not all that meaningful since both fully use Daniels' amazing interpretative powers to their maximum. On "The raptured soul" from "Theodora", for example, it's amazing how through his sheer virtuosity and deeply textured tessitura, he can make the repetition of six simple lines sound so compelling over an air that lasts nearly nine minutes. Speaking of which, it's quite satisfying to have four airs from "Theodora" recorded here for posterity, as an aural reminder of his stunning performance as Didymus in Peter Sellars' legendary 1996 Glyndebourne staging of this oratorio (now available on DVD and also strongly recommended).

Starting with a scale-swooping "Destructive war" from "Belshazzar", the entire program is mesmerizing with special mention going to "O Lord, whose mercies numberless" from "Saul" and "He was despised" from "Messiah". Conductor John Nelson and the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris accompany Daniels beautifully and unobtrusively with modern (versus period) instruments, a smart decision giving the pieces a more contemporary feel. The end result is a recital to play again and again...at least until you have the opportunity to hear him live.

Very beautifully intoned.......2004-04-04

I was greatly impressed with this CD. I have always appreciated Daniel's voice over most other countertenors (and there are many wonderful ones that are simply incredible), and mostly for its warmth and lack of "hootiness." The coloratura is well executed, and his legato line is breathtaking. Then why a four star rating? All of these arias are sung in English, and it seems these days NO ONE, not male, female, soprano, alto, countertenor, seem to know how to sing it so you can understand a word. That is why I say this recording is beautifully intoned, for it is beautifully sung. What is missing is actual communication of something, no meaning exists behind the non-existent words. It would have been so much more meaningful if we could have figured out what he was telling us. I have old recordings of Dame Clara Butt, a huge voiced contralto of the past century. She sings much of this type of music, and in spite of the horrible quality of the recordings, her words come blazing forth effortless to understand. Even Ernestine Schumann-Heink sings credibly in English giving meaning to the words. Singing is WORDS, not just music. Sadly, we are all forgetting this now days, and most of our well known singers are simply horrible when it comes to singing in English (I have bought many Chaldas recording of opera in English, well they may as well have sung in the original language for we at least can figure out the words when singers sing thusly). Countertenors have the world's worst pronunciation of their words out there, but Daniels is usually much better because of the darker quality of his voice. This time, however, I have to say, I was not impressed. The voice is beautiful, the singing ravishing, but there is no meaning because the words are not clear.

Handel: Oratorio Arias.......2003-08-08

In this beautiful collection of music, one would be, as usual, hardpressed to find some aspect about which to complain in the beautiful, mellifluous tones of David Daniels. That is not the reason for this brief review. I am, on the other hand, dissatisfied with the choice of using the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris as the accompaniment. With many fine baroque ensembles out there from which to choose and enhance--including ones utilized in previous recordings--it seems a shame to pick such an average group, who saw away with very little phrasing or soul. Leave it to the French to abandon all traces of soulfulness--even in their music.

A beautiful recital.......2002-09-23

For once, I'll be brief. Beautiful singing and playing. Daniels performance of "Oh, Lord whose mercies numberless" is alone worth the price of the CD. Mr. Daniels is a consummate musician and this release further gives proof of that. Lovers of Handel and baroque music in general and English oratorios in particular will be more than delighted with this CD. Sit back and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Carolyn Sampson's voice is addictive
Stunning!!

Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate!
Carolyn Sampson , Choir of King's Consort , Robert King , Wolfgang A. Mozart , and The King's Consort
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Georg Friedrich Händel: Great Oratorio Duets [Hybrid SACD]
Elina Garanca ~ Mozart Opera & Concert Arias
Tragédiennes
Era La Notte
Songs by Fauré, Hahn and Head; Arias by Rossini and Handel

ASIN: B000E1XOV2
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

Regina coeli K.108 - Regina coeli laetare [2'57]
Regina coeli K.108 - Quia quem meruisti [3'28]
Regina coeli K.108 - Ora pro nobis [5'38]
Regina coeli K.108 - Alleluia [2'46]
Laudate Dominum from Vesperae solennes de Confessore K.339 [4'18]
Sub tuum praesidium K.198 [5'19]
Sancta Maria, mater Dei K.273 [3'45]
Exsultate, jubilate K.165 - Aria: Exsultate, jubilate [4'18]
Exsultate, jubilate K.165 - Recitative: Tandem advenit hora [0'48]
Exsultate, jubilate K.165 - Aria: Tu virginum corona [6'07]
Exsultate, jubilate K.165 - Aria: Alleluia [2'27]
Agnus Dei from Coronation Mass K.317 [3'35]
Laudate Dominum from Vesperae solennes de Domenica K.321 [4'24]
Regina coeli K127 - Regina coeli laetare [3'24]
Regina coeli K127 - Quia quem meruisti [3'45]
Regina coeli K127 - Ora pro nobis [4'44]
Regina coeli K127 - Alleluia [2'59]

Amazon.com

This is a fine collection of Mozart's religious music, much of it from relatively early in his career. The most famous piece is the joyous, coloratura-filled "Exultate jubilate," here given in a revised version Mozart made a few years after its premiere, in which the text is altered and flutes are substituted for oboes. The other familiar piece is the Laudate dominum from K. 339, a smooth-as-silk aria which is made even more exquisite by the entrance, halfway through, of the chorus, singing at a whisper. The little-known Sub tuum praesidium (K. 198) is a duet for two sopranos; Carolyn Sampson sings both parts. The whole disc is a beauty: Sampson has a gorgeous, instantly recognizable tone, pure and clean, without the vibrato-free delivery of some of her early music compatriots. Indeed, she may begin a note with a perfectly straight tone, but she warms it up an instant later with intelligent use of both vibrato and dynamics. Robert King leads his singers and instrumentalists with poise and energy. This is as highly recommended for the choral work as it is for Sampson's solo singing. A fine release. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Carolyn Sampson's voice is addictive.......2006-03-25

I've just about acquired all of her most recent CDs and SACDs after I "discovered" her singing in Hyperion's Monteverdi's SACD set (now up to the 4th volume) and her appearances with Suzuki's BACH cantata series on BIS. Of course, she sounds the best on SACD. Her's is a rich, agile and arching voice that makes you feel good. The high notes are smooth and pure but also strong. Once you hear her, you will always remember it. I don't know the exact reasons but she is the soprano I like most regardless of genre. If you have not heard her, you are missing something special. I believe her Bach are the best. This is the first Mozart disc I have heard from her.

Stunning!!.......2006-03-15

Hands down this is a smashing Mozart recital featuring arias from his sacred works written in Salzburg. Carolyn Sampson's warm soprano is otherwordly, where has this woman been until now! (hiding in a number of Hyperion's discs). This may well be the most exciting release in this Mozart anniversary year. Robert King's direction is impressive and Hyperion's engineering is up to their usual high standards. Don't hesitate!

Opéra Français: Le Récital Oublié (The Forgotten Arias Collection)

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Opéra Français: Le Récital Oublié (The Forgotten Arias Collection)

Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001BFIEQ
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Average customer rating:

Leonardo Leo: Sacred Vocal Music

Manufacturer: Gaudeamus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005MGAP
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Tracks:

Miserere Mei Deus - Jennifer Dunford/Sanjay Manohar/John Turville/David Wright/Alexandra Kidgell/Joanna Norman...
Verse (I)/Canzona in g - Timothy Uglow
Judica Me Deus - The Chor Of Gonville And Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber/Timothy Uglow
Eripe Me, Domine - The Chor Of Gonville And Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber/Timothy Uglow
Hoc Corpus, Quod Pro Vobis Tradetur - The Chor Of Gonville And Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber/Timothy Uglow
Praebe Virgo: Aria: Praebe Virgo/Recitativo: In Tot Undique Malis - The Chor Of Gonville And Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber/Timothy Uglow/Gavin Roberts
Praebe Virgo: Aria: Te Mihi Dante Vires/Recitativo: Salve, O Regina Mundi - The Chor Of Gonville And Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber/Timothy Uglow/Gavin Roberts
All' Offertorio - Timothy Uglow
Reminiscere Miserationum Tuarum - The Chor Of Gonville And Cauis College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Weber/Timothy Uglow
Tribulationis Cordis Mei - The Chor Of Gonville And Cauis College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Weber/Timothy Uglow
Intellege Clamorem Meum - The Chor Of Gonville And Cauis College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Weber/Timothy Uglow
Verse (I)/Canzona in e - Timothy Uglow
Mass in C: Kyrie - The Chor Of Gonville And Cauis College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Weber/Timothy Uglow
Christus Factus Est Pro Nobis - The Chor Of Gonville And Cauis College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Weber/Gavin Roberts
Heu Nos Miseros - The Chor Of Gonville And Cauis College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Weber/Gavin Roberts

Victoria de los Angeles - Baroque & Religious Arias

Average customer rating:

Sung by an Angel.
Pure Delight

Victoria de los Angeles - Baroque & Religious Arias
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Cesar Franck , Sir Adrian Boult , Arnold Goldsborough , Sir Yehudi Menuhin , Victoria de los Angeles , Gerald Moore , Ken Jagger , London Symphony Orchestra , Paul Baily , Stewart Brown , Richard Lewis , Goldsbrough Orchestra , George Thalben-Ball , Bath Festival Orchestra , Temple Church Choir , and Evelyn Rothwell
Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Russian Album

ASIN: B000003XJS
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Motet: Exsultate, jubilate, K.165 - 158a
Varesco: Concert aria: Ch'io mi scordi di te?... Non temer, amato bene, K.505
Acis And Galatea: As When The Dove Laments Her Love
Judas Maccabaeus: So Shall The Lute And Harp Awake
Giulio Cesare: V'adoro, pupille
Motet: Ave verum corpus, K.618
Vesperae solennes de confessore, K.339: Laudate Dominum (Psalm 117)
Laudate pueri Dominum: Sit nomen Donini
Cantana: Also Hat Gott Die Welt Geliebt, BWV 68: Aria: Mein glaubiges Herze (Ziegler)
Cantata: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut, BWV 199: Choral: Ich dein betrubtes Kind (Lehms)
La Procession (Briseux)

Customer Reviews:

Sung by an Angel........2003-06-13

Food for the soul,no matter how corny.
As a 20-something,non-religous person is it gratifying to have this to fall back on when faced with everyday life and all the hazards it brings.
What did the singers those days have that's so visibly absent from today's?
Definitly not better technique or better recording enviroments.
Could it be be that they were more well-rounded artistically,and that they had the space and TIME to do what they passionately believed in?
Were they allowed to delve a bit deeper than the ones today?
Coming back to the CD.
Some people slag de los Angeles off as a soprano that should'nt have happened.But how could it not when you hear the'simpatico'and womanliness in that voice.
Her German and English isn't idiomatic,but give me her spontanous chirping on the opening lines of Handel's'So shall the lute and harp awake'anyday,compared to the bland offerings today!

Pure Delight.......1999-09-05

"...for perfect, really grand tradition, exquisite, almost divine singing, go to Victoria de Los Angeles in 'Baroque and Religious Arias,'" said Robert Levine in the January 1997 issue of Classical Pulse. And I cannot agree more. After listening to her Mozart, you wonder why her Mozart performances have been so under-represented on discs. Testament has done a tremendous job in bringing this extraordinary artist's buried treasures from the EMI archive. And one looks forward to more. Any documentation of her Elsa, or Donna Anna -- roles she is known to have performed?

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