Mefistofele

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Boito's semi-masterpiece has fared well on CD, with basses the likes of Cesare Siepi, Boris Christoff, and Nicolai Ghiaurov; the soprano voices of Freni, Caballé, and Tebaldi; and tenorizing by Pavarotti, del Monaco, and Domingo. Except for the all-important title role, which is taken here by the thrilling Samuel Ramey, whose rich, dark sound pours forth like molten lava, the comparisons are not kind. Michele Crider's huge sound may be exciting in itself, but she doesn't have the pathos for Marguerite or the low notes of Helen of Troy. Vincenzo La Scola is very good, singing with feeling, brains, and plenty of sheer voice, but let's face it: he's not in the same class as the three above-mentioned tenors. Muti leads a very exciting show. --Robert Levine

Mefistofele, Music, Arrigo Boito, Bruno Casoni, Riccardo Muti, L'Orchestra et Coro del Teatro alla Scala, Treble Choir of Teatro alla Scala and The Verdi Conservatory, Classical, Classical Music, Italian Romantic Opera, Opera, Opera/Operetta

Very Best of
Average customer rating:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo

This is really the best.

If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD.

Rare And Great Domingo Classics

A real Bobby Dazzler

Very Best of
Placido Domingo
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000083GOJ
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Ill Mio Tesoro
Un'aura Amorosa
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
La Ci Darem La Mano
Vani Sono I Lamenti...Svegliatevi Nel Core
Pays Merveilleux...O Paradis
Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre...Salut ! Demeure Chaste Et Pure (Faust, Act III)
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere (Le Cid, Act III)
None But The Lonley Heart
Lensky's Aria
Donna, Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescauy Act, II)
Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce
Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca, Act III)
Ch'ella Mi Creda (La Fanciulla Del West, Act III)
Dai Campi, Dai Prati (Mefistofele, Act I)
Virgini Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito
O Sink Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
Was Am Besten Er Kann...Hoho! Hohei!

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Su, Profetessa...Di Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Su, Cacciator...Fontainebleau!...
Niun Mi Tema
Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n
Sckenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol
Gern Hab'ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
O Vaterland...Da Geh'ich Zu Maxim
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz
Mi Aldea
Cancion Del Sembrador
No Puede Ser
Serenata
Copillas De Belen
Coplas Del Pastor Enamorado
En Aranjues Con Tu Amor
Jealousy Tango
La Golondina

Amazon.com

Placido Domingo is a phenomenon, and every aspect of his artistry is on display in this 2-CD compilation, which includes arias from his signature roles in Italian, French, German, and Russian operas, and songs from Viennese and Spanish operettas. The original recordings range from the early 1970s to the present and show that though over the years his bright golden voice has taken on a darker, more burnished glow, it has retained the melting lyricism, the heroic ring, the thrilling top notes, and the focused intensity that make it instantly recognizable. (Comparing the Verdi arias included here with their counterparts of later vintage in the all-Verdi set The Tenor Arias bears this out.) The program demonstrates his stylistic and expressive versatility and his ability to instantly establish character and mood, from Lenski's sorrow (in Eugene Onegin), Cavaradossi's heart-rending despair (in Tosca), Otello's shattering agony, to Tristan's passion, Siegfried's exuberance, Faust's ardor (first in French by Gounod, then in Italian by Boito). In three Mozart arias, Domingo spins endless, perfectly shaped phrases with incredible breath control, then adds an oddity: the famous duet between Zerlina and Don Giovanni, a role he has not performed. Five Viennese operetta songs, one of which he also conducts, are delightful; there is a smile of pleasure in his voice, but not a hint of kitsch. By contrast, Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" is spoiled by an orchestration that is pure Hollywood. In the final Spanish group, he is on home ground and incomparable. This is a glorious record, a must for all lovers of great singing. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo.......2007-07-04

Placido Domingo, of course, is one of the finest tenors of the latter part of the 20th century. This 2 CD set well captures his talent, showing the range of his singing. We hear cuts from Puccini and Verdi to Tchaikovsky and Wagner to Strauss and Handel. And even a traditional Spanish sung and some operetta thrown in for good measure!

This is a wonderful introduction to his artistry, and shows that he can sing well across a variety of styles and eras. Let's sample some cuts:

"Il mio Tesoro" (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) is a difficult aria to sing well. And Domingo is up to the challenge. He displays a smooth and rich voice. His is one of those distinctive tenor voices, like Tucker's or Pavarotti's, that is quickly recognizable. This is, as noted, a challenging piece and Domingo handles it well, showing off considerable vocal agility in the process.

From the same opera, "La ci darem la mano," a sweet duet with, in this instance, soprano Susan Graham. This seductive work is sung well by both parties and is a ravishing version.

From Puccini's "Tosca," "Recondita armonia." At the close, his voice rises above orchestra and chorus. Overall, well and richly sung.

And now for something very different. . . The "Forging Scene" from Siegfried. One may not think of Domingo as a heldentenor, but he does a serviceable job here. His voice sometimes appears a bit light, but, overall, he does estimable work. He catches Siegfried's spirit as he forges the shattered remains of his father's sword, "Nothung." When he sings the name of his sword at the close, with the leitmotif ringing out from the orchestra, it is an affecting moment.

Then, "Celeste Aida" (from Verdi's opera). A stentorian voice well deployed to meet the challenges of this wonderful aria. Some tenors scoop as they move from those lower to the higher notes; Domingo's voice is well controlled here. The final high note is well hit.

Strauss (Junior's) "Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n" is a romp! A fun piece and well sung by Domingo. He demonstrates, as before, excellent vocal agility.

Lehar's "O Vaterland" is also fun. It is a sprightly tune sprightly sung.

Finally, he ends the second CD with a traditional Spanish tune--"La Golondrina." He does not overpower this work with operatic technique. He sings it well and affectingly.

So, all in all, if one wants a good introduction to Placido Domingo's vocal oeuvre, this is a very strong starting point.

This is really the best........2007-05-16

I have many of Mr. Domingo's recordings but I really love this one. He seems to get better with age. Some of the songs are on some of my other recordings but they seem new and fresh on this CD. I really think this is the best of Placido Domingo.

If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD........2005-04-06

Placido Domingo has been around for so long, it is easy to take this great artist for granted. I totally agree with the previous reviews of this album; I can also say that I had the opportunity to hear him live in concert on April 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and his voice is still stunning. His opening aria that night was the prayer from El Cid, "O Souverain," which he dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II. This piece is the 8th selection on CD 1, and is from a 1997 live recording. His thrilling finish blew me away when I listened to it the first time, and and the crowd on the recording reacts the same way the Mississippi audience did when we heard him. That aria alone is worth the price of this CD set.

Rare And Great Domingo Classics.......2005-03-08

EMI's "The Very Best Of" series is a wonderful way for the opera lover/novice or even connoisseur in training to get acquainted with the great singers of opera in the 20th century. It is possible that in a few years, the great singers of today (from the 90's up to now and further into the future) will grace the album covers of The Very Best Of...The Very Best Of Renee Fleming, The Very Best Of Salvatore Licitra, etc. This is not exactly the best of Domingo. It is more of a collection of rare and wonderfully expressive arias from operas that range all over the map- Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Massenet. Now, here's the reason why so many people adore Domingo, myself included - Domingo is a Renaissance Opera Tenor. He has sung almost every tenor role in the opera universe. Even if he is, to some, the "tenor who sang with Pavoratti in the three tenors" he proves he's the strongest of the bunch, the most dedicated, the most prolific and most artistic. Domingo has a beautiful voice, with secure high register and dark, masculine middle chest voice and exciting dramatic electricity! He's sung more than 50 operas, in addition operetta and Spanish Zarzuela (the Spanish equivalent to musicals or operetta which is where he got started and his parents sung in Zarzuela) and he has also recorded Spanish mainstream love songs for Latin audiences. A winner of Grammies, an actor in movies about operas that he starred in (Tosca, La Traviata, Otello) and the most active tenor on tv broadcasts, he is just incredible and powerful.
He is a great force in opera.

Even in his old age, he does'nt seem to be slowing down or call it quits. Recent performances (2000-2005) include Eugene Onegin, the lead in Queen of Spades, Rasputin in Debra Dratell's Nicolas and Alexandra, Idomeneo and his next role Parsifal. He is the singular tenor who mastered every repertoire- Mozart (Don Ottavio, Tamino...unfortunately Domingo as Don Giovanni is a miscast because he is too noble and romantic and GOOD to be a bad guy)..to Puccini heros (Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Dick Johnson in Fanciualla Del West, Rodolfo in Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot) Verdi heroes (Radames in Aida, Don Carlos, Stiffelio, etc) to the French repertoire...Gounod (Faust, Romeo) Meyerbeer heroes, Massenet hero (Des Grieux, Le Cid) and Saint Saens (Samson) the list goes on and on. When this man dies, an era will die with him. His legend will live on because he will leave behind dozens of albums, movies and memories......

A real Bobby Dazzler.......2004-02-19

Fans of Mr. Domingo would be lucky to find a selection of music that more profoundly explores and exhibits the diversity of his vocal ability and interpretation than is offered on these two discs. Delicious displays of Mozart, ringing renditions of the most challenging high Italian roles, powerfully rounded accounts of some of the heavy German/Russian repetoir, and some noticably nostalgic songs from the light Spannish tradition provide an impressive catalogue of the great man's rich, focussed, technically impecable and singularly beguiling vocal talent. Those who are yet to form an opinion on any particular genre of the operatic spectrum would do well to start here, so eclectic is this album. Also, you might be reassured to know that, should you become an admirer of P.D.'s talent as a result of listening to this compilation, (it is difficult to resist), you will have no trouble finding other recordings by him. A record-breaker with more than 110 roles to his repetoir (40 is a respected total for an opera singer), he is the most recorded tenor in history, leaving more than 80 complete accounts to date of operas in the Italian, French, German and Russian traditions.

Average customer rating:

Not worth buying!
Don't waste your money
Perfect for "drop the needle" style tests
A CD with Attention Deficit Disorder
This sucks...

Only Opera CD You'll Ever Need

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The Most Famous Opera Arias
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ASIN: B000003GA0
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Antony & Cleopatra: 'Give Me My Robe' - Leontyne Price
Fidelio: 'In des Lebens Fruhlingstagen...' - Ben Heppner
Fidelio: Act II Quartet: 'Ach, du bist gerettet...' - Deborah Voigt
Norma: 'Casta Diva' - Rosa Ponselle
Candide: 'Glitter And Be Gay' - Harolyn Blackwell
Candide: 'Make Our Garden Grow' - Jerry Hadley
Carmen: Flower Song - Placido Domingo
Carmen: Habanera - Rise Stevens
Carmen: Toreador Song - Robert Merrill
Les pecheurs de perles: Duet: 'Oui, c'est elle, c'est la deesse...' - Robert Merrill
Mefistofele: 'Ecco il mondo' - Samuel Ramey
La Wally: 'Eben, ne andro lontana' - ONLY OPERA CD YOU'LL EVER NEED
Lakme: Bell Song - Lily Pons
L'Elisir d'Amore: 'Una furtiva lagrima' - Tito Schipa
Lucia di Lammermoor: 'Chi mi frena in tal momento...' - Carlo Bergonzi
Lucia di Lammermoor: 'Spargi d'amaro pianto' - Anna Moffo
Martha: 'M'appari tutto amor' - Jussi Bjoerling
Porgy & Bess: 'Summertime' - Leontyne Price
Porgy & Bess: 'Bess, You Is My Woman' - William Warfield
Andrea Chenier: 'Come un bel di di maggio' - Ben Heppner
Romeo et Juliette: Juliette's Waltz; 'Je veux vivre' - Ruth Ann Swenson
Salammbo: Aria - Kiri Te Kanawa
Hansel & Gretel: 'Suuse, liebe Susse - Helen Donath
I Pagliacci: 'Vesti la giubba' - Enrico Caruso
Cavalleria Rusticana: 'Viva il vino' - Jussi Bjoerling
Cherubin: 'Lorsque vous n'aurez rien' - Dawn Upshaw
Manon: 'Ah! Fuyez, douce image' - Richard Crooks
Cosi fan tutte: 'Come scoglio immoto resta' - Leontyne Price
Don Giovanni: 'La ci darem la mano' - Edith Mathis
Don Giovanni: 'Deh! vieni alla finestra' - Ezio Pinza
Don Giovanni: 'Non mi dir' - Carol Vaness
Le nozze di Figaro: 'Non piu andrai...' - Alan Titus
Le nozze di Figaro: 'Porgi, amor' - Carol Vaness
Le nozze di Figaro: 'Deh vieni, non tardar' - Bidu Sayao
Die Zauberflote: 'Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon' - Fritz Wunderlich
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Zdislawa Donat
Die Zauberflote: Papageno - Papageno Duet - Christian Boesch
Boris Godunov: 'I v ljutomgore, nisposlannom Bogom...' - Alexander Kipnis
Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle - Montserrat Caballe
La Gioconda: 'Cielo e mar' - Beniamino Gigli
La Boheme: 'Che gelida manina' - Giuseppe Di Stefano
La Boheme: 'Mi piaccion quelle cose...' - Licia Albanese
La Boheme: 'Fremon gia nell'anima' - Luciano Pavarotti
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song - Judith Blegen
Gianni Schicchi: 'O mio babbino caro' - Angela Gheorghiu
Madama Butterfly: 'Ah, ti serro palpitante' - Placido Domingo
Madama Butterfly: 'Un bel di' - Leontyne Price
Manon Lescaut: 'Donna non vidi mai' - Jussi Bjoerling
La rondine: 'Chi il bel sogno di Doretta - Anna Moffo
TOSCA: 'Recondita armonia' - Placido Domingo
TOSCA: 'Vissi d'arte' - Irina Oudalova
TOSCA: 'E avanti a lui...' - Zinka Milanov
TOSCA: 'E lucevan le stelle' - Mario Lanza
Turandot: 'Signore, ascolta' - Renata Tebaldi
Turandot: 'In questa reggia' - Birgit Nilsson
Turandot: 'Nessun dorma' - Jussi Bjoerling
Dido & Aeneas: 'When I Am Laid In Earth' - Leontyne Price
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: 'Largo al factotum' - Robert Merrill
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: 'Una voce poco fa' - Roberta Peters
Samson et Dalila: 'Mon coeur s'ouvre' - Christa Ludwig
The Bartered Bride: 'Wenn ich das einmal erfahre' - Teresa Stratas
Elektra: 'Agamemnon' - Inge Borkh
Der Rosenkavalier: 'Ist ein Traum' - Erna Berger
Salome: 'Nicht in der Welt...' - Inge Borkh
Eugene Onegin: Lenski's Aria - Placido Domingo
Eugene Onegin: Tatiana's Letter Scene - Leontyne Price
Aida: 'Celeste Aida' - Jussi Bjoerling
Aida: 'Ritorna vincitor!' - Leontyne Price
Aida: 'Gloria all'Egitto' - John Alldis Choir
Aida: 'O patria mia' - Leontyne Price
Un Ballo in Maschera: 'O docezze perdute! O memorie...' - Robert Merrill
Don Carlo: 'Dio, che nell'anima infondere' - Placido Domingo
Ernani: 'Emani, involami' - Leontyne Price
La forza del destino: 'Or muoio tranquillo...' - Robert Merrill
La forza del destino: 'Pace, pace mio dio' - Zinka Milanov
Nabucco: 'Va, pensiero' - Oleg Reshetkin
Otello: 'Credo' - Tito Gobbi
Otello: Willow Song - Leonie Rysanek
Otello: 'Niun mi tema' - Jon Vickers
Rigoletto: 'Qesta o quella' - Alfredo Kraus
Rigoletto: 'Caro nome' - Anna Moffo
Rigoletto: 'La donna e mobile' - Jan Peerce
Rigoletto: 'Bella figlia dell'amore' - Alfredo Kraus
La Traviata: Brindisi - Montserrat Caballe
La Traviata: 'Di provenza' - Sherrill Milnes
La Traviata: 'Sempre libera' - Eleanor Steber
La Traviata: 'Addio del passato' - Anna Moffo
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus - Moscow Classical Chorus & Ensemble
Il Trovatore: 'Di quella pira' - Placido Domingo
Il Trovatore: 'Tacea la notte placido - Leontyne Price
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: 'Morgenlicht leuchtend' - Set Svanholm
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries - Staatskapelle Dresden
Die Walkure: Wotan's Farewell - Lawrence Tibbett
Siegfried: Song Of The Forest Bird - Norma Sharp
Gotterdammerung: 'Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort' - Kirsten Flagstad
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus - Robert Shaw Chorale
Lohengrin: 'In fernem Land' - Lauritz Melchior
Tannhauser: 'Dich teure Halle' - Waltraud Meler

Customer Reviews:

Not worth buying!.......2007-05-29

I found this recording basically worthless. It contains only very short excerpts of the song. Not enough to get into and enjoy!

Don't waste your money.......2007-01-18

This is the worst purchase I have ever made. It is a truly dreadful piece of work.I was so disgusted with it that I threw it into the trash can.

Perfect for "drop the needle" style tests.......2006-11-19

If you want to hear full recordings of arias, then this disc is not for you. It plays only tidbits of 99 arias. Contrary to the title, this is definitely not the only opera disc you'll ever need. You shouldn't take it seriously. This disc has next to no value for an opera neophyte. But for opera fanatics, there has never been a better test of your knowledge of operatic repertoire and singers. It's a great challenge for opera buffs. Sit down with your opera loving friends for an hour, play this disc, and try to be the first to identify the singer, composer, opera, and piece. If you're a music professor, this disc would make for an awesome pop quiz. Find out how well your students really know their opera repertoire.

A CD with Attention Deficit Disorder.......2006-10-02

I don't know anyone who would enjoy this CD. It will drive opera fans nuts with a hundred exerpts that run about 30 seconds each, then fade out without the singers even finishing a single verse. It's more like an index of arias, or a volume of teasers that hucksters might use to sell opera CDs.

I never realized how much Bernstein's "Glitter and be gay" sounded like Delibes' "Bell Song" until I heard 35 seconds of one, followed 23 seconds of the other.

Maybe the TV show 'Jeopardy' could use this CD. 'What is "Hush little baby don't you..."??'

What a waste of beautiful voices and great music. 38 seconds of Enrico Caruso, followed by 31 seconds of Jussi Bjoerling, followed by 38 seconds of Dawn Upshaw.

My copy is going to go sailing into the wastebasket as soon as I finish this review.

This sucks..........2006-03-31

I should only blame myself for not checking out more reviews... this is a CD filled with short, little snippets of great operas songs... and I mean SHORT, LITTLE snippets of 30 seconds or so, each. Don't buy this CD... it is a complete rip off... and that is saying ALOT since it is only $4.00... Again, my fault for not reading the reviews but I trusted that something called a "Music CD" would actually have complete songs... What else does this company offer? A "Music CD" that only has the intros or applause tracks to great songs...?

Move on to something else... Amazon has a great selection... just not this one.

Average customer rating:

To me, her best
One of Gheorghiu's best recitals
exquisite!
Angela Gheoghiu is Wonderful
A Pleasant Surprise

Angela Gheorghiu - Arias
Giuseppe Verdi , Jules Massenet , Alfredo Catalani , Vincenzo Bellini , Giacomo Puccini , Arrigo Boito , Charles Gounod , Gaetano Donizetti , John Mauceri , Angela Gheorghiu , and Orchestra del Teatro Regio di Torino
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000429G
Release Date: 1996-04-16

Tracks:

Falstaff: Sul fil d'un soffio etesio
Chbin: Aubade: Vive amour qui reve
La Wally: Ebben?... Ne andrntana
Hdiade: Il est doux, il est bon
I Capuleti e i Montecchi: Eccomi... Oh! quante volte
La Boh: Donde lieta usci al tuo grido d'amore
Mefistofele: L'altra notte
Faust: Air des bijoux
Don Pasquale: Quel guardo il cavaliere
La Boh: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi
Valurile Dunarii: Muzica

Customer Reviews:

To me, her best.......2007-07-01

I have several CDs of Gheorghiu. This is the one I prefer. I also have the DVD of her and her husband in Elisir. It was entertaining, but like in her Casta Diva disc, I didn't think her coloratura passed muster. I thought her singing in the Verdi disc was anemic. Every time she bursts into Tu che le vanita, I immediately and always think of Callas. That was one of the things that hooked me on opera in the first place, though I'm not a big fan of Callas. It just isn't there when Gheorghiu does it, though that's only one aria on the disc. I think Gheorghiu is a little overrated (still), and I think it came about when she burst on the scene in lovebird duets with her husband. But in this recital, I think she does an adequate job, and I still have her other CDs (and more amazing, bought them in the first place). She has a pretty voice and uses it well enough I think in at least this recital.

One of Gheorghiu's best recitals.......2007-01-09

I have played this CD numerous times since buying it many years ago. Whilst not 'perfect' to some, I still think it is one of Gheorghiu's best recitals recorded.

exquisite!.......2006-11-02

In this recording Ms. Gheorghiu shows why she is one of the most extraordinary voices of our time. Her phrasing, musicality and expression is impecable. I seriously recommend this CD to anyone who wants to know how an opera singer is supposed to be heard.

Angela Gheoghiu is Wonderful.......2006-08-06

I love this album I can listen to her all day long.

A Pleasant Surprise.......2006-02-24

I purchased this CD for one specific selection, and to my surprise found that I thoroughly enjoyed the entire recording! Ms Gheorghiu has a wonderful voice and knows how to "sell" an aria!!

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Average customer rating:

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
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ASIN: B0009SOFXG
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Berlioz: Requiem; Boito: Prologue to Mefistofele

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
Great but not the Ultimate
A superb modern performance of the Berlioz Requiem.
Utterly magnificent!
Fantastic Recording of a Fantastic Work!

Berlioz: Requiem; Boito: Prologue to Mefistofele

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Verdi: Requiem & Operatic Choruses
Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
Fauré · Duruflé - Requiem / J. Blegen · J. Morris · Atlanta SO · Shaw
Durufle: Requiem, Mass-Con Jubilo, Motets / Plasson, von Otter
Dvorák: Requiem

ASIN: B000003CTJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I. Requiem Et Kyrie
II. Dies Irae
III. Quid Sum Miser
IV. Rex Tremendae
V. Quaerens Me
VI. Lacrymosa
VII. Offertorium
VIII. Hostias

Tracks:

IX. Sanctus - John Aler
X. Agnus Dei - John Aler
I. Prelude And Chorus - John Cheek
II. Instrumental Scherzo And Dramatic Intermezzo
III. Vocal Scherzo
IV. Final Psalmody
Te Deum

Amazon.com essential recording

As one would expect, Robert Shaw's rendition of the Requiem is magnificently polished, with choral singing that is beyond compare. The drama is not quite as pronounced as with Davis and Munch, but the work's majestic architecture stands clearly revealed. For once, Telarc's thunderous, bass-heavy pickup adds something to the sonic picture. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2005-12-28

Of all the modern recordings of Berlioz' Requiem, Robert Shaw's is the best on every count.

I wouldn't want to be without it.

However, I also wouldn't want to spend a day without the immortal Charles Munch/Boston Symphony version. Especially in the stunning new hybrid SACD remastering.

Simply, this is one of those times when it is just common sense to own two best recordings of the same work.

If you love this work and know these two recordings, you understand why.

Great but not the Ultimate.......2004-09-09

Whenever I hear works like this (or Mozart's or Verdi's or Brahm's Requiems) I am still in awe of the intellectual and emotional depths to which the composer plunged. This is a good, some might say great recording. I too am a Telarc fan and think their work is of the highest quality. Saying that, I will say that I found the work slightly "sterile" at least compared to Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic recording that is nothing short of titantic.

Beecham seemed to put his whole heart and soul into the project whereas the current recording is one of intellectual rather than emotional interest. I judge Requiems an odd way - by listening to the Lacrymosa. Whether it is Mozart or Verdi or Berliotz, this particular element seems to hit emotional paydirt. Judging in this case I find it (again) entirely adequate but without the verve of the Beecham recording.

One other thing - many times the orchestra overwhelms the vocalist and this should NEVER be the case unless directly ordered by the composer. What's more, this should never happen in a modern recording studio.

A superb modern performance of the Berlioz Requiem........2003-12-12

Two hundred years ago today, Louis-Hector Berlioz was born. This is a day for me to comment on a few of my favorite performances of his works, some of them "favorites by acclamation" and others simply those in which I find special merit, enough so that they are frequently in my CD players.

Berlioz's Requiem is, with Giuseppe Verdi's "Manzoni" Requiem, one of the two great dramatic renderings of this text; works that have stood the test of time. If the Verdi work is the more frequently performed and operatic Requiem, the Berlioz is the more "forward-looking" and not at all lacking in its own drama and grandeur.

One needs to go "back into the vaults" to find a recorded performance of this essential Berlioz work that matches Robert Shaw's stunning version in its balance of sublime beauty and visceral excitement, not to mention its spacious sonics, all the way back to the much earlier performances by Charles Munch and Sir Thomas Beecham in fact. And then, of course, one pays a fairly heavy penalty in terms of sonics.

Despite the resources required, the work hardly lacks for "decent" recordings that are more modern than the Beecham and Munch ones, by such esteemed Berlioz specialists as Sir Colin Davis and Charles Dutoit, as well as by James Levine, Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa and Sir Andre Previn. But "decent" is just not good enough; some of these fail to catch fire in one way or another, and none of them have the choral excellence of this Shaw recording under consideration. Only the Dutoit (in an otherwise curiously unengaging performance) can come close to matching Shaw in terms of recorded sound. (In fairness, I confess to not yet having heard John Eliot Gardiner's recording. It may, in its HIP [historically informed performance] way, be the equal of this Shaw recording.)

Shaw finds the appropriate dynamic contrasts in the work, from the gentlest supplications of the "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" to the most violent outbursts of the "Dies irae" and "Rex tremendae." The sound - and the perception of depth and spatial effects - is of demonstration quality, particularly in the "Tuba mirum" section of the "Dies irae," for which four brass bands are disposed at the extreme corners of the recording venue at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

The blazing originality of Berlioz shines through everywhere, not just in the instrumental (and choral) outbursts. The otherworldly effect in the "Hostias" of having flutes and trombones separated by many octaves, to represent the immensity of the distance from Heaven to Hell, is captured perfectly, right down to the trombones' pedal-tone growl (just one of many Berlioz innovations). John Aler, arguably our very best "American French tenor," is splendid in the "Sanctus," and the Shaw chorus, needless to say, is one that is seldom - if ever - topped.

John Aler can also be found on a Delos recording of another Berlioz work in a similar vein, the Te Deum (conducted by Dennis Keene), a recording I recommend highly. Regrettably, Robert Shaw never committed the Berlioz Te Deum to disc; it would have made a perfect filler. (This might be because of the special antiphonal "call and response" requirements between orchestra and organ that Berlioz takes pains to specify. Aler/Keene had the benefit of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for their recording, a perfect venue for the work.)

But the two fillers in this boxed set - the Prologue to Arrigo Boito's Mefistofele and Verdi's Te Deum - which earlier filled a Telarc LP - are nonetheless excellent "fits" for the Berlioz Requiem.

I can remember, a quarter-century ago, when Norman Treigle "owned" the role of Mefistofele while he was at the New York City Opera (an ownership that was subsequently taken over by Samuel Ramey upon Treigle's unfortunate death by suicide). If John Cheek isn't quite the match for Treigle or Ramey, he doesn't miss by much. And the ASO performance and Telarc recording quality are pretty much assured of shaking your rafters just as well as the dramatic parts of the Berlioz work will.

The Verdi work is equally fine, but not nearly as cataclysmic as his "Manzoni" Requiem or Berlioz's own Te Deum.

The age of these performances (1984 for the Berlioz and 1979 for the fillers) doesn't show a bit. And neither does Berlioz the composer, 200 years old today.

Bon anniversaire, M. Berlioz!

Bob Zeidler

Utterly magnificent!.......2003-06-02

A while ago I gave my opinion of Dutoit's recording of the Berlioz Requiem on this site, and took the opportunity to sing the praise of this magnificent work - extensively so, and I won't repeat myself here. But every time I hear it, it again seems to grow in stature. In fact, I feel this work is so profound that it is more than worthy to stand alongside those other very greatest choral works in history, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and Bach's Hohe Messe.
And this recording must be the best one made of it (there really ought to be many, many more to choose from, though!). That Shaw knows how to get the best out of a chorus we knew, but frankly I haven't been unreservedly happy with his handling of the orchestra in some other recordings (Mahler's Eight seems a relevant case in point). However, no such reservations here. Details are meticulously moulded, tempo's perfectly judged, and dynamics closely observed (though a little more 'swell' would have been welcome here and there). Rhythmic articulation is stunningly crisp both in chorus and orchestra (notice the choral singing in the Kyrie!). John Aler is the perfect soloist in the Sanctus, giving an unforced, deeply dignified reading of a piece that too often is allowed to veer towards the operatic - and this Requiem certainly isn't opera!
To top things of all these glorious sounds are caught in the best Telarc fashion, with completely natural perspectives and a thrillingly spacial feel to the four brass bands - not only in the Tuba Mirum, but in their quieter parts elsewhere too. Details remain clearly audible when textures thicken. All in all, a recording that allows full and unhampered immersion in this deeply moving and at times overwhelming masterpiece. I would still like to here John Elliot Gardiner's take on this work, as I did after hearing the Dutoit, but I doubt he can do very much better than this.

Fantastic Recording of a Fantastic Work!.......2003-02-08

The Berlioz Requiem is seldom performed, simply because of the sheer enormity of the production and the number of musicians involved. The large main orchestra is surrounded by four brass choirs, in addition to a choir of several hundred voices. There are no less than 16 tympanists, 18 trombonists, 12 horns and nine cymbalists.

Tracks:

Ritorna Vincitor
Qui Radames Verra... O Patria Mia
Pace, Pace Mio Dio
Una Macchia E Qui Tutt'ora
Tu Che Le Vanita
Ave Maria
L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
Ils S'Eloignent Enfin... Sombre Foret
Las Fuentecitas De Parque
Cuba Dentro De Un Piano
Chevre
Punto De Habanera
Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
Canto Negro

Tracks:

In Quelle Trine Morbide
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
Donde Lieta Usci
Vissi D'Arte
Un Bel Di Vedremo
Tu, Tu, Piccolo Iddio!
Signore, Ascolta
In Questa Reggia
Tu Che Di Gel Sei Cinta
O Mio Babbino Caro
Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
Son Vergin Vezzosa
O Rendetemi La Speme... Qui La Voce Sua Soave...
Torno Il Riso Sul Suo Aspetto... Vien Diletto
Oh! S'io Potessi Dissipar Le Nubi...
Col Sorriso D'Innocenza...
Qual Suono...Oh, Sole! Ti Vela Di Tenebre Oscure

Customer Reviews:

Early Caballe, covering the range of her opera roles.......2006-09-20

Leaving the hype aside, EMI would have been more accurate to entitle this 2-CD ssurvey "Opera Arias by the Young Caballe." In the whole generous 151 min. there are only 6 songs to represent her extensive recital repertoire, and no Zarzuela. For those items you have to go to rCA. Here we get Caballe mostly from the Seventies (1971-79) with bits form the early Eighties.

The reviewers below have given deserved praise to Caballe's abilities as diva. My onw opinion is that she was better on records than in the opera house. She wasn't gifted as an actress and cut a short, wide figure onstage. But as a vocal actress on disc she was very convincing, despite her over-reliance on pathos and delicacy. One longs at times, amid all the beauitful floated notes, for more spine and guts to her heroines. (I find her acclaimed Aida, for example, a one-note portrayal.) Lady Macbeth needs to be more sinister, Elisabetta more tragically enduring.

In all, this two-fer serves as a fine survey of her early career, and for listeners like me, who don't necessarily buy Caballe's complete opera sets, it may be all we need.

A great collection of diva Caballe's best singing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-12-26

This is a great collection of caballe's eternal art.All the songs here have been remastered and sound wonderful.The very best of, contains a nice selection of caballe's greatest verdi singing.Her rendition,heard here,of la vergine degli'angeli from the forza del destino is the best one in recorded history.She sings it with such feeling and the most glorious soft notes in history.All of the arias on this disc aptly demonstrates her mastery of bel canto, and italian opera for that matter.In signore,ascolta from turandot,another memorable performance from Caballe,she sculpts this aria beautifully like a master craftsman;ending this piece with a ultra high pianissimo bflat,which she holds out all the way to the final bars of the music ,for an astounishing 15 seconds.One of the most beautiful notes ever produced from the human throat.Other noticable mentions would be her pace pace mio dio,her ave maria from othello,col sorriso d'innocenza from il pirata,as well as an entire spanish recital(recorded in 1979,in good voice)are all include here;and much more besides.There is also a nice picture of a young, beautiful, and thin Montserrat Caballe on the cover.The cd booklet includes exstensive linear notes and five rare photes of this divine soprano,who has both a heart and voice of pure gold.

REALLY GOOD !.......2004-02-19

I`VE BEEN LOOKING FOR SO LONG THE "PUCCINI ARIAS" ALBUM AND IT`S ALMOST COMPLETE IN THIS COMPILATION. ENJOY THE PURE VOICE OF MONTSERRAT WITH THIS GREAT COLLECTION OF GREAT ARIAS BY VERDI,PUCCINI,BELLINI,ROSSINI,ETC. YOU`LL NEVER REGRET.CLEAR SOUND DIGITALLY REMASTERED.

Cut-and-Paste Caballe.......2003-05-17

This two-disc recital draws heavily upon two Caballe recital discs (a Bellini/Verdi recital, and a recital of Puccini arias), with some extra material thrown in. At the end of disc one, there are also some Spanish songs thrown in, a good choice, since Caballe sang these songs extensively in her many recitals.

For Caballe fans that already own the backlist of her recitals, there is not enough here to entice you to buy this new recital, unless you like the unique combination of arias. Tracks 1-5 on disc one are wonderful interpretations by Caballe of Verdian arias. I especially like the one from Macbeth- perfectly executed, with the pianissimi in all the right places. Equally as thrilling is her Tu Che Le Vanita, a dramatic, long aria that shows off the interpretive power she was capable of, when she wasn't in a lazy mood. As for the Ave Maria, I find it curious that they chose to cut the preceding Willow Song. In my mind, you can have a Willow Song on a soprano's recital disc without the Ave Maria, but it seems inappropriate for the reverse to be the case. Personally, I don't think that Caballe has anything on Mirella Freni, who is perhaps the most perfect Desdemona of her era.

I must admit to not having heard Caballe's interpretations of L'Altra Notte and Voi Lo Sapete. To imagine Caballe singing Santuzza really seems like a stretch to me. My favorite Santuzzas are Callas, Bumbry, and Verrett (in that order). Of course, Caballe did sing a lot of roles, and it isn't impossible that she could do justice to the aria, but I just can't imagine it, try as I might. A final selection worth mentioning is the aria from William Tell, from a supreme bel canto recording of Rossini's masterpiece.

Tracks 1-11 on the second disc are culled from her famous Puccini Arias recording, with the exception of In Questa Reggia from Turandot (a role that she would sing very late in her career, as opposed to the more familiar and suitable-for-her-voice role of Liu). What is notable is what didn't make the cut. Listeners will be deprived of her heart-wrenching, powerful interpretation of Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata, with its sinister clarinet obligato. They will also miss out on an enchanting aria from Puccini's little known and rarely staged Le Villi. This is a shame, since the original Puccini Aria disc is currently out of circulation.

The rest of disc two focuses on Bellini, in the form of I Puritani and Il Pirata. Listeners will be treated to both the polacca and the mad scene from Bellini' final opera. Caballe, of course, cannot hold a candle to Joan Sutherland, who was a true coloratura soprano (Caballe was more lyrical), but she isn't bad, either, as Elvira. The Bellini role that would garner her more acclaim was Imogene from Il Pirata. This two-disc recital draws to a close with her divine reading of Imogene's mad scene. This is the stuff of operatic legend.

Tracks:

Tracea La Notte Placida
Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia
Mia Madre Aveva Una Povera Ancella...Ave Maria
Suicidio!
Voi Lo Sapete
Un Bel Di (Cio-cio-san)
L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous singing by a great singer.......2004-05-15

This recital is full of very good vocalism. Régine Crespin was the greatest opera singer France produced after World War 2. She had a huge, beautiful dramatic soprano voice. She sings all the arias here really well, though her agility is not the best and she cannot muster a real trill for "L'altra notte in fondo al mare". It must be noted that she has a short and rather shrill top register, but her middle register is very beautiful, with a slightly metallic sound, and her lower register is very strong and imposing. Her "Suicidio!" is sung with firm, strong low notes. She sings the Willow Song from Verdi's "Otello" beautifully, and her "Ave Maria" is gorgeous, with a ravishing piano high A-flat at the end. Everywhere on this CD, she displays her trademark crystal-clear diction. The sound on this CD barely hints at the huge size of her voice, though it is very good. Decca should have released this recording with better notes. We get some biographical and career information on Crespin, and the dramatic context of each of the arias included on the recording. All of this is printed on a cardboard case in very small text, with the CD facing the information. There is no booklet, and therefore, no texts and translations.

Tracks:

Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Opera Obsession! - Opera d'Oro's Greatest Hits

Average customer rating:

A Great Introduction to Opera
Excellent Potpourri

Opera Obsession! - Opera d'Oro's Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Opera D'oro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Opera Obsession Act II
Opera Obsession! Act III
The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Best of Italian Opera
The Most Famous Opera Duets

ASIN: B000062Y9J
Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

Aida: Celeste Aida - Placido Domingo
The Pearl Fishers: Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Alfredo Kraus
La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Renata Tebaldi
Manon: Io Son Sol... Ah Dispar, Vision! - Luciano Pavarotti
La Fille Du Regiment: Il Faut Partir - Fernando Corena
La Traviata: Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici - Jose Carreras
Maria Stuarda: Oh Nube! Che Lieve - Montserrat Caballe
Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Franco Corelli
Don Giovanni: Dalla Sua Pace... - Alfredo Kraus
Mefistofele: Die Campi, Dai Prati - Carlo Bergonzi
Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Franco Corelli
Arabella: Und Du Wurst Mein... - Montserrat Caballe
Tannhauser: Dich Teure Halle - Gundula Janowitz
La Damnation De Faust: Merci, Doux Crepuscule! - Nicolai Gedda
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Mirella Freni
Otello: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Jon Vickers
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giuseppe Di Stefano
Rigoletto: E Il Sol Dell'anima - Maria Callas
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tu Che A Dio... - Luciano Pavarotti

Customer Reviews:

A Great Introduction to Opera.......2004-11-28

This CD serves as a great beginner's guide to opera. there is plenty to choose from on this CD. Placido Domingo starts off the CD with his trademark "Celeste Aida." Next, Alfredo Kraus and Giuseppe Taddei sing "Au fond du temple saint," in Italian instead of French. Renata Tebaldi follows in "Ebben? ne andro lontana." You can't have a opera CD without Luciano Pavarotti, and you get him in "Io son sol...Ah dispar, vision!" from Manon. A great trio from La fille du regiment, "Il faut partir" follows, starring Beverly Sills, Fernando Corena, and Grayson Hirst. Jose Carreras and Renata Scotto follow in the Brindisi from La Traviata. Montserrat Caballe graces the #7 spot in "Oh nube! che lieve" from Maria Stuarda. Franco Corelli is excellent is "Nessun dorma" from Turandot. Alfredo Kraus returns again in "Dalla sua pace" from Don Giovanni. This is one of my favorite arias on the CD. Carlo Bergonzi follows in "Die campi, dai prati" from Mefistofele. Franco Corelli follows in the role he was made for: Manrico's "Di quella pira" from Il Trovatore. Montserrat Caballe and Siegmund Nimsgern sing in one of the only German arias on the CD: "Und du wurst mein..." from Arabella. Gundula Janowitz sings in "Dich teure Halle," the other German aria on this CD. I can't believe Nicolai Gedda isn't on this CD more than once. He sings "Merci, doux crepuscule" from La damnation de Faust. Mirella Freni comes next in "Si. Mi chiamano Mimi" from La Boheme. My favorite tenor, Giuseppe di Stefano comes in the next two clips: "E lucevan la stelle" from Tosca, and, with Maria Callas, "E il sol dell'anima" from Rigoletto. How can this great recording end? With Pavarotti in "Tu che a Dio" from Lucia di Lammermoor of course.

Excellent Potpourri.......2004-09-12

Do not be misled by the incredibly low price on this album; the recording quality is quite good. I would have liked more information in the liner notes (especially the year of the performance), but that is a minor quibble when compared to hearing some of the best opera stars of the last century for less than a matinee movie ticket.

So, indulge and enjoy!

Maria Callas - Life & Art (2 CD's & Bonus DVD)

Average customer rating:

The Fascinating Maria Callas
Stupenda! A great compilation...
wonderful representation of Callas artistry

Maria Callas - Life & Art (2 CD's & Bonus DVD)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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 | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Verdi: Arias by Maria Callas (includes DVD - rare performance of Callas on film)
The Passion of Callas
Maria Callas - The Callas Conversations (EMI Classic Archive)
Callas - A Documentary Plus Bonus / John Ardoin, Franco Zeffirelli
Maria Callas - Passion / A Film by Gerard Caillat

ASIN: B0002Z83KW
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

Bellini: Norma - Casta Diva (Act I)
Donizetti: Anna Bolena - Al dolce guidami castel natio (Act II)
Verdi: Il trovatore - D'amor sull'ali rosee (Act IV)
Catalani: La Wally - Ebben? ne andrr lontana (Act I)
Giordano: Andrea Chinier - La mamma morta (Act III)
Puccini: La bohhme - Donde lieta uscl (Act III)
Puccini: Tosca - Vissi d'arte (Act II)
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana - Voi lo sapete o mamma
Boito: Mefistofele - L'altra notte in fondo al mare (Act III)10. Puccini: Madama Butterfly - Un bel dl vedremo (Act II)
Puccini: Turandot - Signore, ascolta (Act I)
Puccini: Manon Lescaut - Sola, perduta, abbandonata (Act IV)
Ponchielli: La Gioconda - Suicidio! (Act IV)
Verdi: Aida - Ritorna vincitor! (Act I)
Bizet: Carmen - Carreau ! Pique ! (Card Scene) (Act III)
Massenet: Le Cid - De cet affreux combat...Pleurez, mes yeux ! (Act III)

Tracks:

Bellini: La sonnambula - Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno...Sovra il sen la man mi posa (Act I)
Bellini: I puritani - Son vergin vezzosa (Act 1)
Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Regnava nel silenzio...Quando rapito in estasi (Act I)
Verdi: Rigoletto - Gualtier Maldh...Caro nome (Act I)
Verdi: La traviata - Ah, fors'h lui (Act I)
Puccini: Gianni Schicchi - O mio babbino caro
Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur - Ecco: respiro appena. Io son l'umile ancella (Act I)
Thomas: Mignon - Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania (Act II)
Gounod: Romio et Juliette - Ah ! Je veux vivre dans ce rjve (Act I)
Gounod: Faust - Un bouquet !...Ah ! je ris (Jewel Song) (Act III)
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust - D'amour l'ardente flamme (Part IV)
Massenet: Werther - Werther ! Qui m'aurait dit...Des cris joyeux (Letter Scene) (Act III)