Giuseppe Verdi: Ernani

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ideally, a more heroic voice than Carlo Bergonzi's is best for the title role in this complex melodrama about a noble rebel and outlaw in Renaissance Spain--so noble that he accepts death rather than break his word of honor and live happily ever after. However, Bergonzi makes up in technique and stylistic awareness for what he may lack in muscle. Leontyne Price's voice was at its peak in the late 1960s when this was recorded, but in style she is not comparable to Bergonzi. Neither is the supporting cast, Thomas Schippers, or, in the best competing version, Placido Domingo on EMI. This is not a perfect Ernani but, at its reduced price, it's a good buy. --Joe McLellan

Tracks:

Il Trovatore: Di quella pira (Il Trovatore)
Il Trovatore: Ah si, ben mio (Il trovatore)
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile (Rigoletto)
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di'tu se fedele (Un ballo in maschera)
Un Ballo in Maschera: Ma se m'e forza perditi (Un ballo in maschera)
Rigoletto: Ella mi fu rapita (Rigoletto)
Rigoletto: Possente amor mi chiama (Rigoletto)
Aida: Celeste Aida (Aida)
La Traviata: De' miei bollenti spiriti (La traviata)
La Traviata: oh mio rimorso (La traviata)
I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere vorrei (I lombardi)
Ernani: Merce, diletti amici (Ernani)
Don Carlo: Io la vidi e il suo sorriso (Don Carlo)
Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido (Luisa Miller)
La forza del destino: La vita e inferno all'infelice (La forza del destino)

Amazon.com Classical Music Reviews

With this CD devoted solely to operatic arias--by none less than Giuseppe Verdi, the greatest Italian opera composer of all time--pop crossover phenomenon Andrea Bocelli throws his hat into the operatic ring with the big boys. The hat occasionally fits, and occasionally it doesn't. The beauty of the voice is undeniable, as is the relative ease in all registers. But, regardless of what the engineers do, it is clearly a small voice. For "Celeste Aïda"--Radames's great aria from Aïda--Bocelli opens with fine, as-big-as-possible exclamation and sounds confident; the long diminuendo on the aria's final high B-flat is stunning (whether or not the engineers were twiddling with the knobs, we'll never know). The tenor is more at home with Alfredo's Act Two music from La Traviata; he sings with grace and charm, ending the rarely performed cabaletta (a brief and showy piece that usually follows an aria) with one of the longest, most solid high Cs ever recorded. Elsewhere, there are mixed results: "Di' tu se fedele" from Un ballo in maschera is so free of feeling that it seems digitally produced. A big, unnecessary high D at the close of the Duke's cabaletta "Possente amor" from Rigoletto is screamed, and Bocelli sounds at times as if he's about to collapse from exhaustion during a heavy aria from Ernani. But "Ah si, ben mio" from Il Trovatore is beautiful, as is the Luisa Miller aria; Don Carlo also seems to fit Bocelli well. Needless to say, the singer's fans will certainly want to have this--and it might encourage them to try other recordings of music by Verdi. Newcomers and the curious will find plenty to admire, too. The sound itself remains alluring, and Bocelli has taken steps also towards improving his technique. In short, some nice surprises for the opera lover, and many for the Bocelli fan. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as Amore.......2007-03-24

This CD came perfectly, I just prefer the Amore CD better.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-14

It is said that from the age of eleven years, Guiseppe Verdi (1813-1901) wanted to write operas. He left his post as organist to study music in Milan, a move made possbile by his patron,Barezzi, whose daughter he eventually married in 1836. Shortly thereafter he composed his first opera 'Oberto" which was so successful that his future seemed secure. However, the death of his wife and two babies some time later forced him into a state of depression. The impressario Mirelli gave him the book 'Nabucco' (Nebuchadnezzar) to read, and he immediately began to write music for it. Therewith he embarked on the career which eventually made him the "Grand Old Man" of Italian opera. In modern slang, he was a "natural".From "Oberto", written in his twenties, to "Falstaff", completed when he was eighty, his characteristic integrity and intensity persisted; as he wrote his 30 operas, his powers of expression broadened and deepened. By the time he wrote 'Aida', commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt, Verdi was 56. 'Aida' is often named as his greatest opera. The live elephants used in the production, the authentic costumes and musical instruments copied from ancient Egyptian tombs made an attractive picture, and his music made a "Celeste Aida" of the whole.
Lets face it; Bocelli is no Pavoratti, and perhaps it was not wise to choose some of the arias associated with tenors of his ilk, but Bocelli makes the best of his talents, which are considerable. And he has done a lot to create interest among young voice students,(male) and as a voice teacher I make use of his appearance and his youthfulness to engage their interest, and he does that!!!!I think his record sales tell the tale.

Verdi.......2007-01-03

Excellent Verdi selections. As usual, top tonal quality with excellent breath control. The best tenor to come along with such diversification as to sing just about anything presented to him. A superb choice for the connoisseur of italian operas.

The triumph of mediocrity.......2006-02-04

No, Bocelli is not an awful singer, he is an awful OPERA singer, and it shows here. His colorless, uneducated and bland voice make me wonder why people like him so much. As a baritone in training I'm able to say that my voice teacher's STUDENTS sing much better than this guy.
His tessitura is nowere near adequate for singing any of the arias from Rigoletto, "La donna è mobile" sounds much like a kid would sing it. "Celeste Aida" is one of the worst selections, and one of the most electronically enhanced, as it requires a precise voice placement (which Bocelli doesn't posses) since much of it lies very high in the register, and a heavier, rounder voice; if the role is not adequate for many REAL tenors, it is much less adequate for a pop singer. The "feeling" raving reviewers talk about is nothing more than a voice coming (incorrectly) from the throat, and the "beautiful" high D in "Possente amor" is a beautifully screamed falsetto, the same could be said about "Di quella pira"'s C; what's amazing about all this is the fact that electronic enhancement doesn't make his voice sound better. Some have ludicrously compared him to the likes of Vargas, Domingo, and Corelli, even saying he's better; this is nothing more than ignorance and bad taste.
Maybe his fans are tired of detractors bringing out the big names in their defense, so let's be honest: he's one of the WORST opera interpreters out there, I wish great singers like Mariusz Kwiecen, Matthew Polenzani, and René Pape received the publicity he gets, though it won't happen; at least some consolation lies in the fact that these people are true artists willingly and GLADLY offering their art to the people in order to make a living; I'm sure if Andrea didn't make so much $$$$ with his opera experiment, he would've dropped this travesty long ago.

no expert.......2005-12-17

I'm not a genuine, dyed-in -the-wool opera fan. The sound of the soprano voice makes me grit my teeth. Some of the great tenors are very pleasing, but mostly I'm just not especially enthusiastic or impressed. Actually, I think it's rather stupid for good singers to abuse their voices by bellowing. This was necessary before the invention of amplification, but not any more.
So, obviously, I'm not in the position to compare Bocelli's arias to those of the tenors considered the greats. I can hear that his voice lacks the robustness of the Pavarottis of this world. BUT - I like many of the famous arias, and to my ear, Bocelli's performances, electronically enhanced or not, are melodic and pleasant to the ear. As a result of listening to Bocelli, I've become familiar with some great music that I would otherwise be likely to ignore.
So I listen and enjoy and really don't care about all the criticism.

Average customer rating:

OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY.
Great music...stunning recording quality
Incredible
Just Stunning!

Essential Verdi

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Ultimate Puccini Collection
Essential Puccini
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The #1 Opera Album
The Most Famous Opera Arias

ASIN: B000056JSW
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

Rigoletto: La donna e mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
Nabucco: Va pesiero - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
La forza del destino: Overture - Kirov Orchestra
La Traviata: Un di felice - Joan Sutherland
I Vespri Siciliani: Merce dilette amiche - Maria Chiara
La Traviata: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Joan Sutherland
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira - Jose Carreras
Il Trovatore: Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Il Trovatore: Stride la vampa! - Stefania Toczyska
Aida: Ritorna vincitor! - Leontyne Price
Don Carlo: Dio che nell'alma infondere - Carlo Bergonzi
La Traviata: Prelude - Orchestra E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Rigoletto: Caro nome - Joan Sutherland
Don Carlo: O don fatale - Olga Borodina
Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi! Celeste Aida - Carlo Bergonzi
Emani: Ernani! Ernani involami - Joan Sutherland
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di tu se fedele - Jussi Bjorling
Un Ballo in Maschera: Morro ma prima in grazia - Margaret Price
Luisa Miller: Quando le sere al placido - Luciano Pavarotti
Aida: Gloria all'Egitto - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies irae - Wiener Philharmoniker
La forza del destino: Pace pace mio Dio - Angela Gheorghiu
Rigoletto: Questa o quella - Carlo Bergonzi
Rigoletto: Bella figlia dell'amore - Luciano Pavarotti
Otello: Ave Maria - Renee Fleming
La Traviata: Parigi o cara - Frank Lopardo
Macbeth: Ah la paterna mano - Luciano Pavarotti
Il Trovatore: Squilli echeggi la tromba guerriera - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Don Carlo: O Carlo ascolta - Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Requiem: Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
Simon Baccanegra: Come in quest'ora bruna - Kiri Te Kanawa
Macbeth: Salve o Re! Si colmi il calice - Lucia Aliberti
Aida: O patria mia - Leontyne Price
I lombardi: La mia letizia infondere - Placido Domingo
Aida: Lo sguardo avea degli angeli - Montserrat Caballe
La forza del destino: Solenne in quest'ora - Nikolai Putilin
Macbeth: Patria opressa - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Il Trovatore: Tacea la notte - Katia Ricciarelli
I due Foscari: Dal piu remoto esilio - Odio solo ed odio atroce - Jose Carreras
Don Carlo: Spuntato ecco il di esultanza - Orchestra E Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano

Customer Reviews:

OKAY, TAKE ME AWAY........2006-01-20

I don't know opera.

Last summer we had an incredible 20th anniversary trip to Italy. As a side trip from Venice, we planned a night in Verona. Neither my wife or I had been to an opera.

Is this how its supposed to be...

...an incredible star filled night with a three quarter moon, the largest stage and outdoor theatrical production on the planet, all taking place in a roman colleseum (arena) built in 180 a.d., an incredible colorful set and production with a full symphony orchestra and voices that don't come easy. Aida.

Now I know what all the hpye is as you opera fans sure are lucky to have such a beautiful setting for all your productions.

Okay, we got spoiled. But I also found myself getting spoiled on the Italian composer Verdi.

For me, this set is not only a "take me back to Verona" trip, but a great introduction to Verdi's other works. With some of the biggest names in the opera world in starring roles, I listened to both discs twice the first night they arrived.

And, of course, we are planning a return trip to Verona in the very near future to see some more Verdi...perhaps Nabucco or Otello or Macbeth...I'll even settle for Aida again. It was such a magical experience and a superb introduction to opera and Verdi.

This set continues that magical moment for us and provides a great introduction to a master of the opera...Verdi.

Great music...stunning recording quality.......2002-11-01

This is a marvelous compendium of Verdi's opera works that even the serious opera fan wouldn't turn his nose up at. These are the top contemporary soloists singing with first tier orchestras. When I saw the Decca label, I expected reasonable quality, but this disk is stunningly well engineered. Most of the vocals match the best jazz cds for immediacy and intimacy, and the orchestras are equally well done.

Incredible.......2002-06-05

I don't say incredible about too many things, but Verdi was the zenith of Italian Opera and Solti and the Chicago Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic are the quintessential ensembles for modern classical performance. Not to mention that most of the voices showcased have their own lines of CDs (Pavarotti, etc.) This CD is the best Verdi album available, and it has EVERYTHING. BUY THIS CD!

Just Stunning!.......2002-01-26

In my opinion this recording is stunning. I am not usually a fan of compilations in classical music, as they're usually watered down representations made under the presumption that the listener would find the full-blown version intimidating or boring. This one, however, is not only an exception in my view, but a recording that deserves a high place of honor in every serious listener's collection. The representation of artists, both vocal and orchestral, is breathtaking and impressive for the span of years. A great big thank you to the people at Decca responsible for putting this collection together, as it is obvious to this listener that a great deal of thought and care went into looking for the most beautiful version of every piece on here. I have purchased two copies, one for home and one for the office, and have gotten two friends similarly hooked. I am also feverishly searching for more pairings of Joan Sutherland and Carlo Bergonzi. In the meantime, I'm on to Essential Puccini!!

Average customer rating:

A True Verdian!
Dmitri's most dramatic offering
Superb!
A Beautiful Voice, A Beautiful CD!
Exiting Verdi Cavaliere

Verdi Arias

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I Met You, My Love
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ASIN: B00005YN9V
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Otello: Vanne... Credo In Un Dio Crudel
Rigoletto: Pari Siamo
Rigoletto: Cortigiani, Vil Razza Dannata
Stiffelio: Ei Fugge!... Lina, Pensai Che Un Angelo...Oh Gioia Inesprimibile
Nabucco: Son Pur Queste Mie Membra?... Dio Di Giuda!
Un Ballo In Maschera: Alla Vita Che T'Arride
Un Ballo In Maschera: Alzati!... Eri Tu
Ernani: Gran' Dio!... Oh De' Verd'Anni Miei
I Masnadieri: Vecchio! Spiccai... La Sua Lampada Vitale... Tremate, O Miseri!
I Masnadieri: Sogno Di Francesco: Tradimento!... Pareami, Che Sorto Da Lauto Convito
Il Trovatore: Tutto E Deserto... Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso... Per Me Ora Fatale

Customer Reviews:

A True Verdian!.......2005-06-28

Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky made his name known to the west through 1989 Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, where he won the first prize by singing Verdi and Tchaikovsky arias. A baritone with enviably warm tone, lyricism, dramatic temperament, as well as great vocal range, musicianship, and acting, Hvorostovsky is destined to sing Verdi. His actual full undertaking of Verdi roles, however, started many years later, when his voice was matured and ready for the dramatism and intensity of the Verdi baritone roles.

In this Verdi Aria album, he takes on the dramatic aspect of Verdi baritone roles and delivers their arias with lyricism and vitality. He would make a compelling Iago, and "Vanne...Credo in un Dio crudel" proves that. The power in his rendition as well as the nuances get to the evil soul of this diabolic character, and leaves one a spinal chill with his evil laugh. As Rigoletto he gives a riveting dramatic performance. In "Pari siamo" his singing is fierce; while in "Cortigiani", for one moment he bursts with explosive rage and the next with pathos and pain. Hvorostovsky always sings through voice as well as feelings. As his voice gets more richly colored in tone and feelings deeper, his singing evokes more intense emotions. Here we hear an "Eri tu" that's so deep emotionally involved, and his legatos are forever beautiful. One year after the album released, Hvorostovsky made his debut as Count di Luna in "Il trovatore" at Covent Garden. "Il balen del suo sorriso" is a master delivery of passion and tenderness, and "Perme ora fetale", which in the opera immediately follows the aria, is a masculine ensemble sung with Spiritual Revival Choir of Russia.

Bravo, Dmitri Hvorostovsky!

Dmitri's most dramatic offering.......2004-05-24

Dmitri Hvorostovsky's rich, glorious voice is combined with his sense of drama in this recording and captures all the passion and fervor of these magnificent arias.
Verdi made his baritone characters the most complex and interesting of his operas...sometimes evil, sometimes desperate, they would often lose the object of their affections to the tenor, whether it was a love interest like the Conte di Luna (Il Trovatore) or daughter like Rigoletto.

Among my favorite arias is "Alzati ! ...Eri tu", from Un Ballo in Maschera, and Hvorostovsky's interpretation is sublime; other choice selections are "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata" (Rigoletto), and the villainous Iago's "Vanne...credo in un Dio crudel" (Otello). Some of these arias are better known than others, but all are terrific.
Mario Bernardi provides energetic backing with the Philharmonia of Russia, tenor Vsevold Grivnov sings a few lines in "Sogno di Francesco" (I Masnadieri) and bass Alexander Vinogradov is Ferrando in "Tutto e deserto..." (Il Trovatore).
Often thought of as primarily a singer of Russian music, Siberian-born Hvorostovsky is also completely at home with the Italian repertoire, as this fabulous CD proves. Sound is good and total playing time is 68'58.

Superb!.......2002-10-23

Being a die-hard Dmitri fan (and a Russian) I was waiting for more Verdi repertoir since "Tchaikovsky & Verdi Arias" -- his debut album. He has since then recorded a complete Don Carlo and La Traviata on Philips label, but the material on this CD was "in the works" for all these years. And rightfully so -- Hvorostovsky's dark baritone voice has gained more depth and his breath control improved even further. So has his characterization ability; his Iago is the devil incarnated, his Rigoletto is multifaceted, and what a great Stankar! In the aforementioned first recital, Dmitri did sing "Il balen del suo sorriso", but here he included "Per me ora fatale" -- a rousing cabaletta where the Count is not at all melancholic. By the way, check out a DVD of "Il Trovatore" from BBC.
The recording quality is quite decent, the only minor disturbance happened at track 9. Overall, I am more impressed with Delos vs. Philips.
Like a previous reviewer, I wish La Forza del Destino would have been represented here. But including rare arias from I Masnadieri made this disc even more a treasure.
In my opinion, any opera fan needs to get this CD. For some it would be a great intro to the art of Hvorostovsky.

A Beautiful Voice, A Beautiful CD!.......2002-08-23

Let me say up front that I am not an authority on opera. I'm basically just a "greatest hits" type. But you don't have to be an opera fan to love this CD of Hvorostovsky's singing Verdi. My favorites are the selections from NABUCCO and UN BALLO IN MASCHERA; you'll probably find your favorite Verdi here too. This CD would be perfect if Mr. Hvorostovsky sang "De Provenza il mar," but as his fans know, he has already recorded that aria on TCHIKOVSKY & VERDI ARIAS. Perhaps it speaks to his integrity as an artist that he doesn't record the same selections over and over with very little variety on his CD's as do so many singers.

A music critic in a national magazine recently opined that perhaps that lovers of classical music would be left with listening to baritones since the tenor greats were nearing retirement and that there weren't many young tenors to replace them. If Mr. Hvorostovsky is an example of the best of the baritones and what we may be forced to listen to, let's retire the tenors. (Surely no one should have to listen to "The Three Tenors" ever again. Knowing when to stop singing is such an admirable quality.)

Oh, if this CD gets my vote for the most beautiful recording this year, the design of this CD gets my vote for the worst art. The design and photo on the cover are somewhere beyond silly. No artist of this stature deserves such a photograph.

Exiting Verdi Cavaliere.......2002-03-23

Finally long awaited Hvorostovsky's Verdi is out. For everyone's expectation, his artistic quality soared to the highest level. My addiction to Hvorostovsky has gotten only worse. This CD is climbing up the chart fast, competing with "The very best of Maris Callas". Obviously opera audiences anticipated his Verdi roles as much as Hvorostovsky himself.

When he made sensational international debut at the end of 89', he was bonafide Primo Uomo right from the start. He was every opera house's dream but Verdi roles were too heavy for his voice then. He recorded some Verdi arias earlier in his career like Macbeth, Luisa Miller, Don Carlo, Trovatore and Traviata. I was totally mesmerized by him then, and now over 10 years later, his voice has matured and ready for various Verdi's.

With his romantic looks and sounds, it's hard to picture him as Rigoletto or other father figures and villains, but it doesn't matter. I'm overwhelmed by his characterizations, expressive tones and beautiful phrases in Rigoletto, Ballo, Ernani,Trovatore and the rest. It's so exiting to have top notch Verdi Cavaliere again.

Tracks:

Rider's March
Troika
Little Field
When The Soldiers Sing
Nightingales
Dark Eyes
Kossack's Song
Let's Drink!
Song Of The Volga Boat Men
Russian Song
Kalinka
Farewell Song
Escamillo Couplets
Dear Soul
Ukrainian Folk Song
Moscow Nights
May Nights
I Got Plenty Of Nothing
Granada
National Anthem Of The USSR

Great Duets & Trios / Sutherland, Horne, Pavarotti

Average customer rating:

all past their primes but still a thrill
Hello! Anybody in there????
The Amazing Trio
Fantastic drama heard here
Bravi, Sutherland, Pavorotti, Horne

Great Duets & Trios / Sutherland, Horne, Pavarotti

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006P4Q
Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

Ernani: Solingo, errante e misero
Norma: Adalgisa! ... Oh! rimembranza!
Norma: Ma di' ... Oh non tremare
La Gioconda: Ecco la barca ... addio
La Gioconda: Deh! non turbare
Otello: Gia nella notte densa
Il Trovatore: Madre, non dormi?

Customer Reviews:

all past their primes but still a thrill.......2003-06-30

All of the singers are past their prime here. Dame Joan must have lost at least half her formidable voice. And her coloratura has slowed down to a slow stroll. You have to hear her when she was the greatest singer the world had ever seen.
Pavarotti and Horne are slightly better. But they are also disappointing to my discriminating ears. But if you never heard them when they were supreme, you may still be extremely impressed. They are that good that even when they're past their prime, they still have valid voices.
If you never heard Dame Joan when she ruled the operatic world, don't buy this, she will be discredited.
However, even if Dame Joan is way past her prime here, if you know how she sounded when she was the Queen of opera, it's still a must buy. Because even though her voice is half gone, she's still Prima Donna Assoluta. But only buy this if you know how she's supposed to sound.

Hello! Anybody in there????.......2001-05-21

Hey, publishers, this is too much excellent performance not to be available on video. Any genuine opera lover will buy the video tape/DVD of this live recording.

The Amazing Trio.......2000-12-14

I like this recording very much, but I must say that the tape, which I bought in 1981, had a "warmer" sound to it. I also remeber watching the live performanc on television, and even the best recording can not capture the excitment of that evening. I disagree with the reviewer who said that all three were past their prime. I thought they were all in good if not excellent voice. I agree with the reviewer who said Sutherland is not in top form, but who cares.Even at less than her best she is better than anyone else! I would not miss having this recoring in my collection!

Fantastic drama heard here.......2000-01-05

This is a wonderful recording of arias with an excellent set of performers. The drama and emotion felt in this CD is extremely moving. Horne does a fantastic job of playing her alto roles, and Pavarotti is in his usual good singing voice. My problem here lies with Dame Joan. As I am an almost diehard fan of her work, I found it dissapointing listening to her in this recording. It is obvious that she was past her prime at this point and we no longer hear her infamous coloratura singing. The acrobatics are no longer there, and the high notes are forced and not that high at all. However, this recording is very good, if only for its star power and fantastic theatrics.

Bravi, Sutherland, Pavorotti, Horne.......1999-07-04

All three singers past their amazing primes in this LIVE recording, but I still must have it because of it's historical status. We have three of the greatest singers of this or any other century on the stage at the same time! Just thrilling in the ensembles. Buy this CD!!!

Average customer rating:

Verdi: Ernani

Manufacturer: Emi Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000PKG5F4
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Prelude
Chorus Evviva! Beviam!
Recitative & Aria Merce, Diletti Amici...Come Rugiada Al Cespite
Cabaletta Dell' Esiglio Nel Dolore...O Tu Che L'alma Adora
Recitative Surta E La Notte
Aria Ernani! Ernani, Involami
Cabaletta Tutto Sprezzo
Recitative Qui Me Trasse Amor Possente
Duet Da Quel Di Che T'ho Veduta
Trio Tu Se', Ernani!
Recitative & Aria Che Mai Vegg'io...Infelice! E Tuo Credevi
Vedi Come Il Buon Vegliardo

Tracks:

Chorus & Scena Esultiamo!
Trio Oro, Quant'oro
Scena Ah, Morrir, Potessi Adesso
Scena No, Vendetta Piu Tremenda
Recitative Cugino, A Che Munito
Duet Lo Vedremo, Veglio Audace
Duet Viene Meco, Sol Dirose
Duet A Te, Scegli, Seguimi!
Prelude & Recitative E Questo Il Loco
Reciative Gran Dio!
Aria & Scena Oh, De' Verd'anni Miei
Chorus & Scena Un Patto! Un Giuramento...!...Si Ridesti Il Leon Di Castiglia
Aria & Finale O Sommo Carlo
Chorus & Recitative O Come Felici
Tutto Ora Tace Intorno

Average customer rating:

Rosa Ponselle Prima Voce
Avatar or envoy of gods
The most ravishing soprano voice. Ever.
The richest, most beautiful voice in history!
Callas was correct...

Ponselle Prima Voce

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Ponselle, Rosa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Ponselle, Vol. 2
Ponselle, Vol. 3
Galli-Curci: Prima Voce
Luisa Tetrazzini, Vol.2
Divas 1906-35

ASIN: B0000037J6
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

La Gioconda: Suicidio
Otello: The Willow Song
Otello: Ave Maria
Aida: Qui Radames Vera!...O Patria Mia
Aida: Pur Ti Riveggo - Rosa Ponselle/Giovanni Martinelli
Ernani: Surta E La Notte...Ernani, Involami
La Vestale: Tu Che Invoco
La Vestale: O Nume Tutelar
La Forza Del Destino: Alzatevi...La Vergine Degli Angeli - Rosa Ponselle/Ezio Pinza
Norma: Sediziose Voci...Casta Diva
Norma: Mira, O Norma
Carme
Maria, Mari!
On Wings Of Dream
The Nightingale And The Rose
A Perfect Day

Customer Reviews:

Rosa Ponselle Prima Voce.......2006-03-18

These are old recordings, but great from the standpoint that it is the only way we can hear an almost faithful representation of her great voice.

It is a very fine selection of opera arias.

Albert C. Ruocchio

Avatar or envoy of gods.......2006-02-14

Nasal ringing sound, like one of Caruso, Bechi but better. Frequent intrusions into men's repertoire ('Song of Indian merchant', 'In questa tomba oscura', 'Tre giorni son che Nina', 'Der Tod und das Madchen', etc).
Best singer, best voice.
Early retirement because of higher nasal impedance.

The most ravishing soprano voice. Ever........2005-08-23

Many would argue that this was the most beautiful soprano voice ever - or at least ever recorded. And it's a strong argument. Such richness, such depth, such warmth, such glorious freedom, such security - who else, before or since, can match them. Destinn? A bit blousy. Boninsegna? The voice changes through the passagio. Rethberg? Close, but no cigar. Tebaldi? A bit shrill by comparison. Callas? Dramatic, yes, but beautiful, I don't think so. Gheorgiu? Good by today's standards, but no contest.

No, this thick double-cream stream of tone is something to relish, to sit back and just enjoy. Try her 'Casta Diva' or 'Un bel di' to see how it feels when you approach every high note with joyous anticipation and not with the prospect of a wince (cf. Callas). The Nile aria from Aida is as near perfection as we have any right to expect this side of Opera Heaven - a wondrous piano high C. And on these discs you will also find one of my all-time favourite records - La Vergine degli Angeli from La Forza del Destino where you get, not only Ponselle's wondrous soprano at the top, but also her bass equivalent, Ezio Pinza, below. Two wonderful voices for the price of one.

The Nimbus sound, achieved by recording what actually emerges from the record into a room rather than directly off the shellac, is not to everyone's taste. But it is to mine. It allows the singer's voice to develop and bloom and sound, to my ears, very natural.

The richest, most beautiful voice in history!.......2004-02-10

More beautiful than Caballe and Sutherland combined! A voice like a gleaming red ruby, the greatest lirico spinto of the century. Her Verdi-recordings have found their equals only in Callas' insightful performances but she did not quite possess the creamy, gleaming luxury timbre that Ponselle had. Being reported as one of the biggest voice in history (On occasions she drowned out Titta Ruffo!!!!) she will dazzle you like only Callas could afterwards. She debuted as Leonora in Forza in her teens (I think she was 18) with Caruso as Don Alvaro and made operatic history. Her Gioconda was as legendary as her Giulia (Vestale), repertoire only to be sung by Callas to the same perfection. Her brilliant Aida puts most others to shame, as do both of her Leonoras. Two complete opera-recordings with her exist: La Traviata and Carmen. Get them both and be charmed by the most gorgeous voice in history!

Callas was correct..........2002-11-19

When I read that Maria Callas credited Rosa Ponselle as her vocal idol and only inspiration, the first thought I had was that if a soprano as great as Callas said this, is because it should be true. When I bought this CD I proved the affirmation was correct: you only have to hear Rosa Ponselle's voice and verify that she is one the best sopranos of the century, and why her voice was the inspiration of many Callas's roles, including Norma, La Gioconda and La vestale. The sound quality of this CD is incredible if we consider that the recordings dates from the 1920's

Average customer rating:

Operatic icon. Performer against which others are measured.
La Divina set the stage
The queen of opera
Essential!
The entire La Divina series is AMAZING!

La Divina 2

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Maria Callas - La Divina
Maria Callas: La Divina 3
Maria Callas: The Legend
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas: The Platinum Collection

ASIN: B000002RTT
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

Alceste: Divinites du Styx Acte 1
Carmen: Les tringles des sistres tintaient Acte ll
Ernani: Surta e la notte......Ernani! Ernani, involami Atto l
Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide Atto ll
Aida: Ritorna vincitor Atto l
Orphee et Eurydice: J'ai perdu mon Eurydice Acte lV
I vespri siciliana: Bolero: Merce, dilette amiche Atto V
Louise: Depuis le jour Acte lll
La Boheme: Donde lieta usci Atto lll
Mignon: Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania Acte ll
La Traviata: Teneste la promessa...Addio, del passato Atto lll
Don Carlo: O don fatale Atto lll
Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence Acte l
La Sonnambula: Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno Atto l
Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco: respiro appena...Io son 'lumile ancella Atto l
Lucia di Lammermoor: Spargi d'amaro pianto Atto lll

Customer Reviews:

Operatic icon. Performer against which others are measured........2007-05-26

Maria Callas may be the only female operatic 'superstar' working in my lifetime. In the 1950s and early 1960's, she had all the star power and paparrazi draw of Jackie and Marilyn, far outstripping the fame to the world at large of her primary rival, Renita Tibaldi. I am not an expert, or even an experienced amateur at evaluating operatic sopranos; however I've listened to several of the modern crop, and while the newbies probably do a better job of keeping on key, none of them can match the drama emoted by Ms. Callas on any given aria. All three releases are especially good buys, as they all run to over 72 minutes; however the recording quality does show its early (pre-multitrack, pre-digital) recording technology. Each is as good as the next regarding content, but 2 and 3 are a bit better in sound quality.

La Divina set the stage.......2007-01-05

Maria Callas, as I understand it (I'm not a music expert), helped create a new interest in the bel canto tradition of Donizetti and Bellini at mid-twentieth century. This album represents those composers, plus many others as well.

Callas' range in choice of operatic material is great indeed. Selections on this CD run from Gluck to Donizetti to Bizet and Puccini. Her voice, uneven on occasion, does not define her importance. As noted, she helped spark a renewed interest in bel canto works. The irony is that she did not have great coloratura skills. In the selection from Lucia di Lammermoor, a trill is scarcely heard. Think a few years later, to Joan Sutherland, later still to Beverly Sills, and more recently to sopranos such as Angela Gheorghiu. They all have much better technique, trill well, and exhibit much more agile coloratura singing. But Callas was an important predecessor.

More important than technique is the passion that many heard in her voice and her presence on stage. This is a good introduction to the range of Callas' repertoire and a reminder of this fiery singer from decades ago.

The queen of opera.......2004-05-16

Absolutely beautiful! Divine is the only word to do her justice! Viva La Divina, BRAVISSIMA!

Essential!.......2004-04-04

All three La Divina Albums are essential indeed! I bought them all and enjoy them! A very beautiful, dramatic voice!

The entire La Divina series is AMAZING!.......2004-02-26

I bought all three La Divina Releases and they're all splendid. Brilliant, for Callas and beyond!

Average customer rating:

Verdi: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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The Best of Italian Opera
The Most Famous Opera Arias

ASIN: B0000DZ3HJ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Sinfonia
Questa O Quella
Caro Nome
La Donna E Mobile
Bella Figlia Dell'Amore (Quartet)
Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici (Brindisi)
Parigi, O Cara, Noi Lasceremo
Va, Pensiero, Sull'ali Dorate (Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves)
Come In Quest'Ora Bruna
Gloria All'Egitto (Grand March)
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi...Celeste Aida
Ritorna Vincitor!
Ernani! Ernani! Ernani!
Merce, Dilette Amiche (Bolero)
Squilli, Echeggi La Tromba
Di Quella Pira
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie (Anvil Chorus)
Dies Irae (Excerpt)

Average customer rating:

Beverly Sills: The Legend
A must for all opera lovers!
This is the favorite of all my opera recordings.

The Art of Beverly Sills

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Very Best of Beverly Sills
Art of Beverly
Beverly Sills

ASIN: B000002S40
Release Date: 1992-09-29

Customer Reviews:

Beverly Sills: The Legend.......2003-12-05

The Art Of Beverly Sills are cd recordings that come in two volumes. If I'm not mistaken, this is Volume 2. Beverly Sills was a red-haired American opera diva who took the world by storm in the 60's and 70's. The singing sensation and phenomenon that was Beverly Sills is still talked about to this day. Her LP recordings have been digitally remastered like new and available on most music stores' classical music/opera section. They are also available right here at Amazon.com. Beverly's performances in "The Ballad Of Baby Jane Doe", "Julius Caesar" "La Fille Du Regiment" "Lucia Di Lammermoor" Donizetti's Tudor Queen Trilogy, Manon, Thais, Don Pasquale, La Traviata and many others.

In this compilation album, we find Beverly Sills taking on Verdi arias from "Vespers" and "Ernani". As always, the amazing coloratura that made Beverly Sills so famous is present in the singing, even if Sills is past her prime and closer to the decline of her voice. The best studio recordings and live recordings that find Beverly Sills in her best form are "Ballad Of Baby Doe" "Giulio Cesare" "La Fille Du Regiment" "Manon" "Lucia" and the Donizetti Tudor Queens- Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda and Roberto Devereux. It was after singing these often precarious opera roles that require a heavyweight voice, and after singing such dramatic roles as Lucrezia Borgia and Norma that Beverly Sills voice took a toll. But she knew it was worth it because she went out in a blaze of glory. In addition to Verdi, there are the charming coloratura showcases from Offenbach's "Tales Of Hoffman" Olympia's Doll Song and the lively aria from Donizetti's Don Pasquale. The lyric and restrained beauty of Mozart's Zaide aria is highly exceptional and Beverly sings it to perfection. Also here are an aria from Manon, which was one of Beverly Sills' finest performances as well as the lighter texture of the operetta "Der Opernball". This cd provides a varied and insightful look at the legendary songbird. This is a must have for all fans of Beverly Sills who are constantly looking for rare recorded material. The most rarest material on here is Beverly Sills singing Juliet from Bellini's "I Capuleti e Montechi" (Capulets and Montagues) which is still considered an obscure bel canto opera and neglected in the light of Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet" which far outshone it. Beverly Sills singing Juliet is an opera treasure and Sills attempted to popularize the opera and to make it at least as successful as Gounod's.

A must for all opera lovers!.......2002-02-27

This CD is awesome! Sills has outdone herself and so has EMI, picking some of her finest work with arias from recital discs and complete operas. The opening aria from the Vepres Siciliennes is, in my opinion, the best recording of this terribly difficult bolero. Sills said that she had a very high fever and was hospitalized after recording four Verdi arias (this being one) and that she had no recollection of ever recording them at all!!! She thankfully does not take the high E at the end.

The Massenet gavotte from Manon is splendidly sung, as is the Doll Song from the Tales of Hoffman. Sills may have some off pitch staccatos in the Doll Song, but it sung with such swagger and confidence that one hardly notices!
The Mozart and Strauss are done in long breathed, beautiful phrases and are like silk to the ear.
The Ernani involvami from Ernani is, like the Vepres aria, definitive, at least to my ear. It has rarely if ever been sung so effortlessly with drama and character. The coloratura and high notes are splendidly sung leaving nothing to be desired!
Una voce poco fa from the Barber of Seville is also very fine, though Sills was past her best when she made this recording. She certainly sounds like the caged viper, tossing off coloratura without batting an eyelash. (Check out her earlier live recording of this aria on the Sillsiana disc -WOW!!!!! The very best, ever!). The final excerpt from Don Pasquale is similarly successful. This is late Sills but this recording finds her voice in excellent condition. Her little giggles are wonderfully caught and the vivaciousness of the character is vividly conveyed.
This disc is one of the bibles of opera singing. Get it!

This is the favorite of all my opera recordings........1999-01-03

I was an opera major at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in the late'60's, when Beverly Sills came to perform at the famous Cincinnati Summer Zoo Opera. She also came to the conservatory to give master classes. I was a dramatic soprano, but knew she was one of the best coloraturas of her day, and knew there would be much to learn from her.

To be honest, when I heard her performance, I recognized that she was very, very good, but "best of all?" I wasn't so sure.

Then, years later, I heard this anthology recording of arias done in her prime and at her very best. Wow, this is flat-out the best singing I have ever heard.

I have given this recording to so many people I can't count. I wish it would be reissued.

Loretta Cook, Cincinnati

Track Listings: