Ilona Tokody & Juan Pons ~ Verdi Gala

1. Simon Boccanegra, opera Act I: Favella il Doge ad Amelia Grimaldi?
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

2. La Traviata, opera Act II: Di Provenza il mar
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

3. La Traviata, opera Act II: un di quando le veneri...Dite alla giovine
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

4. La forza del destino, opera Act IV: Pace pace mio Dio!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

5. Il Trovatore, opera Act IV: Udiste? Come albeggi la scure al figlio
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

6. Rigoletto, opera Act II: Cortigiani vil razza dannata
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

7. Rigoletto, opera Act II: Mio padre!-Dio! mia Gilda...Tutte le feste
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

8. Aida, opera Act III: Ciel! MIo padre!
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

9. Gianni Schicchi, opera O mio babbino caro
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

10. A vucchella ("Arietta di Posilippo") for voice & piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Francesco Paolo Tosti
Performed by Hungarian State Opera Orchestra with Juan Pons , Ilona Tokody
Conducted by Ervin Lukacs

Ilona Tokody & Juan Pons ~ Verdi Gala,Giuseppe Verdi,Giacomo Puccini,Francesco Paolo Tosti,Ervin Lukacs,Ilona Tokody,Juan Pons,Video Arts Int'l,Classical,Classical Vocals,Italian 20th/21st Century Opera,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera,Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra,Vocal

Average customer rating: Pietro Mascagni's (1863-1945) "japanese" opera A neglected treasure Mascagni Meets Japan I haven't heard it...... Another Work That Should Be Staged More Often

Mascagni: Iris / Patanè, Domingo Pietro Mascagni , Giuseppe Patanè , Plácido Domingo , Ilona Tokody , Münchner Rundfunkorchester , Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks , Juan Pons , Bonaldo Giaiotti , Gabriella Ferroni , and Conchita Antunano Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mascagni - L'amico Fritz / Freni, Pavarotti, Sardinero, Gavazzeni Gounod - Mireille / Freni, Vanzo, van Dam, Bacquier, Rhodes, Capitole de Toulouse, Plasson Massenet: La Navarraise / Horne, Domingo, Milnes, Bacquier, Zaccaria, Davies, LSO, Lewis Massenet: Le Jongleur de Notre Dame Leoncavallo: Zazà ASIN: B0000026XH Release Date: 1989-07-14

Tracks:

1. Iris: La Notte - I Primi Albori
2. Iris: I Fiori
3. Iris: L'Aurora - Son lo la Vita
4. Iris: Ho Fatto Un Triste Sogno
5. Iris: E Lei! E Lei!
6. Iris: Voglio Posare
7. Iris: Al Rio! Al Rio!
8. Iris: In Pure Stille
9. Iris: Giu per La Via
10. Iris: Io Son Danjuro
11. Iris: Misra! Ognor qui sola!
12. Iris: Apri la tua finestra
13. Iris: E questa poesia
14. Iris: La Bellezza - La Morte - Il Vampiro
15. Iris: Grazie, mousme!
16. Iris: Vieni! Dammi il braccio!

Tracks:

1. Iris: Una guecha susurrando
2. Iris: La che ci fate
3. Iris: Donnre, vampri
4. Iris: Ognora sogni
5. Iris: Io pingo
6. Iris: A un cenno mio
7. Iris: Un di (ero piccina)
8. Iris: Or dammi il braccio
9. Iris: Da un 'ora
10. Iris: Anotta!
11. Iris: O' maraviglia
12. Iris: Datemi il passo!
13. Iris: Introduzione
14. Iris: La Notte - Ad ora bruna
15. Iris: Perche? Perche?
16. Iris: Ancora il triste sogno
17. Iris: Un grand'occhio mi guarda!

Customer Reviews:

Pietro Mascagni's (1863-1945) "japanese" opera.......2007-07-07

After "Cavalleria Rusticana" (1890) and "L'Amico Fritz" (1891), "Iris" (1898) is probably the next Mascagni opera you should sample - especially when it as well sung and recorded as this.

"Iris" is Mascagni's "japanese" opera and if were not for the success of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" (1904), it might have enjoyed more enduring success. Sadly as in many of Mascagni's works, the opera is weighed down by a weak, leaden libretto replete with cardboard characters, weighty symbolism, and a general lack of dramatic thrust.

Despite this it contains many pages of consistently inspired music, not least the famous - "Apri la tua finestra".

"Iris" is another Mascagni work that deserved to be better known.

A neglected treasure.......2007-05-14

It's a pity that the only other Amazon UK review for this recording was written by an idiot, as that might divert the attention of British collectors from acquiring a really enjoyable, unaccountably neglected, work by Mascagni - virtually unrecognisable in this music as the composer of the perenially (and deservedly) popular "Cavalleria Rusticana". However, Amazon US reviewers of the earlier Sony issue are enthusiastic in their praise of this work, as am I. It is now available in a bargain Sony Classical format, unfortunately without a libretto, but you can download that free, in Italian only, from Karadar.

It is a strange, even weird, mixture of ingredients, including some pre-Freudian projections of the egos of three characters (don't ask - just listen to it) and a very Jungian erotic dream about an octopus (yes; I know - this is sounding odder and odder as I write). Never mind all that; the plot is actually almost simplistic; the interest lies in the subtle, harmonically complex, mostly "through-composed" music. There are some set pieces which opera lovers might already know: the much-recorded tenor aria "Apri la tua finestra", the aforementioned "Octopus" aria for the soprano (a favourite of Magda Olivero) and the opening/closing so-called "Hymn to the Sun" (actually sung by the sun himself as a chorus), which is a wonderful Straussian splurge of multi-layered orgasmic sound. But the remainder of the music is by no means without interest - even if the duet between the bemused heroine and her would-be ravisher goes on too long, without sufficient sustained inspiration.

Tokody has a Callas-like timbre and intensity - and also, a Callas-like flap in the top notes which doesn't bother me too much - and though she hardly sounds like a teenage ingenue, she is certainly a real presence. Domingo makes the most of an unattractive character (comparisons with Pinkerton, from Puccini's own Japanese masterpiece some years later, seem in order) though contrary to some other reviews, I have to say that I don't think he is in his very best voice; there is some strain and the tone is sometimes surprisingly thin - but he's still very good. Giaiotti is a bit past his best but that doesn't matter; he's meant to be decrepit. Juan Pons is impressive; a bright, lean, well-focused tone throughout. Two comprimario tenors sing as badly as I've heard on a recording, as "cenciaiuoli" (ragpickers) - I hope that was deliberate to convey that they are lowlife! The orchestra and chorus are wonderful -as is the recording; far preferable to the more recent live recording with Dessi and Cura. The set is worth the prologue and finale alone, but there's plenty more to enjoy in this unusual piece; clearly Mascagni intended to be as experimental as possible and devise a new idiom. It's all the more surprising that he wrote this before the Puccini opera which supposedly eclipsed it - but I would have thought that there was room for two Japanese-style Italian operas when they are only superficially similar. I really enjoyed discovering it.

Mascagni Meets Japan.......2007-02-12

Although Pietro Mascagni is primarily known as a one-opera composer, for Cavalleria Rusticana, he actually wrote 16 other works, most of them emminently forgetable. (L'Amico Fritz is an exception, with some very sweet music.) When it was first performed, however, his "Japanese" opera, Iris, had almost as good a reception as Cavalleria. Although Italy wasn't quite as smitten with things Japanese in the late 1800s as was France or England, it too went through its Oriental phase. Not one to miss out, the librettist, Luigi Illica, a popular but lightweight playwrite, submitted his Oriental libretto to another composer in 1894. When that composer failed to take up the challenge, Illica sent the libretto to Mascagni, who was still very popular and for whom the opera-going public had great hopes.
Illica's subject matter was about an innocent young thing corrupted by older and more jaded men. Frankly, this is an opera about child prostitution--although I'm sure that Illica and Mascagni would be horrified to see it so described. Lured away from her blind father and into a bordello by the bordello proprietor and his client, a child predator, Iris, an impossibly innocent barely-pubescent naif, flings herself down a garbage chute upon being rejected (not rescued) by her selfish old father (even if he is blind) and upon realizing what has happened to her. There's a great deal of pretentious and heavy-handed symbolism that accompanies this, but that's basically the story.
Mascagni's music is pleasant, tuneful, in some places overblown and in other places inspired. The child predator, with the unlikely name of Osaka and sung by Placico Domingo, has some lovely music. (The bordello owner's name is Kyoto--and as Osaka and Kyoto are neighboring cities, Illica could have picked the names with only one stab of a pin into a map. What was he thinking--that no one would notice?) Iris also has some lovely music to sing, and there's some excellent orchestral music as well, especially in the tone poem that opens the opera.
Domingo sings beautifully, and the other parts are also handled extremely well, with the excellent Spanish baritone Juan Pons as bordello owner Kyoto, and one of the last great Italian Verdi basses, Bonaldo Giaiotti, as Iris' blind father. Hungarian soprano Ilona Tokody, a protege of Jose Carreras, has a lovely lyrico-spinto Italiante voice, although it's a bit hard to reconcile her luscious tones with a 13-year old girl!
Overall it's a little pretentious, but not bad. The opera was fairly well received at its premiere in 1898, with Caruso singing the role of Osaka at La Scala in 1899, and the opera had its Met premiere in 1902 under the composer's personal direction. Unfortunately for Mascagni, that same year saw the premiere of Puccini's Tosca, and the public was able to compare Mascagni's moderate talent with Puccini's genius. And the arrival of Madama Butterfly sealed Iris' fate--after all, how many Japanese operas does one need?
The Munich Radio Orchestra under Giuseppe Patane plays with consumate skill, and the sound quality of the recording is excellent. It's worth adding to a collection, but overall, Mascagni should have stuck to verismo.

I haven't heard it.............2006-02-09

..... but I see no reason to disagree with the other three posters.

I do have a question: Have any of you heard the Olivero/Ottoliini/Capecchi/Clabassi from the Concertgebouw, conducted by Vernizzi in a live concernt performance, 1962?

Clearly, without hearing the Pantane/Domingo I shouldn't be saying Im sure this recording is better; however, I've heard Patane only once and have avoided her since (that may not be fair or even reasonable). I like Domingo a lot in certain things. Ottolini has a stunning tenor that is right for this part (that doesn't mean Domingo isn't, but I think Ottlini is better here).

I couldn't find "my" Iris on Amazon, but it's a Gala production and should be available here. The problem is that Amazon sells such a variety of materials that it can't stock all opera recordings I want (God knows, I don't NEED them).

Nancy Eckert

Another Work That Should Be Staged More Often.......2005-03-02

IRIS is a beautiful opera, and one that many opera aficionados wish were staged more often. The booklet that accompanies this set suggests the reason may be the popularity of MADAMA BUTTERFLY which is considered the Japanese opera. Since the plot is somewhat similar, both involve the exploitation of a young woman and both are set in Japan, this may be possible, but the repertoire could easily handle two operas set in Japan so it's probably not the only reason. I've also heard as a reason that the plot is illogical, but IL TROVATORE is one of the most popular works in opera and its plot is illogical at best. There may not be any one reason, but lack of staging does not eman the work is not worthwhile. IRIS is a wonderful musical experience.

I first became familiar with IRIS after listening to an intermission discussion during a radio broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera. A panelist, if I am not mistaken it was Joanna Fielder, remarked about the beauty of its opening chorus and that it was performed at the Met's Centennial Gala. I thought I remembered the hearing the chorus when the gala was broadcast on television and recalled enjoying it, so I purchased this set. I soon discovered a beautiful opera and was glad I made the purchase.

The story involves the young innocent Iris who takes care of her father Il Cielo (meaning the blind man, perhaps an idea given to him by his teacher Amilcare Ponchielli who has a character in LA GIOCONDA named La Ciela meaning blind woman). She is not wise of the ways of the world. Osaka and Kyoto enter. Ozaka decides he must have Iris and persuades Kyoto to kidnap her. She is deceived and leaves home. Her father finds her, throws mud in her face, which causes her to throw herself into a shaft. The three realize how wrong they have been to Iris as they find her near death. While the plot is contrived, the music is anything but and has both beauty and emotion.

This set is the only studio recording of the work, so by that fact alone it is the best recording available, yet a cast led by Giuseppe Patane and includes Juan Pons and Placido Domingo could easily surpass any cast assembled. The lead role of Iris is beautifully sung by Hungarian soprano Ilona Tokody. While her voice is not light enough to sound like a young and innocent girl, it has an emotional quality that makes the listener believe she is a woman who has been wronged. While it is probably a safe bet that Columbia decided to include Domingo in the cast, hoping his name would boost sales, Domingo fans know he is a first rate musician who always searched for roles that challenged him. Domingo fans will not be disappointed with his performance here. It has all the warmth listeners have come to expect from Domingo. Of course a conniver such as Osaka does not deserve to be vocally portrayed by Domingo, but that's another story. Juan Pons is excellent as Kyoto, who is able to give the character a sinister flavor. Bonaldo Gianotti is the anguished Cielo and he performs the role with passion.

If you love Italian Verismo, the cast and conductor will probably decide to purchase this recording. If you are deciding to take a chance on a recording, as I did when I first encountered this recording about fifteen years ago, you will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating: My favorite opera. Just an update... A "habit" that becomes a passion.

Puccini: Suor Angelica Manufacturer: Hungaroton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini: Suor Angelica / Bonynge, Sutherland ASIN: B00000305R Release Date: 2000-06-28

Customer Reviews:

My favorite opera........2007-01-11

I love the music and pathos of this opera (said to be Puccini's favorite)and the only recording of it that I truly love is by Renata Scotto (which I can't find on CD); however this recording is very satisfying. The soprano's singing is certainly adequate and her voice conveys the appropriate emotions (which is more important to me in this opera than any singing slips). I am enjoying it although I wish I had Scotto's version.

Just an update..........2002-06-10

Don't know why, but this album is again available... but thank you for making this album available again. I imagine it has something to do with an increase in Tokody's popularity. I recently purchased the Verdi Gala with her & Juan Pons & I was extremely impressed. Her voice is like a mix between Tebaldi & Callas. She has the beauty in her voice inherent in Tebaldi, but the natural ability to be utterly convincing in her portrayals. This one being her finest to me. She isn't perfect vocally, but the older I get the less that's important to me. People aren't perfect either and as long as the "glitch" is made in the name of good taste & acting, it can actually be a benefit. I'm not advocating [bad] singing, I'm saying that a complete presentation may have some flaws- and like it is with any"one" or thing you love, eventually you don't even notice it.

Puccini actually said that this was his favorite of the Trittico and I know why. Utterly moving, sensitive & vulnerable- the heroine in this opera is real. She has faults- like we all do. Behind the story of her son is the story of a woman that just wanted to love and be loved & was shut up in a cloistered convent because of the perceived "sin" of having a child out of wedlock. The cruelty of her family & the politics involved haven't changed all that much really. This is an opera that will always have relevance. If you want to see my "real" and extended review of this opera, go to eopinons.com and under the same name, suepera is the only review of this recording...

A "habit" that becomes a passion........2000-02-09

I absolutely love this opera and no other version will do. I had a copy of it on CD and LP but cannot find my CD and my record player is broken. Sad to see it out of stock, I felt compelled to write a review. This is a story of intolerance, cruelty and redemption. I've read that when Puccini played this for he sister, a nun herself, that she and the sisters with her cried at the truth and purity of this opera. Often an overlooked part of the Trittico, to me this is the best of the 3. From the humble beginnings where it is the quiet daily routine of convent life, to a visit from an Aunt that forever changes Angelica's life, this is a seemless piece that will tear at your heart. I've found other recordings lack the passion and immediacy that this one has. Ilona Tokody may at times sound less than perfect, but more than makes up for it in her desire to convey the feelings of the words and music. Giuseppe Patane keeps the music moving without hurring it- a frequent mistake with lesser know Puccini operas, like La Rondine. THIS is the recording to get, if you can!

Average customer rating: Respighi - The Flame Witchy masterpiece.... Lots of high points Respighi, La Fiamma

Respighi: La Fiamma Sandor Solyom-Nagy , Jozsef Gregor , Kolos Kovats , Ilona Tokody , Lamberto Gardelli , Katalin Pitti , Klara Takacs , Tamara Takacs , Zsuzsa Barlay , and Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra Manufacturer: Hungaroton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Respighi | Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Taneyev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 ASIN: B000003066 Release Date: 1995-12-15

Tracks:

1. Act 1: 'Nel Nome Di Dio, Monica, Sei Tu Incantata?' - Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Klara Takacs/Anna Bogdany/Katalin Pitti...
2. Act 1: 'No, Monica, Lascida' - Ilona Tokody/Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Katalin Pitti/Maria Takacs...
3. Act 1: 'A-Ma Chi Grida?' - Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Ilona Tokody/Katalin Pitti/Maria Takacs...
4. Act 1: 'Patrizia, E Ritornato Di Bisanzio' - Maria Takacs/Eszter Poka/Katalin Pitti/Zsuzsa Barlay/Hungarian Radio & Television Chor...
5. Act 1: 'O Donello, Donello,' - Klara Takacs/Peter Kelen
6. Act 1: 'Avanti! Non C'e!' - Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Klara Takacs/Tamara Takacs/Ilona Tokody/...

Tracks:

1. Act 2: 'Udite!' - Zsuzsa Barlay/Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Maria Takacs/Eszter Poka...
2. Act 2: 'Monica! Che Vuoi?' - Ilona Tokody/Katalin Pitti
3. Act 2: 'E Dite Al Papa' - Sandor Solyom-Nagy/Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Ilona Tokody
4. Act 2: 'Voglio Che Il Figlio Tuo' - Ilona Tokody/Snador Solyom-Nagy/Peter Kelen
5. Act 2: 'Evocare!' - Ilona Tokody/Peter Kelen

Tracks:

1. Act 3: 'Lo Sono Nata Quella Notte' - Ilona Tokody/Peter Kelen/Tamara Takacs
2. Act 3: 'Tu, Nonna?' - Peter Kelen/Klara Takacs/Ilona Tokody
3. Act 3: 'Ll Buon Giorno, Figliuolo' - Sandor Solyom-Nagy/Klara Takacs/Peter Kelen
4. Act 3: 'Tu Soffri?' - Ilona Tokdoy/Sandor Solyom-Nagy/Klara Takacs
5. Act 3: 'L'Esarca! Accorri, Accorri!' - Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Kolos Kovats
6. Act 3: Donna Tu Sai L'accusa' - Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Ilona Tokody/Peter Kelen/Kolos Kovats
7. Act 3: 'No, No, Non Assolverai' - Klara Takacs/Hungarian Radio & Television Chor/Ferenc Sapszon/Ilona Tokody/Peter Kelen/Kolos Kovats

Customer Reviews:

Respighi - The Flame.......2007-02-22

La Fiamma comes from the same sound world as Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov. Thrilling and dramatic when it needs to be, tender and poignant in intimacy and still a believable continuity of stage presence, not a series of divorced cameos. The cast features no big international names, but some very fine voices emerge. There are a number of good tunes, some powerful climaxes and occasional orchestral reminders of the Roman trilogy that comes automatically to mind at mention of Respighi's name. I found the 127-page, four-language text, index and notes very helpful, encouraging one to relight this 'flame' for future listening. Yes it's on 3 discs when it could have fitted onto just 2. But at least this way each of the 3 acts are contained on CD without interruption. I must admit that I bought my copy from eBay as the seller had 100% feedback.

I don't think this recording will ever be surpassed in either performance or sound quality. Highly recommended!

Witchy masterpiece...........2004-06-27

"La fiamma" is one of the greatest Italian operas of the 20th century. This is a master at the top of his game, and he drives his tale of love and witchcraft forward with a score that is so mysterious, atmospheric, and tinged with sulfur, that you can almost smell it.

Respighi was enamoured with medieval and renaissance music, and in "La fiamma" he purposely set his story in Byzantine Ravenna inorder to have a chance to infuse his score with these elements. At times, the musical line is austere--with lots of unison playing. Yet at othertimes, the orchestra explodes with Straussian brilliance.

The heroine, Silvana while trying to shelter an accused witch, hears rumor that her mother had arranged her marriage to the aged Exarch of Ravenna through witchcraft. Later, the Exarch's handome son Donello comes to the court, and Silvana is entranced. In an achingly beautiful aria, she warns her favorite maid Monica to stay away from Donello, who had been flirting with her.

One night, alone in her room, Silvana tries to summon Donello using witchcraft. He appears silently from the shadows of the room. I swear that this scene is one of the most chilling and creepy in all opera! Wow!

The final act opens with a love duet that must be one of the most beautiful in opera--it reminded me of that in Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde". But the lovers are discovered, and Silvana is accused of witchcraft. Put on trial, she weakens while repeatedly claiming that it was love that brought Donello to her, not witchcraft, and when it is demanded that she repeat a denunciation of the devil and all his works, she seems unable to do so. She's condemned to burn at the stake.

It seems that the opera is set up to cause the viewer to wonder, was Silvana a witch? Or did all take place through the power of her love. What is "The Flame" of the title? Is it inherited supernatural powers, or is it love?

We are fortunate that Respighi leads us through this masterful, emotional score while posing these perhaps unanswerable questions.

Sadly, this set is unreasonably priced. Despite the fact that the opera is only a little two hours, the label decided to issue the opera on three discs. Yet if you can part with the cash, this is the set to have. Ilona Tokody much outshines Nelly Miricioiu in the more recent set from the Teatro dell Opera in Rome. Plus, this set comes with a full translation, while the Miricioiu set only has the Italian.

Lots of high points.......2000-04-29

Tons of atmosphere, especially the first act prelude which is one of the most effectively dramatic preludes in all of opera. The heroine discovers that her mother was a witch, and in another HIGHLY effective scene conjures her stepson to her bed (or does he come of his own free will?). Well-played and sung (especially Tokody with her dark red wine voice and Takacs with her truly formidable mezzo) but the vocal lines lack direction much of the time, and one wishes for a big love duet or confrontation between Tokody and Takacs. Lots of high points in the work, lots of music that Respighi fans will enjoy, but as a piece of theater, the characters' motivations need to be more clearly defined and the ending fizzles. This is only a quibble because one senses much greater dramatic potentials that the libretto misses.

Respighi, La Fiamma.......2000-02-22

This opera, written by Respighi late in his career, has a score with marvellous atmospheric qualities. The work, set in 7th Century Ravenna, combines fascinating Byzantine tone color with good 20th Century Italian lyricism. The singing qualities of the cast are first rate, as is the orhestra. This is a prize find in my considerable collection of operatic CDs.

Average customer rating: Operetta with a slant

Kálmán & Lehár Operetta Excerpts Manufacturer: Hungaroton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003078 Release Date: 1996-01-30

Tracks:

1. Give Me A Sweet Kiss - Imre Kalman
2. Sylvia's Entrance Song - Anna Zentai
3. Madchen Gibt Es Wunderfeine - Erzsebet Hazy
4. Das Ist Die Liebe - Robert Ratonyi
5. Martiza's Entrance Song - Anna Zentai/Robert Ratonyi
6. Komm Zigany - Sylvia Sass
7. Gruss Mir Die Pester Frauen - Jozsef Simandy
8. Heut Nacht Hab Ich Getraumt Von Dir - Robert Ilosfalvy
9. Vilja's Song - Jozef Simandy
10. Zorika - Ferenc Lehar
11. Weit Weg Ruft Mich Die Grosse Welt... - Magda Kalmar
12. Wolga Song - Erzsebet Hazy/Robert Ilosfalvy
13. Niemand Liebt Dich - Robert Ilosfalvy
14. O Madchen, Mein Madchen - Jozsef Kovacs
15. Mi's Entrance Song - Ilona Tokody/Jozef Kovacs
16. Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz - Jozsef Simandy

Customer Reviews:

Operetta with a slant.......2006-01-31

The sixteen selections from four Kalman and five Lehar operettas are well chosen and include many of their most popular melodies. This repertoire is generally heard in either German or English - but on this 72-minute CD, everything is sung in Hungarian. And it comes off refreshingly well. The recording is from digitally remastered analogue sources with microphone placements close to the singers.
The beautiful tenor voice of Robert Ilosfalvy favors three tracks; excellent middle voice and a very good top. His partner in the duet from Gypsy Love, Erzsebet Hazy, also sings two solos in the most accomplished manner.
Unfortunately there is only one track from the well known soprano Sylvia Sass, Maritza's entrance song, "Come Gypsy" from Countess Maritza.
The remainder of the singers acquit themselves well but none is outstanding.
This is very spirited Magyar Magic. I listened thru twice at first sitting; most enjoyable froth and bubble.

Average customer rating: Magnificent performance of a neglected masterpiece No Mefistofele this

Boito - Nerone / Eve Queler Arrigo Boito , Eve Queler , Jozsef Gregor , Ilona Tokody , Maria Takacs , Pal Kovacs , Lajos Miller , Klara Takacs , Tamara Takacs , Sandor Blazso , and Maria Zadori Manufacturer: Hungaroton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000305Q Release Date: 1996-08-01

Tracks:

1. The Appian Way: Canto D'amore
2. The Appian Way: Ti Copra L'altro Vei
3. The Appian Way: Sei Colta
4. The Appian Way: Padre Nostro
5. The Appian Way: Fanuel!
6. The Appian Way: Poiche Un Periglio
7. The Appian Way: Nessun Ci Segue?

Tracks:

1. The Temple Of Simon Magus: Stupor! Portento!
2. The Temple Of Simon Magus: Su Quell'altar
3. The Temple Of Simon Magus: Sparisci
4. The Temple Of Simon Magus: Spiato Son La
5. The Orchard: El Verdendo Le Turbe
6. The Orchard: Viene Il Signore
7. The Orchard: Di Pace... Una Dolente
8. The Orchard: Fanuel!... Fanuel!
9. The Orchard: Va Guardingo

Tracks:

1. The Orchard: Furar Tentai
2. The Circus Maximus: Part I. The Oppidum: Vittoria!
3. The Circus Maximus: Part I. The Oppidum: Che Vuoi Dir
4. The Circus Maximus: Part I. The Oppidum: Cio Ch'io Struggo
5. The Circus Maximus: Part I. The Oppidum: Chi, La Dov'io
6. The Circus Maximus: Part I. The Oppidum: E Tu Non Voli?
7. The Circus Maximus: Part II. The Spoliarium: Scendi
8. The Circus Maximus: Part II. The Spoliarium: Ah!/Non Temer

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent performance of a neglected masterpiece.......2002-06-02

When Arrigo Boito died, "Nerone" was left unfinished. Conductor Arturo Toscanini orchestrated the four completed acts from Boito's instructions, and he did a fine job. but to date no one has been able to reconstruct the fifth act which only exists as a few sketches.

Nevertheless, "Nerone" is a superb work. Except for the second act, which sounds like typical Italian verismo, the music is taut, dramatic and surging, in the manner of Gluck or Berlioz rather than like his contemporaries Puccini and Leoncavallo. Eve Queler conducts with Toscanini-like intensity (her tempos and phrasing compare very favorably with Toscanini's own performances of Act 3 and Act 4, Scene 2), and except for the baritone, all of the singers are superb--not only in good voice but dramatically committed. Yes, the price is rather high, but if you enjoy opera as a presentation in music of drama, this is one recording that will sweep you away.

No Mefistofele this.......2000-09-22

It's fascinating to hear Boito's other opera, one that he tinkered with for most of his life and never finished at his death. The libretto actually has 5 acts, but the music only 4. Toscanini championed this work greatly, but it never took off and it's easy to hear why.

Bernard Shaw put it most aptly, talking of 'Mefistofele' that where other composers had set 'Faust' to music, Boito had put music to 'Faust'. In 'Mefistofele' the music has a vitality that rides over the limitations Boito had as a composer: here, in 'Nerone', the language is less bold, less confident, there are some surprising harmonies and twists, but more often than not imitations of late Verdi. The scenario is over complex and rather discursive, though there are passages where the libretto is so eloquent (see Simon Magus's big solo in act 1) that you'd give your eye teeth to have known what it might have sounded like if Verdi had set it. Some of the music is memorable, notably that of the hysterical Asteria, and the final scene in the bowels of the burning Coliseum, and it is given every benefit of the doubt in this performance: Eve Queler does her very best with the ramshackle structures of the acts and plays the big moments to the hilt. The music for Fanuel and the Christians is pious and rather dull. The singing is by and large vivid and characterful, and the recording bright, and copes well with the atmospheric opening, which alternates snatches of various offstage musics with a conversation on stage.

An interesting footnote in the history of opera here well presented and brought to intermittent life.

Average customer rating:

Ilona Tokody Soprano Live in Tokyo Manufacturer: Live Notes ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000P8VPCE

Product Description

Non tamo piu! / Tosti -- Ideale / Tosti -- Vergin, tutto amor / Durante -- Ma rendi pur contento / Bellini -- Son pochi fiori / Mascagni -- Non mi resta che il pianto -- Elindultam szep hazambul / Bartok -- Alfal mennek e a Tiszan, ladikon -- Agyulai kert alatt -- Languir me fais / Enesco -- Aux damoysellos paressouses d'oscrire a leurs amys -- Elegie / Jules Massenet -- Lune d'Avril / Francis Poulenc -- La rosa y el sauce / Gustavino -- Estrellita / Ponce -- Dio pietoso / Alfano -- Si mi chiamano Mimi / Puccini -- Vissi d'arte -- Un bel di vedremo -- Jurame / Grever -- Traditional raisins and almonds.

Average customer rating: A rare collection of soprano/baritone duets and solos

Ilona Tokody & Juan Pons ~ Verdi Gala Giuseppe Verdi , Giacomo Puccini , Francesco Paolo Tosti , Ervin Lukacs , Ilona Tokody , and Juan Pons Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003LKJ Release Date: 1994-12-27

Tracks:

1. Simon Boccanegra: Favella Il Doge Ad Amelia Grimaldi?
2. La Traviata, Act II: Di Provenza Il Mar
3. La Traviata, Act II: Un Di, Quando Le Veneri...Dite Alla Giovine
4. La Forza Del Destino, Act IV: Pace, Pace, Mio Dio!
5. Il Trovatore: Udiste? Come Albeggi, La Scure Al Figlio
6. Rigoletto: Cortigiani, Vil Razza Dannata
7. Rigoletto: Mio Padre!-Dio! Mia Gilda...Tutte Le Feste
8. Aida: Ciel! Mio Padre!
9. Gianni Schicci: O Mio Babbino Caro
10. 'A Vucchella

Customer Reviews:

A rare collection of soprano/baritone duets and solos.......1999-02-24

This CD is one of the most exquisite recordings, featuring beautiful duets of a baritone and soprano as well as solos. The selection is well thought of and with great care. Both Mr. Pons and Ms. Tokody bring out great dramatic effects in their expressions. Opening with the duet of Simon and Amelia/Maria, it captures a love and tenderness between the father and the daughter. In this duet, Mr. Pons is tenderness itself, in particular, in his last word of "figlia". Ms. Tokody's Maria responds to this tenderness with equally tender and loving daughter's instantaneous trust in Simon. This is a beautifully executed duet and is almost exactly the opposite of their duet in Aida, in which Mr. Pons expresses no fatherly tenderness and Ms. Tokody feels so much of a daughter's duty than a genuine love of a daughter. In Traviata, Germont's solo is followed by the duet with Violetta. Germont puts his own daughter's happiness before his son's lover. He is gentle but this gentleness arises from an appeal to a human compassion. This appeal is well contrasted with another appeal in Rigoletto, in which he is a broken hearted father, begging for a return of his daughter who is his world. Mr. Pons' Rigoletto is exceptionally beautiful, capturing opposing emotions of vengeance and appeal, and vengeance and love. His solo is very moving that it truly touches one's heart. Against this dark voice is Ms. Tokody's beautiful Gilda, who is torn between her love for the father and the duke. She knows her love for Rigoletto cannot be diminished by her love for the duke but Rigoletto refuses to accept that fact. Ms. Tokody expresses varying determinations of three women, who sacrifice themselves for their loves. In Violetta, Ms. Tokody's voice expresses a human frailty of sacrifice. This is followed by Leonora's suffering and despair that bring no consolation. The second Leonora (in Trovatore) on the other hand is firm and there is a joy in her voice when offering herself to the count. This duet of Leonora and the count is almost breathtaking - one with happiness against the hatred and vengeance of the other. There is no longer any love in Mr. Pons' voice toward Leonora. It is with vehemence and menace. In Aida, Ms. Tokody's voice changes from an indignant daughter to a daughter bound by her duty to her country. Mr. Pons's execution of "Non sei mia figlia! Dei Faraoni tu sei la schiava!" can send a chill down on one's spine. In Lauretta, Ms. Tokody demonstrates a well determined young girl whose love is everything to her. She knows her father will give in. The last duet "A Vucchella", is purely delightful. Unlike opera duets, this song brings two contrasting voices together. The entire program is beautifully put together and very gratifying.

Average customer rating:

Liszt: Orchestral Songs Manufacturer: Hungaroton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000304Z Release Date: 1994-04-13

Average customer rating:

Ilona Tokody - A Portrait of an Artist - Live Performances (SRO/Legato) Manufacturer: SRO / Legato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000QRO6XO

Product Description

Performances from La Forza del Destino, La Boheme, Manon Lescaut, La Juive, Bank Ban (Erkel)

Average customer rating:

Puccini: Il Tabarro Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B000000FL1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Track Listings:

1. Improvisations for Christmas
2. Karl Muck The Electrical Wagner Recordings for Orchestra
3. King of Instruments: the Art of Gillian Weir V.5 [Import]
4. Knussen Conducts Knussen
5. Le Nozze di Figaro
6. Live Performances, 1944-1975
7. Mendelssohn: Concerto for piano & violin in Dm
8. Mengelberg Conducts Beethoven
9. Messiaen: Catalogue d'Oiseaux, Books 4-6
10. Messiaen: Preludes/ Quatre Études de rhythme/ Canteyodjaya

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Helpless

Jirí Ropek: Credo

Live [Import] [Live]

Diary of a Bandstand

Infest [Import]

More Than a Woman/Rock the Boat [CD-single] [Import]

Kidz Bop, Vol. 7

Greatest Hits-Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Schubert [Box set]

Shiver [Import]

Kick the Cat

Kmfdm (Symbols) [Extra tracks] [Import]

Live and Electric at Union Chapel [Live]

I Got a Girl [CD-single]

The Distance

Medellin