Puccini: La Fanciulla del West

1. La fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West), opera
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra & Chorus with Sergio Bertocchi , Aldo Bottion , Aldo Bramante , Marco Chingari , Placido Domingo , Ernesto Gavazzi , Claudio Giombi

Puccini: La Fanciulla del West,Pietro Spagnoli,Luigi Roni,Giacomo Puccini,Lorin Maazel,L'Orchestra et Coro del Teatro alla Scala,Ernesto Gavazzi,Mara Zampieri,Plácido Domingo,Aldo Bottion,Aldo Bramante,Antonio Salvadori,Claudio Giombi,Ernesto Panariello,Francesco Memco,Francesco Memeo,Giovanni Savoiardo,Juan Pons,Marco Chingari,Nella Verri,Orazio Mori,Sergio Bertocchi,Umberto Scalavino,Sony,Classical,Classical Crossover,Classical Music,Italian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio,Opera/Operetta

Average customer rating: Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh" Fantastic! HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND "Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"! Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality

The Ultimate Puccini Collection Giacomo Puccini , Herbert von Karajan , Riccardo Chailly , Stephen Barlow , Tullio Serafin , Lorin Maazel , Sir Edward Downes , Giuseppe Patane , Zubin Mehta , Alberto Erede , John Mauceri , Plácido Domingo , José Carreras , Kiri Te Kanawa , John Alldis Choir , Luciano Pavarotti , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Bologna Community Theater Orchestra , Ettore Bastianini , Carlo Bergonzi , Renato Cesari , Fernando Corena , Cesare Siepi , Renata Tebaldi , Gianna D'Angelo , Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra , Franco Corelli , Alfredo Mariotti , Regine Crespin , Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden , London Symphony Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Rome Opera House Orchestra , Pilar Lorengar , Berlin Philharmonic Brass Ensemble , Mirella Freni , Rolando Panerai , Jussi Bjorling , Leontyne Price , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | 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 Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Crespin, Regine | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nilsson, Birgit | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Verdi Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... Puccini Without Words Puccini: Great Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B000007OU1 Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. Turnadot: Nessun Dorma!
2. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
3. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
4. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
5. Tosca: Recondita Armonia
6. Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
7. TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
8. La rondine: Il Sogno Di Doretta
9. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
10. La Boheme: Si, Mi Chiamano Mini
11. La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Love Duet, Act I
12. Ch'ella mi creda libero
13. TOSCA: Ah, Quegli Occhi...Qual'occhio Al Mondo - Love Duet, Act I
14. TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
15. Madame Butterfly: Vogliatemi Bene - Love Duet, Act I
16. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci
17. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
18. Turandot: In Questa Reggia

Amazon.com essential recording

Ordinarily, it pays to be wary of collections such as these, which often promise a lot but deliver a mishmash of disconnected excerpts. This disc, however, is something of an exception: you really do get just about all of Puccini's best arias, which is possible, because he didn't write so many operas that choosing the best moments becomes a matter of the producer's personal taste. Also, Puccini's operas are so popular that every major label has excellent complete recordings of all of them, so in making this compilation it was possible to cast from strength: all the singers here are fine. In fact, the only proviso that needs to be made before you rush out and add this disc to your collection is that it's wrong to assume that all of Puccini's best tunes lie in his arias. The opening 10 minutes of any one of his operas will tell you that's not true. So by all means enjoy this disc--then start sampling the operas complete. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh".......2005-11-08

"Quando m'en vo" is not omitted from this CD; it is just called "Musetta's waltz song." It is the same aria.

Fantastic!.......2003-10-14

This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND.......2003-09-04

The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

"Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!.......2002-06-13

The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written. But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues. I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc. So, is the music the ultimate? YES! Is the recording the ultimate? NO!

Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality.......2002-02-18

I love opera! I love Puccini! Not only is the vocalism important to me, but the quality of the recording as well. I enjoy my hi-tech sound system. I like to feel as if I am sitting in the front row of the first balcony when I listen to opera. This CD is excellent! The vocalists were well chosen. The technical performances are eloquent and emotional, as Puccini should be. However, the quality of the recording is not very good. No matter how you adjust your sound system, the recording is a bit tinny and as a result, the emotional high points of the arias are not as vibrant as they could be if the recording were of better quality. I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves Puccini and who is not as finicky as I!

Average customer rating: Andrea Bocelli - Sogno Not bad! pleasure to lilsten Bocelli - Aria Why...?

Andrea Bocelli - The Opera Album ~ Aria Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ponchielli, Amilcare | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Romanza Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung Cieli di Toscana Andrea Bocelli: Verdi Andrea Bocelli - Amore ASIN: B0000069CO Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

1. Rigoletto: Questa o quella
2. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
3. TOSCA: Recondita armonia
4. TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
5. Madama Butterfly: Addio, fiorito asil
6. Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
7. I Puritani: A te, o cara
8. Der Rosenkavalier: Di rigori armato il seno
9. Fedora: Amor ti vieta
10. La Fanciulla del West: Ch'ella mi creda
11. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
12. Adriana Lecouvreur: La dolcissima effigie
13. La Boheme: Musetta! - Testa adorata
14. Lucia di Lammermoor: Tombe degli avi miei - Fra poco a me ricovero
15. Werther: Pourquoi me reveiller
16. Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
17. La Fille Du Regiment: Pour mon ame

Amazon.com

Andre Bocelli is no opera singer, but he shows far more potential in this album than does another pop-vocalist tenor-wannabe, Michael Bolton. For one thing, he can shake off the crooner mannerisms and really sing when performing music that calls for it. At his best, he has a rich, dark timbre and an easy, unforced top. At other times, however, the tone turns dry and thin and the high notes are constricted, the inconsistency suggesting a lack of technique. Never does one get the impression that he could be heard over a medium-sized orchestra without amplification. This isn't bad singing per se, but there is much better out there, readily available on disc. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Album Description

Exclusive Australian Gold pressing released to coincide with his first public appearance in Australia. He'll be performing at the opening ceremonies and then onto to tour the land down under. His back catalogue will be released & re-packaged in slipcases with his signature on them as well as all of them pressed on gold plated CD's. This pressing includes 17 tracks, all sung in his native Italian Tongue. 1998 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Andrea Bocelli - Sogno.......2007-06-27

I am 45 years old. The reason why this is something I am mentioning, is to let all of you reading my review know what age group I am in. It might be important to the age you are in knowing what I have to say. I have four Andrea Bocelli CD's and they are all wonderful. I love each of them. My mom turned me on to him, and, since I love Josh Groban, I decided to listen to Andrea Bocelli and see what all her fuss over him was about. I'm glad I did. I am half Italian and half Spanish. I don't know either language, but when I listen to both Andrea and Josh, I don't have to. They make the music tell a story, and instantly, you understand something about the words from just the sound of their voices. If you love Josh Groban, then Andrea Bocelli is someone you should give a listen to. His voice is soothing, powerful, and romantic. I am looking forward to getting more of his CD's. Great Stuff!!!

Not bad!.......2007-04-09

What I have heard about Andrea Bocelli is bimodal--some think that he is not up to the operatic repertoire and is way overrated; others see him as a fine singer, from a nontraditional background and career path. What I hear on this CD is fine singing, with some limitations. He was once a law school student; he played in piano bars. He took lessons from the great Franco Corelli. Some examples of his work illustrate his skills:

"Questa O quella" is a nice romp. His smooth voice moves through this aria nicely. His voice is not a big one. On the other hand, his musicianship seems fine (thank goodness none of the sobbing and catches that some tenors adopt).

In Puccini's "Che gelida manina" (from "La Boheme"), he again sings smoothly. He has a nice sound to his voice. The high note is a bit thin, but certainly not as bad as some critics would have it. A serviceable version, in short.

Then, the twin arias from "Tosca"--"Recondita armonia" and "E lucevan le stelle." Both are well sung. His version of "Recondita armonia" compares well with other versions. He certainly has no reason to hang his head. When he amps up the volume, his voice is not quite as rich as many other tenors, bit it is still fine. Top notes, as observed before, are a bit thin, but--again--hardly reason for lamentation. This is nicely sung. My notes for "E lucevan le stelle" simply say "Ibid." That is, one could write a very similar set of comments.

The last piece is from a different tradition--a selection from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," "Tome degli avi miei." Smoothly sung. A bit thin on higher notes. Overall, though, a nice job.

As I listen to his work, I think that Bocelli does a good job in the standard tenor repertoire. Is he a great tenor? No. Is he a good tenor? Yes.

pleasure to lilsten.......2007-01-19

This album is a pleasure. The selections are spirited and well executed. I was very satisfied with this purchse and would recommend it to any one who enjoys opera.

Bocelli - Aria.......2006-11-05

Introduced me to arias that were not known to me, and I find to be
quite beautiful. As usual, Bocelli does not fail.

Why...?.......2006-03-13

Why is there all this continuing controversy after so many years about whether or not Andrea Bocelli is - or is not - Operatically sound? All I know (and that's not saying much for me in this genre), is that after having listened to Amazon.com's sampling of the music on this Audio CD a few moments ago, I wept. Andrea Bocelli always makes me weep - because of his profound spiritual depth. And I don't care what anyone thinks on that issue. All I do know is this. The man sings from his soul...and nothing could surpass that - ever.

Average customer rating: Mostly as good as usual, some of the selections are excellent One of Pavarotti's best CDs Luciano's greatest compilation CD

Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works Featuring Luciano Pavarotti | Pavarotti, Luciano | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cardillo, Salvatore | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Denza, Luigi | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Capua, Eduardo di | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Curtis, Ernesto de | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti Italian Wedding Favorites Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour) Pavarotti: Greatest Hits The Best of the Three Tenors ASIN: B000004218 Release Date: 1992-09-15

Tracks:

1. 'Turandot': Nessum Dorma!
2. O Sole Mio
3. La Danza
4. 'Rigoletto': La donna e mobile
5. 'Martha': M'appari tutt'amore
6. 'La Boheme': Che gelida manina
7. Maira, Mari!
8. 'L'elissir d'amore': Una furtiva lagrima
9. 'Tosca': Recondita armonia
10. 'Fedora': Amor ti vieta
11. Core 'ngrato
12. Funiculi-funicula
13. 'Tosca': E lucevan le stelle
14. 'Aida': Celeste Aida
15. 'Pagliacci': Vesti la giubba
16. 'La fanciulla del West': Ch' ella mi creda
17. Torna A Surriento

Amazon.com

From Calaf's "Nessun dorma" from Turandot, in which the singer exclaims his love for the ice princess and the victory he will have over her, through Lionel's realization that he will have a new life and be happy with Lady Harriet in Martha ("M'appari"), and on to Rodolfo's falling in love with Mimi in La Bohème when he touches her hand ("Che gelida manina"): here we have some of opera's most beautiful love songs, sung by Pavarotti when he was in his golden-voiced prime. His "Una furtiva lagrima" is touching and gentle, while his rendition of the Neapolitan song "Core 'ngrato"--a diatribe against his lover's rejection of him--is heartbreaking. Radames's hymn to Aida ("Celeste Aida") in which he sees Aida as "the splendor of [his] life," is glorious, and all of the other selections are equally fine. For lovers and others, this is a handsome collection. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Mostly as good as usual, some of the selections are excellent.......2006-02-22

Everybody knows Pavarotti has a good voice, whatever he sings it sounds great. In this CD I think he sounds better than the more recent recordings from him, e.g. the three tenor concerts. In my opinion I like "Una Furtiva Lagrima" the most, when his voice comes out he devoted such a sincerity throughout the song, I can just imagine that I am inside an opera house watching an excellent performance. "Nessun Dorma", which is one of his most "famous in singing well" aria, also excellent, his high notes are so beautiful and always beautiful (well...he is a king of high C man~ for real I rarely heard ppl can sing high notes better than him), but personally I like Franco Corelli singing "Nessun Dorma" more, and "Vesti la guibba" too (but of coz pavarotti also sound really good in this aria). As I read from some books, they said Pavarotti is the biggest lyric tenor nowadays, I think it is pretty true though. But one thing I found Pavarotti not "perfect" is, when he sings, mostly I just feel that "wow he sings this note beautifully", or "he sings everything perfectly", but not always have a feeling of "wow he melts my heart", or "wow he makes such a great atmosphere throughout the song", maybe because of his song selections. In general case I like Domingo and Mario Lanza better, when I heard Domingo sings I almost always feel his passion, musical sense, and communication to the audience; but in Pavarotti I dont always feel that, in this CD some of the song has this tiny problem too (like in "E lucevan le stelle", I really think he just "sounds well", I like Jose Carreras singing this song much better), but well this is just my personal opinion. However, his voice is a "legendary beautiful voice", that's 120% true. Again personally I highly recommend his "una furtiva lagrima", listen it and you won't regret it.

One of Pavarotti's best CDs.......2003-11-21

This is one of the best Pavarotti CDs I have listened to. It contains a great selection of 17 arias and Italian lyric songs. However, if you can afford it, "Pavarotti Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection" will offer more in a 2-CD set (a total of 41 arias and Italian lyric songs).

Luciano's greatest compilation CD.......2000-04-28

For over three decades Maestro Luciano Pavarotti has brought joy to human ears all around the world. Sure, the critics may scoff at the big arena concerts and at the later years' natural darkening of his voice. But we the fans just know that listening to him lifts our spirits and opens our hearts to the glory of human voice.

And that's exactly what this collection is all about. To compile it, the Decca producers used material from three albums: "Arias" (his earliest), "Favorite Neapolitan Songs" and "Passione," as well as some complete opera recordings such as "La Boheme" and "Rigoletto." The song "La Danza," Rossini's engaging tarantella is from a rare album "Pavarotti in Concert in Bologna" with Richard Bonynge. Most of these selections, therefore, are from 60s and 70s, in other words, Pavarotti's prime years. As he was establishing himself as one of the all-time greatest tenors on stage, he gave an all-out effort on recordings. And it shows. Listen to the vocal line in "Che gelida manina"; the breath control on "la speranza" is truly unbelievable. There is his signature aria "Nessun Dorma" and, of course, a song often mistaken for Italian National Anthem - Di Capua's "O Sole Mio!"

In addition to magnificent vocal pyrotechnics, Pavarotti's considerable acting-with-voice skills are represented on such demanding arias as "Celeste Aida" and "Vesti la Giubba". And it's a real treat to hear his Duca singing sparkling "La donna e mobile."

This is an excellent introduction to opera as well as a delightful morsel for seasoned fans. I found that it also makes a great gift idea; after all, no one can resist Pavarotti after the final "Vincero!"

Average customer rating: Very Bad Different is not always bad! Pay special attention to this new promise ! A tenor who wishes he were a baritone Finally, a SPINTO tenor!!!

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo Giacomo Puccini , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Plácido Domingo , and Jose Cura Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cura, José | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | 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 Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Artist Portrait Jose Cura Verdi Arias Anhelo: Argentinian Songs Verismo Boleros ASIN: B000005E5L Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Turandot (Act III): Nessun dorma
2. Turandot (Act I): Non piangere Liu!
3. Gianni Schicchi: Avete torto! - Firenze ome un albero fiorito
4. Il Tabarro: Hai ben ragione
5. Il Tabarro: Io voglio la tua bocca - Folle di gelosia
6. La Rondine (Act I): Parigi! a cittei desideri
7. La Rondine (ActIII): Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi
8. La Fanciulla del West (Act II): Una parola sola - Or son sei mesi
9. La Fanciulla del West (Act III): Risparmiate lo scherno - Ch'ella mi creda
10. Madame Butterfly (Act I): Dipende dal grado di cottura - Amore o grillo
11. Madame Butterfly (Act III): Addio fiorito asil
12. Tosca (Act I): Recondita armonia
13. Tosca (Act III): E lucevan le stelle
14. La Boh (Act I): Che gelida manina
15. Manon Lescaut (Act I): Tra voi, belle
16. Manon Lescaut (Act I): Donna non vidi mai
17. Manon Lescaut (Act II): Ah, Manon mi tradisce
18. Manon Lescaut (Act III): Ah! non v'avvicinate! - No, pazzo son
19. Manon Lescaut (Act IV): Manon...senti, amor mio - Vedi, son io che piango
20. Edgar (Act II): Orgia, chimera dall'occhio vitreo
21. Le Villi (Act II): Ecco la casa - Torna ai felici di

Amazon.com essential recording

Good tenors are always in short supply, a particularly lamentable circumstance given the great demand for them in the operatic and symphonic repertoire. Thus, the advent of a good young tenor is always cause for rejoicing. A tenor of the caliber of Jose Cura--a composer, conductor and guitarist as well as a singer--is really good news. There is nothing wimpy about Cura's singing, nothing strained; he sings with baritonal beef and strong, chesty high notes. A protege of Placido Domingo, he shares some qualities with the older tenor, but is definitely an artist with something to say for himself. This is a career to watch. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Very Bad.......2007-03-29

First of all, his voice does not suit for Puccini(I do not know what is fitting for him). If you buy this cd, you may listen the worst "Non piangere liu" "E Lucevan Stella" etc. He can not bring a little emotion. But Puccini demands it.

Different is not always bad!.......2006-11-26

It's very interesting to read all the reviews smashing Jose Cura for his "baritone-like" voice and supposed stiff and unvaried interpretation. The first opera I ever saw was The Washington Opera's 1997 production of Samson et Dalila (I was 13) with Jose Cura and Denyce Graves. Immediately I was converted into an opera lover! (specifically an opera-goer-lover) I don't necessarily like listening to all opera, and a lot of singer's voices still annoy me, but Jose Cura's voice is different (the source of much of the controversy...). The richness and deep quality of his voice that so contrasts with most tenor's voices (which can be rather squeaky at times) is what attracts me. And you should see this man act! A refreshing experience against the stereotypical stiff opera singer standing in the middle of the stage bellowing his/her lungs out. So please, try to actually see the man before you form an unshakeable opinion. I think his voice alone is gorgeous (especially with Puccini's incomparable work!), but pared with his charisma and ability on stage, it's irresistable.

Pay special attention to this new promise !.......2006-06-30

A talented artist, a potent and polished voice emerges to satisfy the Opera lovers all over the world.

Jose Cura is nowadays, one the most prominent figures of the Bel Canto. His charismatic presence and his timber have deserved him the best praises all over the world.

In this opportunity we may listen him singing a selection of Puccini's Arias, accompanied by Placido Domingo with the Philharmonia orchestra, a magnificent occasion to enjoy his art and impeccable timber.

A tenor who wishes he were a baritone.......2005-12-14

I bought this CD because I love Puccini above all other composers, due to the sheer emotion that he could put into his music. I also wanted to hear Placido Domingo conduct and I'm always on the lookout for a good tenor. However, this is not the CD to buy if you're looking for a good tenor. I can't help but agree with the reviewer who gave only one star, at first Jose Cura sounds great. But after I really listened I had to change my opinion. Cura sings ridiculously heavy to be a tenor. If you listen to him with the mindset that this is a tenor it's really laughable how heavy and pressed his voice is. I was reminded of Placido Domingo (Ugh) or Franco Corelli who also depressed his larynx giving him a very baritonal sound but by the time he was in his forties, when most voices really blossom, his was declining do to the tremendous weight he sang with. Cura scoops up even to middle register notes because he is unable to start on the pitch, and has one tone to his voice (except when he goes bellow mezzo forte when he has almost no control) and very little in the way of vocal expression due to the restrictions this weight puts on the voice. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not usually an opera snob (I listen to and love Josh Groban, Russel Watson, and Andrea Bocelli), but Cura truly warranted a review. I gave it two stars because I didn't think Placido did a bad job at conducting (not the best by any means but certainly not bad) and despite everything I just said, I really like Cura's performance of Nessun Dorma (I don't get why it's weak).

Finally, a SPINTO tenor!!!.......2005-10-14

I am SO happy that there is finally a tenor out there with the vocal power to sing over a Puccini orchestra but still keep the lyricism for the upper register! If your preference is for a sweeter, lighter sound, check out recordings of Carlo Bergonzi and Roberto Alagna. This is a voice meant for singing over large orchestras with some "muscle" in the low register and the ability to make high notes soar. (It also doesn't hurt that Sr. Cura is as gorgeous as his voice! :) )

Average customer rating: Superb sound and fantastic performance Thanks EMI ; Bravo Nilsson Happy Days are Here Again!!!!

Puccini: La fanciulla del West Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | 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 Similar Items: Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera Wolfgang Windgassen singt Wagner La Nilsson: My Life in Opera ASIN: B000PKG5E0 Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Introduzione
2. Hello! Hello! Alla 'Polka'!
3. Hello...Nick
4. Che Fararno I Vecchi Miel
5. Jim, Perche Piangi?
6. Ragazzi, Fate Largo!
7. Hello, Minnie!
8. Dove Eravamo?
9. La Posta!
10. Ti Voglio Bene, Minnie
11. Minnie, Dalla Mia Casa Son Partito
12. Laggiu Nel Soledad
13. Chi C'e, Per Farmi I Ricci?
14. Ragazzi! Uno Straniero Ricusa Confessare
15. Mister Johnson, Siete Rimastro Indietro
16. Lo Non Son Che Una Povera Fanciulla
17. Quello Che Tacete
18. S'e Visto Qui Attorno
19. Ah, Non Ternete, Nessuno Ardira

Tracks:

1. Il Mio Bimbo E Grande E Piccino
2. Billy, E Fissato?
3. Hello... Buona Sera!
4. Oh, Se Sapeste
5. Ugh! Neve!
6. Hello!... Chiamano...
7. Vieni Fuori!
8. Or Son Sei Mesi Che Mio Padre Mori
9. L'han Ferito...Che Importa?
10. Che C'e Di Nuovo, Jack?
11. Oh, Strano! Del Sangue Sulla Mano
12. Una Parita A Poker!
13. Ve Lo Giuro, Sceriffo
14. Ah! Ah! Ah!... Urrah, Ragazzi!
15. E Cosi, Mister Johnson, Come Va?
16. Risparmiate Lo Schemo
17. Ch'ella Mi Creda
18. Ah! Ah! Ah!... E Minnie!
19. Non Vi Fu Mai Chi Disse 'Basta!'
20. E Anche Tu Lo Vorrai, Joe
21. Le Tue Parole Sono Di Dio

Customer Reviews:

Superb sound and fantastic performance.......2007-07-16

In terms of recording and vocal quality, this 1959 Fanciulla is exemplary.The role of Minnie suited Nilsson. This role is very difficult and loaded with high notes. These high notes are child play for Nilsson.For power and vocal gleam Nilsson has no peers. Joao Gibin as Dick Johnson sings with accuracy,style and passion. Sparks between Nilsson and Gibin are great. Andrea Mongelli in the role of Jack Rance is strong. Mongelli has a beautifull voice and is an exellent singing actor. Lovro von Matacic account of the orchestral score is excellent and "Bravo " to the Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro alla Scalla. I will be clinging and playing this recording often. EMI is to be congratulated and commended for finally reisuing this superb recording.

Thanks EMI ; Bravo Nilsson.......2007-07-15

By Frank( Miami,Florida)- Yes, finally after all these years this recording is available for us to enjoy. The role of Minnie suited Nilsson almost as well as Turandot. Yet I always hear her in the shadow of Tebaldi in this role hoewver Nilsson displays real heart in true italian style. Comparing the present EMI issue with the DECCA studio recording with Tebaldi, del Monaco and McNeil I find Nilsson , Gibin and Mongelli more exinting to my ears and in excellent vocal form. It is my advice to grab it before it becomes unavailable again.

Happy Days are Here Again!!!! .......2007-06-26

This recording was originally intended for Franco Corelli and Maria Callas, and like its more famous counterpart with Tebaldi and del Monaco (originally intended for Gigliola Frazzoni) it went through the casting blues. Yet, in its own way, this recording of Fanciulla is superb and highly recommended!

True, Birgit Nilsson is no Frazzoni; she lacks the abandon, the true verismo approach, and even Tebaldi's middle voice dwarfs Nilssons. Therefore, one is justified in validating the poor reviews it has received through the years. Still, Nilsson is wonderful! She felt that Italian music must be given a narrow production, wider for Strauss and most solid for Wagner. Generally, that is true, but Minnie is closer the hochdramatish category, along with Turandot, Elektra, Brynhilde, and Kundry. So, maybe La Nilsson should have reconsidered her choice of timbre.

Joe Gibin had a ringing beautiful voice, placed like Domingo, but deeper, richer, larger and more spinning at the top. I am very fond of his Ramirrez!! I am happy he is the tenor and wish there was more available. Apparently, he did not prove dependable enough to last on the lyric stage. Mongelli is the most beautiful voice on the set, Stracciari-like in its richness!

Von Matacic brings details to Fanciulla vorsaken by others, and he is every bit as dramatic as Votto when the score calls for it.

Bravi, at last!

Average customer rating: The best opera album ever Beautiful Music, Nice price

Puccini: Great Opera Arias Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | 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: The Ultimate Puccini Collection The Most Famous Opera Arias Puccini Without Words Puccini: Arias Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... ASIN: B00005YQLA Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
2. Gianni Schicchi: Firenze e come un albero fiorito
3. La Rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
4. La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
5. La Boheme: Quando m'en vo
6. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedremo
7. Madama Butterfly: The Flower Duet
8. Madama Butterfly: The Humming Chorus
9. Madama Butterfly: Tu? tu? Piccolo iddio
10. Tosca: Dammi i colori
11. Tosca: Vissi d'arte
12. Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
13. Turandot: Signore, ascolta!
14. Turandot: In questa reggia
15. Turandot: Nessun dorma
16. La Fanciulla Del West: Ch'ella mi creda libero e lontano
17. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo
18. Le Villi: Se come voi piccina io fossi
19. Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide
20. Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata

Customer Reviews:

The best opera album ever.......2007-01-26

I have listened this album almost every day for the past 4 years. For begginers and amateurs in this kind of music, the album rocks in every song with the exception of track 2 and 5.

Beautiful Music, Nice price.......2007-01-04

I purchased this CD for my daughter while searching specifically for arias. She was very pleased and I find myself enjoying it as well.
A wonderful collection for a terrific price, super fast shipping too- as always.

Average customer rating: A great intro for ... opera fans A great introduction to Puccini Delightfully fun album; Opera for YOU! Arrows straight to your heart. A great first taste of opera's famous arias

Puccini and Pasta: A Romantic Italian Feast for Your Ears Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | 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 Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion Vivaldi for Valentines: Romantic Interludes for the One You Love Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire ASIN: B0000041FP Release Date: 1996-08-13

Tracks:

1. Turandot: No One Shall Sleep
2. Gianni Schicchi: O My Dear Daddy
3. La Boheme: Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen
4. La Boheme: They Call Me Mimi
5. La Boheme: O Gentle Girl
6. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
7. La Boheme: Whence Happily She Came
8. La Boheme: Mimi's Farewell
9. Manon Lescaut: I Have Never Met A Woman Like Her
10. Madame Butterfly: One Fine Day
11. The Girl Of The Golden West: Let Her Believe I Am Free
12. TOSCA: Strange Harmony
13. TOSCA: Love Duet, Act I, Part I
14. TOSCA: Love Duet, Act I, Part II
15. TOSCA: For Love And Art
16. TOSCA: The Stars Were Shining
17. La rondine: Doretta's Dream
18. Madame Butterfly: Love Duet, Act I, Part II

Customer Reviews:

A great intro for ... opera fans.......2002-02-14

I adore Italian opera -- particularly Puccini. That makes this CD a real gem. All my favorite arias and duets are here, sung by well-known and talented artists.

If you're new to opera, you can't go wrong with this album. Puccini was the Spielberg of his time, and his work still has a lot of popular appeal. (It's much easier to like "La Boheme" than Wagner's Ring cycle -- that's for sure!)

If you have a lot of opera already, you probably have most of these songs. Still, if you want them all in one place, this is a worthy buy.

A great introduction to Puccini.......1999-09-23

This disc exposed me to the wonderful world of Puccini's melodious opera. It piqued my interest and turned me into a Puccini lover. Listening to full opera recordings has only solidified that love.

Delightfully fun album; Opera for YOU!.......1999-04-30

Opera unfortunatley has the reputation for being uppity and pretentious, but this album shows that Opera can be fun and entertaining. This album is SUPERB for just listening to as you work, eat, or sleep. Especially if you've recently been turned on to Opera by Mr. Andrea Bocelli, you'll enjoy the rich diversity of this album. You know the tenor; how about soprano, etc? Grab a bowl of spaghetti, pour a glass of wine (or grape juice) and enjoy "Puccini & Pasta"!

Arrows straight to your heart........1999-03-28

These beautiful arias will give you goose-bumps from head to toe, pierce your life's stress-tempered armor, and home straight into your heart. Bravo!!!

A great first taste of opera's famous arias.......1999-03-04

Think you might like to try some opera? The arias on this disc are fabulous! Sylvia McNair has a voice like an angel. A must have for a beginning opera collection.

Average customer rating: Voice of the 20th Century.. The OTHER essential Bjoerling CD; 10 stars! 20!

Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias Giacomo Puccini , Umberto Giordano , Francesco Cilea , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Charles Gounod , Jules Massenet , Friedrich von Flotow , Gioachino Rossini , Nils Grevillius , and Jussi Bjorling Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Björling, Jussi | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jussi Björling Rediscovered Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection The "Pearl Fishers" Duet Jussi Björling: Opera Arias The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli ASIN: B000002S05 Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

1. Act II: 'Una furtiva lagrima': L'Elisir d'Amore
2. Act III: 'Ah! si ben mio coll'essere': Verdi: Il Trovatore
3. Act I: Di tu se fedele': Un Ballo in Maschera
4. Act I: 'Se quel guerrier': Aida
5. Act I: 'Recitar!...Vesti la giubba': I Pagliacci
6. Act I: 'Che gelida manina': La Boh
7. Act I: 'O soave fanciulla': La Boh
8. Act I: 'Recondita armonia': Tosca
9. Act Three: 'E lucevan le stelle': Tosca
10. Act Three: 'Ch'ella mi creda libero': La Fanciulla del West
11. Act Three: 'Nessun dorma!': Turandot
12. Act Three: 'Amor ti vieta': Fedora
13. Act II: 'E la solita storia': L'Arlesiana
14. 'Mi batte, il cor... O paradiso': L'Africaine
15. Act III: 'Salut! demeure chaste et pure': Faust
16. Act III: 'Je suis seul!...Ah, fuyez, douce image': Manon
17. Act III: 'M appari tutt'amor': Martha
18. Cujus animan: Stabat Mater

Customer Reviews:

Voice of the 20th Century.........2000-07-13

Björling tops most polls as "singer of the 20th century", and justly so. Whether one prefers his velvety,lyrically smooth voice of the 30s and 40s, or his more full-bodied, darker power-tenor of the late 50s (he was ready to take on Lohengrin and Otello just before his death), no other human voice has left a legacy of Björling's caliber in recording history.

This collection is a wonderful presentation of the young Björling. His voice was said to have a direct appeal to emotions. Listen to "Ch'ella mi creda libero" with its almost extraterrestial "lift" and try to keep the lump in your throat from growing!

The-37 "O Paradiso" is a fantastic display of power blended with beauty - which is also the case with the Tosca arias presented here.

"Che Gelida Manina" is by many regarded as Björling's signature aria, just as "La Boheme" was said to be his signature opera. The -36 version here shows Björling aged 25 with wonderful silvery tone and grasp of message, problems with Italian pronounciation or not.

Björling never lapsed into self parodic sobbing or exaggerated shouts or gliding "loops" to get a message across. He insisted on sticking to what the composer actually had written down...and within these vocal restraints, Björling still managed to portray an unexplored universe of human feelings. "Vesti La Giubba" is a good example of this: no sobbing or bitter laughter but downright hartbreaking nonetheless. True art!

His -44 studio version of "Nessun Dorma" makes an interesting comparison with his -59 recording from the complete Turandot. Touch and go which one to go for as the second or third best version of "...Dorma" ever in recording history. The shining beacon is in my opinion from a radio concert in Sweden in 1944, where Björling for once actually DOES go beyond the strict readings of the work. His final B just stretches on and on and on into eternity - read heaven.

As for his famous ringing high notes, his final D flat on Cujus Animan may be THE one most beautiful sound I've ever heard from a human being!

If you do not have any Björling CDs, this may be a perfect introduction to his art.

And where to go from there? Well,"O Paradiso" is one of many excellent collections from the 50s. There's also a Norwegian compilation called "jussi's Beste" (which sold to platinum in Norway 35 years after his death...). This CD contains among other highlights the wonderful Christmas song "O Helga Natt", in which the final high note is sung with such force that it threatens to blow your speakers to oblivion, never mind your ears...(if it is the last sound I will ever hear, it is OK by me...).

If you want a complete opera recording, you just have to invest your hard earned cash (or bank credit as is the case with me) on Beechams "La Boheme".

Someone said elsewhere that once you have listened to Björling, you may never want to listen to any other tenor...ever: HOW VERY TRUE!

The OTHER essential Bjoerling CD; 10 stars! 20!.......1999-03-15

Along with the "Pearl Fishers Duet" CD, to me this is the other essential Bjoerling. (The more than 2 dozen friends who've received those 2 CDs as a gift can testify to that!)

The "Vesti" is completely heartbreaking, maybe because there's none of the histrionic sobbing that usually accompanies it. And of course there is that 1945 recording of "Nessun dorma!", which I have seen referred to as one of the 5 greatest recordings of all time. The arias from Tosca are also outstanding. The only addition that would make this perfect CD "even more perfect" would be the inclusion of the Gonoud "Ah! Leve-toi, soleil!"

Although I have loved classical music since I was a kid, until Jussi every tenor I ever heard sounded like an opera parody. Jussi is different; he doesn't make you think "Now there's a guy taking a deep breath and singing loud." To steal a line from Amadeus, when he opens his mouth you "hear the voice of God"; absolute, divine beauty, untainted by ego or eccentricity. that seems to flow without strain or effort.

The only risk in listening to this (or, perhaps, any other Bjoerling) CD? You may never, ever be satisfied with any other voice.

Average customer rating: Verdi is rolling in his grave Nice sound, but an all time great? Oh dear oh dear... You're kidding, right? The New Pavarotti

Salvatore Licitra - The Debut Giuseppe Verdi , and Carlo Rizzi Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | 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: Forbidden Love Duetto Marcelo Álvarez - Bel Canto / Y. Huang, WNO, Rizzi The Man Who Cried The Tenor's Passion ASIN: B000068TL8 Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

1. Puccini: Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
2. Puccini: Turandot: Nessun dorma
3. Puccini: La Fanciulla Del West: Ch'ella mi creda
4. Puccini: Tosca: Recondita armonia
5. Puccini: Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
6. Puccini: Madama Butterfly: Addio fiorito asil
7. Verdi: Aida: Celeste Aida
8. Verdi: La Forza Del Destino: La vita e inferno...Oh tu che in seno
9. Verdi: Simon Boccanegra: Sento avvampar nell'anima
10. Verdi: Un Ballo In Maschera: Baccarole: Di tu se fedele
11. Verdi: Un Ballo In Maschera: Forse la soglia attinse
12. Verdi: Macbeth: Ah! La paterna mano
13. Verdi: Il Trovatore: Manrico? Che?...Di quella pira

Amazon.com

Tenor Salvatore Licitra recently made headlines when he stepped in at the last moment for the, sad to say, probably finished Luciano Pavarotti at the Metropolitan Opera's final Toscas of the season. In fact, there's little Licitra could have done wrong under the circumstances, but he was a great success, and judging from his recent Trovatore and this recital CD, he will be most welcome. The good-sized, somewhat dark-hued voice is appealing--and truly Italian--with an innate caressing quality and sense of line, even from top to bottom (he takes the very low option in the Ballo Barcarolle, which most tenors take up an octave), and nice and free on top. He has no trouble sustaining the high tessitura (or big sound and broad phrases) of Alvaro's aria from Forza; he sounds sincerely regretful as the caddish Pinkerton, and might even be the Dick Johnson (in Fanciulla) we've been looking for. This is an impressive debut recital, recommended for those who have been waiting for Italian opera to fall back into the hands of an Italian tenor. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Verdi is rolling in his grave.......2007-02-24

Untrained, flat singing. Crap! Anyone who thinks this man can sing better than Luciano Pavarotti needs hearing aids and needs to go back and listen to tenors starting with Caruso and all the great tenors who came after him
As a voice teacher, conductor and tenor I can tell you that he CAN NOT SING!!!!

Nice sound, but an all time great?.......2007-01-09

I am hardly an expert, but I have mixed reactions to this CD. First, I think that Licitra's voice has a nice smooth sound to it. But it is also overmatched by some of the music.

I always love hearing tenors take a shot at Verdi's "Di quella pira" from "Il Trovatore." Once, in a moment of madness, I taped 10-15 tenors, back to back, singing this. What a range of singers! Caruso, Tucker, Corelli, and so on, and so on. Some great, some not so great, some poor. But you can really divide up the singers by listening to one after the other (ad nauseam). Truthfully, Licitra can't handle this work, compared with the greatest of those luminaries. His light voice is overwhelmed at the end by the orchestra and chorus. While his technique seems okay, he just doesn't have the voice to make this memorable. A Franco Corelli or Richard Tucker or Mario del Monaco just soars over the orchestra and chorus.

I thought he did much better in "Nessun Dorma" and the two Tosca arias, "E Lucevan le stella" and "Recondita armonia," and others. To me, his voice seemed to fit those more compellingly.

Again, keep in mind that I am not an expert, but his "Celeste Aida" featured (is this the right term?) scooping as he went from "celeste" to "Aida." I have a clear memory of listening to Richard Tucker singing this (I can't get my hands on the tape right now) where he went from one note to the other without a scoop. Same with "forma divina," if I understand aright.

All in all, "Debut" is a nice work, a promising start to a career, but we all ought to hold off on any comparisons with the greats until Licitra has a chance to grow and earn such accolades.

Oh dear oh dear..........2006-10-29

It gives me no pleasure at all to say that anyone with half an ear for good singing can tell within a few seconds that this is a voice going nowhere -as the last few years since this debut recital album have proved. This makes the previous rave reviews even more inexplicable; where do these people keep their ears? Licitra's technique is fundamentally faulty: he has a slow wobble even in the lower reaches of the voice and as he goes up the tone becomes cloudy and throaty - real problems around the so-called "passaggio" where a tenor can easily crack into the falsetto. The overall effect is of an ugly, unharmonious, effortful sound made by an improperly registered voice. He needs to start from scratch and listen to some better voices -as there are virtually no teachers who can help. That's how Del Monaco and Corelli got it right. Robert Levine is usually a very reliable critic - but his mind cannot have been focused on the job in hand if he truly believed what he wrote in the official Amazon review; NJ Keith, on the other hand, is spot on.

You're kidding, right?.......2006-08-22

I'm sorry, but those of you swooning over Licitra simply cannot have heard recordings from the true greats. If your idea of the pinnacle of operatic tenors begins and ends with Bocelli, may I introduce you to the likes of Franco Corelli, Mario Del Monaco, Jussi Bjoerling, Luciano Pavarotti (though not my favorite, still heads and shoulders above what's out there now), and Giuseppe DiStefano. These men were at the top of their profession when their profession was filled with talent, unlike today where any hack with more than one useful octave and a decent tone are considered "star material". It's a very sad commentary to the level of talent today that this man is considered a star.

The New Pavarotti.......2005-10-13

It's fair to say that today's reigning tenor is Salvatore Licitra from Sicily. He won instant, overnight fame when he subbed for Luciano Pavarotti, who, to the dismay of fans who regard him as a god, is way past his prime and can't sing or record full length operas anymore in the thrilling freshness of his youth. As Pavarotti's star faded, Licitra's ascended. He has already sung the great tenor roles in various American opera houses and his debut as the Met as Cavaradossi in Tosca was a relevation. This is debut album and already he has gone above and beyond. It is pretty amazing for a first album. He sings jucity tenor roles that have been the staple arias for Pavoratti, Domingo and Carreras. This is however not the first time his voice has been recorded. There is a full-length studio recording of Verdi's Trovatore in which he sins opposite Dolora Zajick. That Verdi is phenomenal and all fans of Licitra should own it.

Licitra opens the album with a stunning "E Lucevan La Stelle" from Tosca, still the opera he is most famous for interepreting. His Cavaradossi is a welcome change from past interpretors, though Licitra is more along the lines of Pavarotti's lyric bravura and razzle-dazzle than the more cerebral portrayals of Corelli, Domingo or Carrerras. Other impressive arias on here include "Di Quella Pira" from Trovatore, another successful Verdi venture of his. He has the right tone for Manrico's bravura and even passion. I foresee that this tenor's career will be composed of Verdi, Puccini, (perhaps Wagner if he trains hard for it) and certainly he has the voice for Mozart and French repertoire (possibly Hoffman is in his future or Romeo or Des Grieux if he hasnt already sung Des Grieux). His Calaf from Turandot is outstanding. He is more like Franco Corelli in some respects but his biggest influence is Pavarotti, no doubt about it. It's possible he will parallel the career of Roberto Alagna but any comparisons would be unfair since both singers bring in something different to the table. Let's hope the press doesn't pull the wool over our eyes and have Licitra and Alagna portrayed as rivals. If youre a fan of Licitra, this recording is a must have. I highly recommend it. It's gorgeous and he has a sexy, strong presence on stage. His eyes are the handsomest blue I have ever seen. He is the new Pavoratti and better too.

Average customer rating: Commitment, passion and problems. . . . Flawed, but nevertheless excellent Disappointing Puccini recital Mixed bag Pitch problems and vocal disappointments

Puccini Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | 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 Similar Items: The Essential Angela Gheorghiu Diva Roberto Alagna & Angela Gheorghiu - Duets & Arias Angela Gheorghiu - Arias Angela Gheorghiu - Live from Covent Garden ASIN: B0006G9HAC Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

1. Un Bel Di Vedremo
2. Tu, Tu, Piccolo Iddio
3. Addio, Mio Dolce Amor - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
4. Nel Villaggio D'Edgar - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
5. Chi Il Sogno Di Doretta
6. Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi
7. Quando Me N'vo
8. Donde Lieta Usci
9. L'amore E Un'altra Cosa...Laggiu Nel Soledad
10. In Quelle Trine Morbide
11. Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata
12. Senza Mamma
13. O Mio Babbino Caro
14. Se Come Voi Piccina Io Fossi
15. Signore, Ascolta!
16. Tu Che Di Gel Sei Cinta
17. In Questa Reggia - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Tracks:

1. Vissi D'arte

Amazon.com

It would be difficult to fault the singing of Angela Gheorghiu on these discs (the second, bonus CD contains "Vissi d'arte" from her complete recording of Tosca). She goes through almost the entire Puccini catalog of heroines--Mimi and Musetta, Liu, Butterfly, Manon Lescaut, Liu and Turandot, Lauretta, Suor Angelica, Minnie (from Fanciulla), as well as the gals from La Rondine, Edgar, and Le Villi, and her exquisite, fine-grained, unique sound--with its dusky lower register--is always interesting and beautifully inflected. Her attention to dynamics is admirable, verbally, she seems genuinely involved in each character. The voice can deliver as much power, as in the end of the first Edgar aria, as gentleness, in Suor Angelica's "Senza Mamma" as needed. But somehow she doesn't make any one of the characters entirely her own. This may be a bit picky, but maybe that's the case with recital albums. Let's face it--her voice is irresistible and her husband, Roberto Alagna, adds his bronzed tones to two of the selections. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Commitment, passion and problems. . . ........2007-01-28

Buy this CD and stay with it for a day or two. You'll eventually be won over, even if you belong to another
"camp".

OK: We all know there is a type of "opera queen" of all sexes and sexual orientations that thrive on bashing
certain singers while lauding others. This is not a war. I resisted Gheroghiu for years due to the hype and
marketing. I have not heard her live, so I don't know if she is out-faching herself by singing damn near
everything alla Callas.

What I DO hear is a rather "ugly" voice (again alla Callas) that is so distinctive as to be instantly recognizable. There is that middle European "keening", rapid vibrato quality that Vishnevskaya had.

What I hear above ALL however, is commitment and passion. There are pitch problems, AGAIN alla Callas, sharp
here, flat there, driven "ugly" sounds: all the hallmarks of the Kunstdiva, of which I think she might be the
reigning example in our time.

The Puccini style here is questionable: let's lay that off on the conductor.

Fleming, Gheorghiu, Netrebko, et al: committed, intelligent, driven women who make the world a better place
in which to live and listen.

Have your favorites, and lay off the others in print.

Flawed, but nevertheless excellent.......2006-02-04

My personal rating is 5 stars, but I'm just biased to everything Romanian, the public rating derives from the fact that people need an objective as possible review, and that lead me to the flaws:
Ms. Gheorghiu's voice is there as always, with it's dark, round timbre but, as I beleive a fellow reviewer has noted, they sound a bit alike. The usual passion she injects in this music is not entirely present, she somehow sounds uninspired.
Even so, the good outweighs the bad, and that's what makes this an excellent addition to your musical library; there's not a misplaced note anywhere, her gorgeous voice is a delight to the ears, and the musical selection is quite good and interesting, even if she's not up to the challenge of Turandot (at least not yet). For some reason that I don't share, a few people have found the conducting bad, but that's the aspect I pay less attention to, unless it's enormously obvious.
In short, this is a disc fans of Gheorghiu and good singing can't miss.

Disappointing Puccini recital.......2005-12-06

Angela Gheorgiou can sing Puccini like nobody's bussiness, but something is missing from this collection. It's good, with few rough spots (and admittedly, pitch issues) but I don't want "good" from Angela, I want GREAT! She can do better. She can sing these arias with more passion, better technique and I just don't understand what has happened to her. There is sameness to all these arias, and not much color or variation.
Vissi D'arte is very good, and In questa Regia is great, very different from how it is usually done, but Tu, Tu, Piccolo Iddio is not good at all and I don't like Quando Me N'vo either, I have heard much better performances of this classic, especially by Anna Netrebko, who is hot on Angela's heels as the next great diva. Watch your back, dear Angela!
Also, the programming on this album is strange, why is Vissi D'arte on a seperate disc...?
For anyone who loves this voice, it would still be a nice recital, but I am disappointed, I expected better.

Mixed bag.......2005-12-06

As a great lover of Puccini music, it's difficult to disappoint me when it comes to recordings. This collection of arias sung by Angela Gheorghiu covers every Puccini opera except Il Tabarro (from Il Trittico), so the broad selection is a treat. I've heard many conflicting opinions about her singing, but I consider Gheorghiu's soprano sound to be uniquely rich and beautiful. Moreover, she has made a strong contribution to recorded opera.

Anton Coppola's conducting is too slow for my taste most of the time. He seems to love every note Puccini wrote (which is understandable!), but his pacing undermines the drama in some of these selections. He also doesn't get much force out the orchestra when it is needed, such as in Turandot and the Madama Butterfly finale.

EMI's packaging is ridiculous. One aria, "Vissi D'arte" from Tosca, is on a separate disc, billed as a "bonus CD." It is from her earlier recording of the opera conducted by Antonio Pappano. The case is like a hardcover book, which looks nice, but does not fit in typical CD storage spaces.

Pitch problems and vocal disappointments.......2005-09-27

I really liked Gheorghiu the first time that I heard her. I thought that she was probably the best soprano out there in the spotlight. After hearing this CD, however, I have really changed my mind. First of all, she sings flat in alot in this CD. Secondly, her technique is showing some flaws now in that she can not always pronounce the words correctly. So she makes some strange sounds. For example, "Tu, tu, tu" which should be pronounced with a pure 'oo' sound is pronounced 'tuh'. I also feel that her voice is a bit frantic in alot of parts with her middle range and chest voice being weak and uncoordinated. How unfortunate! She needs to get it together or she is going down the toilet.

Track Listings:

1. Quartetto Paolo Borciani
2. Satie
3. Scherchen Conducts Beethoven [Box set]
4. Shenandoah: An American Chorister, 1890-1990
5. Shostakovich: Symphony No7, Op60
6. Silueta
7. Symphony 8
8. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No6, Op74; Wagner: Siegfried Idyll in E WWV103
9. The Family Way
10. The Organ Works of J.S. Bach, Vol.4

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Renaissance [Import]

Strauss/Wagner: Orchestral Works

The Howlers versus the Blues Police

Quiet Fire

The Paris Collection [Import]

The Fattest of Fatback

Stops Crying - Heartbeat Music Therapy CD #1

Sings Great Love Scenes

In the Mood: Love Songs [Enhanced]

The Brass Is Back

The Binet-Simon Test

Thank You & Goodnight [Import] [Original recording remastered]

The Not Overtly Orchestral

Waiting for Angels

Quand l'Eternite