The Other Donizetti

1. Sonata for oboe & piano in F major
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

2. Waltz for piano in C major ("Invito")
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

3. Concertino for English horn & orchestra in G major
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

4. Il barcajuolo ("Voga, voga, il vento tace"), for voice & piano
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

5. Concerto on Themes from Donizetti's "La Favorita" for oboe & piano
Composed by Antonio Pasculli
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

6. Réminiscences de Lucia di Lammermoor (I & II), transcription for piano (after Donizetti), S. 397 (LW A22)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

7. Fantasy on Themes from Donizetti's "Poliuto" for oboe & piano
Composed by Antonio Pasculli
with Jeremy Polmear , Jeremy Polmear
Conducted by Diana Ambache

Tracks:

Cantata, BWV 147: Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Notenbuchlein fur Anna Magdalena Bach: Bist du bei mir, BWV 508
Serse: Ombra mal fargo
The Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Rinaldo: Lascia ch'io pianga
Vesperae solennes de Confessore, K. 339: Laudate Dominum
Ave verum corpus, K. 618
Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165
Caro mio ben
Ave Maria, D. 839
Angus Dei
Ave Maria
Panis angelicus
Requiem: Pie Jesu
Ave Maria
Six Songs, Op. 48: Die Ehre Gottes aus der Natur

Customer Reviews:

Spine tingling.......2005-03-15

This album is really about one thing to me - Ingrid Kertesi's version of Ave Maria. This is possibly the closest thing to perfection I have ever heard in music. Words will never explain true art so I won't try. I defy anybody to listen to this and not be moved by it's incredible force. Truly inspirational !!

Physic for the Psyche.......2004-10-24

I bought this CD for one track--Schubert's Ave Maria. I have searched through hundreds of Ave Maria albums for the perfect Ave Maria and, though this version is not perfect, it is the closest I have heard to perfection. Ingrid Kertesi's voice bathes you in the song's rich, warm, red sea of love that is so restorative, you can't help but feel pure and whole after one listening--though, I guarantee you won't be able to listen just once.

I only wish Naxos had chosen to record it with a piano instead of a full orchestra--Naxos's budget orchestras have a budget sound, and besides, this song has an intimacy that resonates best with a simple dialogue between a soprano and a piano. How many music directors have gone wrong by using a soprano and an orchestra, a tenor and an orchestra, or a tenor and a piano. No, no, no! Schubert's Ave Maria = Soprano and Piano, and it better be a damn good soprano, or don't bother recording at all. Really.

I didn't care about any of the other tracks on the CD--and about half are throw-aways. But the Ombra mai fu, the Lascia ch'io pianga, the Mozart masses, and the Donizetti and Gounod Aves (also sung by Kertesi) are all first rate.

Bottom line: the bad tracks are bad, but the beautiful tracks are ecstatic and full of heart and passion. Do your soul a favor and listen.

You'll adore the angelic Ingrid Kertesi's dulcet tones.......2004-07-22

Ingrid Kertesi really does have the voice of an angel. As an ex-choirboy, I have an inherent preference for the pure tones of a boy treble, rather than the mature vibrato warbling of most sopranos. But I bought this disc because the review by Mr. JB from Karlskrona, Sweden (June 18, 2000) grabbed my attention. He is 100 percent right: I defy you to listen to Ingrid Kertesi's version of J.S. Bach's "Bist du bei mir" ("Thou Art So Near") and not have the same ecstatic reaction he did. The same applies to that most hackneyed of works, the "Ave Maria" that Charles Gounod added atop Bach's C-major Prelude from the "48 Preludes and Fugues" ("The Well-Tempered Klavier"). Kertesi's exquisite version makes this old warhorse sound fresh and new again. It's sure either to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up or have you falling to the floor in sheer ecstasy. OK, forgive the hyperbole, but listen to the sample online and you'll get the point. The rest of the disc has humdrum versions of some very familiar pieces by Handel, Mozart and Schubert. But it's truly worth having for Kertesi's incomparable contribution.

The voice of heaven is the voice of Ingrid Kertesi.......2000-06-19

The reason that I bought this record was that as I was walking around in a record store I suddenly heard a heavenly voice, singing a wonderful song. It was so capturing that I had to go ask the staff for the CD. I must say I was deeply surprised when I found out it was a Naxos recording, since their song-CD's sometimes tend to be not so good. But this one is a real bargain.

The song was "Bist du bei mir" by Bach (Stötzel), and the singer was the totally unknown Ingrid Kertesi. This was almost a year ago, but I still think I get a new glimpse of heaven every time that I listen to her. The beauty of her voice makes you forget that her pronunciation is extremely bad (as with Sutherland in her prime). Kertesi sings a few more songs on this CD, and they're all lovely.

Many of the classic christmas & sacred songs are included on this CD, we find three 'Ave Maria' here. Most of the songs are nicely sung, except for some Mozartpieces. The other singers are not in the same class as Kertesi, but mostly OK.

Tracks:

Chitarrra romana
Moon River
All I Ask Of You
Mattinata
Santa Lucia luntana
Night Fire Dance
Verranno a te
Please Forgive Me
Who Wants To Live Forever
Notte 'e piscatore
O Silver Moon
'O Sole mio
Ave maria, dolce Maria
All For Love
Brindisi

Customer Reviews:

Artifice not art.......2005-04-20

This album is a big tub of artifice not art. Brian Adams is awful and simply has no voice and probably has nodes on his vocal cords. Pavarotti obviously stands out because he chose the other singers and despite the enormity of his talent (benefit charity or not) offers up shlock. Gustafson has a nice voice, but shouldn't sing Moon River until she learns the words - her voice serves the classical genre better. As for Boceli; I would rather eat worms than listen to another of his tremulous renditions. Sorry, this is pure junk for the ears, regardless of its attempts to raise funds. It does not raise artistic standards!

Live Audience, Variety=Enjoyable Listening Experience.......2002-09-12

O.k., I admit it, I bought this CD because I'm a die hard Andrea Bocelli fan, but I discovered I really love the variety of singers and the spontaneity and excitement of the live performance at the Parco Novi Sad in Modena. Particular favorites--Bryan Adam's "Please Forgive Me," Pavarotti and Giorgia's "Santa Lucia Luntana," and the ensemble singing of "Brindisi." The combination of voices and styles, the live
audience, and the knowledge that the event was performed for charity, all add up to a very enjoyable listening experience.

Fun.......2002-02-07

This is a fun CD with many great singers and a good one. Of Course Pavarotti is one of the greatest voices ever; and along with Bocelli, Nancy Gustafson and Giorgia this CD is filled with great singing and Brian Adams is a good singer. Its just fun to hear Adams singing O Sola Mio with Pavarotti; and its Fun to Hear Pavarotti sing Moon River All for Love, etc.,. Highlights are Santa Lucia Luntana with Pav and Gustafson, Who Wants To Live Forever with Giorgia, Notte 'e Piscatore with Pav and Bocelli, and the two encores with everyone singing (All For Love and Brindisi). The Production of the CD is excelent as well.

Excellent live album.......2001-11-08

This is the 2nd in the 'Pavarotti and Friends' series of benefit concerts. Although there are not the large amount of "superstars" on this cd as later 'Friends' albums were to have, this is an excellent live recording, and I could and have listened to it many times. I don't understand the previous reviewers, but to each his own! This album also introduced me to the beautiful voice of Nancy Gustafson, and I definately want to check out her other work now. And who can resist the wonderful pairing of Pavarotti and Bryan Adams on "O Sole Mio". Worth the price in itself. One thing though .. I know this album and concert was done for charity, but nowhere in the booklet or cd cover does it say which charity is benefitting. The booklet includes lots of photos from the night. Recommended.

torture.......2001-09-25

i would rather ingest shards of glass than listen to this schlock again. whoever thought up the idea of having the phenomenal pavarotti sing with such morons as bryan adams should be forced to stand in the corner and then go to bed without supper. i don't care if this was for a good cause. big deal. give to the red cross or something. but don't make me listen to this horrific CD ever again. it's painful.

Average customer rating:

RIP, JERRY HADLEY 1952-2007
INTERESTING REPERTOIRE, WELL SUNG

Jerry Hadley - The Age of Bel Canto

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Famous Opera Duets
Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta
In the Real World
A Song of Naples - Neapolitan Songs

ASIN: B000003FTA
Release Date: 1996-01-16

Customer Reviews:

RIP, JERRY HADLEY 1952-2007.......2007-07-18

Among his numerous recordings of opera, concert and lighter works, this one CD best serves the late tenor's art. Arias, both familiar and not, exemplify his clear, clean singing, wonderful diction and musicality. Although it is currently unavailable, I'm hoping RCA will see fit to reissue it soon in memory of a truly fine American-trained artist and singer.

INTERESTING REPERTOIRE, WELL SUNG.......2003-11-14

While currently out of print BMG might well reissue the album so some comments are in order. The album has a repertoire that is, under any conditions, exceptionally demanding with the arias from Dom Sebastien, La dame blanche, Les Huguenots, etc., being among the most difficult to sing in the tenor literature. For the most part Hadley proves a wealth of beautiful, well posed tone running into trouble only when he must deal with troublesome top notes that have never been his forte. The top c-sharp taken in the aria "Seul sur la terre" from Dom Sebastien in pure head tone( read falsetto )is really stylistically correct but the versions by Marcelo Alvarez, Roberto Alagna, Luciano Pavarotti( as "Deserto in terra" ), and, of course, Alfredo Kraus are much more thrilling with the top note ringing out in full voice. Kraus was well into his 60s but his ageless voice took the top notes with consummate ease.

The arias from Lucia di Lammermoor, L'elisir d'Amore, Mignon, Lakme, and The Bohemian Girl are all well done with really beautiful tone and stylistic elan. The arias from Les cloches de Corneville, L'eclair, and The Rose of Castille and Sigismondo are well sung but so new to me as music that a critical evaluation is not possible.

The aria from Martha sung in the original German as "Ach, so fromm" is, at the climax, rather stressful and strained.

The sound is excellent and the direction of the English Chamber Orchestra by Richard Bonynge is a real plus for both Hadley and the listener.

Tracks:

Adagio Notturno- Op. Posth. 148 D. 897: Only Time Will Tell
Norma: Qual Cor Tradisti
Danse Espagnole, No.5- Andalouse: La Andaluza
Adagio Per Archi Ed Organo: Adagio
Maitre Pathelin: Romance
Suite No.11- Sarabande: Gloria Eterna
Aranjuez: En Aranjuez Con Mi Amor
Le nozze di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete
Carmen: Habanera
Nabucco: Song for Liberty
Elixir Of Love: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Moise En Egypte: Mon Dieu
Serenade_: Serenade
La Celestine: Plaisir d'Amour
Norma: Casta Diva
Winterreise: Der Lindenbaum
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Ave Maria, Op. 52, No.6- 1825: Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Surprised.......2004-05-04

I am an opera fan and normally detest the sound of non-opera singers trying out their pipes on Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, etc. I bought this disc years ago and it's been collecting dust. But since breaking it out, I can't stop listening. Nana's voice doesn't have the classical quality that I am used to from the likes of Kiri Te Kanawa and Mirella Freni, but she makes up for it with her unique style, although she gets a tad shrill on a couple of the songs. But considering she was about 55 when this was recorded it's amazing she still had such range and quality. The arrangements, orchestrations and chorus are breathtaking. Rodrigo's Concierto Aranjuez, with words, was a real surprise. The second movement has to be one of the all-time beautiful melodies ever written and what a perfect voice to sing it. Verdi's "Song for Liberty" from Nabucco is my favorite cut on the disc but there isn't one dud out of 18 tracks and that in itself is a marvel.

You will be transfixed..........2003-07-23

...when you hear Nana Mouskouri's rendition of the Bellini aria from Norma. This artist has been recording for at least 30 years or so-- and I have yet to hear her sing something badly-- she sings in Greek, English, French-- every language-- with astonishing beauty. Excellent

Soft, Real, and Very Good.......2001-10-17

I am sorry to say that I had never heard of Nana before. That is to my detriment. This album is supurb. The music is real, the orchestration is very good, and Nana's voice is unequaled for this type of music. Based exclusively on this album, I plan to buy every one of her CD's I can find.

An elegant classical offering from a pop icon.......1999-11-19

I'm program director of a classical music radio station, and this disc has become a favorite with our morning drive audience -- less idiosyncratic than Sarah Brightman's popular but over-hyped offerings, and Mouskouri's voice is richer (though with less power) as well. Mouskouri has always been more popular in Europe than the US but has had a strong following in America anyway. Even her most ardent fans must have been surprised when this disc was released a few years ago, for it is a surprisingly elegant and moving interpretation of classical melodies. A few retain their original lyrics, and Mouskouri has added lyrics to some works that were originally instrumental, but everything is handled with grace and style. And that voice! Fluid, silky, always balanced -- it's a wonderful disc.

The Pearl Fishers and other Famous Operatic Duets

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The Pearl Fishers and other Famous Operatic Duets

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Duets
The Most Famous Opera Arias

ASIN: B0000ACY0O
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

Les Pecheurs De perles: Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Janez Lotric
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Luba Orgonasova
Lakme: Dome Epais, Le Jasmin - Denisa Slepkovska
La Traviata: Un Di Felice - Monika Krause
La Boheme: In Un Coupe - Fabio Previati
Madama Butterfly: Viene La Sera - Miriam Gauci
L' elisir D' Amore: Venti Scudi! - Giacomo Aragall
La Boheme: Mimi! Speravo Di Trovarti Qui - Luba Orgonasova
Tosca: Mario! Mario! Mario! - Nelly Miricioiu
La Forza Del Destino: Solenne In Quest'ora - Giacomo Aragall
Manon Lescaut: O Saro La Piu Bella! - Kaludi Kaludov
Don Carlo: E Lui... Dio Che Nell'alma Infondere - Giacomo Aragall
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: All'idea Di Quel Metallo - Roberto Servile
Otello: Era La Notte ... Si, Pel Ciel Marmoreo Giuro - Janez Lotric

Meditation: Classical Relaxation (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Relaxing music at its finest!
Get it for $9.99 at Sam's Club!
Beautiful, moving music! You'll recognize many of the pieces
Meditative, But Not Boring
A Bargain and Beautiful

Meditation: Classical Relaxation (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)
Chopin For Relaxation
Classics for Relaxation and Meditation
Beethoven for Relaxation
Vivaldi for Relaxation

ASIN: B000001VUT
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

Canon
Andante From Piano Concerto No. 21: Elvira Madigan
Coppelia: Notturno
String Quintet In C: Adagio - Schubert
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air - Bach
Clarinet Concerto: Adagio
Symphony No. 8 'Unfinished': Andante con moto - Schubert
Concerto, Op. 9 No. 2: Adagio
Orpheus And Eurydice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits

Tracks:

Thais: Meditation
Romance In G, Op. 26
The Last Spring
Minuet
Serenade, Op. 3 No. 5
Poeme, Op. 41 No.6
Elegiac Melody No. 1
Serenade For String Orchestra: Elegia
I Love You
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours

Tracks:

Adagio
Romance In F Minor, Op. 11
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Romance For Violin No. 2 In F, Op. 50
Rosamunde: Ballet Music In G
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto

Tracks:

Peer Gynt: Morning
Standchen (Serenade)
Mozartiana Suite: Preghiera (Ave Verum)
Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A: 2nd Movement
Rosamunde: Intermezzo
Violin Concerto In E Minor: 2nd Movement
Serenade For String Orchestra: 1st Movement
L'Arlesienne, Suite No. 2: Intermezzo
Concierto De Aranjuea: 2nd Movement
Trout Quintet: Theme And Variations

Tracks:

The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Valse Triste
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat
Minuet
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Oboe Concerto In D Minor (Excerpt)
Piano Sonata No. 8: Pathetique: 2nd Movement
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo sinfonico
Christmas Oratorio: Sinfonia
Ave Maria
Horn Concerto No.3: 2nd Movement
Symphony No. 1: 3rd Movement
Traumerei
Peer Gynt: Ase's Death
Xerves: Largo
Symphony No. 9: From The New World: 2nd Movement

Tracks:

Swan Lake
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance
Nocturne In B Major, Op. 9 No. 3
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Notturno
Symphony No. 35: Haffner: Andante
Carmen Suite No. 1: Intermezzo
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, D.960: Andante sostenuto
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat Major: Andante
Piano Concerto No. 2: Larghetto

Tracks:

Impromptu In G Flat Major
Evening Song
Serenade No. 1: Adagio non troppo
The Merry Peasant
Flute Quartet In G Major
Symphony No. 7: Allegretto
Cradle Song
Quartet in G Major: Theme And Variations
Barcarolle: The Seasons: June
Symphony No.36 'Linz': Poco adagio

Tracks:

Prelude In C Minor - Meditation
Piano Concerto In A Minor: Adagio - Meditation
Flute Concerto No. 2: Adagio non troppo - Meditation
Andante - Meditation
Impromptu In B Flat Major - Meditation
Clair de lune - Meditation
Divertimento In D, K.251: Andantino - Meditation
Caro mio ben - Meditation
Piano Concerto No. 9: Jeunehomme: Andante - Meditation
Theme And Variations - Meditation

Tracks:

The Sleeping Beauty: Panorama
Waltz, Op.39 No.15
Flute Concerto In G Minor: Andante
Impromptu In A Flat
Violin Concerto No. 5: Adagio
Symphony No. 3: Allegretto
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Andante
Piano Sonata No. 3: Largo
Suite No. 1: Intermezzo
Piano Concerto No. 3: Largo

Tracks:

La Traviata: Act 1: Prelude
Kinderscenen: Foreign Countries And People
Chanson triste
Symphony No. 5: Andante
La Campanella
Flute Concerto in B Flat: Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 2: Funeral March
Symphony No. 94: Surprise: Andante
Concerto for Flute and Harp: Andantino
Symphony No. 6: Pathetique: Adagio lamentoso

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing music at its finest!.......2005-10-14

This is a GREAT 10-CD set!The performances are top-notch, the music is varied, and the feelings engendered are wondrously beautiful.

Get it for $9.99 at Sam's Club!.......2005-06-22

Very nice set of CD's, very beatiful and relaxing, but don't pay $27, get it for $9 at Sam's Club. I know this will be censored but come on, how can you guys charge those saps that much! Amazon should try to find the best price for its customers, even if it sends them to different vendors. Censoring this message is a crime, DON'T DO IT. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Beautiful, moving music! You'll recognize many of the pieces.......2004-02-24

John Cheng's review, below, said it's "an undeniable bargain," and I whole heartedly agree! I especially LOVE Volume 5. I have a Typing/Resume business, and I listen to Volume 5 ALL the time on my computer while I'm doing my work. It inspires me to be creative and calms me down when I'm stressed.

I would say I've _easily_ listened to Volume 5 at least 100 times, and I'm still not tired of it. That's amazing for me, because I'm also a musician (singer/pianist) and I get bored easily. I actually found the Volume 5 CD at a Thrift store, and loved it so much that I bought the whole set recently. So I've only listened to a few of the other CD's in this set, so far, and they're also great.

This is NOT boring music. My clients and family have heard it also, and they've also mentioned how soothing and wonderful these pieces are. Most of you will probably recognize a lot of these songs! You'll be saying, "OH! I remember THIS one! I haven't heard this for YEARS!!!"

It's well worth the money for 10 very full CD's!!! Try it! You won't be disappointed!

Happy listening!
Betty, Owner of Betty's Desk Typing Service and Quality Resumes

Meditative, But Not Boring.......2002-06-21

Here's the deal: If you check out the individual CDs of this collection, you'll pay way too much. That said, compare this price, and realize it is a steal at twice the price.

The list of selections is immense. 101 selections. Most of it you've heard before, but that's OK. Despite the various cute names -- quite creative -- "Vol. 9"!... you can load your CD player and enjoy them without feeling a transition of style.

It's true these aren't meditative in the sense of a Gregorian chant. Anyone familiar with classical music will recognize the composers and various movements to know this. What is true is that you can sit down and write Amazon reviews with it in the background quite comfortably. No weird interpretations, just the music as you know it.

It is also meditative in the sense of popping on it your portable player as you go for a Sunday afternoon walk. The music has just the right pacing: no quite aerobics class, but not ready for the office elevator either.

The box and jewel cases are not that flimsy kind of thing often associated with box sets. It sounds silly to review the jewel cases, but I'm frustrated with the ones I've received lately that have no meat to them. This'll do the job.

I fully recommend "Meditation: Classical Relaxation, 10 Volume Set [BOX SET].

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

A Bargain and Beautiful.......2002-02-28

This is a wonderful collection of some of my most favorite classical selections. Most I already own, but still like having these all together. I could only wish that the recording level was the same for all selections. Yes, some are written to be softer, but I found it often necessary to turn the volume up or down for different selections. But aside from this minor preference, the quality, the choices, and the price are all super.

Average customer rating:

The Greatest Tenor
THE GREAT MARIO SINGS BEAUTIFULY!
The good and the bad in one collection
New Fan
Another CD from the best!

Artists of the Century

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000J915
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Be My Love
Drink, Drink, Drink
Rigoletto: Act IV: La Donna E Mobile
Danny Boy
Granada
Because You're Mine
Ave Maria
Valencia
The Loveliest Night Of The Year
Song Of India
Because
O Sole Mio
The Donkey Serenade
I Paggliacci: Act I: Vesti La Giubba
Serenade
Funiculi, Funicula
Golden Days
Arrivederci Roma
You'll Never Walk Alone
Beloved
Come Prima
Tosca: Act III: E Lucevan Le Stelle
Santa Lucia
I'll Walk With God

Tracks:

And This Is My Beloved
Cielo E Mar (La Gioconda)
If I Loved You
Deep In My Heart
Core 'Ngrato
Una Furtiva Lagrima (L' Elisir D'Amore)
Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
Canta Pe' Me
Santa Lucia Luntana
Memories
With A Song In My Heart
O Paradiso! (L' Africana)
Temptation
Aida: Act I: Celeste Aida
Feneste Che Lucive
A Night To Remember
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
Somewhere A Voice Is Calling
Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
All The Things You Are
Passione
One Night Of Love
La Danza

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Tenor.......2004-05-25

I'm more a fan of classic popular standards than of classical music, but as the classical numbers give Mario Lanza a little more opportunity to show off his glorious voice, I find myself enjoying these fully as much as the popular selections.

His approach to popular song is admittedly on the operatic side, and it's fascinating to hear how well such pieces translate into a more classical orchestration. And Lanza's versions stand as equals alongside the popular versions (by such greats as Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Kate Smith, Georgia Gibbs, Dean Martin, Vic Damone and Vaughn Monroe) that have been among my favorites for many years.

The spoken introductions on the selections from his show are an added bonus, and (contrary to one of the reviews below) these songs are beautifully done. The fact that they are live and only minimally rehearsed only makes them all the more amazing.

The 2-cd set consists of high quality recordings of 47 songs and is a real bargain at the price.

THE GREAT MARIO SINGS BEAUTIFULY!.......2002-03-03

THIS IS A WINNER THE MUSIC GREAT! THIS IS A REALY GREAT CD! HE SINGS SO WELL IN ALL THE MUSIC. I GAVE IT 4 STARS. ENJOY!

The good and the bad in one collection.......2001-09-02

This is (unintentionally, I'm sure) a warts-and-all illustration of Mario Lanza. True, there are magnificent recordings scattered throughout (Serenade, Beloved, E Lucevan Le Stelle, Passione, etc) but the overall impression one is left with is of a sloppy and undisciplined singer who just happened to possess a great voice. The fault lies squarely with BMG and their predilection for selecting the very worst of Lanza, and placing it next to the best. Many of the inferior choices come from Lanza's Coca-Cola radio show, recorded between 1951 and 1952, and featuring prominently on Disc Two. (Disc One is a more consistent selection, and repeats the same tracks from the British one-CD set "The Ultimate Collection", reviewed elsewhere on this site.)

The "Coke" shows were generally under-rehearsed, and represent what in many respects was the most chaotic period of Lanza's short life. Thus it's not surprising that the tenor often sounds unfamiliar with his material, is sometimes off-key, and also makes numerous stylistic lapses. Never intended to be heard beyond their initial broadcast, these supposedly "one-off affairs" nevertheless did produce the occasional gem, but one needs to look elsewhere for examples of those. The three exceptions on this set are the gloriously romantic If I Loved You, One Night of Love, and the poignant Memories. Danny Boy also deserves honorable mention, although the ending should have been remade.

O Paradiso, Somewhere a Voice is Calling, Core 'Ngrato, Deep in My Heart, and With a Song in My Heart represent low points from the Coke Shows. Other poor choices include And This is My Beloved, from the disastrous Lanza on Broadway LP; a rough-as-old-boots Una Furtiva Lagrima; and an off-pitch Cielo E Mar (ironically the one studio recording on this set that *is* inferior to Lanza's Coke Show rendition).

Mario Lanza was blessed with the most spectacular natural tenor voice of the 20th century. Is it too much to expect for BMG to honor his memory more selectively? Where are Lanza's sublime recordings of Che Gelida Manina from "La Boheme", his M'appari, the Improvviso from Andrea Chenier and his unsurpassed Otello Monologue? Or the fabulous Some Day, the gorgeous 'A Vucchella and Lanza's own favorite recording, the haunting Voce E Notte? For the very best of Mario Lanza, buyers will need to look elsewhere.

New Fan.......2000-08-27

I am an 18-year old student. I bought this album after I heard a few of Lanza's songs in the Peter Jackson film, "Heavenly Creatures" and I must say that it is one of the best albums I have ever bought. Lanza was a master of his vocal instrument, drawing every ounce of feeling and energy from the notes and words to create a masterpiece of every song. The resulting pieces in this album combine to make up a beautiful and varied work, with something for every mood you may be in. The classics (such as "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life"), are obviously appealing, but the lesser-known pieces (my favourite: "Una Furtiva Lagrima") make this a wonderfully enlightening experience. This is a truly Great album.

Another CD from the best!.......2000-03-18

When I heard that Mario Lanza had died so many years ago, I was a college student who already owned five or six LP's of his songs. I was truly brokenhearted We had lost such a fine singer at such an early age. This CD is one of the best because of the diversity of songs, all marvelous.A fine addition to any collection.

Average customer rating:

In Concert

Manufacturer: Dptv Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00061NLE0
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Barcelona - Nikolay Baskov,
O Sole Mio
Come Back to Sorrento
Ave Maria
Be My Love
Nessum Dorma! [From Turandot]
Brindisi [From La Traviata] - Nikolay Baskov,
Nemorino
Kalinka
Dorogoi Dlinnoyu (The Long Road)
Ochi Chernye (Black Eye)
Moscow Evenings
Besame Mucho
Phantom of the Opera - Nikolay Baskov,
Yesterday
Memory of Caruso

Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 8

Average customer rating:

This is really good for relaxation
What a wonderful selection...

Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 8

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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
Similar Items:

Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 10
Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 1
Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 6
Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 2
Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 7

ASIN: B000001VSY
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

Prelude In C Minor
Piano Concerto In A Minor - Adagio
Flute Concerto No. 2 - Adagio non Troppo
Andante
Impromptu In B Flat Major
Clair de lune
Divertimento In D K251 - Andantino
Caro Mio Ben
Piano Concerto No. 9 'Jeunehomme' - Andante
Theme And Variations

Customer Reviews:

This is really good for relaxation.......2001-02-27

The music is beautiful, and it is very helpful in relaxation. I play it right before going to bed and I sleep like a baby. I recommend it.

What a wonderful selection..........2000-08-31

I've never been much of a classical music guy. I'm the type who ends up at the bargain racks, walking out with CD's like this one thinking, "Well, maybe there will be something on it I'll enjoy." There was. For me, this CD is worth every penny for just one piece, Grieg's Concerto for Piano in A minor. It runs about seven minutes and, in that time, Grieg (to me, anyway) takes us through an entire life from birth to death. Every emotion comes through at different points of the piece, bridged beautifully...those emotions are expressed uniquely from gentle, to passionate, to powerful. Get the CD just for this...even if you don't like this piece, I'm sure you'll find something else on it that you'll enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Great compilation testifying to a great talent
All the best by the best

The Great Carreras

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Von Stade, Frederica | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Romantic Carreras: Great Love Duets

ASIN: B0000041AJ
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Ave Maria
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
Panis Angelicus
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
La Boheme: Testa adorata
Otello: Notte per me funesta
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Der Rosenkavalier: Di rigori armato il seno
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
La Battaglia di Legnano: La pia materna mano
La Battaglia di Legnano: E ver? Sei d'altri
Un Ballo in Maschera: Forse la soglia attinse - Ma se m'e forza perderti
Pagliacci: Vesta la giubba
'O sole mio
La danza

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation testifying to a great talent.......2003-04-25

I bought this CD in 1994 right after hearing the 2nd Three Tenors concert (in LA). The concert itself had a bombastic quality to it, but I was immediately impressed by sincerity and humanity of a slight but elegant man in the center. Domingo and Pavarotti were household names prior to the concert, but an average person had heard very little of José Carreras. Well, for me personally, he was the single force that drew me into the world of opera and kept me there. I've collected over 5,000 CDs and complete operas of various artists since then, and what started it all was this single CD with a very proper title, showcasing Carreras at his greatest (1970s-80s). Philips has done a splendid job of capturing his electrifying tenor on record. The CD starts with an aria that has been long considered a measuring staff for tenors - Di Quella Pira. The very first time I heard Carreras's version of it I was simply blown away. His voice had a very unique quality (since then I've found that young Di Stefano had it in the early 50s) - his high notes (above middle E) are like bursts of fire, easily carrying above large orchestras and booming choruses. By the way, those thinking it's just Philips's engineering, check out a CD of live performances entitled "Bravissimi Tenori" (just 3 bucks) and you will see that Carreras was even more thrilling live on stage. The disc further has morsels not currently available anywhere, such as a white-hot final duet from Rossini's "Otello", a great scene from Verdi's "La Battaglia di Legnano", and "La Danza", a rousing Italian tarantella. What will strike even a seasoned fan are the two selections from "Tosca". This particular version was recorded under baton of Sir Colin Davis in 1976 and immediately became the best "Tosca" on record. It featured a star-studded cast of Caballé, Wixell, and even young Samuel Ramey in a secondary role, but Carreras's rendition of Cavaradossi stood out as the freshest and most insightful of all. "Recognita armonia" is youthful and triumphant (for some reason, we get the continuation of the scene with the sacristan here), but "E lucevan de stelle" will send chills down your spine for sure. Two sacred songs, Bach (arr. Gounod) "Ave Maria" and Franck's "Panis Angelicus", sound very much like opera arias, and such tenor repertoire staples as "Una furtiva lagrima" and "Vesti la giubba" testify to phenomenal acting abilities of Carreras. While he could sound young and romantic as Rodolfo, or even swaggering (tenor aria from Rosenkavalier), he could also become a deranged murderous Canio or a brooding Riccardo. The voice rings brilliantly and effortlessly on all selections, providing over 70 minutes of pure delight.
Of many compilation CD's this one had the most thought invested into it. For instance, it includes both Puccini's and Leoncavallo's versions of "La Boheme", and most fascinating early Verdi (Carreras has recorded a complete series with Lamberto Gardelli). Hearing this CD will prompt you to do more research on the man and his art, read about his overcoming leukemia and his charitable efforts, about his taking risks with the heaviest tenor roles, and his commitment to the art of opera. And just maybe it will inspire you with courage to take singing lessons and just see if you can sing your own "Vincero!"

All the best by the best.......2000-04-24

This CD has all the most famous arias as well as other great music, sung by one of the best tenors ever. If you're new to opera, this is a great way to start your collection.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

The Most of Lulu/Lulu's Album [Import]

An American Prayer

All Blues'd Up! [Import]

Terrapin

Anthology [Import]

Baby [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

And One and Two

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 2, 4, 6

A Stranger to Me Now

Big Band Legends

2g+2 [Import]

Bells Boots & Schambles [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Ambient Diaries, Vol. 3

Sibelius: Song of the Earth

The Classic Early Recordings in Chronological Order