D'Art et d'amour

1. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera Act 3: Il Dolce Suono...Spargi D'amaro
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
Performed by Philharmonia Chorus , London Philharmonia Orchestra with Maria Callas , Piero Cappuccilli , Renzo Casellato , Bernardo Ladysz

2. Norma, opera Act 1: Cavatina: Casta Diva
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

3. I Puritani, opera Act 1: Son Vergin Vezzosa
Composed by Vincenzo Bellini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas , Carlo Forti , Nicola Rossi-Lemeni , Giuseppe di Stefano

4. Médée (Medea), opera in 3 acts Act 1: Dei Tuoi Figli
Composed by Luigi Cherubini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

5. La cenerentola (Cinderella), opera (Role D'Angelina)~Act 2: Nacqui All' Affanno
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Performed by Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra with Maria Callas

6. Il Trovatore, opera Act 4: D'amor Sull' Ali Rosee
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

7. Otello, opera (Role De Desdémone)~Act 4: Ave Maria
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra with Maria Callas

8. Aida, opera Act 3: Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aïda...Fuggiam Gl
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Paris National Opera Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

9. Manon Lescaut, opera Act 2: In quelle trine morbide"
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

10. La bohème, opera Act 1: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

11. Gianni Schicchi, opera O Mio Babbino Caro
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra with Maria Callas

12. Tosca, opera Act 2: Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by La Scala Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

13. Hamlet, opera in 5 acts Act 4: A Vos Jeux...Partagez-Vous Mes Fleurs...Et
Composed by Ambroise Thomas
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra with Maria Callas

14. Roméo et Juliette, opera Act 1: Je veux vivre (Juliette's Waltz)
Composed by Charles Gounod
Performed by French Radio Orchestra with Maria Callas

15. Louise, opera Act 3: Depuis Le Jour
Composed by Gustave Charpentier
Performed by French Radio Orchestra with Maria Callas

16. Carmen, opéra-comique in 4 acts Act 1: Près des Remparts
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Paris National Opera Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas

17. Carmen, opéra-comique in 4 acts Act 2: Les Tringles des Sistres Tintaient
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Paris National Opera Theater Orchestra with Maria Callas , Jane Berbie , Nicolai Gedda , Nadine Sautereau

18. Samson et Dalila, opera in 3 acts, Op. 47 Act 2: Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by L'Orchestre National de la Radiodifussion Francaise with Maria Callas

19. Orphée et Eurydice (French version), opera in 3 acts, Wq. 41 Act 4: J'ai Perdu mon Eurydice
Composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck
Performed by L'Orchestre National de la Radiodifussion Francaise with Maria Callas

20. Alceste (French version), opera, in 3 acts, Wq. 44 Act 1: Divinités Du Styx
Composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck
Performed by L'Orchestre National de la Radiodifussion Francaise with Maria Callas

21. Manon, opera Act 2: Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Pet
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra with Maria Callas

22. Damnation de Faust, La, for mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, bass, chorus and orchestra, ("légende dramatique") H. 111 (Op. 24) Part 4: D'amour, L'ardente Flamme
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra with Maria Callas

23. Faust, opera Act 3: Il Etait un Roi de Thulé...O Dieu! Que De B
Composed by Charles Gounod
Performed by Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra with Maria Callas

Tracks:

Apres un reve, Op. 7 No. 1
Sylvie, Op. 7 No. 3
Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8 No. 1
Lydia, Op. 4 No. 2
Le papillon et la fleur, Op. 1 No.1
Mandoline, Op. 58 No. 1: 5 Melodies de Venise
Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Les berceaux, Op. 23 No. 1
3 Chansons de Bilitis: I. La flute de Pan
3 Chansons de Bilitis: II. La chevelure
3 Chansons de Bilitis: III. Le tombeau des Naiades
Fetes galantes: I. En sourdine
Fetes galantes: II. Fantoches
Fetes galantes: III. Clair de lune
Nuit d'etoiles
Beau soir
Fleur des bles
La Belle au bois dormant
Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison
BANALITES: I. Chanson d'Orkenise
BANALITES: II. Hotel
BANALITES: III. Fagnes de Wallonie
BANALITES: IV. Voyage a Paris
BANALITES: V. Sanglots
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: I. Montparnasse
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: II. Hyde Park
Les chemins de l'amour - valse chantee

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2005-08-30

I recommend this to any art-song lover, and really, anybody at all. Gens does an excellent performance of a great collection of beautiful French songs. Her voice is enjoyable all the way, she has great expression, and a convincing mastery of the genre.

An unexpected glimpse of happiness........2001-07-21

Stendhal wrote that "the sight of anything extremely beautiful, in nature or in art, brings back the memory of what one loves, with the speed of lightning. That is, ... all that is beautiful and sublime in the world takes part in the beauty of what one loves, and this unexpected glimpse of happiness immediately fills the eyes with tears. This is how love of the beautiful and love give each other life." This is what Ms. Gens will do to you when you listen to this CD.

Enchanting recital of French Melodies.......2000-07-07

This is a most enjoyable release, all the more so because Veronique Gens, who is generally considered a baroque specialist on the lyric stage, may well be a torch-bearer of the elusive art of the French song in the coming decades. The voice of Gens, which is solid and well-integrated with an alluring dash of vibrancy embedded therein, is eminently suited to the repertoire represented in this new Virgin Classics release. Her secure technique (just a hint of strain in one or two high notes) also renders it possible for her to fine down her voice in the ending of phrases to a charming effect. Being a native French speaker certainly helps, too. Although hers is perhaps not the most strongly-etched of readings, she is able to inflect the text intelligently, and her subtle but heart-felt stresses on particular words not only serve to illuminate the poetic prose, but also meld beautifully with the notes that she sing.

The CD opens with songs by Faure, and while Gens may not possess the charm and naturalness of utterance of Maggie Teyte, whose recordings of Faure's songs are, in the opinion of this reviewer, unsurpassable, she can conjure up the right kind of feeling for every song as no one can. Her tempo for the popular "Apres un reve" is a trifle too laid back. Yet, she conveys to perfection the dream-like quality of the song, as well as the sense of confusion and regret at awakening. Her singing of "Le papillon et la fleur" is delightfully vivid, and her evocation of the feeling of sadness being kept in restraint in "Les berceaux" makes the performance both intimate and touching.

The Debussy group is no less impressive. Despite the innovative idiom in which most of these songs are composed, Gens is able bring them off effortlessly and stylishly. She is in total command whether in the serenity of "Beau soir", the romanticism of "Nuit d'etoiles", the rustic charm of "Fleur des bles", or the harrowing grimness of "Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison", the last one composed when Debussy was being haunted by the atrocities of the Great War. In "Fetes galantes I", although the vocal and piano parts are often independent of each other, Gens's remarkable interpretation succeeds in unifying the two strands into a picturesque and colourful whole. The "3 Chansons de Bilitis", which are composed very much in the style of PELLEAS ET MELISANDE, also find an ideal interpreter in Gens where, blessed with a keen sense of rhythm, she succeeds in propelling the texts forward with musical grace and dramatic import. She would surely make a wonderful Melisande.

The Poulenc is equally fine. The young soprano is able to do full justice to the diverse moods in "Banalites", which, according to Olivier Opdebeeck, who penned the CD notes, is composed in a "part-melancholy, part-joyful tone with a barb of irony which the composer identified in the poet". The "2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire" are sharply contrasted, one (Montparnasse) languid and brooding and the other (Hyde Park) gusty and piquant. Gens's singing of "Les chemins de l'amour", a cross between a Viennese waltz and a cabaret song, is loveliness itself and provides a delicious end to an enchanting recital.

The major reservation that this reviewer has involves the accompaniment of Roger Vignoles. While he is able to provide secure support for the singer, his playing is uncharacterful and even bland. Besides, the piano tone seems to be rather thin at times. Nonetheless, this should not detract one from the sensuous beauty of Gens's performance. This reviewer hopes that Virgin Classics would be encouraged by the success of this release so that they can present this most promising singer in further volumes of French songs by, say, Chausson, Ravel and Duparc.

Nuit d'toiles - Melodies Francaises/ Gens, Vignoles.......2000-06-13

Not being a professional, but loving the genre of French melodies I'll avoid technical commentary; I have become a collector of these in recent years and find this one extremely satifying and appreciate the variety this CD presents.

An Outstanding Vocal Performance.......2000-05-01

This ranks as one of the very best recordings of French 'melodies' that I have yet heard. Unlike most other singers, Gens gives the words drama and meaning. Too many singers perform these works in a detached 'artistic' manner that often makes them all sound almost alike. I say this not to belittle Gens' voice (which is superb), but to indicate that this disk will take you beyond the 'standard' interpretations of these works. I had a chance to compare one of the melodies with another recent recording by Schafer, another singer whom I respect Both were being featured in a local record store. It was hard to realize they were actually singing the same piece. I recently saw Gens perform much of the same program at a recital in NYC. This was the best recital I had heard in a very long time (I go to many). The disk is almost as good. It suffers a bit from a very unnatural recorded sound: the microphone is much too close to the singer and the piano is much too forward. Also the accompaniest in NYC was clearly better. Nevertheless, it would be hard to find a better recorded performance. The more I listen to the disk, the less I notice these drawbacks. The choice of repetoire is also well done. I particularly liked the Debussy 'Trois chansons de Bilitis.' She ends with 'Les chemins de l'amour' which Poulenc wrote for Jean Anouilh's play 'Leaocadia'. This has become very popular outside the normal recital circuit. If you get only one disk of French melodies, this is the one to get.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Singing
Perfect
I'm a listener, not a critic or singer
Nice Timbre, Well Balanced voice, Dramatic, but.....
The Denyce Graves CD I was waiting for

Denyce Graves - Voce di Donna
Christoph Willibald Gluck , Georges Bizet , George Frideric Handel , Francesco Cilea , Henry Purcell , Amilcare Ponchielli , Gaetano Donizetti , Samuel Barber , Pietro Mascagni , Camille Saint-Saëns , Jules Massenet , Maurizio Barbacini , and Denyce Graves
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JMH2
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Carmen: Quand je vous aimerai?... L'amour est un oiseau rebelle - (Habanera)
Carmen: Pres des remparts de Seville - (Seguidilla)
Orfeo ed Euridice: Ahime!...Che faro senza Euridice?
La Gioconda: Voce di donna
Adriana Lecouvreur: Acerba volutta
Dido and Aeneas: Thy hand, Belinda... When I Am Laid In Earth
Amadigi di Gaula: D' un sventurato amante...Pena tiranna
La Favorite: Fia dunque vero...O mio Fernando!
VANESSA: Must The Winter Come So Soon
Vavalleria rusticana: Voi lo sapete
Werther: Werther, Werther! - (Air des lettres)
Werther: Va! Laisse couler mes larmes
Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence
Samson et Dalila: Samson...Amour! Viensaider ma faiblesse!

Amazon.com

This isn't mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves's first solo disc (she has previously released a compilation of romantic opera heroines), but it's definitely her most impressive. Like many beginning recording artists, she hasn't always been able to project her stage electricity into the microphone, but with such a sumptuous voice, one doesn't always mind. Here, though, there's not a dull moment in two choice arias each from roles Graves has sung often onstage: her signature role of Carmen and her almost-as-famous Dalila. There's also a fairly promising preview of the Charlotte from Werther, which she'll sing with Andrea Bocelli in October 1999 in Detroit, though one senses she still has work to do in learning to act with her voice. Two baroque-period selections, an aria from Handel's Amadigi and Purcell's famous "When I Am Laid in Earth" from Dido and Aeneas, suffer from imprecise diction and messy ornaments. But the aria in which Graves sounds most emotionally present is, oddly enough, "Must the Winter Come So Soon" from Barber's Vanessa. Her vivid reading reminds you of what happens onstage with her and hopefully what's to come on recordings. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Singing.......2005-10-01

Ms. Graves' voice is so warm. The sound is so impressive!!! There has been debate on whether or not she is truly a mezzo-soprano. Some critics feel that she is a true contralto with an extended upper range. The role of Dalila, is also considered borderline mezzo-soprano and contralto. Anyway, her voice has total ring in every tone. The rich sound that she produces is totally even from her bottom register to her top. The baroque selections need to be maybe a little lighter and more pure, but I am not that petty. I just believe that she is absolutely wonderful!!! Brava Ms. Graves!!!

Perfect.......2005-09-27

There is nothing I can say other than this is the perfect recording. Denyce Graves has chosen arias that we don't always get to hear and I thank her for doing so, she breathes live into the old standards from "Carmen" and introduces us to arias that will undoubtably become new favorites. Denyce's voice is absolutely fabulous, it's powerful yet calm and perfectly refined, I can say nothing bad about her voice or this recording.

I'm a listener, not a critic or singer.......2005-03-23

Unlike the other reviewers here, I'm an amateur piano player, and ocassionally listen to classical music. Several years ago while flipping, I came across Ms. Graves. I was totally blown away. I introduced her to my father who is an avid fan of the opera before he passed on.
While vocal crisis is a terrible thing for any singer to suffer (and I do worry about Ms Graves too), just step aside and listen to her render these time tested works for just a moment. Perhaps like me, you'll end up continually repeating this album on your iPod for hours on end. The final two tracks from Samson and Delilah makes your hair stand on end and your knees weak.

Nice Timbre, Well Balanced voice, Dramatic, but............2004-01-10

Denyce Graves has a lot of potential in this Album "Voce Di Donna". These are some of the most interesting Operas of it's time. They have stood the test of time. And such emotional airas as from Vanessa's Opera, when she sings the role of Erika in "Must the winter come so soon" is something. But other songs as I noticed in "Acerba Volutta" When she comes to substaining the high A6 note, she sounds as though she had to push her voice a little. And the same in "O mio Fernando" The A6 sounds more pushed at the end. In "Pres des remparts de Seville", the B6 sounds somewhat thin, but otherwise, she performs it very well. Denyce Graves has a lot of potential, but she should perform airas and in Operas as to her vocal comfort. Pushing the voice often isn't a good thing, as can lead to vocal Crisis. But nontheless, this is a good Opera Album. I can't wait till she puts out another CD.

The Denyce Graves CD I was waiting for.......2001-07-24

A much superior offering to her Heroines of French Romantic Opera offering, I feel. Her voice rings beautifully. You won't find yourself listening only to her as Carmen. She'll pull you in with the rest of the arias also.

Average customer rating:

"Simply a Stunner"
Good choice for opera lovers.

Simply the Best Night at the Opera
Giacomo Puccini , Jacques Offenbach , Gaetano Donizetti , Georges Bizet , Gioachino Rossini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , George Frideric Handel , Igor Stravinsky , Jules Massenet , Antonin Dvorak , Camille Saint-Saëns , Benjamin Britten , Claudio Monteverdi , Giuseppe Verdi , Hector Berlioz , Charles Gounod , Henry Purcell , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Richard Wagner , English Chamber Orchestra , Munich Bavarian State Orchestra , Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra , Lyon National Opera Orchestra & Chorus , Prague Symphony Orchestra , Orchestre National de France , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , and Halle Orchestra
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J9HR
Release Date: 1999-07-06

Tracks:

Turnadot: Nessun Dorma
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
Les Conte d'Hoffmann: Messiers, Silence!
L'Elisir diAmore: Una fortiva lagrima
Carmen: Je Dis que rien ne m'epouvant
Les pecheurs de perles: Au fond du temple saint
L'Inganno felice: Al piu dolce
Cosi fan tutte: Soave sia il vento
Xerxes: Ombra mai fu
The Rake's Progress: Quietly, night
L'Italiana: Gia d'insolito ardore nel petto
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Werther: Pourquoi me revieller
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Tracks:

La Boheme: O soave faciulla
Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix
La nozze di Figaro: Voi, che sapete che cosa e amor
Billy Budd: Look! ... Through The Port Come The Moonshine Astray!
L'Incoronazione di Poppea: Lameto di Ottavia: 'Diprezzata Regina'
Rigoletto: Gaultier Malde ... caro nome
Manon Lescant: Donna on vidi mia
Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedreno
La Damnation de Faust: D'amour l'ardente flamme
Faust: Vous qui faites l'endormie
Dido's Lament: Thy Hand, Belinda - When I Am Laid In Earth
Yolanta: Scene & Monologue By Ibn Hakia
Carmen: Votre toast, je peaux le rendre
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Tannhauser: Wie Todesahnung Damn'rung deckt die Lande ...

Customer Reviews:

"Simply a Stunner".......2006-07-21

Ideal for an opera lover, or for anyone who loves gorgeous singing. I am an opera nut and was introduced to this one by accident; "Au gond du temple saint" from Pearl Fishers (selection #6, disc one) was playing on the stereo in the Metropolitan Opera giftshop when I walked in at intermission one night. I thought it was so stunning I bought my first copy of the CD then and there; and have bought 2 other "back-up copies" since then, as well as having it on my iPod.

Good choice for opera lovers........2001-08-16

If you are in search of a cd containing various popular pieces from the greatest operas in the world, then search no more. This cd contains classic operatic pieces, sung by some of the most talented tenors and sopranos out there, including Placido Domingo. Madame Butterfly's Un Bel Di and Turandot's Nessun Dorma are, without a doubt, two of the most emotional and dramatic songs ever composed. Fortunately, this inexpensive two cd set includes those songs and many more. This cd is a delight to own, whether or not you've ever attended an opera.

Average customer rating:

The Complete Caruso

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001TSWQO
Release Date: 2004-11-09

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

Average customer rating:

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

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

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002Z83KW
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Massenet: Le Cid - De cet affreux combat...Pleurez, mes yeux (Acte III) (DVD)
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Rossini: La Cenerentola - Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto...Non piy mesta (Atto II) (DVD)
Verdi: Don Carlo - O don fatale, o don crudel (Atto III) (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

The Fascinating Maria Callas.......2007-01-10

The DVD of her life was the most interesting part. I was really hoping for a wide selection of arias on the CDs, rather than the two full operas that came in the set.

Stupenda! A great compilation..........2006-08-23

First off, I think this is a great compilation of Maria Callas' work. It has a little bit of almst everything. It picks the right records and highlights them quite well. I liked the idea of splitting the album into two discs. One of lighter romantic arias. The other with tragic and dramatic arias. Now, to the point...
I listen to many operas as it is my music of choice. Whenever I find myself at a loss with a certain soprano for either character or tone I always find myself coming back to Callas. Not having the most tonaly beautiful voice she does for me what is more important. She adds life and passion to the music instead of just singing it. She knows the characters and their motivations. This rare feat comes thru in her voice. Capable of singing almost any soprano role from a light lyric coloratura such as Lakme or to the heavy demands of a Wagnerian role such as Norma. Not only does her range impress but her voice was capable of such colors and shades of those colors. She imparts such pathos and depth with her voice. This for me is most important. A singer can have the most tonaly beautiful voice, but if there is no heart and emotion behind it, forget about it. Callas has that in spades. Maybe that is why 30 some odd years after her death I still find myself turning to her for inpsiration.

wonderful representation of Callas artistry.......2006-04-29

This 2 set CD and additional DVD are a great sampling of Maria Callas singing various operatic arias. They demonstrate not only her remarkable vocal range but her ability to perform expressively as well. No artist in my opinion can act today as well as Callas. Callas voice may have been flawed later on during her career, but her ability to act truly makes up for any vocal imperfections. After all, she is the only operatic soprano I know of who possessed not only the natural talent for acting, but the ability to sing anything from mezzo to soprano. If you are a fan of Callas, then I highly recommend this set. Even those not familiar with Maria Callas should hear her perform at least once.

Average customer rating:

Highly recommended

Coloratura Assoluta

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French Coloratura Arias

ASIN: B00000DFNQ
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

'Chacun Le Sait'
'Il Faut Partir'
'Et Mon Coeur La Changer
La Fille Du Regiment: 'Salut A La France'
Sadks: 'Song Of India'
Lakme: 'Pourquoi Dans Les Grands Hois?'
Dinorah: 'Ombre Legere' (Shadow Song)
'Regnava Nel Silenzio...Quando Rapita In Estasi'
Lucia Di Lammermoor: 'Il Dolce Suono Mi Colpi...Ardon Gl'Incensi'
Rigoletto: 'Caro Nome'
Lakme: 'Ou Va La Jeunne Hindoue' (Bell Song)
Mireille: 'O Legere Hirondelle'
Romeo Et Juliette: 'Je Veux Vivre'
La Traviata: 'Ah, Fors'e Lui...Sempre Libera'

Tracks:

Le Coq D'Er: 'Hymne Au Soleil'
Les Contes D'Hoffmann: 'Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille'
Zemire Et Azor: 'La Fauvette'
Mignon: 'Jesuis Titania'
I Puritani: 'Son Vergin Vezzosa'
Linda Di Chamounix: 'O Luce Di Quest' Anima'
La Sonnambula: 'Ah, Non Credea..Ah, Non Giunge'
Porgy And Bess: 'Summertime'
'The Russian Nightingale'
'Fledermaus Fantasy'
'Les Roses D'Ispahan'
'L'invitation Au Voyage'
Chansons De Rensard: 'A Une Fountaine'
Chansons De Rensard: 'A Cupidon'
Chansons De Rensard: 'Tais-Toi, Babillarde'
Chansons De Rensard: 'Dieu Vous Gard'
'Clair De Lune' - Frank La Forge
'Fantoches' - Frank La Forge
'Plaisir D' Amour'
'Home, Sweet Home'

Amazon.com

In many respects, Lily Pons was the Galli-Curci of her generation: a winning combination of good looks, charm, an appealing and non-confrontational timbre, and easy facility in the stratosphere. Those who learned the "Mad Scene" from Lucia di Lammermoor or the "Bell Song" from Lakmé via the original 78s back in the 40s will be bowled over by the vivid detail and lack of background noise in these stunning Sony restorations. First-time listeners will marvel at her effortless passagework and high notes (she often transposed her arias up on records); but may be put off by a slight thinness in the middle register (not evident in her Odeon recordings from the late 20s), sketchy intonation at times, and expedient aspirating in downward scales. Although these selections encompass a gamut of stylistic and emotional contrasts, you'd scarcely know it from the singer's pleasant but characterless interpretations, which tickle the ear without quite racking the brain. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Highly recommended.......2007-07-09

This could have been recorded yesterday, the sound quality is excellent and without blemish. By far the best recordings of Pons I have, and I would like to have others. She reminds me of Jo, separation of notes, clear, real trills, a range to rival Sumac, flexibility to perfection, and always that today neglected once standard fare of the coloratura, the requisite leap to the top note at the end of an aria. And a pretty sound. I love this album.

Average customer rating:

The Voice of France

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000075A80
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

La Marseillaise (French National Anthem) - Placido Domingo
Dome Epais Le Jasmin (Flower Duet) - Joan Sutherland
L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Regina Resnik
C'est Toi...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Gregory Cross
Belle Noit, O Nuit D'amour - Joan Sutherland
Apres Un Reve - Renee Fleming
L'invitation Au Voyage - Gerard Souzay
Cantique De Jean Racine, Op.11 - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
Rachel, Quand De Seigneur - Leopold Simoneau
O Vin, Dissipe La Tristesse - Sherrill Milnes
Je Suis Titania - Beverly Sills
Ah, Ou Va La Jeune Indoue - Joan Sutherland
Les Filles De Cadix - Angela Gheorghiu
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix - Marilyn Home
Alerte! Alerte!...Anges Pur - Nuccia Focile

Tracks:

Frere Jacques - Rita Streich
Air De Letter: Mon Chet Amant - Regine Crespin
Marthe Dieu Soit Loue...Deposons Les Armes (Soldiers' Chorus) - Robert Massard
In Paradisum - L Union Chorale de La Tour De Peliz
Villanelle - Regine Crespin
Je Veux Vivre - Joan Sutherland
Chanson A Boire - Gerard Souzay
L'Enigme Eternelle - Suzanne Danco
Sur Le Pont D'Avignon - Hilde Guden
Phidyle - Gerard Souzay
Les Gars Qui Vont A La Fete - Gerard Souzay
Notre Amour - Sylvia McNair
Beau Soir - Elly Ameling
C'est L'extase Langoureuse - Sylvia McNair
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir Ces jalouses Gardiennes-Vainement Ma Bien-Aimee - Alfredo Kraus
Il Est Doux, Il Est Bon - Angela Gheorghiu
Hotel - Gilles Cachemaille
Petite Dinde, Ah! Quel Outrage - Maggie Teyte
Bailero - Kiri Te Kanawa
Brezairola - Kiri Te Kanawa
Malurous Qu'o Uno Fenno - Kiri Te Kanawa

Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin

Average customer rating:

Le parfum d'extase
Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It.
Great!!!
A delightful programme
Limpid, refined, elegant music.

Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
Gabriel Fauré , Gérard Souzay , Elly Ameling , and Dalton Baldwin
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin
Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin
Susan Graham - La Belle Époque (The Songs of Reynaldo Hahn)
Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll)
A French Song Companion

ASIN: B000002S30
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

Le papillon et la fleur: Le Papillon et la fleur, Op. 1, No. 1
Mai: Mai, Op. 1, No. 2
Reve d'amour: Reve d'amour, Op. 5, No. 2
Dans les ruines d'une abbaye: Dans les ruines d'une abbaye, Op. 2, No. 1
Les Matelots: Les Matelots, Op. 2, No. 2
Lydia: Lydia, Op. 4, No. 2
Hymne: Hymne, Op. 7, No. 2
Seule: Seule, Op. 3, No. 1
L'absent: L'Absent, Op. 5, No. 3
L'Aurore: L'Aurore, Op. posthume
La Rancon: La Rancon, Op. 8, No. 2
Chant d'automne: Chant d'automne, Op. 5, No. 2
Aubade: Aubade, Op. 6, No. 1
Tristesse: Tristesse, Op. 6, No. 2
Chanson du pecheur (Lamento): Chanson du pecheur (Lamento), Op. 5, No. 1
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Op. 7, No. 3
2 Duos pour deux sopranos: I Puisqu'ici-bas, Op. 10, No. 1
2 Duos pour deux sopranos: II Tarentelle, Op. 10, No. 2
Ici-bas !: Ici-bas !, Op. 8, No. 3
Au bord de l'eau: Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8, No. 1
Serenade toscane: Serenade toscane, Op. 3, No. 2
Apres Un Reve: Apres un reve, Op. 7, No. 1
Sylvie: Sylvie, Op. 6, No. 3
Le Voyageur: Le Voyageur, Op. 18, No. 2
Automne, Op. 18, No. 3

Tracks:

Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 1. Rencontre
Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 2.Toujours
3. Adieu
Nell, Op. 18, No. 1
Les berceaux: Les Berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1
Notre amour: Notre amour, Op. 23, No. 2
Le Secret: Le Secret, Op. 23, No. 3
Chanson d'amour: Chanson d'amour, Op. 27, No. 1
La Fee aux chansons: La Fee aux chansons, Op. 27, No. 1
Aurore: Aurore, Op. 39, No. 1
Fleur jetee: Fleur jetee, Op. 39, No. 2
Le Pays des reves: Le Pays des reves, Op. 39, No. 3
Les Roses d'lspahan: Les Roses d'lspahan, Op. 39, No. 4
Nocturne: Nocturne, Op. 43, No. 2
Les Presents: Les Presents, Op. 46, No. 1
Clair de Lune: Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Larmes: Larmes, Op. 51, No. 1
Au Cimetiere: Au Cimetiere, Op. 51, No. 2
2 Cantiques: 1. En Priere
2 Cantiques: 2. Noel, Op. 43, No. 1
SPLEEN: Spleen, Op. 51, No. 3
La Rose: La Rose, Op. 51, No. 4
Chanson de Shylock: Chanson de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 1
Madrigal de Shylock: Madrigal de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 2
5 Melodies: 1. Mandoline
5 Melodies: 2. En sourdine
5 Melodies: 3. Green
5 Melodies: 4. A Clymene
5 Melodies: 5. C'est l'extase
Serenade du Bourgeois gentilhomme

Tracks:

La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 1. Une Sainte en son aureole
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 2. Puisque l'aube grandit
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 3. La Lune blanche luit dans les bois
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 4. J'allais par des chemins perfides
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 5. J'ai presque peur, en verite
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 6. Avant que tu ne t'en ailles
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 7. Donc, ce sera par un clair jour d'ete
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 8. N'est-ce pas ?
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 9. L'Hiver a cesse
Le Parfum imperissable: Le Parfum imperissable, Op. 76, No. 1
Arpege: Arpege, Op. 76, No. 2
Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton: Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton, Op. 72
Melisande's song: Melisande's song, Op. posthume
Prison: Prison, Op. 83, No. 1
Soir: Soir, Op. 83, No. 2
Dans la foret de septembre: Dans la foret de septembre, Op. 85, No. 1
La Fleur qui va sur l'eau: La Fleur qui va sur l'eau, Op. 85, No. 2
Accompagnement: Accompagnement, Op. 85, No. 3
Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal): Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
Le Ramier (madrigal): Le Ramier (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
Le Don silencieux: Le Don silencieux, Op. 92
Chanson: Chanson, Op. 94
Vocalise-etude

Tracks:

La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 1. Paradis
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 2. Prima verba
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 3. Roses ardentes
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 4. Comme Dieu rayonne
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 5. L'aube blanche
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 6. Eau vivante
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 7. Veilles-tu, ma senteur de soleil ?
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 8. Dans un parfum de roses blanches
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 9. Crepuscule
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 10. O mort, poussiere d'etoiles
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 1. Exaucement
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 2. Quand tu plonges tes yeux dans mes yeux
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 3. La messagere
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 4. Je me poserai sur ton coeur
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 5. Dans la Nymphee
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 6. Dans la penombre
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 7. Il m'est cher, amour, le bandeau
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 8. Inscription sur le sable
Mirages, Op. 113: 1. Cygne sur l'eau
Mirages, Op. 113: 2. Reflets dans l'eau
Mirages, Op. 113: 3. Jardin nocturne
Mirages, Op. 113: 4. Danseuse
C'est la paix !: C'est la paix !, Op. 114
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 1. La ber es infinie
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 2. Je me suis embarque
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 3. Diane Selene
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 4. Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimes

Customer Reviews:

Le parfum d'extase.......2007-05-18

This 4-CD set receives five stars from me in spite of some flaws. I'll outline those flaws first.

Firstly (a flaw to me, perhaps not to others), I'm not very fond of Gérard Souzay's voice and vocal approach. He frequently sounds blustery and the timbre does not really appeal to me. Yet his commitment to these beautiful songs is impeccable, and he has a wealth of experience, beautifully authentic French (of course!) and occasionally the singing is very effective indeed. I agree that the "La bonne chanson" set is sensitive and moving - it's Souzay at his best. But in general... Souzay is not one of my favourite baritones.

Secondly, as other reviews have mentioned, no translations are included. However, the full text of each song is contained in the accompanying booklet, and for those who don't read French well enough to translate, there are translations on-line of all of the poems set by Fauré. I agree this is not an ideal solution, and that the boxed set would have been improved by translations.

Thirdly, one is sometimes overwhelmed by the balance of the voice compared to that of the piano - this is particularly noticeable in Souzay's singing. However, the piano is still audible. The solution is mostly to turn down the volume for one or two tracks.

Let me now explain why, in spite of the above faults, I still consider this a superb set.

Firstly, the truly lovely singing of Elly Ameling. What a gloriously pretty sound - and I mean "pretty" without any denigration whatsoever. It's not JUST pretty - it's beautiful as well. This is a lovely gleaming sound, perfectly placed, and with a wealth of intrinsic and elegant interpretation that is native to Elly Ameling's singing. She's a miracle - no matter what she sings, it sounds "sung in" and perfectly understood, perfectly interpreted. (I admit Ms Ameling's French is slightly accented at times, but it's completely understandable and very good. It doesn't impair the performance of these songs at all.)

Secondly, Dalton Baldwin's playing is sensitive and impassioned in turns - always lyrical, always attuned to the requirements of each song. What a huge amount of work must have gone into this mammoth 4-CD task!

Thirdly, these vocal compositions are exquisite. Several of them are justly famous as works of genius, and fall so delightfully upon the ear that it seems they have always existed, perfect and full of wonder... that Fauré plucked them out of semi-existence to give them reality.

Fourthly... it's 4CDs of Fauré's vocal works. For those who love French vocal music, it's an extravagant delight to have such a thorough and wide-ranging collection. For singing students, how marvellous to have such a collection to hand to help when choosing songs. For fellow singers, what joy to have all of these songs in such a fine collection in order to note details and particularly admirable points.

In short - this is a set I wouldn't be without. While it's not flawless, it's full of delights. Ameling's singing of "La rose" is one of the highlights, and Fauré's three exquisite duets are all represented here. Highly recommended.

Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It........2007-03-01

This EMI Classics package of four CD's for the price of two (plus) is really the way I like to buy classic recordings, where the complete set covers all of a single especially interesting grouping of works. This set, like the comparable one on Debussy, is simply grand, especially, as noted by other reviewers, with the contribution of Ameling, a soprano from whom not much is heard of today, but who, in her prime, was on top of her game.

My only objection to the package is that while the notes five the French text of the songs and the author of the text, there is no translation. Otherwise, this is a super buy.

Great!!!.......2006-06-19

The music on this compilation is beautiful. It is also beautifully sung. Amelling is amazing, as always!!!

A delightful programme.......2006-01-20

Faure was a genius and his songs are some of the most beautiful ever written, being animated by the spirit of beauty itself (Ms Venus:-).)

The performers did an outstanding job singing this repertoire, and especially Elly Ameling's performance is pure *delight*
- honestly-.

I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

Highly recommended.

Limpid, refined, elegant music........2001-04-04

This famous set provides on 4 CDs the complete songs (mélodies, he preferred to call them) by Faure. They are entrusted to the native French baritone, the Dutch soprano, and their accompanist Dalton Baldwin, and were recorded in the early 1970s. The set is not inexpensive, so I shall try to outline its merits. The music itself is enthralling. Faure set, over a period of sixty years, texts by French poets. Limpid, refined, elegant music, it repays repetition and close listening. One reviewer has suggested that no listener will want to listen to umpteen of these mélodies in one sitting, but I have never had too much of them. If slow tempi and arpeggio accompaniments begin to pall, listen to "Nell" (CD 2, Track 4). The performers satisfy on all counts. Souzay's contribution reflect a life time's association with the music, and a tradition that goes back through his teachers to the time of Faure himself. His definitive version of "La bonne Chanson" is especially fine. If his style is more suited to the impassioned, ardent items, it balances well with the cooler, more detached singing of Elly Ameling. So that you will not be disappointed, I should also mention that translations of the texts are not provided. I also wish that the balance had been better engineered. Sometimes Souzay seems to have the microphone in his mouth, and always the piano seems too distant. These are but minor flaws, however, in a long necklace of priceless pearls.

The Art of Courtly Love - David Munrow & The Early Music Consort of London

Average customer rating:

Superb Early Music. Buy It.
A Fiver from one of the Archangels of early music performance
Outdated but Still Rivetingly Interesting
If 6 were available, this would get them!
One of the finest early music performances ever recorded

The Art of Courtly Love - David Munrow & The Early Music Consort of London

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Music of the Gothic Era
The Art of the Netherlands
Music Of The Crusades
Early Music Festival / David Munrow, Early Music Consort
Machaut: La Messe de Nostre Dame; Songs from Le Voir Dit

ASIN: B000002SSB
Release Date: 1996-07-16

Tracks:

A vous douce debonaire (Chansons)
Hareu! Hareu! le feu - Helas! ou sera pris confors (motet)
Amours me fait desirer (ballade)
Trop plus est belle - Biaute paree - je ne sui mie certeins (motet)
Amis tout dous vis (rondeau)
Se ma dame m'a guerpy (virelai)
Se je souspir (virelai)
Dame se vous m'estes lointeinne (ballade)
Quant je sui mis au retour (virelai)
Mes esperis se combat (ballade)
Ma fin est mon commencement (rondeau)
Douce dame jolie (virelai)
De Bon Espoir - Puis Que la douce rousee (motet)
De toutes flours (ballade)
Quant Theseus - Ne quier veoir (double ballade)
Anon La Septime estampie Real (dance)
Quant j'ay l'espart (rondeau)
Phyton le mervilleus serpent (ballade)
Armes amours - O flours des flours (double ballade)
A l'arme a l'arme (virelai)
Phiton Phiton (virelai)
Two variants on the tenor 'Roussignoulet du bosi' Borlet: He tres doulz roussignol (virelai)
Fumeux fume (rondeau)
De home vray (ballade)
Istampitta Tre fontane (dance)
Ma douce amour (ballade)

Tracks:

Tres doulz amis - Ma dame - Cent mille fois (rondeau)
Plasanche or tost (virelai)
Amour m'a le cuer mis (ballade)
Tribum quem (motet)
Helas! je voy mon cuer (ballade)
Contre le temps (virelai)
Andray soulet (canon)
Le greygnour bien (ballade)
Restoes restoes (virelai)
Ce moys de may (rondeau)
La belle se siet (ballade)
Je ne fai tousjours que penser (rondeau)
Files a marier (chanson)
Amoreux suy et me viente toute joye (rondeau)
Je loe Amours et ma dame mercye (ballade)
Navre je sui d'un dart penetratif (rondeau)
Lamentatio Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Constantinopolitanae (O tres piteulx - Omnes amici) (motet)
La Spagna (Variant 1) (basse danse)
Par droit je puis bien complaidre (rondeau)
Donnes l'assault (rondeau)
Vostre tres doulx regart (rondeau)
Helas mon dueil (virelai)
Bien puist (rondeau)
Vergine bella (stropha)
La Spagna (Variant 2)

Customer Reviews:

Superb Early Music. Buy It........2005-12-13

'The Art of Courtly Love' is a two CD set, condensed from a three LP album performed by The Early Music Consort of London. I know less than I would like about early music, considering how much I enjoy it, but one very important thing I do know is that the director of this recording, David Munrow was, until his untimely death, the big man in early music.

One of the many things I especially like about this collection is that by showcasing a lot of vocal music, the tinny quality of a lot of early music is moved to the background. Antother thing I like is the fact that one can plainly distinguish secular from liturgical music by listening carefully to these selections. The biggest differences I see are the appearance of percussion instruments and male / female duets.

One reviewer commented on the quality of the notes. I agree they are good, but only about average for an old music offering by a major label.

Highly recommended to all who like early music.

A Fiver from one of the Archangels of early music performance.......2005-06-26

I bought this when the album was first released. Even though scholarship has advanced, and it can be argued that Munrow's interpretations are dated, what has been lost over the years is the joy in performing this music. Many modern performances are ponderous and much, much too serious. But David Munrow found this music as a wonderous discovery. Through albums such as this one, he released into the open air music that had been locked away, languishing in the libraries for years, trotted out occasionally for a scholarly study, and then tucked back on the shelves. Munrow's enthusiasm for this music is evident in this collection, and his performances make them walk - no, dance - in the open air once more. This album is beautifully performed. I hope the notes in the CD are as good as the ones in my original release.

In 1974, I had the great pleasure of meeting David Munrow and the other members of the Early Music Consort, and was blown away with that enthusiasm and unselfishness, their willingness to discuss their work - I remember Munrow trading recorder performance tips with a friend of mine - and Munrow's truly amazing store of energy. He radiated! : -)

Outdated but Still Rivetingly Interesting.......2005-05-01

This 2-CD boxed set is the digital version of a 3-LP box from 1973 and was reissued in 1996 as part of the edition with which EMI/Virgin celebrated the twentieth anniversary of David Munrow’s unfortunate demise. The recordings, made at London’s prestigious Abbey Road studios, are digitally remastered to a very high standard, so that I found myself enjoying them via headphones more than via loudspeakers, something which is pretty unusual with CDs from the old analogue days. The two discs contains no less than some 156 minutes (51 tracks) of absolutely fascinating music. The first part is devoted to Guillaume Machault’s songs, works which can be dated around 1350 to 1360. The second part of the programme is concerned with the so-called avantgarde from Avignon (including names such as Matteo da Perugia), composers who wrote for esoteric circles around 1380 to 1410. And the third part (the third LP of the original) is devoted to fifteenth-century music from the court of Burgundy, the two great composers here being Dufay and Binchois.

Of course, David Munrow’s performances, fascinating and rivetingly interesting as they are, were shaped by his own interests and research at the time, and the booklet notes point out that since then “scholarship and performance practices have moved on healthily”, which I interpret to mean that today nobody would dream of performing this music the way Munrow did: for instance, he has most of the songs accompanied by a whole plethora of ancient instruments, although today it is generally agreed that works from this period should be sung unaccompanied or with minimal instrumental support. Munrow also performs some of the songs as purely instrumental pieces, a legitimate decision perhaps. Munrow also uses the two countertenors James Bowman and Charles Brett for many of the songs, and not everyone will appreciate being bombarded with their somewhat forced androgynous falsetto for nearly three hours; personally, it was the singing of Martyn Hill, tenor, and Geoffrey Shaw, baritone, which delighted my ear during these sessions. Along with the instruments, of course: slide trumpet, cornett, shawm, crwth, fiddle, rebec, citole and so on, plus several tracks with the amazing Christopher Hogwood playing an organ that sounds, at least, very old – unfortunately, the otherwise good liner notes give no details concerning the instruments used.

The Old French texts are printed in full with English translations, so it is possible to follow every nuance. Exceptionally good value for money! – For more historically-informed performances of music of this kind, I suggest searching names such as Gothic Voices, Hilliard Ensemble or Binchois Consort.

If 6 were available, this would get them!.......2002-02-16

Lovely, beautiful, amazing, charming, and vital. I'll not replicate the previous reviewer, though my favorites differ from his, but I bought this on LP 25 years ago and it changed my life. These are exhilarating performances, that move you effortlessly through time and space into a world both far away and very, very close. So much great music, wonderfully performed. Take a chance--it might change your life as well!

One of the finest early music performances ever recorded.......2001-09-03

And an intriguing work of scholarship besides. This was originally released back in the early 1970's by the late David Munrow as a three album box set.

The first part of this recording is basically dedicated to Machaut and his contemporaries. The chanson -Amours me fait desirer- remains striking to this day, with its unusual leap in its first measures. -Amis tout dous- is a lovely miniature, and so also is the monophonic -Quant je sui mis au retour-. But the high point of this part of the record is -Quant j'ay l'espart-, a duet between countertenor and bass cornetto (a serpent?), understated and heartbreaking.

The second part is weirdness from the Avignon court of the Popes, the time when rhythmic notation got more sophisticated, and composers grew more experimental. The unusual chromaticism of -Fumeux fume- is given a great performance here. The -Tre fontane- estampie is given a reading here that is truly frenzied. -Plasanche, ou tost- is a lovely song. You also get rhythmic oddities like -Le greygnour bien-.

The third album nears Renaissance music, and focuses on Dufay and Binchois. Loud instruments like sackbuts and shawms are featured on pieces like -Donnes l'assault-, which seems risky, but sometimes works. The usually quiet pieces on the -La Spagna- ground are here given a marching-band performance on loud winds. The real high points here, though, are the motet -O tres piteulx-, Binchois absolutely gorgeous -Amoureux suy-, and the setting of Petrarch's -Vergine bella-.

Tracks:

Duetto And Chorus: Kommt, Eilet Und Laufet
Aria: Sanfte Soll Mein Todeskummer
Recitative And Chorale: O Schmerz! Hier Zittert Das Gequalte Herz
Aria With Chorus: Ich Will Bei Meinem Jesu Wachen
Recitative: Mein Jesus Schweigt Zu Falschen Lugen Stille
Aria: Geduld!
Duet: Et Misericordia
Aria: Deposuit Potentes
Recitative: So Stehe Denn, Du Gottergeb'ne Seele
Aria: Adam Muss In Uns Verwesen
Chorus: Jauchzet, Frohlocket, Auf, Preiset Die Tage
Recitative: Es Begab Sich Aber Zu Der Zeit
Aria: Frohe Hirten, Eilt, Ach Eilet
Aria: Ich Will Nur Dir Zu Ehren Leben
Recitative: Und Liess Versammeln Alle Hohenpriester
Terzetto: Ach! Wann Wird Die Zeit Erscheinen
Recitative: Und Gott Befahl Ihnen Im Traum-Genug, Mein Schatz Geht Nicht Von Hier
Aria: Nun Mogt Ihr Stolzen Feinde Schrecken

Tracks:

Overture
Aria: Hier Soll Ich Dich Denn Sehen
Recitative And Aria: Konstanze, Dich Wiederzusehen, Dich!/O Wie Angstlich, O Wie Feurig
Aria: Wenn Der Freude Tranen Fliessen
Quartet: Ach! Belmonte! Ach, Mein Leben!
Aria: Ich Baue Ganz Auf Deine Starke
Recitative And Aria: Welch Ein Geschick!/Wie, Du Solltest Fur Mich Sterben!
Aria: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Zum Ziele Fuhrt Dich Diese Bahn
Wie Stark Ist Nicht Dein Zauberton
Der Welcher Wandert Diese Strasse Vol Beschwerden
Tamino Mein! O Welch Ein Gluck!

Tracks:

Duet: Strahlt Auf Mich Der Blitz Des Goldes - Hermann Prey
Duet: Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue
Scene And Duet: Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Stande/Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben
Toast: O Freunde, So Leeret In Vollen Zugen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: Ich Sah Euch Lieblich Und Engelsschon - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Scene And Duet: er Ist's! Carlos! Mein PRinz!/Gott, Der Entflammte Der Liebe Heisse Glut - Hermann Prey
Duet: Infame Feder! Welch Scheusslicher Pinsel/Ach, Geliebte! Nie Kehrst Du mir Wieder! - Hermann Prey
Aria: Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne
Scene: Nicht An Mich, Geliebter, Denke
Duet: Du Sussester Engel, Wie Herrlich Hast Du Geteufelt!
Leukippos, Du?
Arioso: Ja, Ich Lieb Sie, Olga
Aria: Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden

Tracks:

Recitative And Arioso: Holdes Laubgezewig, Du Schones/Schattige Ruh, Nie Gab Natur Sie Mir
Aria: Der Gedanke An Die Flammen Der Liebe
Aria: Bleibt Ihr Treu Dem, Der Euch So Verachtet?
Aria: Finstre Furie, Ihr Geister Der Holle
Aria: Nur Einen wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen - Hermann Prey
Recitative And Duet: O Unverhofftes Gluck/Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? - Hermann Prey
Ma Se Il Nostro Gioir/Alcun Non Sia
Perche A Lo Sdegno/Padre Cortese/Si Non Vedro
Aria: Erwacht In Meinem Herzen
Duet: Nur Weinen Lernte Ich/Nur Klagen lernte Ich
Aria: Keine Schlange Lasst Sich Toten
Romance: O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten
Trio: Doch Nun Zu Dir/Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe - Hermann Prey
Aria: Man Wird Ja Einmal Nur Geboren
Song: Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch Madchen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Recitative And Duet: Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir/Der tempel Brahmas Strahlt - Hermann Prey

Tracks:

I. Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
II. Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
III. Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube, Die Sonne
IV. Wenn Ich In Deine Augen Seh
V. Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
VI. Im Rhein, Im Heiligen Strome
VII. Ich Grolle Nicht
VIII. Und Wussten's Die Blumen, Die Kleinen
IX. Das Ist Ein Floten Und Geigen
X. Hor Ich Das Liedchen Klingen
XI. Ein Jungling Liebt Ein Madchen
XII. Am Leuchtenden Sommermorgen
XIII. Ich Hab Im Traum Geweinet
XIV. Allnachtlich Im Traume Seh Ich Dich
XV. Aus Alten Marchen Winkt Es
XVI. Die Alten Bosen Lieder
Zartliche Liebe: 'Ich Liebe Dich' WoO 123
Adelaide Op.46
Resignation WoO 149
Der Kuss Op.128
Was Ist Silvia, Saget An
Lied Eines Schiffers An Die Dioskuren D 360
Liebhaber In Allen Gestalten D 558
Der Einsame D 800
Im Abendrot Op. Post. D 799
Leise Flehen Meine Lieder
An Die Laute D 905
Der Musensohn D 764
An Die Musik D 547

Tracks:

Granada
Mattinata
Funiculi-Funicula
O Sole Mio
Vergiss Mein Nicht
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich
Ich Kusse Ihre Hand, Madame
Caro Mio Ben
Ave Maria
Plaisir D'Amour
La Danza
Serenade: Fern Im Weiten Land, Dort Unten Im Suden
Be My Love
Santa Lucia
Tiritomba
Heute Nacht Oder Nie

Tracks:

Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
Denk Dir, Die Welt War Ein Blumenstrauss
Ich Kenn Ein Kleines Wegerl Im Helenental
In Wien Gibt's Manch Winziges Gasserl
Draussen In Sievering
Ich Weiss Auf Der Wieden Ein Kleines Hotel
Ich Muss Wieder Einmal In Grinzing Sein
Im Prater Bluhn Wieder Die Baume
Herr Hofrat, Erinnern Sie Sich Noch?
I Hab Die Schonen Maderln Net Erfunden
Es Steht Ein Alter Nussbaum Drausst In Heiligenstadt
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
Wenn Es Abend Wird/Gruss Mir Mein Wien
Ob Blond, Ob Braun, Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n
Weine Nicht, Bricht Eine Schone Frau Dir Das Herz
Mein Herz Ruft Immer Nur Nach Dir, O Marita
Eine Kleine Fruhlingsweise
Schlaf Ein, Mein Blond-Engelein
Annchen Von Tarau
Still Wie Die Nacht

Customer Reviews:

Correction.......2006-12-13

Now folks, both of what the two other reviewers wrote about the tragical death of Fritz Wunderlich is wrong. Wunderlich died in hospital at September 17 1966. He had broken his skull, when he fell down the stairs in the hunting-house of a friend. Late in the evening of September 16, Wunderlich, as usual when not at home, had phoned his wife in Munich. He was very tired from strolling through the forest the whole day, making out the ideal locations for the hunt, which should start early in the next morning (Wunderlich was a passionate hunter). After he had wished his wife a good night, he went to the staircase in order to go down to his bedroom at the first floor. He still wore his heavy hunting boots - with open shoestrings! As walking downstairs, Wunderlich struggled over the open shoestrings and grabbed for the banisters, which was not more than a rope, fixed to the wall. The banisters teared out, and Wunderlich fell down the whole stairs. Fritz Wunderlich died in hospital the next day. It was only short before his 36'th birthday. An exceptional singing career had come to an untimely end. Some people believe that Wunderlich was drunken at the time of accident. If this is true can't be proven any more. But still this is not what his close friends said, regarding his accident and his death. In my opinion Wunderlich was the last of the really great tenors of the last century. All the tenors which came to fame after him (sorry folks, even such maestros as Pavarotti and Domingo) lack a certain quality in singing. It's the ease of breath flow, or singing on the breath without pushing the voice, it's the overtones, the legato, the mezza voce, the messa di voce and many more things - in short: the overall beauty of the voice through both registers. Wunderlich was the last tenor who had all this. Other examples are Caruso, McCormack, Gigli (despite the sobbing in his later recordings) and of course the wonderful Jussi Björling. But these are only some few names. If you listen for example to the cd's in the box "Famous tenors of the past" you will find that there were many very good and outstanding tenors in the first half of the 20'th century and - as we can only assume - in the time before the invention of the grammophone. Take a close look at todays famous tenors (I know, there are some quite good and promising ones) but what are they in comparison to those tenors (or better to say, to their voices and singing) I just mentioned before?

Please make your own decision.

Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong...........2006-05-05

... okay, maybe. It's just that I've never heard a recording I didn't love. And I prefer that he sing everything in German even when that means not using original language.

This is a bit strange because I'm most often bugged by Don Carlos and Vepres in Italian (just a personal quirk). Of course, I'm also bugged by dropping the "s" in Don Carlos, which is always incorrect. The man's name IS Carlos whether in Italian or French.

I tried to write Mr. Avila a personal note, but could not, so let me say that Fritz Wunderlich did not die of cancer, but a dreadful accident in Scotland (I'll not go into the whys and wherefores, I just wanted to set PART of the record straight.)

The Wonder of Wunderlich.......2005-11-22

Deutsche Grammophone does it again! This is an extensive 3-cd compilation album featuring the artistry of the great German tenor Fritz Wunderlich in a variety of vocal repertoire - Baroque cantata/oratorio, opera and Lieder. Like the other critic pointed out, I first heard Fritz sinigng a superb Tamino in the Karl Bohm Magic Flute, although I have also heard him sing Lieder opposite the mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig and baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, who were his contemporaries and colleagues. Wunderlich died tragically in 1966 of cancer. He inspired a generation of purely lyric tenors or "tenors di grazie" whose charming voice would never roughen and lack grace. His Germanic style earned him popularity in World War II Europe and he was the leading exponent of Lieder in the 50's. His tenor voice is glorious, as close to a male angel as possible. On this recording, we are treated to sumptuous arias from Bach's Christmas/Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas. Also noteworthy are the unsurpassed performances of Mozart tenor heroes- such as Belmonte from "Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail" (Abduction from the Seraglio) and his unbeatable Tamino from Die Zauberflote The Magic Flute. He sings bel canto opera arias fo tenor, from master composers Rossinni, Bellini and Verdi. While I don't much like that he is singing Italian arias in German, one must remember that at this time, in the LP Era of World War II Germany and Austria, German-born opera singers sang Italian opera in German translation/revisions. While many German singers could indeed sing in Italian, they were mostly trained to sing it in German because of excessive national pride and because Germans viewed Italian opera as course and un-melodic. Still, there have been superb German singers who sang in Italian like Wagner diva Birgit Nilsson,baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, tenor Peter Schreier, soprano Edda Moser, baritone Walter Berry, tenor Herman Pretty, all post-Wunderlich sensations. Wunderlich sings Lieder in one CD with great and unrivaled musicianship. Especially impressive are the Viennese pieces. Further to the cd's this album is equipped with photos of Wunderlich and his family and a detailed profile biography.

I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!.......2005-10-28

I knew little about the German tenor Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), except reading the accolades given to his recordings and performances by reviewers in "American Record Guide" over the past 13 years. I knew Wunderlich recorded the role of Tamino in the famous DG recording of Mozart's "Die Zauberflote", with Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (Now on DG Originals CDs), but was not aware of what a wide range of repertoire he had until hearing this release.

This release has a wide variety of Wunderlich's discography, including Bach arias from his Christmas and Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas; his Mozart roles in "Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail" (Eugen Jochum/Bavarian Radio Orchestra) and "Die Zauberflote" (Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic); a variety of arias and duets by Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Richard Strauss, mostly sung in German, and with Hermann Prey, baritone and Erika Koth, soprano in many of the duets; Baroque arias by Handel, from "Xerxes" (including the famous "Ombre mai fu" sung in German) and "Julius Caesar", selections from Monteverdi's "Orfeo" (an early track from 1955 sung in Italian); Schumann's "Dichterliebe", 4 Beethoven Lieder, including "Adelaide" and "Der Kuss"; and 9 Schubert lieder, including "An der Musik," and "Der Musensohn", all with Hubert Giesen, piano; Popular songs such as "Granada" and Viennese songs, with chamber orchestra accompaniment. There are no texts for the songs, but you may have text booklets with other CD releases, so don't really need them when you hear Wunderlich's beautiful voice.

There is a booklet with articles about Wunderlich's career, including a preface by his widow, Eva Wunderlich, photos of Wunderlich as a boy and young man, with his wife Eva in 1965, and children Constanze, Wolfgang, and Barbara. I enjoy reading and looking at the booklet, even apart from listening to the beautiful recordings.

Wunderlich was a genius, and his voice sounds great in every track, mono (some, but not a majority) and stereo (most of the tracks in the 7 discs are stereo) alike. If you love great music, and opera, but like me aren't often of a mind to sit still for 3 hours to listen to one, get this. It's a great release, and reasonably priced to boot. I'm thankful to God for great music, for the ability to hear and feel, and for Fritz Wunderlich and his service to music lovers everywhere.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Liquid Light [Enhanced]

Rendezvous of Angels: Concerti Grossi - Handel

Reprise Musical Repertory Theatre (Finian's Rainbow, Kiss Me Kate, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls) [Box set]

Music: Play Really Bad Original Country Tunes

Record of Small Histories

Pop Divas [Box set]

Sacred 2000

Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 9; Bartok: Sonata; Folk Rondos; Allegro Barbaro

Riddle of the Sphinx

No Tengo Dinero [CD-single]

No Good No Time No Pride

Original 60's Summer Album [Enhanced] [Import]

Selected Essential Underground

Organ Encores