Mi Son Mi Son Mi Son [Import]

Track Listings

1. Guaguanco Sabroso

2. Un Pedacito

3. Mi Son Mi Son Mi Son

4. Beto No Se Ve

5. Cuchillo Para La Pina Cub

6. Oya Oya Ho Heche

7. En Monte Rus

8. Temblando

9. Sazonando

10. Oye El Carbonero

Mi Son Mi Son Mi Son,Felix Chappottin,Fania,Latin

Tracks:

Dos Almas
Si Te Contara
Melodia del Rio
Cada Noche un Amor
Deuda
Uno
Convergencia
Quiereme Mucho
Perfidia
Copla Guajira
Quizas, Quizas
Alma Libre

Amazon.com

When Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social club lead vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer died in August 2005 at the age of 78, he was within a few weeks of accomplishing a lifelong ambition: to record an album of suave, sexy, elegant Cuban boleros. The first acknowledged tune of the genre, "Tristezas," was composed in Santiago by Pepe Sánchez during the late 1800s. The form was descended from a Spanish waltz-like dance of the same name, which in turn evolved from the French contradanse and, even earlier on, from English rural styles. Strangely, Ferrer had repeatedly been told that his voice was not sufficiently "manly" for these leisurely, achingly romantic ballads. But judging by the present tracks--and despite the inevitable depredations of age, which only give his interpretations an added, rueful vulnerability--this is demonstrably untrue. The singer's reedy tenor, in some cases rescued from high-quality demos with instrumentals recorded posthumously, touches places in a listener's soul that no power-popster with an umpteen-octave range and mud-slides of melisma could remotely approach. Ferrer is joined by BVSC band-mates Rubén González (piano) and Omara Portuondo (vocals) on one tune each and is accompanied by the soulfully rinky-tink piano of Roberto Fonseca, Orlando "Cachaíto" López's sinuous, resonant acoustic bass and Manuel Galbán's sensitive guitar, with Ramses Rodrigues and Emilio del Monte manning trap drums and percussion. Overall, Mi Sueño ("My Dream") has a late-night feeling, as though captured amid an after-hours jam in a smoky, malt-scented Havana nightclub, long after sleeves have been pushed up and chairs piled on the tables. --Christina Roden

Album Description

Mi Sueno is essential listening. Ferrer brings warmth, ease, humor and poignancy to his vocals, where romance is looked back on fondly and still longed for passionately. Featuring "Uno" and "Perfidia," Mi Sueno is a dream everyone can share.

Customer Reviews:

Like fine wine.......2007-07-24

Ibrahim Ferrer shows yet again the finesse and maturity of a well seasoned vocalist who over the years has become better and better. With the Buena Vista sound backing him up he lets loose song after song with the incredible range and confidence only a master can produce. A wonderful posthumos album with his take on several classics. A spellbinding duet with Omar and impeccable rythm that grows on you the more you listen to it. Its wonderful to compare to his more youthful works and see that what he gave up in fiestiness he more than makes up for in sheer class and charisma. A must buy.

Ibrahim sweet for your ears........2007-07-21

We don't hear this kind of music anymore.Ibrahim sings from his soul.Classic boleros with an outstanding band behind him.Don't miss it!

True Cuban Music... .......2007-07-03

Just amazing, I play it over and over! For me it serves as a bridge that brings to reality a cuba that was experienced by a generation that is slowly passing like the Maestro Ibrahim Ferrer. I grew up with this style/era of music in thanks to my grandparents.It allows me to be a part of them and bring to them a little piece of the Cuba they left behind.

The Cuban Nat King Cole.......2007-05-31

Mi Sueno is the kind of CD that you can put on and play over and over again for hours. Ibrahim sings each song with such conviction you feel every note and you know he has been in love and was deeply in love when he sang these songs. Rest in peace Ibrahim! You were indeed God's gift to us while you were on this earth.

Soulful.......2007-04-26

I have quite a few of Ibrahim Ferrer's recorded music and found his boleros (slower songs) quite pleasing and emotional. I would pick the boleros he sang out of all the Buena Vista recordings and put them on my MP3 player because I liked the soulful emotion he envoked when he sang. It's hard to describe in words, sometimes an artist interpretation of a song really touches the soul, Ibrahim was one of these unique artists. I was very pleased to see that there is finally a release of just slow songs, about love and relationships, even if you don't understand the Spanish language, I think you will hear his Cuban soul and warmth penetrate your senses. I must say that in his earlier recordings ( from the original Buena Vista recordings) the tone and clarity of his voice was prime. In this CD, one can hear the aging of his voice a bit, but don't let that deter you from adding this CD to your collection, for such a soulfoul voice only comes about once in a decade or two, and Ibrahim's expressive qualities were as eminently apparent in his earlier years as they were in his late years. This is a good selection of songs, some were very popular, such as "Perfidia," and "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas," others less recognizable, but all suitable for both listening and slow dancing.

Average customer rating:

Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas
sublime
Good "Best Of"
The Very Best of Maria Callas
Classic Callas

The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century
The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Best of Italian Opera
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The #1 Opera Album

ASIN: B00005Y1YQ
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

Carmen: L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
Samson Et Dalila: Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Tosca: Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore
Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Porgi Amor
Orphee Et Eurydice: J'ai Perdu Mon Eurydice
Aida: Ritorna Vincitor!
Adriana Lecouvreur: Respiro Appena... Lo So L'Umile Ancella
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo
Norma: Casta Diva
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
Louise: Depuis Le Jour
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
La Gioconda: Suicidio
La Forza Del Destino: Pace, Pace Mio Dio!

Customer Reviews:

Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas.......2007-03-31

There are moments on this recording that are virtually audio heaven.
Ms. Callas' voice goes beyond the normal concept of beauty.

sublime.......2007-02-14

she is an angel , a voice without parallel , a collection very interesting of arias from different masters.

Good "Best Of".......2007-02-09

Maira Callas was never a favorite of mine, but she is notable as a passionate, (but sometime shrill to my ears) performer. This collection is a good single record tribute to her operatic legacy.

The Very Best of Maria Callas.......2006-08-20

Second on my list for CDs that should be recommended for people who want to start on a long trail of Callas to the Carmen with Gedda and Prétre. This has perhaps the best excerpts of all time from Maria Callas. The 'Ritorna vincitor' and 'Una voce poco fa' are to be treasured. Any long-time Callas fan will find this CD of little to no interest, because anything they haven't heard before, there's a better, low-audio-quality version of somewhere. 4 stars for that reason.

Classic Callas.......2006-07-11

Countless assessments of Maria Callas' life and career, as well as re-issues of some of her definitive recorded performances have been fueled by the 25th anniversaary of her tragic and prophetic death alone in her Paris flat on September 16, 1977. One of those such discs, this 17 track retrospective compilation from the archives of EMI is among the best. Every character she portrays is bought to life by her incomparible ability both vocally and emotionally. Enjoy!

The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

Latter-day also-rans
A well-sung compilation
This cant be the best
TRUE OPERA LOVERS CANNOT POSSIBLY LIKE THIS!
Even if you Hate Complilations, Get This One

The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
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

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Most Famous Opera Arias
The #1 Opera Album
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Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

ASIN: B0000084JD
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

La Traviata: Libiamo Ne'lieti Calici (Brindisi) (Atto I) - Alfredo Kraus
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum (Atto I) - Thomas Hampton
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina (Atto I) - Roberto Alagna
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi (Atto I) - Mirella Freni
L'amico Fritz: Suzel, Bon Di (Cherry Duet) (First Part) (Atto II) - Bernard Haitink
Nabucco: Va, Pensiero (Chorus Of Hebrew Slaves) (Atto III) - Bernard Haitink
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile (Atto III) - Roberto Alagna
Lakme: Viens, Mallika (Flower Duet) (Acte I) - Mady Mesple
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Victoria De Los Angeles
Tosca: Recondita Armonia (Atto I) - Placido Domingo
Tosca: Vissi D'arte (Atto II) - Maria Callas
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle (Atto III) - Placido Domingo
Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco: Respiro Appena ... Lo Son L'umile Ancella (Atto I) - Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Les Pecheurs De Perles: Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Acte I) - Nicolai Gedda
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Non Piu Andrai (Atto I) - Thomas Allen
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete (Atto II) - Ann Murray
Le Nozze Di Figaro: E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Atto III) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Martha: M'appari (Ach So Fromm) (Akt III) - Roberto Alagna
Tristan Und Isolde: Mild Und Leise (Liebestod) (Akt III) - Helga Dernesch

Tracks:

Aida: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida (Atto I) - Placido Domingo
Il Trovatore: Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie (Anvil Chorus) (Atto II) - Bernard Haitink
Samson Et Dalila: Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix (Acte II) - Maria Callas
Carmen: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Victoria De Los Angeles
Carmen: Votre Toast (Toreador's Song) (Acte II) - Maria Callas
Carmen: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee (Acte III) - Roberto Alagna
Les Contes D'Hoffman: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) (Acte II) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta (Atto III) - Maria Callas
Pagliacci: Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba (Atto I) - Jose Carreras
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo (Atto II) - Renata Scotto
Cosi Fan Tutte: Soave Sia Il Vento (Atto I) - Margaret Marshall
La Rondine: Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta (Atto I) - Montserrat Caballe
Die Zauberflote: Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja (Akt I) - Walter Berry
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache (Akt II) - Edita Gruberova
Rusalka: Song To The Moon (Act I) - Lucia Popp
La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Iontana (Atto I) - Maria Callas
Werther: Toute Mon Ame Est La!...Pourquoi Me Reveiller? (Acte III) - Roberto Alagna
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! (Atto I) - Montserrat Caballe
Turandot: Nessun Dorma (Atto III) - Jose Carreras

Customer Reviews:

Latter-day also-rans.......2007-05-28

There will always be arguments for this or that singer, but this title is absurd. I didn't see a single Jussi Bjoerling, George London, Leonard Warren, or Zinka Milanov, and only one mention of Del Monaco. These were singers. Bjoerling and London were in a class by themselves. I saw all of these folks live on stage. London and Del Monaco had stage presence you don't get now. Di Stefano, Kirsten, de los Angeles should be on any best list. Play any tenor aria by any tenor; then play Bjoerling's. Play any bass/baritone aria by any singer; then play London's. Jussi and George will knock your socks off. They sang everything in every language. Tebaldi and Pavarotti sang only Italian, much easier.

A well-sung compilation.......2003-09-15

Compilations usually receive negative feedback from experienced opera listeners. However, this compilation by no means should be only welcomed by opera listeners, it should be welcomed by all music listeners. This CD is a great one to own for a first time opera listener. Also, for the person who wants to listen to opera once in a while and who does not want to buy a myriad of CD's in order to have the same amount of arias as this CD has. Eighty-percent of the singers are high-quality singers in this CD and the orchestras along with their respective conductors, do justice to the songs. All of the arias in this CD are what we in the field call, standard repertoire, and therefore are a good source for a beginning musician to help him or her listen to phrasing, colour, dynamics, language etc. I certainly recommend it, without a doubt.

This cant be the best.......2003-04-20

Elisa from Italy is absolutely right--well, the present generation may not be able to listen the golden oldies and the grand masters in person but it is still true that the past masters far surpassed the new. De Stefano had a magnetic voice, but listen to Gigli singing Puccini's La boheme and you will melt away, though it is v v v difficult to get hold of his mono recordings, even in CD. I disagree with Elisa only on one point: Tebaldi is good, but Victoria de Los angeles' Mimi is better. And the indulgent Thomas Beecham is my favourite conductor of this opera, way ahead of Toscannini, but De Stefano's Boheme is worth keeping and listening to again and again....

TRUE OPERA LOVERS CANNOT POSSIBLY LIKE THIS!.......2002-11-27

True opera lovers (I won't say "experts" 'cos I dislike the word) cannot possibly like this ... ! Apart from Callas, here there is none of the greatest artists! Callas may be great in Carmen but nobody can beat RENATA TEBALDI and her angel-like voice in all of Puccini's operas or in GIORDANO's Andrea Chénier. No Carreras can beat MARIO DEL MONACO in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, or Verdi's Otello. And finally, NO ALAGNA, or PAVAROTTI, or LICITRA, or whatever CHEAP TENOR or CROOK can ever beat the greatest tenor of all times: GIUSEPPE DI STEFANO!
Come on! You can't like crook Pavarotti once you have heard Giuseppe Di Stefano!! You can't like ... connductor Riccardo Muti if you have listened to Arturo Toscanini!!
True opera lovers, especially lovers of Puccini, go for the Immortal, the Sublime, the Beautiful in opera: GO FOR GIUSEPPE DI STEFANO!
Go hear his performance of "E lucevan le stelle" as in EMI Callas/Di Stefano "Tosca" or "Che Gelida manina" always as in EMI Callas/Di Stefano "La Boéme" and you'll know what I mean.

Even if you Hate Complilations, Get This One.......2002-06-21

This is a marvelous collection of better known arias and duets in Opera. The singers are those famous for setting, and raising, the bar in their field and for their times: Renata Scotto, Maria Callas, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti. If you are only somewhat familiar with opera, these recordings give you the highest feeling of what an aria or duet can sound like when sung and interpreted at its best. If you are already familiar with these songs, then you will appreciate this collection all the more for having gathered them in one place. I play both discs all the time. I've especially appreciated being able to compare vocal qualities side by side, so to speak, as Maria Callas can be heard next to Mirella Freni and Victoria de los Angeles. Even if you are not familiar with these singers, this is the way to meet them. Maria Callas has a much darker, back of the throat tone. Mirella Freni is pure, clear and light floating up in the higher notes. You can almost visualize the singers as they place the notes in their throats and set them out in the air to vibrate.

Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs

Average customer rating:

useful
Cecilia Bartoli at her best.
Great companion to Schirmer's 24 Italian Arias book
Great Bartoli, but not her best Italian songs
Beautiful and useful CD

Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs
Alessandro Scarlatti , Antonio Caldara , Antonio Lotti , Antonio Cesti , Giovanni Paisiello , Anonymous , Benedetto Marcello , Giuseppe Giordani , Giulio Caccini , Alessandro Parisotti , Pietro Francesco Cavalli , Antonio Vivaldi , Giacomo Carissimi , Cecilia Bartoli , and György Fischer
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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24 Italian Songs and Arias - Medium High Voice (Book/CD): Medium High Voice - Book/CD
Cecilia Bartoli - Mozart Arias

ASIN: B00000420F
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Tracks:

Gia, Il Sole dal Gange
Son tutta duolo
Se Florindo e fedele
O cessate di piagarmi
Spesso vibra per suo gioco
Caro mio ben
Pur dicesti, O bocca bella
Intorno all'idol mio
Nel cor piu non mi sento
Il mio ben quando verra
O leggiadri occhi belli
Quella fiamma che m'accende
Selve amiche
Sebben, crudele
Tu ch'hai le penne, amore
Se tu m'ami
Chi vuol la zingarella
Amarilli
Delizie contente
Sposa son disprezzata
Vittoria, vittoria!

Amazon.com

The 17th-century Italian art song repertory traditionally reserved for novice singers is given new life via Bartoli's artistry. With impeccable diction and evocative phrasing, she captures every innuendo of these simple, but passionate, pieces. No two repetitive phrases are alike; she chisels every line into a landscape of interpretive magnificence. Scarlatti's simple "O Cessate di Piagarmi" becomes a testament of innocent pain and plaintiveness. Giordano's "Caro Mio Ben" is transformed into a tender cry for love. All embellishments are imaginative and well executed. Accompaniment by György Fischer is equally appealing, sensitive and precise. Every singer questing for the art of singing should study these. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

useful.......2007-04-11

I feel like recommending this compilation to neophites wanting to listen to some old arias to learn if they like this genre and to singing students:
Ms Bartoli's voice is not beautiful, nor perfect when heard live, but her technique sounds perfectly good on record. Here and there her voice gets harsh, flat, losing brilliance and warmth, but most of the time one can concentrate on the accurate rendering of these old and beautiful arias.

She wisely decided to follow the letter of Parisotti's score, therefore meeting the need of all singing students of having a reference for their study. The agility is outstanding but pronunciation and expression, as well as the perfect gusto in presenting the phrases, are what make this compilation worthwhile. Not a word goes wasted or neglected but her being Italian and her sensitivity manage to avoid overkill.

One could wish she would publish compilations of single authors of the xvi and xvii centuries, edited according to philological criteria or else other compilations of the dated but still useful Parisotti edition.

Cecilia Bartoli at her best........2007-03-06

A great singer is one who dedicates singing to the text itself instead to himself/herself.
This is achieved 100% by Ms. Bartoli in this earlier album of hers. The recordings here cannot be termed otherwise than 'immaculate'. The very opening song 'Gia sole dal gange' is a display of Bartoli's unique timbre in its full beauty - glorious, rich and full. Many singers could tackle the range of this song, mezzos or sopranos, but who could pull it off in the manner as Ms. Bartoli? Credit to the one who picked this as the opening song of this fantastic album.
The songs following come in different styles and moods, all given full authentic interpretations by the singer. Compare the 'Vittoria, vittoria mio core' to 'Intorno al'idol mio' or 'Amarilli, mio bella' the vast contrast of mood, brought out equally well. The songs' requirement of versatility of interpretation is fully catered for.
I hate it when people say that this is a learners' album accompanying the 24 Italian Songs edited by one publisher. Such remarks could barely do justice to Ms. Bartoli's superb artistry, though admittedly, this CD would be an invaluable one for THAT purpose. What about the songs NOT included in the 24 Italian songs?

Great companion to Schirmer's 24 Italian Arias book.......2007-02-21

Cecilia Bartoli beautifully demonstrates many of the songs in Schirmer's 24 Italian Songs & Arias Of The 17th & 18th Centuries, which is widely recognized as an intermediate collection of Italian repitoire.

Great Bartoli, but not her best Italian songs.......2006-06-15

'The Impatient Lover' sung by Cecilia Bartoli is a collection of 18th and 19th century songs in Italian which were written by the predominantly German composers, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, and Hayden. Oddly, this is very seriously a better, or at least a more enjoyable collection, to my ear, than the 'If you Love Me' collection of Italian songs written by Italians, including Scarlatti, Caldera, and Vivaldi. And, neither collection of Italian songs is as interesting as Mme. Bartoli's collection of French love songs, 'Chant D'Amore'. All are done on London, but with three different accompaniests. I think the French material is just better than the Italian.

Beautiful and useful CD.......2006-03-22

I used this CD as accompaniment and inspiration for a voice class. It's very useful and Cecilia Bartoli sounds amazing.

Average customer rating:

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

Jose Cura - Puccini Arias / Domingo
Giacomo Puccini , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Plácido Domingo , and Jose Cura
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Verdi Arias
Anhelo: Argentinian Songs
Verismo
Boleros

ASIN: B000005E5L
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley

Average customer rating:

A musical treasure-box
a beautiful journey into melancholy

Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley
John Dowland , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Wilson , The Consort of Musicke , Colin Tilney , Anthony Bailes , Jakob Lindberg , Nigel North , Glenda Simpson , Peter Holman , and John Donne
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5
William Byrd: Consort Songs
Bach: The Landowska Recordings
Britten Conducts Britten
Janácek: Operas

ASIN: B000004CYV
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Galliard
Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
Instrumental Music: Comagain
Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

Lute Music: Preludium
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Can She Excuse
Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: A Dream
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
Lute Music: Coranto
Lute Music: Resolution
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: Loth To Depart
Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
Lute Music: Pavan
Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Aloe
Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
Lute Music: What If A Day
Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
Lute Music: [Jig]
Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
Lute Music: La mia Barbara
Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: Solus cum sola
Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
Lute Music: A Coy Toy
Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
Lute Music: [Almain]
Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
Consort Music: Almain a 2
Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
Consort Music: Pavan a 4
A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Tracks:

Vorrei spiegarvi, oh dio!
Exsultate, jubilate
Il re pastore: L'amero, saro costante
Basta, vincesti...ah non lasciarmi, no
Un moto di gioia
Ch'io mi scordi di te...non temer, amato bene - Scena And Rondo
Misera, dove son!...ah! non son'io che parlo

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent soprano!.......2007-03-28

Kathleen Battle is one in a line of incredibly talented American born sopranos including Anna Moffo, Renee Fleming, Leontyne Price, etc. She has a beautiful voice and perfectly suited to sing Bach, Handel and Mozart. This disc will open your eyes to the beauty of Mozart if you do not already appreciate his work. The standouts here are "Vorrei spiegarvi" which will send chills up your spine, "exsultate jubilate", "l'amero saro costante", "un moto di gioia", and "misera, dove son". Andre Previn does an outstanding job at the conductor's helm.
I was terribly saddened that this great diva's career was sidetracked by supposed temperament difficulties. I'll not fault her too much because we only know the Met Opera's version. Besides, Battle is forgiven for the sheer gorgeousness of her singing. Mozart himself would be so pleased if he heard this cd.

Vintage Mozart!!.......2007-01-12

I was not familiar with Kathleen Battle's voice prior to listening to this recording. I am now, and what a beautiful and talented voice she has!! She has reinforced my belief that Mozart is one of the greatest composers. I never tire listening to Mozart; I listen to this recording often. I am pleased, as I am sure you will be, to have this recording by Ms. Battle in my music library.

Bel Canto.......2006-12-30

The date on my copy, and I assume it is the recording date, I bought it very many years ago, is 1985. It used to be one of my favorite CDs. I won't call Battle an angel because there is no such thing, and I don't know how one would sound if there were. But her voice is warm and smooth and quintessentially beautiful. I love it. I was sorry to read in a review of another CD of hers that she is a gorgon. It diminishes my love greatly, as it did my liking for Callas, who had a poorer voice to begin with. I like to think well of my heroes. This compliation of Mozart is bel canto, but with not so much coloratura. It is deeply pleasurable and soothing. It is sublime, with the meaning that 100 years of Tin Pan Alley and pop tune lyric writers have given it (perfectly pleasurable and agreeable), not the meaning that the word originally or actually had/has (awesome). Compare this Mozart recital with Sutherland's collection of Mozart arias in her Art of collection. (I'm writing these comments under Battle's CD because Sutherland's is in a 6 disc collection that I just opened last night, the only disc I've listened to from it is the Mozart.) I do not like Mozart's operas. That's a fact, and that's all there is to it. Take it or leave it. They bore me green. However, some of his tunes (art songs) and some arias from his operas are divine. And Battle and Sutherland sang some of them. Sutherland's disc is coloratura all the way. It too is exquisitely beautiful, as I expect the whole collection to be. I don't know which I prefer. Must I choose? I perfer Sutherland's disc. Battle's selections are soothing and dreamy. Sutherland's are soothing but arousing at the same time. But that's just my preference. Bel canto (which means beautiful singing) is of course very beautiful (that's redundant), but I prefer coloratura singing, which comes from bel canto, and which many consider an excess, or at least that it can be an excess. I am not one of those. I love the ornamentation. It delights and pleases me. Mozart and the Italians of the 1st half of the 19th Century are considered the bel canto and coloratura masters (though there are instances of coloratura if not bel canto (?!) through the history of music). Notes. I paid full price for my Battle when it came out. Now it's available for a song. If you like just beautiful female music that can make an entire 6 or 7 minute piece with one word for a lyric, I highly recommend it. And if you do want it, and Newbury Comics is an Amazon Marketplace seller of it, you'd be in safe hands and save even more money buying it from them. Likewise the Sutherland Art of 6 disc set. I think I got that from Newbury Comics, and I saved $20, and by spending an extra $2 postage (for expedited shipping), had it in my hands in about 3 days. 4 wonderful things. Mozart's tunes, Battle, Sutherland, and Newbury Comics. I recommend them all.

Sublime.......2006-12-27

If there is a more exquisite CD in my collection, I don't know what it is. When I went shopping for stereo speakers years ago, I used this CD to test the high range. Mrs. Battle's voice is otherworldly in its purity, clarity, and delicacy. This recording is artistically, programmatically, and technologically flawless.

Steve

Why I love Kathleen.......2006-09-21

This album was the reason I fell in love with Kathleen Battle. Her voice is clean, beautiful and pure, just the right type of voice for Mozart.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Piano Arias
cocktails at La Scala
Liberace lives!
Outstanding
Gorgeous music magnificently played with technique to spare

The Puccini Album: Arias for Piano

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Movie Album Classical Pictures; John Bayless
Romantica
Christmas Rhapsody
Bach Meets the Beatles: Revisited
Puccini Without Words

ASIN: B000002SKC
Release Date: 1993-08-17

Tracks:

Prelude
La Boheme: Che gelida manina (How Cold Your Little Hand Is!)
La Boheme: Si, Mi chiamano Mimi (Yes. The Call Me Mimi)
La Boheme: O soave fanciulla! (Oh, Sweet Maiden!)
La Boheme: Quando me'n vo... (Musetta's Waltz)
La Boheme: Son andati? (Have they gone?)
Turandot: Non piangere Liu! (Don't cry Liu!)
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (Oh, My Dear Daddy), Chi il bel sogno di Doretta (Doretta's Song)
Madama Butterfly: Un bel di (One Fine Day)
Madama Butterfly: Scuoti quella fronda di ciliegio (Blossom Duet)
Madama Butterfly: Coro a bocca chiusa (Humming Chorus)
Madama Butterfly: Tu, tu piccolo Iddio! (You, You Little God!)
Turandot: Signore, ascolta! (Lord, Listen!)
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle... (And The Stars Were Shining...)
Turandot: Nessun dorma! (No Man Shall Sleep!)
Turandot: In questa Reggia (In This Palace)
Postlude

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Piano Arias.......2006-03-19

This is a wonderful CD that is filled with beautiful Puccini arias played by a great pianist. I love to listen to it over and over since the music inspires me with thoughts of relaxation, exhilaration and peacefulness all wrapped into one. John Bayless truly captures the emotion of Puccini with his wonderful arrangements and musical skills. I recommend this CD for those who enjoy not only beautiful music but also love the piano.

cocktails at La Scala.......2004-01-23

This is a superb collection of Puccini's melodies arranged and improvised for solo piano, and brilliantly played by John Bayless; it wrings every bit of emotion from these resplendent arias, some so tender and expressive, like the exquisite "Son Andati ?" from La Boheme.
Puccini once told a soprano to "walk in clouds of melody", and on this disc we have a celestial feast, making one realize how starved we are in today's world of great melodies, with so much of popular music very uninspired in this area, and classical music ignoring it.
Perhaps my favorite track is the gentle and passionate interpretation of one of opera's best loved arias, "E Lucevan le Stelle" from Tosca.

The way Bayless has transcribed this music and improvised on it is a stroke of genius, and very clever marketing as well, giving us a new, unique take on "opera lite", and one of the most enjoyable I've heard; his virtuoso technique is up to the task, and he manages to get a myriad of sounds and colorations out of the instrument.
This enthralling presentation of operatic themes is lighthearted and would make great background music, but is also much more; it's inventive and beautifully performed, is true to the emotional content of the original, and oh ! those glorious melodies.
The sound is crisp and clear, and total playing time 78'28.

Liberace lives!.......2002-11-15

If you enjoyed the flourishing style of Liberace, you'll love this wonderful schmaltzy tribute to Puccini. All the favorites are here from Un Bel Di to Nessun Dorma, played with extravagant passion by John Bayless. I like to play this CD on a rainy day with a cup of hot cocoa, close my eyes and just disappear into the sensuality of the music

Outstanding.......2000-12-18

I have owned this CD for seven years and I am always delighted to discover it again. For those who love the original voice arias and love the piano -- you will not be disappointed.

Gorgeous music magnificently played with technique to spare.......2000-01-30

The first opera I ever liked was La Boheme and especially the solo arias in the first two acts. Bayless' rendition of Musetta's Waltz is the perfect blend of sweetness and bright shining light. He must have four hands, at least! Besides revisiting favorites that I knew and loved, this album introduced me to other Puccini operas that I was unfamiliar with. Like others who have reviewed this disc, I wanted a rating higher than 5 stars.

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The Art of Gigli
Gigli Is A Wonderful Singer!

The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of Franco Corelli
Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor
The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano
Beniamino Gigli: Historical Recordings 1927 - 1951
Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B0000A5BXR
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi...Celeste Aida
La Donna E Mobile
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Qual Turbamento...Salve Dimora
O Dolce Incanto...Chiuder Gli Occhi
Che Gelida Manina
Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Dovunque Al Mondo
Recitar!...Vesti La Giubba
Intanto Amici, Qua...Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
Non Colombelle!...Ah! Tu Ch'Odi Lo Mio Grido
Che Avvien?...Ah! Non V'Avvicinate...No! Pazzo Son!
Cujus Animam
Panis Angelicus
Ingemisco
Ave Maria
Core 'Ngrato
Funiculi, Funicula - Chorus

Tracks:

'O Sole Mio
La Serenata
La Danza
Aprile
Mattinata
Torna A Surriento
L'Ultima Canzone
La Vita E Inferno...O Tu Che In Seno
E La Solita Storia Del Pastor
Un Di All'Azzurro Spazio
Andrea Chenier...Corragio!...Si, Fui Soldato
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
Di' Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M' E Forza Perderti
Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir...Vainement, Ma Bien-Aimee
Io Son Sol...Ah! Dispar, Vision
Ah! Non Mi Ridestar
Quanto E Bella - Chorus
Nessun Dorma - Chorus

Customer Reviews:

The Art of Gigli.......2007-03-09

After Caruso's death, Beniamino Gigli became one of the most renowned tenors in the world. His rich voice well justified his reputation. While some of his mannerisms (the little "cries" and "catches" in his voice) can be a bit overdone, they were not atypical of the time. A few reactions to specific cuts.

"Celeste Aida" from Verdi's opera is smoothly sung; his rich voice serves to good effect. As already noted, the little "cries" are unfortunate, but hardly an issue. His higher notes flow smoothly from lower ones, in a seamless fashion. It would have been nice to hear him try for the piano at the end, but he did not choose to do so. Any way you slice it, a nice version of a glorious aria.

"La donna e mobile" is taken at a rather slow pace. It is smoothly sung but does not really catch the spirit of the wretched Duke. He shows wonderful breath control. This is more a workmanlike than scintillating version. On the other hand, "Che gelida manina" is wonderful. Smooth, elegant singing. A very well done high note. An iconic version.

The twin arias from "Tosca," "Recondita armonia" and "E lucevan le stelle" are very well executed. His rendering of the final "la vita" in the latter aria is, again, noteworthy.

And now for something completely different. . . . "Funiculi funicula" is spritely sung, in good spirits, and it is a lot of fun! Most enjoyable. "O Sole mio," likewise, is well rendered. As previously noted, some "off putting" cries, but the warm, full voice more than makes up for such mannerisms. He does not overpower this song with operatic technique. The end result is most satisfying.

"La danza" befuddled the great Caruso (in his version, his breathing fell apart at one point). But not Gigli. Well sung, good breath control. Bravo Gigli!

Back to opera. . . . "Nessun dorma" is well sung. The vocalization is smooth. Gigli's voice soars over orchestra and other voices. The final "Vincero" rings out.

While this CD is not without some questions, as noted above, it is worth 5 stars for its full portrayal of the work of Gigli. As such, it can be recommended for anyone who wants a comprehensive introduction to this singer.

Gigli Is A Wonderful Singer!.......2006-07-31

It's an honor for me to be "the first" to review this recording for Amazon. As "opera lovers" know, Gigli was "the greatest tenor in the world" for many years after the death of Caruso. If you haven't heard Gigli, a great treat is in store for you! He had "penache" and drama in the way he sang. Plus he had a beautiful tonal quality! I could go on and on but if you "pass this guy up" you'll be missing some beautiful and dramatic singing from a "world class" singing actor.

Besides listening to Gigli on Cd, you'd be doing yourself a favor to buy a movie in which Gigli appears and sings. The movie is called "Non Ti Scordar di Me". I'll try to find it on amazon or from "The Bel Canto Society" and give it a "review" also. It's an "old movie" but it has a VERY touching story, is well acted, and you get to see and hear Gigli which is a great treat since he has been gone for at least 50 years. He "comes alive" in this CD and in the movie. You will "thrill" to the sound of his voice. Enjoy! Email:boland7214@aol.

La Stupenda ~ The Supreme Voice of Joan Sutherland

Average customer rating:

La Stupenda at her best
this is the one to buy
La Stupenda lives up to her name
La Stupenda, Amore, amore, amore
La Stupenda - well deserved title for Joan

La Stupenda ~ The Supreme Voice of Joan Sutherland
Gaetano Donizetti , Jules Massenet , Giuseppe Verdi , Richard Bonynge , and Joan Sutherland
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Perfo