Music Per Tutti 2

On this CD:

1. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Symphony of Victory
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

2. Leonore Overture No. 3 in C major, Op. 72b
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

3. Symphony No. 7 in D minor (first published as No. 2), B. 141 (Op. 70) III: Shcerzo Vivace
Composed by Antonin Dvorak

Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

4. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E major, BWV 1042 Allegro
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Lysy Gstaad Camerata, Alberto Lysy

5. Sonata for violin & piano No. 9 in A major ("Kreutzer") Op. 47 Andante con variazion
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Lazar Naumovich Berman, Pavel Berman

6. Petite Suite, five pieces for orchestra (orchestrated by Bizet after Jeux d'enfants Nos. 6, 3, 2, 11, 12) I: Marche-Trompette et tambour
Composed by Georges Bizet

Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

7. L' Arlésienne, incidental music for voices & orchestra for the play by Alphonse Daudet Act V
Composed by Georges Bizet

Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

Tracks:

Cosi fan tutte: Overture
Cosi fan tutte: Act I - Scene 6: No. 10 Terzettino 'Soace sia il vento' (Fiordligi, Dorabella, Don Alfonso)
Cosi fan tutte: Act I - Scene 9: No.11 Aria 'Smanie implacabili' (Dorabella)
Cosi fan tutte: Act I - Scene 9: No. 12 Aria 'In uomini, in soldato' (Despina)
Cosi fan tutte: Act I - Scene 11: No.14 Aria ' Come scoglio immoto resta' (Fiordiligi)
Cosi fan tutte: Act I - Scene 12: No.17 Aria 'Un aura amorosa' (Ferrando)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 1: No.19 Aria 'Una donna a quindici anni' (Despina)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 2: No.20 Duetto 'Prendero quel brunettino' (Fiordiligi, Dorabella)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 5: No. 23 Duetto 'Il core vi dono, bell'idolo mio' (Dorabella, Guglielmo)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 7: Recitativo 'Ei parte...' - No.25 Rondo 'Perpieta, ben mio' (Fiordiligi)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 8: No.26 Aria 'Donne mie, la fate a tanti' (Guglielmo)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 9: No.27 Cavatina 'Tradito, schernito' (Ferrando)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 10: No.28 Aria 'E' amore un ladroncello' (Dorabella)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II -Scene 13: No.30 Andante 'Tutti accusan le donne' (Don Alfonso, Guglielmo)
Cosi fan tutte: Act II - Scene 15: Finale - Scene 16 - Scene 17 - Scene ultima 'Fate presto, o cari amini; (Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Despina, Ferrando, Guglielmo, Don Alfonso)

Customer Reviews:

The Perfect Sampler.......2006-10-15

This, one of Mozart's finest, most elegant opera, is performed superbly in this recording. Bartoli is absolutely glorious here . Thank God she recorded this before her voice became smaller, and more "chirpy" sounding as it has been in her last few recordings. I had not heard Cuberli before this CD, but she has now become one of my favorite soprano's. Her high notes are velvety and "regal". The only complaint I have about her, is that in "Come Scoglio" she seems to be slightly flat on her high B-flat (the high C that follows is just fine though...go figure!) Also, Cuberli's and Bartoli's voice blend very well in their duets. I don't think there was ever a better Ferrando than Kurt Streit. He has a beautiful lyric voice, and he has great control and ease in his upper register. His "Un aura amorosa" is particularly exquisite. Furlanetto has a slightly "woofy" voice, but that's probably his only flaw. He gives a great performance, and he doesn't just sing the role, he does alot of acting as well. The role of Don Alfonso fit's Tomlinson's voice like a glove. He only has one aria, but I can't imagine it being sung any better than he sings it here. What more can one say about Rodgers except that she is delightful as Despina. All the performance's on this disc are exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. This is the best Cosi on record.

Brilliant!.......2005-07-08

Excellent music, Mozart at his fullest... it's just God's Voice... a must-have for every human being....

More Streit, Please!.......2005-05-20

This is an excellent CD, quite at the top of my list. The only other recording of the opera I have heard was the Solti live recording with Fleming and Von Otter. Though that was very good and Solti's conducting far outshines the Berlin Philharmonic on this CD, I must be truthful & admit my personal bias towards anything Bartoli and, most especially, Kurt Streit. I am not the biggest fan of Furlanetto, but Streit makes up for his co-singer's iniquities with a smooth, effortless, beautiful yet powerful tenor that I could rave about FOREVER............This is not a big role for Streit, but he has not got much in the way of CD recordings. Let us hope he will be discovered by more people in his debut this July as Don Jose!

Average customer rating:

Una de la mejores interpretaciones en CD del Cosi fan tutte
Overrated, but decent
Which classic Cosi to buy--Karajan or Bohm?
AN INEXPENSIVE EDITION OF A CLASSIC PERFORMANCE

Mozart: Così Fan Tutte

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic
Britten - Death in Venice / Peter Pears · John Shirley-Quirk · James Bowman · Kenneth Bowen · Stuart Bedford
Cosi fan tutte (Opera Journeys Mini Guide Series)
Puccini Without Excuses: A Refreshing Reassessment of the World's Most Popular Composer
Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life

ASIN: B000BL98ME
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

Sinfonia/Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus
La Mia Dorabella Capace Non E - Rolando Panerai
Cessate Di Scherzar - Rolando Panerai
E La Fede Delle Femmine - Rolando Panerai
Scioccherie Di Poeti! - Rolando Panerai
Una Bella Serenata - Rolando Panerai
Ah, Guarda, Sorella - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Mi Par Che Stamattina - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Barbaro Fato!...Vorrei Dir, E Cor Non Ho - Sesto Bruscantini
Stelle! Per Carita, Signor Alfonso - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Sento, Oddio, che Questo Piede - Various Artists
O Cielo, Questo E Il Tamburo Funesto - Various Artists
Bella Vita Militar! - Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus
Non V'e Piu Tempo - Various Artists
Muoio D'affano!...Di Scrivermi Ogni Giorno - Various Artists
Oh, Di, come Veloce Se Ne Va Quella Barca! - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Soave Sia Il Vento - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Quante Smorfie...Quante Buffonerie! - Sesto Bruscantini
Che Vita Maledetta - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Ah, Scostati!...Smanie Implacabili Che M'agitate - Nan Merriman
Signora Dorabella, Signora Fiordiligi - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
In Uomini, In Soldati Sperare Fedelta? - Lisa Otto
Despinetta!...Chi Batte? - Lisa Otto
Alla Bella Despinetta - Various Artists
Oh, Ciel! Mirate: Uomini In Cosa Nostra - Various Artists
Come Scoglio Immoto Resta - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Ah, Non Partite! - Various Artists
Non Siate Ritrosi - Rolando Panerai
E Voi Ridete? - Rolando Panerai
E Avete Ancora Coraggio Di Fiatar? - Rolando Panerai
un'aura Amorosa Del Nostro Tesoro - Leopold Simoneau
E Come Credi Che L'affar Finira? - Lisa Otto

Tracks:

Ah, Che Tutto In Un Momento - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Si Mora, Si, Si Mora - Various Artists
Eccovi Il Medico - Various Artists
Dove Son? Che Loco E Questo? - Various Artists
Dammi Un Bacio, O Mio Tesoro - Various Artists
Andate La, Che Siete Due Bizzarre Ragazze! - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Una Donna A Quindici Anni - Lisa Otto
Sorella, Cosa Dici? - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Prendero Quel Brunettino - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Secondate, Aurette Amiche - Rolando Panerai
Cos'e Tal Mascherata? - Various Artists
La Mano A Me Date - Various Artists
Oh, che Bella Giornata! - Various Artists
Il Core Vi Dono - Rolando Panerai
Ei Parte...Senti...Ah No! - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Per Pieta, Ben Mio, Perdona - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Amico, Abbiamo Vinto! - Leopold Simoneau
Donne Mie, La Fate A Tanti A Tanti - Rolando Panerai
In Qual Fiero Contrasto - Leopold Simoneau
Tradito, Schernito - Leopold Simoneau
Bravo, Questa E Costanza - Rolando Panerai

Tracks:

Ora Vedo Che Siete Una Donna Di Garbo - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
E Amore Un Ladroncello - Nan Merriman
Come Tutto Congiura - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Fra Gli Amplessi In Pochi Istanti - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Ah, Poveretto Me, Cosa Ho Veduto! - Rolando Panerai
Tutti Accusan Le Donne - Rolando Panerai
Vittoria Padroncini! - Various Artists
Fate Presto, O Cari Amici - Lisa Otto
Benedetti I Doppi Coniugi - Various Artists
E Nel Tuo, Nel Mio Bicchiero - Various Artists
Bella Vita Militar! - Various Artists
Bella Vita Militar! - Various Artists
Sani E Salvi Agli Amplessi Amorosi - Various Artists
No, Signor, Non E Un Notaio - Various Artists
Ah, Signor, Son Rea Di Morte - Various Artists
A Voi S'inchina, Bella Damina - Various Artists
Fortunato L'uom Che Prende - Various Artists

Customer Reviews:

Una de la mejores interpretaciones en CD del Cosi fan tutte.......2006-11-16

Esta es una de las mejores interpretaciones en CD del Cosi Fan tutte, en compañìa de la versión de Böhm de 1962. Uno de los méritos fundamentales de esta excelsa grabación es la magnífica dirección de Karajan. El maestro austriaco se demuestra en todo momento como un estilista consumado, obtiene timbres orquestales sugerentes y refinados, construye y define adecuadamente lo que es el "dramma giocoso", con gracia, con humor y justos toques de seriedad, todo con una elegante presición. Cuenta, por lo demás, con un cast abolutamente modélico; Elizabeth Schwarzkopf es considerada unánimemente por todos los criticos musicales como la intérprete de referencia del rol de Fiordiligi, por su imponente modo de esculpir y modelar las frases con un estilo y elegancia de fraseo espectaculares. Leopold Simoneau, es un Ferrando sutil e insinuante, ideal por su voz leve, clara y robusta a la vez. Es junto a Alfredo Kraus, de la versión Böhm 1962, el mejor intérprete histórico de este rol. Lisa Otto configura con musicalidad, vitalidad y fino humor una Despina excelente. Sesto Bruscantini, es sin duda el Don Alfonso de referencia, por su fina ironia y discreta elegancia, aunado a la belleza de su voz baritonal y excelente técnica. Rolando Panerai es el barítono brillante que todo aficionado serio a la opera conoce a la perfección. Excelente técnica, fraseo inteligente e incisivo, en suma un Guglielmo de referencia. Quizás el punto un poco mas debil del cast sea la Dorabella de Nan Merriman, pero solo si se la compara con el resto del cast, ya que se trata de una fina artista, muy musical y de excelente estilo (es necesario recordar que fue una de las artistas preferidas del gran Arturo Toscanini). En suma un clásico absoluto de la discografia, reconocido casi por unanimidad, por toda la crítica especializada y por los mozartianos en particular. Sería interesante comprarla junto a la versión de Böhm de 1962, ya que las dos son complementarias y no excluyentes.

Overrated, but decent.......2006-03-29

As a whole, this recording isn't bad at all. As far as quality of sound goes, while it definitely shows its age, you probably wouldn't notice unless you compared it side-by-side with a modern recording.

My biggest complaint about this recording is the merciless abridgement. It seems like the powers that be were more interested in getting from aria to aria as quickly as possible, and so the recitatives were butchered to that end. That rankles me to no end, because opera isn't just about pretty music, it's about drama too! And the recitatives are an integral part of the drama. Ferrando's beautiful aria "Ah lo veggio" fell victim to this abridgement as well. Though that didn't stop me from considering Bohm's version as the best "first Cosi," there's just not enough merit in the rest of Karajan's recording to compensate for such a huge loss.

In regards to Schwarzkopf's performances as Fiordiligi, I think the Bohm version is far better. Though her voice is fresher and lighter here, I think the maturity and experience she gained by the Bohm recording fits Fiordiligi's character a lot better. This is not to say that her Karajan performance is mediocre, just not quite as marvelous.

Another thing that really bugs me about this recording is that this Don Alfonso sounds much too young, certainly too young to be so cynical. I prefer the more mainstream, mature Don Alfonso (like Cachemaille). I'm also not overly fond of their choice for Despina, who pronunces words funny. It's a really small matter, but it bugs me (kinda like how Kathleen Battle's Despina-with-American-accent bugs me).

Basically, this recording is worth getting if you already own Bohm's, Jacobs', Mackerras' and Solti's recordings. The only reason to get this recording is to hear the young Schwarzkopf, because there's nothing else there.

Which classic Cosi to buy--Karajan or Bohm?.......2006-03-20

Whereas EMI was fortunate enough to make one Don Giovanni and one Marriage of Figaro for the ages, both under Giulini, they achieved mixed results with two versions of Cosi fan tutte. Neither is an obvious first choice, so I thought it was worthwhile comparing their respective pluses and minuses.

Karajan (1954): This mono recording is in good enough sound to compete successfully with Bohm's stereo version, with the singers placed very close up. They achieve a great deal of intimacy and nuance. Karajan favors tempo extremes, taking Schwarzkopf's two big arias, as well as her opening duet with Merriman, quite slowly. Stylistically, his approach is ultra-suave, which yields benefits in Bruscantini's sly urbanity as Don Alfonso, for example, but in the long run proves more than a little precious. As Fiordiligi, Schwarzkopf is younger and fresher than in Bohm's set, but there she has gained in artistry. Simoneau and Panerai are great as the two heros, probably the best pair on records. Nan Merriman as Dorabella is musically satisfying, but she has a fast beat in her voice that wears after a while.

Bohm (1963): This later performance is in good stereo, with the voices placed further from the mike than in Karajan's recording. Where Karajan is suave, Bohm is blunt. He misses many opportunities for subtle phrasing, yet given the choice, I'd rather hear his plain-faced Cosi than Karajan's overly sophisticated one. As to tempos, bohm is rrelaxed and often just as slow as Karajan--period performances from Ostmann, Gardiner and Jacobs go much faster. In the Karajan set the men were stronger than the laides; here it's the reverse. Schwarzkopf and Ludwig make ideal sisters, unrivalled for their musicality, even if Schwarzkopf can no longer quite negotiate Fiodiligi's cruelly difficult arias. The male pair are certainly good, but I find Alfredo Kraus's voice dry and his manner stiff; Taddei is fine, howevr. Walter Berry makes for a bluff Don Alfonso without a trace of Bruscantini's sly malice.

Naturally, thee's much more to say in detail, but I think I've given a fair sketch of the two performances. I've lived with both for a long time, and it pains me to say that on balance I prefer Karl Bohm, even though he is far from being a favorite conductor. The comvinaiton of Schwarzkopf and Ludwig carries the day.

AN INEXPENSIVE EDITION OF A CLASSIC PERFORMANCE.......2006-01-30

EMI had been incredibly consistent with their Mozart opera recordings in the 1950's. Of course, their great fortune was to have conductors like Van Karajan, Giulini, and Furtwangler under contract. It was an age of great Mozart singers---Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anton Dermota, Irmgard Seefried, Sena Jurinac, and Leopold Simoneau - all of whom recorded for EMI. By 1954, Schwarzkopf and Von Karajan were already big ticket talent at EMI (they also had exclusive contracts with Maria Callas, Victoria de los Angeles, Nicolai Gedda, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano ---- seven-eighths of the greatest opera singers in the world at the time). This recording of Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" comes from the height of that period, and it's very impressive indeed. Von Karajan's musicians make the most of Mozart's lush music, and the entire performance has a "float" to it that I find eludes other presentations of this opera. The legendary and gifted Schwarzkopf sings a beautiful Fiordiligi ---her "Come Scoglio" a real piece of virtuoso singing covering a span of two and a half octaves. Her singing throughout the opera is exemplary (I cannot understand one critic years ago referred to her performance as "pufferies of sound"---he's dead wrong!).
Schwarzkopf is well contrasted by Nan Merriman's Dorabella. Merriman was an American mezzo who frequently sang at the Met, and who could reach impressive vocal and interpretive heights when surrounded by artists of the caliber encountered in this performance. I know of no tenor recorded in the role of Ferrando who sounds as honeyed and lyrically beautiful as Leopold Simoneau -------this French-Canadian tenor was surely one of the great Mozart singers of virtually any generation. Rolando Panerai's light baritone is ideal for Guglielmo (Panerai was a used by EMI in a good share of their earliest Callas operas - and always made a good impression), and his sense of comedy is apt and highly appropriate in a role which, to be most effective, can't be overdone. Sesto Bruscantini, with his extensive experience in the buffo operas of Rossini, provides a robust Don Alfonso, and Lisa Otto is a cute and incisive Despina.
EMI is to be commended for making this wonderful performance available at such an inexpensive price. When it comes to Mozart operas, especially with the recordings EMI made in the 1950's, older is definitely better! Now ---- they need to release their legendary recording of "Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail" with Leopold Simoneau. Highly recommended.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro / Don Giovanni / Così fan tutte / Die Zauberflöte - The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus / Arnold Östman

Average customer rating:

Refreshing and Surprising!
Some of the most thought-provoking recordings ever, combined with some of the most perfect performances I have ever heard.
Best ever!!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro / Don Giovanni / Così fan tutte / Die Zauberflöte - The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus / Arnold Östman
Barbara Bonney , Arleen Auger , and The Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra & Chorus
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Fra)
Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
Weber: Der Freischütz
Mozart Opera Glyndebourne Collection: Cosi fan Tutte, Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Entfuhhrung aus dem Serail, Idomeneo, Die Zauberflote (6 DVDs)
Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tullio Serafin

ASIN: B00006IU7V
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Album Details

These Pioneering Performances of Four of Mozart's Greatest and Most Popular Operas under the Direction of Arnold Östman were Recorded at Nacka Aula, Stockholm. They all Attracted Great Critical Acclaim at the Time of their Original Release and have Been a Part of Decca's Vast Opera Catalogue Ever Since. The Da Ponte Trilogy (One of the Greatest Librettist/Composer Collaborations in the Entire History of Music), Comprising Le Nozze Di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Così Fan Tutte, is Paired with One of Mozart's Last Operas, Dating from the Last Year of his Life, Die Zauberflöte. The Superb Casts Assembled for These Recordings Include Such Experienced Mozart Interpreters as Arleen Auger (Countess, Donna Anna), Barbara Bonney (Susanna, Zerlina, Pamina), Håkan Hagegård (Count, Don Giovanni, Speaker), Sumi Jo (Queen of the Night), Della Jones (Marcellina, Donna Elvira), Petteri Salomaa (Figaro), Kurt Streit (Tamino), Lillian Watson (Papagena), Gösta Winbergh (Ferrando), Rachel Yakar (Fiordilig

Customer Reviews:

Refreshing and Surprising!.......2006-11-24

I would strongly recommend this collection to anyone who is seeking a new approach and sound world for these Mozart operas. Ostman opts for brisk tempi and transparent textures, but hardly ever at the expense of characterization or expressivity. The singers respond to the challenge with performances that bristle with excitement and fun. The cast blends with the orchestra like a chamber music ensemble, inspiring the listener to experience the opera as a conversation between the text and the intimations expressed in Mozart's musically and psychologically penetrating orchestration. Occasionally one may miss the lyric line and warmth associated with such great Mozart conductors as Bruno Walter or Karl Bohm; but the brio, virtousity, and brilliant insights of Ostman compensate with different kinds of rewards. Also, there is an intimate atmosphere in these recordings that is most faithful to the ethos and meaning of the libretti themselves. After listening to this period approach, my understanding of Mozart has changed radically, and I continue to relish the challenge that these performances have given to my interpretative sensibilities.

Some of the most thought-provoking recordings ever, combined with some of the most perfect performances I have ever heard........2005-09-14

First of all, I must state first that I was ANXIOUS to write this rave review. Ever since I got these cd's and realized the treause that is to be found in these recordings I just couldn't wait until I'd had the chance to tell everybody else about it... I honestly believe these recordings should be heard by anybody who is interested in this repertoire and music in general, since this are also some of the most perfect pieces of music in the repertoire.

As for the music itself, I am not going to write about. I think it is enough to read my last sentence to realize exactly what I think about it - and it is really just a must. That's composition taken to the highest possible level.

What I do want to write is about the performances.
Arnold Ostman, not the most known figure in the musical world, (not even amongst musicians- I come from Juilliard, and that name is definitely not one everybody knows) has created in the 80's in Mozart the equivalent of what Harnoncourt and Gardiner have done in Bach performance practice, i.e. has totally changed the conecption which was assimilated into everybody's mind regarding notions about how music of that era should sound like.

Trying to create a performance experience which emulates Mozart's period performance practice he changed everything starting from tempos, through ornamentation and of course- the voices themselves.

For us, most people indoctrinated by the post-romantisicm eastablished especially by Herbert von Karajan and the ilks of him, the first initial response will be a shock. The almost imperceptible swift tempos, the small voices etc. are sure to knock over anybody who haven't heard these recordings before. It might create an intial negative response but hang-on there, as the result is so much more gratifying then of hearing a recording of Karajan, Giulini, Furtwangler or any GREAT other conductor from that era- They were obviously incredible musical figures, but in terms of style and total perception of the piece it just doesn't work on the same level, in Mozart of course. (You'd still want to keep your Furtwangler's ninth copy...)

What is so great about Ostman is the freshness of mind with which he walks into every piece. Just like a real iconoclast
it seems as if he has landed from an entire different planet, and is just coming to conduct these pieces and give their debut. I can't give a more sincere and true compliment than that, musically speaking.

The results are the most fresh interpretations up to date of Mozart most important operas which also derive from some of the best vocal performances I have ever heard.
Under Ostman's direction it seems as though all the singers bloom and give their most musical and inspired performances,
holding on under the swiftest tempos in an admirable way. There is no point in pointing out names because it is as in a rule that the performances are just stellar one by one, even though not carrying around sometimes the most famous names.

This is not to say that all of the recordings in this set are equally perfect, and that I agree to all of the interprations and the insights given by Ostman, but you can't disregard the feeling that he knew EXACTLY what he wanted and executed it almost flawlessly. (the one exception might be small part of Cosi, mainly the overture, which was recorded very early in the stages of period instruments playing- therefore not always as perfect as you would have liked to hear it, but the performance as a whole is still the most beautiful Cosi I know.)

As for the packaging itself: The price is a complete steal, (incredible especially if you order it through other sellers, got mine for about 40$). What you DON'T get are the librettos, so you'd HAVE to get them from a different source. Either a different recording you might have, (you just might want one of the standard reference recordings one usually hears about like Giulini's) or you could just buy the librettos through Amazon, would still cost you very little.

Should not be missed by any terms by anybody who cares for music.

Ran

Best ever!!.......2004-01-12

Ostman created a stir when he made these recordings in the 1980s. And now it available in a collectors' edition box. I'm so excited. Sumi Jo's Queen of the Night here is even better than her recording for Solti. Ostman's Don Giovanni is the fastest I've ever heard, not to mention the most exciting. This Cosi Fan Tutte is Gramophone's reference Cosi. And this Figaro has many "alternative" arias that other recordings never bother with. Don't worry, the alternative is at the back so you can program it out. In fact, this is the only set of Mozart operas with ALL the alternative arias available. Even Gardiner does not have some of these. So this is a supreme set of importance.

Tracks:

K272: 'Ah, lo previdi!...Ah, t'invola,'
K583: 'Vado, ma dove? oh Dei!'
K79: 'Oh, temerario Arbace!...Per quel paterno amplesso'
K582: 'Chi sa, ch sa, qual sia'
K490: 'Non piu. Tutto ascoltai..Non temer'
K528: 'Bella mia fiamma, addio!...'
K383: 'Nehmt meinen Dank, ihr holden Gonner!'
K580: 'Schon lacht der holde Fruhling'
K78: 'Per pieta, bell'idol mio'
K369: 'Misera, dove son?...Ah! non son io che parlo'
K579: 'Un moto di gioia'

Tracks:

K496a: 'Basta, vincesti...Ah, non lasciarmi'
K578: 'Alma grande e nobil core'
K374: 'A questo seno deh vieni...Or che il cielo a me ti rende'
K83: 'Se tutti i mali miei'
K217: 'Voi avete un cor fedele'
255: Ombra felice!...lo ti lascio
K77: 'Misero me!...Misero pargoletto'
K577: 'Giunse alfin il momento...Al desio di chi t'adora'
K82: 'Se ardire e speranza'

Tracks:

K23: Conservati fedele
K505: Ch'io mi scordi di te?... Non temer amato bene
K88: Fra cento affanni
K74b: Non curo l'affetto
K294: Ah! spiegarti, oh Dio
K119: Der Liebe himmlisches Gefuhl
K294 (Version 1): Alcandro, lo confesso... Non so d'onde viene
K294 (Version 2): Non so d'onde viene
K538: Ah se in ciel, benigne stelle

Tracks:

K368: Ma che vi fece, o stelle... Sperai vicino il lido
K416: Mia speranza adorata!... Ah non sai qual pena sia
K418: Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio!
K419: No, che non sei capace
K70: A Berenice... Sol nascente
K316: Popoli di Tessaglia!... lo non chiedo, eterni Dei
K21: Va, dal furor portata
K209: Si mostra la sorte
K210: Con ossequio, con rispetto
K431: Misero! O sogno... Aura, che intorno spiri

Tracks:

K368: Clarice cara mia sposa
K416: Se al labbro mio non credi
K418: Or che il dover... Tali e cotanti sono
K419: Per pieta, non ricercate
K433: Manner suchen stets zu naschen (Warnung)
K539: Ich mochte wohl der Kaiser sein!
K513: Mentre ti lascio, oh figlia
K432: Cosi dunque tradisci... Aspri rimorsi atroci
K541: Un bacio di mano
K512: Alcandro, lo confesso... Non so d'onde viene
K584: Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo
K612: Per questa bella mano

Customer Reviews:

Excellent product and service!.......2005-09-11

Love the product and received it record time overseas. Thank you!

A must if you love Mozart Opera.......2002-04-06

The LA Reviewer said it all and I totally agree. The sound is wonderful and singing top notch. A great discovery and a must for any opera collector. Mozart gets better the more you listen to his opera compositions - the set contains many of the outstanding arias not always done in concert but which are lovely and some rediscoveries. Also, our recent loss of Winbergh makes this a buy as we don't have alot of recordings of his beautiful tenor voice. This set features him on 4 arias and his Mozart singing is truly outstanding. This set of 5 CD's a great value and highly recommended.

Great CD but beware!.......2002-02-24

This has to be the ultimate compendium of these undeservedly neglected arias. Many of the arias themselves rival the most glorious moments in the operas, and some of them, particularly the high soprano arias, are highly-charged vocal stuntfests that have to be heard to be believed.

This set has much to recommend it but does have one major technical flaw. Every copy that I have heard (and that is several) has a skip near the end of Track 10 of Disc 1. It seems to be part of the master and many listeners will be able to live with it, but I do wish that producers would take the time to fix a defect like this for such a significant musical document. Purists beware!

A MUST-BUY treasure trove!.......1999-09-04

Can't get enough of sublime Mozartian aria music? This complete compilation of concert arias should be part of every Mozart lover's collection, especially as a supplement to better known opera arias. There are gems among the concert collection that challenge even the loveliest of Mozart's better known operatic work. I can't say this is the only version of the concert arias ever to buy... the more versions I hear, the more I love the different interpretations. But if you're only going to sample one set, this could be the winner. The singers represented are masters of the Mozart craft; one virtuoso piece after another - for five discs, each over an hour long! The arrangement of voices, mostly soprano (since they sing the originally castrati arias as well), is also wonderful; no one sound is heard for too long before a very different one takes its place to give a contrasting flavor. And they're all in top form: Kiri Te Kanawa with her trademark creamy mildness is followed by Edita Gruberova's agile, silver-haunted coloratura. Teresa Berganza, whom I usually link with mezzo roles, is a tour de force of golden warmth; her Ch'io mi scordi de te? on disc 3 (piano accompaniment originally played by Mozart himself) is magnificent and deserves special note. Krisztina Laki and Elfriede Hobarth were lesser known to me; both are quite fine, although Laki's crystal sweetness is stronger and more pitch-perfect than Hobarth's, particularly in the highest notes of some mind-boggling musical phrases. The final 1.5 discs are handed to the men; Gosta Winbergh sings the tenor arias with heroic beauty and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Fernando Corena as the bass-baritones are simply the richly toned legends one would expect. A very nice booklet with notes, lyrics and translations to each aria is included. It's a marvelous set; one of my favorite discoveries.

Mozart: Così fan tutte / Mackerras [Highlights]

Average customer rating:

Needs better singers

Mozart: Così fan tutte / Mackerras [Highlights]
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edinburgh Festival Chorus , Scottish Chamber Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Felicity Lott , Marie McLaughlin , Nuccia Focile , Jerry Hadley , Gilles Cachemaille , and Alessandro Corbelli
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies

ASIN: B000003D12
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

Ouvertura
Terzetto 'La Mia Dorabella Capace Non E'
Duetto: 'Ah, Guarda, Sorella'
Aria: 'Vorrei Dir'
Quintetto: 'Sento, Oddio Che Questo Piede'
Coro: 'Bella Vita Militar!'
Quintetto (Con Coro) 'Di Scrivermi Ogni Giorno'
Terzettino: 'Soave Sia Il Vento'
Aria: 'Smanie Implacabili'
Aria: 'In Uomini, In Soldati'
Aria: 'Come Scoglio Immoto Resta'
Aria: 'Non Siate Ritrosi'
Terzetto: 'E Voi Ridete'
Aria: 'Un'aura Amorosa'
Aria: 'Una Donna A Quindici Anni'
Quartetto: 'La Mano A Me Date'
Duetto: 'Il Core Vi Dono, Bell'idolo Mio
Aria: 'Ah, Lo Veggio: Quell'anima Bella'
Rondo: 'Per Pieta, Ben Mio, Perdona'
Aria: 'Donne Mie, La Fate A Tanti'
Cavatina: 'Tradito, Schernito'
Aria: 'E Amore Un Ladroncello'
Duetto: 'Fra Gli Amplessi'
Aria: 'Tutti Accusan Le Donne'

Customer Reviews:

Needs better singers.......2000-10-15

I like the smart cover painting and the lively direction of Mackerras. However, the cast is nothing to brag about. Come Scoglio doesn't sound good, and the rest of the arias are only okay. The chorus, however, is magnificent. Overall, an okay recording and a generous highlights disc, but there are better choices out there.

Average customer rating:

Just the best of the best.

Maria Callas Live

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | 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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Maria Callas 100 Best Classics
Maria Callas: The Platinum Collection
Maria Callas - Passion / A Film by Gerard Caillat
Callas: La Divina [Limited Edition]
Lyric & Coloratura Arias by Maria Callas (EMI's Great Recordings of the Century)

ASIN: B000AMUU9E
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Casta Diva...Fino Al Rito...Ah! Bello A Me Ritorna
Oh, Rimembranza!...Ah Si, Fa Core
Perfido! Or Basti!
Mira, O Norma...Cedi, Deh Cedi!...Si, Fino All'ore Estreme
In Mia Man Alfin Tu Sei
Deh! Non Volerli Vittime
Sorgete; E In Me Dover...Quando A Un Tratto - Various Artists
Ah! Lo Sento
Cedo Al Destin Orribile
Oh! S'io Potessi Dissipar Le Nubi...Col Sorriso D'innocenza..Oh, Sole! Ti Vela Di Tenebra Fonda

Tracks:

Care Compagne...Come Per Me Sereno...Sovra Il Sen
Son Geloso Del Zefiro Errante
D'Un Pensiero E D'un Accento...Non Piu Nozze - Various Artists
Ah! Non Credea Mirarti
Ah! Non Giunge
Regnava Nel Silenzio...Quando Rapito In Estasi
Qui Di Sposa...Verranno A Te
Soffriva Nel Pianto...Tu Che Vedi Il Pianto Mio
Chi Mi Frena - Various Artists
Il Dolce Suono...Ardon Gli Incensi...Spargi D'amaro Pianto - Various Artists

Tracks:

Dei Tuo figli...O Fatal Vello D'or
Creonte A Me Solo
E Che? Io Son Medea!
Come, Innocente Giovane...Non V'ha Sguardo
Io Sentii Sulla Mia Mano - Various Artists
Ove Sono?...In Quegli Sguardi Impresso...Ah! Segnata E La Mia Sorte - Various Artists
Va, Infelice
Fin Dall'eta Piu Tenera...Salira D'Inghilterra Sul Trono
Piangete Voi?...Al Dolce Guidami...Qual Mesto Suon?...Coppia Iniqua - Various Artists

Tracks:

Di Mio Padre...Deh! Pelopea Stirpe!...O Tu, Che In Tua Pieta Crudel
Sommi Dei!...O Sventurata Ifigenia
Il Voto Pago Andra...Io Ti Veggio
Ah! L'esecrando Rito...Io T'imploro Anelante
Di Quai Soavi Lagrime
Omai Da Lunge...Perche Di Stolto Giubilo
Donna...Che! Possente Numi!...Quest'alma E Troppo Debole
Ah! Fuggi Da Morte
Ecco Il Segnal!
Ecco L'orrido Campo...Ma Dall'arido Stela Divulsa
Teco Io Sto...O Qual Soave Brivido
A Tal Colpo...Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia

Tracks:

Libiamo, Ne' Lieti Calici
E Strano! E Strano...Ah! Fors'e Lui...Sempre Libera
Non Sapete...Ah! Dite Alla Giovine
Dammi Tu Forza, O Cielo!
Teneste La Promessa...Addio Del Passato
Ah, Violetta!...Se Una Pudica Vergine - Various Artists
Ritorna Vincitor!
Al Tuo Consiglio Io Cedo...Gloria All'egitto - Various Artists
Qui Radames Verra!...O Patria Mia
Ciel! Mio Padre!
O Terra, Addio

Tracks:

Nel Di Della Vittoria...Vieni! T'afferetta!...Or Tutti Sorgete
La Luce Langue
Una Macchia E Qui Tuttora
Gente La Dentro!...Mario! Mario!...Non La Sospiri, La Nostra Casetta
Orsu, Tosca, Parlate - Various Artists
Vissi D'arte
Senti, L'ora E Vicina...Amaro Sol Per Te...Presto! Su, Mario! - Various Artists
Ecco L'altare...Ervate Possente
Come Sa Amare!...La Mamma Morta
Benedico Il Destino! - Various Artists

Tracks:

Ben Io T'invenni...Anch'io Dischiuso Un Giorno (Abigaille, Act II)
Dov'e L'indiana Bruna? (Bell Song) (Lakme, Act II)
Tutte Le Torture (Costanze, Act II)
Ahime! Che Notte Oscura...Ombra Leggera (Shadow Song) (Dinorah, Act II)
Depuis Le Jour (Louise, Act III)
D'amore Al Dolce Impero (Armida, Act II)
Bel Raggio Lusinghier (Smiramide, Act I)
Ma Chi E Questa Bella...Ai Vostri Giochi...Ed Ora A Voi (Ofelia, Act IV)
Vanne, Lasciami...D'amor Sull'ali Rosee (Leonora, Act IV)
Pace, Pace, Mio Dio! (Leonora, Act IV)
Dolce E Calmo (Liebestod) Isolde, Act III)

Tracks:

Una Voce Poco Fa (Rosina, Act I)
Tu Che Vedi Il Mio Tormento (Tu Che Invoco) (Giulia, Act II)
Surta E La Notte...Ernani! Nernai, Involami (Elvira, Act I)
Tu Che Le Vanita (Elsabetta, Act IV)
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi (Mimi, Act I)
L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare (Margherita, Act III)
L'amour Est Un Oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Carmen, Act I)
Pres Des Remparts De Seville (Seguedille) (Carmen, Act I)
Nacqui All'affanno...Non Piu Mesta (Cenerentola, Act II)
Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse...Adieu, Notre Petite Table (Manon, Act II)
Werther! Qui M'aurait Dit...Des Cris Joyeux (Charlotte, Act III)
Tu? Tu? Piccolo Iddio (Butterfly, Act II)
O Mio Babbino Caro (Lauretta)

Customer Reviews:

Just the best of the best........2006-02-08

From all the compilations of Maria Callas EMI has issued this is BY FAR the best one.

Unlike her studio recitals, unequal and mostly recorded when her voice was starting to decay, this live records take you back to the glorious early fifties when the young Callas was changing the history of opera forever.

The first 6 CD's are scenes from stage performances and the last 2 from recitals.

Chronollogically, this compilation starts with the legendary (and controversial) 1951 Mexico-City "Aida" and ends with the 1964 Covent Garden "Tosca" (when Callas' voice was just the shade of itself but at the peak of her dramatic skills).
Listen to the electrifying poetry of the 1952 "La sonnambula", to the devorating flame of 1955 "La traviata" and "Lucia". Not to forget the 1952 "Norma", the 1957 "Ana Bolena" and some rarities like "Andrea Chénier", "Ifigenia in Tauride" and "Poliuto".
The only great absent of this collection is "Armida"...

As for the the 2 recital CD's, the first one contains arias from concerts between 1952 and 1958, when Callas was in full command of her voice. Nobody else was capable of singing arias from Nabucco and Lakmé on the same recital! And listen to the last aria: Wagner's Isolde's dead.

The second one, contains arias from 1959 to 1963. Here, Callas voice had diminished considerably and she was not anymore capable of the same technical miracles, but she still managed to give thrilling dramatical interpretations (listen to the dead scene of Madama Butterfly of the 1963 Paris recital!!!)

In 80% of this compilation you can hear the young Callas creating her own legend, giving herself completly on the stage.

Average customer rating:

Not a bad BALLO
For Carreras fans only

Un Ballo in Marschera (Dig)
Verdi , Carreras , Caballe , Roh , and Davis
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Giordano - Andrea Chenier / Jose Carreras, Eva Marton, Piero Cappuccilli, Silvana Mazzieri, Riccardo Chailly, La Scala Opera
Verdi: Un Ballo In Maschera (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Antonino Votto, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

ASIN: B00006LENO
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

Preludio - Colin Davis
Posa In Pace - Robert Lloyd
S'avanza Il Conte ... La Revedra Nell'estasi
Il Cenno Mio Di La Con Essi Attendi
Alla Vita Che T'arride ... Il Primo Giudice
Volta La Terrea Fronte Alle Stelle
Signori: Oggi D'Ulrica Alla Magion V'invito ... Ogni Cura Si Doni Al Diletto
Zitti... L'incanto Non Dessi Turbare ... Ogni Cura Si Doni Al Diletto
Su, Fatemi Largo, Saper Vo' Il Mio Fato
Che V'agita Cosi? ... Della Citta All'occaso
Su, Profetessa, Monta Il Treppie
Di' Tu Se Fedele Il Flutto M'aspetta
Chi Voi Siate, L'audace Parola Puo Nel Pianto Prorompere
E Scherzo Od E Follia Siffatta Profezia
Finisci Il Vaticinio ... O Figlio D'inghilterra
Preludio - Orchestra And Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Ecco L'orrido Campo - Montserrat Caballe
Ma Dall'arido Stelo Divulsa - Montserrat Caballe
Teco Io Sto. - Gran Dio! ... Non Sai Tu Che Se L'anima Mia Il Rimorso Dilacera
M'ami, M'ami! ... Oh, Qual Soave Brivido

Tracks:

Ahime! S'appressa Alcun! ... Tu Qui! - Per Salvarti Da Lor
Seguitemi. - (Mio Dio!) - Montserrat Caballe
Ve', Se Di Notte Qui Colla Sposa - Montserrat Caballe
A Tal Colpa E Nulla Il Pianto - Montserrat Caballe
Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia - Montserrat Caballe
Alzati; La Tuo Figlio A Te Concedo Riveder - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Eri Tu Che Macchiavi Quell'anima - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Siam Soli ... Dunque L'onta Di Tutti Sol Una ... V'e Oscarre - Montserrat Caballe
Il Messaggio Entri ... Di Che Fulgor, Che Musiche - Montserrat Caballe
Forse La Soglia Attinse
Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
Ah! Dessa E La ... Ignota Donna Questo Foglio Diemmi ... Fervono Amori E Danze ... Altro De' Nostri E Questo
Saper Vorreste Di Che Si Veste ... Fervono Amori E Danze - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Ah! Perche Qui! Fuggite ... T'amo, Si, T'amo, E In Lagrime ... E Tu Ricevi Il Mio
Ella E Pura ... Cor Si Grande E Generoso

Customer Reviews:

Not a bad BALLO.......2007-07-07

It seems to me that the one other reviewer (Sherlock Holmes' ladyfriend?)has been overly harsh on this recording. No question that tempos are a bit slower and more deliberate than usual and that Carreras sounds as good as he's ever been. Caballe does not sound listless or uninvolved to me -- more like someone caught in a romantic plot beyond her control. This recording strikes me as a bit of a warmup for DON CARLOS, with its king, queen and courtiers, all with their various agendas and all pretty much doomed. The Callas EMI set is also very good, with Gobbi a fine Renato. Listen to them both; this one has the advantage, so far, of mediuim price.

For Carreras fans only.......2006-04-27

The best (and only) reason to get this recording: Jose Carreras caught at his prime. His gorgeous voice will make you wish that Verdi had written more arias for Riccardo. Heck, he might as well have just sung all the male parts in this opera.

As long as you buy this recording with the understanding that Carreras' performance is the only merit it has, you won't be disappointed. In terms of overall performance, this is far from the best Ballo committed to record. Go for one of the more popular recordings if you are new to Ballo (either the Solti/Pavarotti/Price or one of the di Stefano/Callas recordings will do fine). The conducting is lackluster, which places a serious limitation on how the orchestra sounds. Caballe here is inexplicably mediocre: spiritless, wobbly interpretation; it's a marvel how she can sing such an elegant Violetta for Pretre just years earlier and somehow turn in such an ugly performance here. Wixell is an awful Renato, with none of the passion of Brunson. However, without a doubt, the worst performance here is the Ulrica. Her octave-wide vibrato on every single note sustained longer than a quarter-second is irritating in the extreme. If Ludwig and Simionato are the major leagues, this Ulrica doesn't know what a ball looks like.

If you decide that that's too much garbage to deal with for the sake of Jose Carreras, Opera d'Oro has a live recording of him in this opera, also in his prime. The individual performances there are better, though there are other caveats. Personally, it's a total toss-up between the two.

Average customer rating:

A GOOD VERSION OF A GREAT OPERA

Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rossini: L'Assedio di Corinto

ASIN: B00000E3DI
Release Date: 1989-05-23

Customer Reviews:

A GOOD VERSION OF A GREAT OPERA.......2004-03-09

This recording has been around for a while, and, in fact, was the first stereo version of this opera to be recorded. It's very well presented here, with first class playing by the Maggio Fiorentina under the peppy direction of Silvio Varviso. The cast is a good one, with tenor Luigi Alva negotiating the difficult tenor role of Lindoro with relative ease. Fernando Corena is a first class basso buffa, and he presents a blustery and fun portrait of Mustafa. His singing is excellent, if his coloratura passagework is not. Rolando Panerai is a lyrical and flowing Taddeo, possibly the best sung account of this role on records. This very fine supporting cast is centered around the Isabella of Teresa Berganza, certainly one of the greatest Rossini mezzos of the post World War II period. Berganza's voice is lovely, and very youthful. She negotiates the Rossini coloratura with mastery, but in the final analysis she is somewhat bland and colorless. She lacks the bravura steamroller style of Marilyn Horne style of Marilyn Horne (who in turn lacked the charm of Berganza!), who herself made a memorable recording of this opera many years later. As far as "Italiana" itself is concerned, this is a perfectly acceptable presentation of the opera, and one which still stands up reasonably well against subsequent competition. To my ears, the best recording of this wonderful opera remains the old mono EMI version with Gulietta Simionato from La Scala, under the baton of Carlo Maria Guilini. Simionato did not have anywhere near the fluency for this music that Berganza or Horne had, but she certainly had style and character, and she made every comical moment count. Guilini, very simply, reincarnates the very spirit of Rossini. But in the absence of this classic version, the London/Berganza account is certainly a valid substitute ---- and of course, there's always Marilyn Horne's spectacular account on RCA ---- though as a performance, I prefer this one.

Average customer rating:

The instrument of intimacy

La Serenissima 2

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

La Serenissima: Lute Music in Venice, 1500-1600

ASIN: B0000016JC
Release Date: 1994-10-12

Tracks:

La Moretta
Represe
Fantasia (No.42)
Fantasia (No.38)
Fantasia (No.30)
Fantasia (No.31)
Recercar
Pass'e Mezo Anticho
Padoana
Saltarello
Fantasia
Gagliarda Detto Lo Zacarij
Pavana Detta La Porcelina
Pavana Detta La Barbarina
Gagliarda Detto Il Barbetino
Duo Tutti Di Fantasia
Ricercare (Lorenzini)
Padouana Detta Zo Per La Brenta
Moresca Detta Il Mattacino
Balletto De Contadini Lombardi
Moresca Detta La Bergamasca
Balletto De Russia Detto L'orso
Saltarello Detto O La Val Cerca
Moresca Detta Le Canarie
Fantasia
Pass'e Mezo
Gagliarda
Fantasia
Toccata
Fantasia In Modo Di Canzon Francese Del Guami

Customer Reviews:

The instrument of intimacy.......2001-02-22

Listening to lute music provides an intimacy few instruments enjoy. With the CD in the player and your eyes closed, the sensation of the performer in the room, playing for you alone, is easily evoked. A feeling of being transported in time and place by the music comes readily. You might be one of the Venetian aristocrats who commissioned or sponsored this music. The music surrounds you with a seductive power, its magic conveying you away from the mundane to fantasy's realms. Listening to this CD gives credence to Pied Piper myths. The right music rendered by the right performer can lead you down some unexpected paths.

A talent as fine as Jakob Lindberg's enhances the sensation of the performer playing for you alone. This collection of late 16th Century pieces from Venice represents a prime source of lute music for the period. By this time, the lute was firmly established across Europe as the vehicle of solo music expression. Venice, wealthy as a Mediterranean trade centre, attracted many talented composers and performers as the Renaissance flourished. These are not the wandering minstrels of an earlier time, but serious scholars and innovators. Lindberg's notes are a useful summary of biographies of these men, adding a fine academic touch to this CD.

Album Description

Disc 1: Donizetti Arias from L'elisir d'amore, Maria Stuarda, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Fille du Regiment, Linda di Chamounix, La Favorita, and Don Paquale

Disc 2: Bellini/Donizetti/Verdi Includes arias from I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Norma, La Sonnambula (1976 Duet Recording), I Beatrice di Tenda, I Puritani, Don Sebastien, Il Duca d'Alba, I Lombardi, I due Foscari, Ernani, and Attila

Disc 3: Verdi 1 Includes arias from Macbeth, Luisa Miller, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, La Traviata, and Les Vepres Siciliennes

Disc 4: Verdi 2 Includes arias from Un Ballo in Maschera, La Forza del Destino, Don Carlos, Aida, Otello, and Requiem

Disc 5: Puccini Includes arias from La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot

Disc 6: Puccini and Verismo Includes arias from Cavalleria Rusticana, Manon Lescaut, Pagliacci, Andrea Chenier, and Tosca

Disc 7: Arias 1 Includes arias from La Griselda, Atalanta, Orfeo ed Euridice, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan Tutte, Guillaume Tell, and more. Includes Unreleased Material.

Disc 8: Arias 2 Includes arias from Martha, Mefistofele, La Giocanda, Adriana Lecouvreur, Rosenkavalier, Fedora, Werther, Faust, Carmen, and more

Disc 9: Italian Songs Includes: In questa tomba oscura, Me voglio fa'na casa, Non t'amo piu, Pace non trovo, and more

Disc 10: Neapolitan and Italian Popular Songs Includes: O sloe mio, Torna a Surriento, Core 'ngrato, Funiculi Funicula, Non ti scordar di me, Mamma and more

Bonus CD: The 1964 EP (previously unreleased) "Che Gelida Manina," "E lucevan le stelle," "Questo o quella," "La Donna e mobile," and "Parmi veder" with Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Edward Downes conducting

Customer Reviews:

Beyond all description..........2006-09-19

As a boy, I heard so many hyperbolic references to the legendary Enrico Caruso that I chose to purchase a remastered copy of his "Greatest Hits" when I first began to acquire recordings as a young man. Soon after, I discovered Pavarotti and my life was changed by his music. Caruso ended up in the Goodwill Store. I am convinced that in 500 years, should the earth cool again and the Muslim hoards abate, the civilized world will still tell tales of the greatest tenor. I have often found myself grumpy when searching for recordings of Pavarotti because of the inconsistent fidelity of the recordings. That search for the definitive Pavarotti recordings, regarding both content and fidelity, has ended with the release of this extraordinary collection. Worth it's weight in gold, the Puccinni Volume (#5) alone is enough to send someone like me into hyperspace. I am astounded by the beauty and power of these performances. I will always remember the day, not long ago, when a NPR commentator glibly mentioned between the weather and the night's playlist the terrible words, "Luciano Pavarotti has announced that he is retiring from Opera." I felt as if something indescribably beautiful was fading from the world. Of course, beauty in all of its earthly forms is fleeting at best, but these discs contain a reflection of it that will surely bolster any soul.

An Absolute Must-Have for Any Pavarotti Fan.......2004-01-09

...and that certainly goes without saying. My one tiny little problem with it is that his recordings of "Santa Lucia" and "Caruso" are not on this incredible box-set. Even though I have those recordings on other CDs, I still think those are very important pieces to include on this set (assuming that this set of Pavi hits would be the only compilation that that any fan of this phenomenal tenor would have). He is probably my biggest idol, and he deserves to have been one of the biggest opera stars in history.

Wonderful!!!!.......2002-11-07

This Pavarotti set; The Pavarotti Edition; is a wonderful collection of Arias and songs that cover Luciano's great career. Pavarotti is THE Voice of the 20th Century and this set does him justice. It includes 10 CDs with over 750 minutes of music; Includes Music from All of His roles; has a beautiful 76 page full color booklet; Has a wonderful write up; and includes a bonus CD of Pavarotti's fist album, a 45, from 1964, which has never been released on CD before this set. Every Song is hear, This SET is a must have for every Pavarotti Fan.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Essential Ayia Napa Six Pack [Box set] [Import]

actoractressgallery.com Music: ...to arrive where we started

Josquin: Requiem; La Rue: Hercules Mass

Maestropiece

Mercator Projected [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Mexican Music: 12 Corridos Para La Raza

Love's the Key

Love Will Tear Us Apart [CD-single]

Journey to France [Import]

Jean Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6

Jupiter Watches

I Love MPB: Bom Mesmo E Amar [Import]

Introspective [Import]

Train Don't Run Here Anymore

Brubeck a La Mode