Leoncavallo: Pagliacci/Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana

On this CD:

1. Pagliacci, opera
Composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo
Performed by Mario Jr. Basiola, Beniamino Gigli, Giuseppe Nessi, Iva Pacetti, Leone Paci
Conducted by Franco Ghione

2. Cavalleria rusticana, opera in 1 act
Composed by Pietro Mascagni
Performed by Gino Bechi, Beniamino Gigli, Lina Bruna Rasa, Giulietta Simionato, Maria Marcucci
Conducted by Pietro Mascagni

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The two most familiar words in Italian opera are probably "Ridi, Pagliaccio," which may be loosely translated as "Laugh, clown, laugh." They come up twice, in the aria "Vesti la Giubba" ("Put on the Makeup"), in which the traveling commedia dell'arte player Canio reacts bitterly to the revelation that his wife, Nedda, is cheating on him--complicated by the fact that he must go out and be funny for the paying customers. It is the greatest anthem of tenor self-pity in verismo opera (the runners-up are "E Lucevan le Stelle" from Tosca and "Mama, Quel Vino e Generoso" from Cavalleria Rusticana), and Beniamino Gigli's 1934 performance of it on this recording (including a lot of sobs after the singing stops) is a memorable experience, highlighting a generally capable production. The primary attraction of this set, however, is the 1940 Cavalleria Rusticana that comes with it. --Joe Mclellan

Tracks:

Carmen: Act 1: Prld - LPO/Sir Georg Solti
La Traviata: Brindisi: Libiamo, Ne'lieti Calici - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Luciano Pavarotti
Lakme: Flower Duet: Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Jussi Bjorling
Carmen: Habanera: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Tatiana Troyanos/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis
Nabucco: Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va Pensiero - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hills
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove Sono - Kiri Te Kanawa
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
Lohengrin: Bridal Chor: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Renata Tebaldi
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Leo Nucci
La Wally: Ebben?... Ne Andro Lontana - Angela Gheorghiu
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor - Wiener Staatsopernchor/Norbert Balatsch
Carmen: Flower Song: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Placido Domingo
Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/Chor De La Radio Suisse Romande, Pro Arte De Lausanne Et Du...
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
Les Pecheurs De Perles: C'est Toi... Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Gregory Cross/Gino Quilico

Tracks:

Die Walkure: The Ride Of The Valkyries - Wiener Phil/Solti
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete - Cecilia Bartoli
Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Luciano Pavarotti
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti/Roland Panerai
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chor: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Jose Carreras
Don Giovanni: La Ci Darem La Mano - Lucia Popp/Tom Krause
Mattinata - Andrea Bocelli
Faust: Soldiers' Chor - Ambrosian Opr Chor/John McCarthy
L'elisir D'amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Roberto Alagna
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! - Montserrat Caballe
Don Giovanni: Champagne Aria: Finch'han Dal Vino - Bryn Terfel
Cosi Fan Tutte: Trio: Soave Sia Il Vento - Renee Fleming/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Michele Pertusi
Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
Tosca: Vissi D'arte - Kiri Te Kanawa
Carmen: Toreador Song - Jose Van Dam/Tatiana Troyanos/Norma Burrowes/Jane Berbie/Thomas Allen/Pierre Thau/John Alldis...
Madama Butterfly: Love Duet: Vogliatemi Bene - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Nat PO/Gianandrea Gavazzeni
Rusalka: O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis

Amazon.com

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen The Greatest Opera Show on Earth, The Yellow Guide: Classical Music, Best of the Millennium, and now there's The No. 1 Opera Album. But that's no surprise, since Universal has some of the finest interpreters in its catalogue to draw from. This two-CD set (at the price of one), for example, brings together the likes of Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and many more. Yet the other key to a successful compilation is canny anthologizing, and here again, you have a nice selection to give you a smattering of opera's heavyweights from the Italian, German, and French repertory (there's even a step outside the standard framework with an aria from Dvorák's lovely Rusalka). Ranging from 1959 to 1997, the choices from back catalogue will doubtless be the entry ticket for many into this grandest of the arts. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

The beautiful gift of opera..........2007-07-17

This 2-CD set is absolutely wonderful! You can close your eyes and feel like you're actually at the opera, listening to those beautiful voices bringing tears to your eyes. Nessun Dorma still stirs up emotions in me, no matter how many times I hear it. Great examples of opera to give someone wanting to get interested in this style of music.

Pretty darn good.......2007-07-04

This CD set has a lot of familiar music on it, so if you're a newbie, you might want to try starting with this. There are some great pieces on the first CD. I usually don't even make it to the second.

The Opera #1 Opera Album.......2007-06-07

The music is wonderful. The production is terrible!! The sound fades in and out and is very scratchy in some places.

Excellent assortment.......2007-05-12

I'm not a big opera fan but I wanted to expose an assorted selection for my kids. This was perfect since it included several recognizable selections.

Great Selections.......2007-03-31

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...

Average customer rating:

Favorites of the past
Seventh heaven
Excellent CD
Monica
Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!

Tuscany: A Romantic Journey

Manufacturer: Somerset Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bella Tuscany: Music Inspired by Tuscany
Provence: A Romantic Journey
Under the Tuscan Sun
Mediterranean Nights
Dinner In Italy

ASIN: B0007R8FC6
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino from Gianni Schicchi - Puccini (4:09)
Con Te Partiro - Sartori (4:05)
Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana - Mascagni (4:22)
La Donna E Mobile from Rigoletto - Verdi (2:24)
Un Bel Di Vedremo from Madama Butterfly - Puccini (3:54)
Nessun Dorma from Turandot - Puccini (3:26)
Intermezzo from La Traviata - Verdi (3:55)
Musetta's Waltz from La Boheme - Puccini (2:57)
Caruso - Dalla (3:25)
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana from La Wally - Catalani (3:49)
O Sole Mio - Di Capua (4:19)
Va'Pensiero from Nabucco - Verdi (4:17)
Vesti La Giubba from Pagliacci - Leoncavallo (3:38)
Una Furtiva Lagrima from L'Elisir D'Amore - Donizetti (4:24)
Vissi D'Arte from Tosca - Puccini (3:21)
Winter from The Four Seasons (Largo) - Vivaldi (4:22)

Product Description

Take a romantic journey across the fabled landscape of Tuscany with these beautiful, orchestral recordings of Italian classics. Instrumentation includes an orchestra.

Customer Reviews:

Favorites of the past.......2007-07-19

All the famous favorites are here and done exactly as you remember them. I was hoping for something that put a new feel to the oldies and this was not it. If you are looking for great European relaxing music check out Mediterranean Nights by various artist and Azucar by Luciani.

Seventh heaven.......2007-06-15

Lovely collection of music! Many pieces I already knew but would not have been able to play them all together; this CD has done that for me. I would have liked even more of the mandolin pieces playing some Italian favorites. This instrument is particularly beautiful (the mandolin) and is so Italian and mediterranean. Lovely vocalists for the arias of some of the nicest operas, too! It was all very beautiful and relaxing to listen to and I felt my self reminiscing the few times I spent in Tuscany and other parts of Italy. Thank you!

Excellent CD.......2007-05-13

Have heard the songs before , however, this CD presents them in a very beautiful way. Loved it.

Monica.......2007-01-25

We took a chance on this cd while in the Smoky Mountains. The best money ever spent. Each time we return to the Smoky's we make sure this cd travels with us. What beautiful music.

Tuscany: A Romantic Journey is beautiful!!.......2006-02-24

This selection is by far the best in my collection.

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Average customer rating:

Excellent older music
A Golden Voice!
Heaven
The Ultimate Tenor Anthology
The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
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Jussi Björling Rediscovered
The "Pearl Fishers" Duet
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
The Very Best of Franco Corelli
Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias

ASIN: B00000J911
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

Aida: Se quel guerriero io fossi; Celete Aida
Manon Lescaut - Donna non vida mai
Rigoletto - La Donna ? mobile
Rigoletto - Ella mi fu rapita; Parmi veder le lagrime
Cavalleria Rusticana - Siciliana: O Lola - Frederick Schauwecker
Faust - Salut, demeure chaste et pure - Robert Merrill
Pagliacci - Vesti la guibba
La Boh?me - Che gelida manini - Licia Albanese
Prince Igor - Vladimir's Recitative and Cavatina
Andrea Cher - Come un bel di di maggio
Martha - M'apparutt'amor
L'elisir d'amore - Una furtiva lagrima
Eugene Onegin - F, f (Lensky's aria)
Turandot - Nessun Dorma
Tosca - Recondita armonia
Tosca - E lucevan le stelle
Tosca - O dolci mani
The Trout (Die Forelle)
An Silvia: Was ist Silvia?
Stchen D. 957/4

Tracks:

The Pearl Fishers - Au fond du temple saint
Tosca - Mario, Mario, Mario!
Don Carlo - lo l'ho perduta!; Dio, che nell'alma infondere
Manon Lescaut - Oh, sar pila!; Tu, tu, amore? Tu?
La Boh - In un coup Mimtu pitorni
La Forza Del Destina - Solenne in quest'ora
Aida - La fatal pietra; O terra addio
Turandot - Signore, escaolta!; Non piangere, Li
Otello - Oh! monstruosa colpa!; Si, pel ciel marmorea giuro!
A Dream
Turandot - Nessun Dorma
Zeignung, Op 10, No. 1/Dedica

Amazon.com

Surely Björling was one of the greatest tenors of his or any other time, not only for the clarion ring, the purity, and the melting lyricism of his voice, but for his effortless lightness, impeccable intonation, endless breath control, and natural phrasing and line, enhanced by old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive scoops and slides. On this generous two-disc set, he is heard in a huge selection of arias and some duets with distinguished colleagues; most of them were recorded separately, and a few are excerpted from complete opera recordings--unfortunately not very skillfully, stopping abruptly in mid-phrase if not mid-note. No matter; the miraculous thing is that Björling, whether singing an entire role or a single aria, can instantly create a character and bring him to vibrant life. He sings everything in the original keys--his high B-flats, B's, and C's are thrilling--and almost everything in the original language, including a few songs by Schubert, Strauss, and Grieg. Recorded live in recital, they are delightful--only one is too operatic. Among his partners, soprano Zinka Milanov and baritone Robert Merrill stand out. This recording presents an incomparable artist at his incomparable best. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Excellent older music.......2007-04-05

He is obviously one of the best of his time and puts to shame some of the newer singers. You get alot for your money on this CD too. I highly recommend it for a Sunday morning to enjoy your coffee, newspaper, and scones :}

A Golden Voice!.......2006-07-31

In opera circles everyone knows about Jussi Bjorling. But, I am writing this for the many people who never heard of him. He died in 1960 at the age of 49 so he hasn't been around for 46 years. Thus, the younger generation have only heard of Pavarotti, Domingo, Correras and some newer fellows. Believe me, the sweet, honeyed, golden voice of Bjorling will impress you. His voice..his "instrument".....is...is....what can I say, it's "beautiful". If you haven't heard him before you have an enormous treat ahead of you! If you love the beautiful sound of a "trained" voice, you'll love this guy! Enjoy!
(Some guy below is comparing Bjorling to DeStefano and Corelli and some others and was critical of Bjorling. The guy who wrote that must be suffering from hearing loss! ALL the tenors he mentioned are/were great artists. DON'T BELIEVE HIM...BELIEVE ME! :o) Email:boland7214@aol.

Heaven.......2004-12-13

I used to buy two separate CDs for people I was introducing to Bjoerling - the Pearl Fishers one, and the one with the Nessun dorma on it... So I was delighted when this 2 CD set came out.

To me, NO other tenor I've ever heard matches Bjoerling. His voice is one of the few that reduce me to tears just trying to EXPLAIN it to people. I've loved classical music since childhood but was never able to get into opera until I heard Jussi ... all the tenors alive today - feh, sorry, but to me they just sound like guys taking deep breaths and singing loud, not like "the voice of God" ...

The Ultimate Tenor Anthology.......2003-10-26

For anyone who has for some reason fallen in love with some other tenor voice, the discovery of Jussi Bjoerlings voice may be heartbreaking. This is not a tenor who can only sing superbly in lyric opera or only in dramatic opera, or only in song and lieder. This singer can sing whatever he wants and more; he does it equally brilliant whatever to the vocal demands may be. That, more than anything makes him absolutely unique in the record history.
In the opening selection of this compilation; "Celeste Aida", this essentially lyric voice demonstrates for every heroic and dramatic tenor how to sing dramatic opera. It is a sheer singing lesson. In the strenuous recitative, he does not shout or use other non-musical effects, but shows that true dramatic expression is characterized by tonal intensiy and not by volume, although he had plenty enough of that. The beautiful and incredibly free flow of lyric tones in the Pearlfishers duet, the Faust cavatina and in the gorgeous "Che gelida manina" is absolutely exemplary. Yet, who could replicate the beauty of those effortless high C`s? I cannot think of anyone.
The only thing that could better this and give the set 5 stars in the book, is a compilation of the same selections, transferred from the original tapes and not excessively remastered as on this occasion. The sound is at times overly bright and the voice sounds thin and even sharp. But the singing is so far unmatched.

The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard.......2003-07-27

This tenor is a tiny patch if compare to Corelli or Del Monaco, not to even mention Pavarotti. His high notes are strain to the max and he sounds like he's singing in half falsetto.
A total disappointment. I recommend Gigli and Del Monaco instead.

Average customer rating:

Very Good Opera Mix CD
A real treat
Wonderful orchestral rendering of opera classics!
nice music incorrect tempi
Song list incorrect, though !

Opera without Words

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puccini Without Words
Verdi without Words: Grand Opera for Orchestra
Opera Without Words
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Opera Without Words

ASIN: B0000026QP
Release Date: 1989-11-20

Tracks:

Intermezzo
Che Gelida Manina
Mi Chiamano Mimi
O Soave Fanciulla
Quando M'En Vo' Soletta
Sono Andati?
O Mio Babbino Caro
Recondita Armonia
Vissi D'Arte
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Entrance Of Butterfly
Un Bel Di Vedremo
Je Crois Entendre Encore
Celeste Aida
Mon Coeur Souvre A Ta Voix
Flower Song
Habanera
March of the Toreadors
La Donna E Mobile
Ah Fors' E Lui & Sempre Libera
Vesti La Biubba
Children's Prayer
Barcarolle

Customer Reviews:

Very Good Opera Mix CD.......2007-04-24

For someone that isn't too keen on Opera, I really enjoyed this CD. As a choreographer, having famous operatic themes without lyrics is such a blessing. The only criticism I have about the CD is that the volume level isn't consistent throughout, and for some of the songs it is extremely low. I had to constantly adjust the volume from one song to the next, even within one track.

A real treat.......2006-09-25

This wonderful CD, is a collection of some 23 arias, drawn from the works of such maestros as Pietro Mascagni, Guiseppe Verdi, and Engelbert Humperdinck (no, the German composer...sorry, I couldn't resist!). All of the tunes sound excellent, performed to perfection by Russian-American conductor and arranger Andre Kostelanetz and his orchestra. Overall, I found this to be a real treat to listen to, with lively arias that will not send any passionate music fan to sleep. I especially loved Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, Verdi's Celeste Aida, and of course Bizet's March of the Toreadors.

So, if you like could orchestral music, then I must say that you will like this CD. I love it and give it my highest recommendations!

Wonderful orchestral rendering of opera classics!.......2004-08-10

Opera fans will enjoy this collection of celebrated arias without vocals for rest and relaxation. From the thrilling "March of the Toreadors" to the plaintive "Madame Butterfly" this CD is a great background for easy listening, romantic dinners, or just the drive to and from work. Even people who don't like opera can enjoy this one.

nice music incorrect tempi.......2003-01-03

This CD is great for listening and, perhaps, for singing along a few passages (e.g. "..la speranza!") but NOT for actual singing practice. The tempi, while sweeping and engaging, can easilty throw you off, particularly the omissions of certain phrases or simply jumping to ba-boom conclusion. For those who like the music minus singing, it offers instruments taking up the voice parts. The order of the tracks is listed incorrectly, so you'll have to make your own list to paste on the back of this CD. Don't even think of turning on your metronome, just enjoy the music. Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffmann is the best piece.

Song list incorrect, though !.......2002-05-24

In the back cover of song list, "Celeste Aida" is printed BEFORE "La donna e mobile", while in the song list inside, there is no such song. In reality, the disk does have a "Celeste Aida", but it's number 14, as the list in Amazon.com. This "Celeste Aida" has the complete tune compared to that of "Verdi Without Words".

Tracks:

The Toast Of New Orleans: Be My Love
Because
Very Warm For May: All The Things You Are
The Student Prince: Serenade
Rigoletto - La Donna e Mobile
Pagliacci: Vesti La Guibba
O Sole Mio
The Student Prince: Beloved
South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
The Great Caruso: The Loveliest Night Of The Year
Carousel: If I Loved You
Carmen: Flower Song
The Student Prince: Golden Days
Spring Is Here: With A Song In My Heart
The Land Of Smiles: Yours Is My Heart Alone
Because You're Mine
Cavalleria Rusticana: Adido Alla Madre
Aida: Celeste Aida
The Lord's Prayer
Granada

Customer Reviews:

Introducing the Greatest Voice of All Time.......2007-03-13

A new generation of music lovers deserves to know, understand and appreciate the greatness of Mario Lanza. Five decades after his passing, millions of lovers of "grand voices" still are held in awe by the power, passion and beauty of his voice.

This selection of recordings has a number of fine selections that give a small "flavor" of his fantastic talent and skills. It is a good beginning for someone who wants to know "The American Caruso."

The Greatest Tenor of the 20th Century........2007-01-21

In a professional career that lasted just a bit over ten years Mario Lanza created more memorable recordings, broadcasts, concert perfomances and feature films than any other major vocalist in the classical and pop-jazz music genre. He was a man blessed with arguably the finest tenor voice in recorded music. Fans of Caruso, Pavarotti, Jan Peerce, Placido Domingo or Careras may argue that their tenor interpreted a particular aria better than anyone else but few if any can argue against the sheer beauty, power and emotion of Mario Lanza. He achieved worldwide success too fast and his penchant for the good life: wine, women and good food got the best of him in the end. It is so sad, when one contemplates Lanza's short but brilliant career and what might have been, that he was gone at age 38, an age when some tenors are just beginning to hit their stride. This album is a fine overview of some of his most memorable heavy classics as well as lighter operetta standards and showcases his voice so well. Nearly fifty years have transpired since his untimely death in 1959 and there is yet to appear on the scene a tenor with the power, charisma or sheer beauty of Lanza's voice. I highly recommend this album to the Lanza novice or those just starting their Opera CD collections.

Easy listening.......2006-02-27

I have always liked Mario Lanza and the album is wonderful and relaxing.

Lanza of the joyous voice!.......2005-07-14

This album has some really splendid songs, and yes, it's a good introduction to the King of the high last notes. I grew up with one of Lanza's albums and more or less learned to sing by singing along with his wonderful warm voice. What good energy he had... and too bad he died so young (sigh). It certainly lifts my spirits to listen to his music again and I hope anyone reading this will take a chance and get to know him too.

Not bad as an introduction to Lanza.......2001-11-13

I recommend this collection as a good starting point for those interested in this extraordinary tenor. It's not a complete representation of the man by any stretch of the imagination, but it includes a handful of unforgettable recordings that will make newcomers to Lanza sit up in astonishment.

Highlights include the immortal Serenade & Golden Days from The Student Prince, Beloved (from the film version of the Student Prince, and arguably Lanza's best English-language love song), Because You're Mine, If I Loved You, and the stirring Addio Alla Madre from Cavalleria Rusticana. If love songs seem a little over-represented at the expense of arias and (notably) Italian & Neapolitan Songs, then blame BMG for their habitual neglect of Lanza's more serious side. In any event, this is essentially a one-CD version of the three-CD set, The Mario Lanza Collection. All of the renditions are the same as on the earlier CD, as are the sound sources. With the exception of The Student Prince Serenade, most of the selections here have never sounded better.

Be aware, however, that several of the arias are in fact retakes of more familiar versions. Vesti La Giubba, for instance, is an alternate take from Lanza's May 1950 session, and although the tenor is in great voice, the orchestra lets him down on the climactic phrase by moving on before he has finished his High A on the word "infranto". The Flower Song is even more unrestrained than the familiar take - great fun, but not the kind of recording you'd want newcomers to Lanza to hear! (Lanza never quite "nailed" this aria, but his heart was in the right place.) La Donna E Mobile is the familiar 1950 version in the first half, but is replaced by an inferior retake in the second half, followed by an edited-in High B ending (on "pensier") from the original recording!

The only truly bad recording is the inexplicably popular With A Song In My Heart. Lanza is unfocused, and strains his way throughout the piece. Yours Is My Heart Alone is somewhat better, but is easily surpassed by the tenor's 1956 recording with the conductor Henri Rene (and currently unavailable on CD).

The "Greatest Hits" are here: the million-selling Be My Love, Loveliest Night of The Year and the aforementioned Because You're Mine. I have to confess to an aversion to the first two - Lanza was often a far better singer than these recordings suggest - but most fans, I'm sure, will continue to cherish them. Besides, what tenor since Lanza has ever sung Be My Love without straining his way through the wretched thing and then fudging the High C at the end? Lanza made it his own, and to be fair to the song, it is actually a very difficult piece to pull off, as Messrs Domingo, Carreras and Leech will no doubt attest. But that was also one of Lanza's most under-appreciated strengths - he made everything sound so easy. Listeners accustomed to the laborious efforts of most present-day tenors will be astounded by the freshness, ease, and sheer bravado of these performances.

Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo: Pagliacci (complete operas) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Average customer rating:

Stunningly beautiful

A real bargain

OUTSTANDING IN EVERY WAY!

Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo: Pagliacci (complete operas) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata

Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tullio Serafin

Bellini: I Puritani

Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

Verdi: Macbeth (complete opera live 1952) with Maria Callas, Enzo Mascherini, Victor de Sabata, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

ASIN: B0007Z0Y7C
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Prelude
O Lola Ch'hai Di Latti la Cammisa
Prelude (Conclusion)
Gli Aranci Olezzano
Dite, Mamma Lucia
Il Cavallo Scalpita
Beato Voi, Compar Alfio
Regina Coeli, Laetare; Alleluja!
Inneggiamo, Il Signor Non E Morto
Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
Tu Qui, Santuzza?
Fior Di Giaggiolo
Ah! Lo Vedi, Che Hai Tu Detto?
No, No, Turiddu, Rimani, Rimani Ancora
Oh! Il Signore Vi Manda, Compar Alfio!
Intermezzo
A Casa, A Casa, Amici
Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
A Voi Tutti, Salute!
Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso

Tracks:

Si Puo? Si Puo?
Son Qua! Ritornano
Un Grande Spettacolo A Ventitre Ore
Un Tal Gioco, Credetemi, E Meglio Non Giocarlo
I Zampognari! ... Din, Don. Suona Vespero
Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo ... Hui! Stridono Lassu
Sei La! Credea Che Te Ne Fossi Andato
Son Ben Che Lo Scemo Contorto Son Io
Nedda! ... Silvio! A Quest'ora, Che Imprudenza
E Fra Quest'ansie In Eterno Vivrai?
Non Mi Tentar!
E Allor Perche, Di, Tu M'hai Stregato
Derisione E Scherno!
Recitar! Mentre Preso Dal Delirio
Vesti la Giubba
Intermezzo
Presto, Affrettiamoci
Pagliaccio, Mio Marito
Ah! Colombina, Il Tenero
Di Fare Il Segno Convenuto
Di Fare Il Segno Convenuto
Coraggio! Un Uomo Era Con Te
No, Pagliaccio Non Son
Suvvia, Cosi Terribile

Customer Reviews:

Stunningly beautiful.......2005-12-08

Verismo can sound positively sublime if sung with taste and no mannerisms. Maria Callas, in her short prime, transformed roles such as Floria Tosca, Santuzza, Nedda and Maddalena and gave them the elegance and simplicity they need to be acceptable. Be it the simple country girl Santuzza or the noble Maddalena, Callas finds the right tone for each and every character. Her Santuzza is tearful but never racked by fake sobs. Her "Io son dannata!" has to be heard to be believed. This is Santuzza in a nutshell. Her duet with Turridu (Giuseppe di Stefano in brilliant form) burns and soars so intensely, it will break your heart. With her even the old war-horses are so real and new that she spoils me for other recordings of these shockers. Another highlight is her outcry "O madre mia!" at Mamma Lucia in the end. I have never heard this sung with equal emotion and pathos.

Her Nedda on the other hand is a young woman desperately in love. Yearning to be free of her marriage to Canio she sings of freedom and she sounds so utterly charming, it's hard not to love her. Her Nedda isn't an innocent girl but an experienced young woman and her duets with Silvio and Tonio show this brilliantly. When her frustration at Canio turns to hatred in the scary final scene it's chilling and ravishing at the same time. Gobbi is her equal as Tonio, he set the bar very high and so far no other Tonio scared me like this. Di Stefano is a passionate Canio, sincere honest and passionate without sounding fussy or melodramatic. Tullio Serafin, this master among conductors, conducts brilliantly.

A bargain price, a brilliant recording, a clear winner.

A real bargain .......2005-10-28

First of all these operas were not sang on stage by the La Divina during the height of her career. But as a young student she sang the role of Santuzza in Cavelleria rusticana. But sad as it may seem, this recording is a hallmark of acheivement.It would be almost impossible to realize the overall art and versitility of Callas without this recording. She is at home with versimo just like she is at home with Bel Canto. Listen to the track Inneggiamo, il Signor non è morto and you can feel the devotional heart of Santuzza praying to the almighty as if pleeding to change the heart of her unloyal husband. The role of Nedda in Pagliacci is exciting because it is vibrant and full of dynamism. Overall this recording is one of the best versions of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci in the Market. Now I am happy that this masterpeice is available in a much cheaper price than the original black cover. You may get the libretto in the following link www.emiclassics.com/sungtexts/. So for those who have not purchased this said recording now is the time to buy this.

OUTSTANDING IN EVERY WAY!.......2005-10-19

There makes little sense in elaborating on the performances of these two little verismo shockers. These performances have been around for a long time and are justly acclaimed. They have SO much to offer (except for stereophonic sound, which I can easily accept, since the monophonic sound is perfectly listenable): a passionate and venerated Italian conductor (Tullio Serafin) whose life-blood flows into these operas; Maria Callas, in spectacular vocal condition, taking on a pair of roles few others, living or historical, would ever attempt; Giuseppe di Stefano in his all-too-brief youthful prime;and finally, the great Tito Gobbi creating a Tonio in "Pagliacci" that can make your skin crawl. All of these elements combined together make up something rarely encountered in recorded opera ------- truth through music. This is not merely for Callas fans -------- it's for anyone who wants to hear "verismo" opera the way it was supposed to be. Besides, at this price, you can't go wrong.

Average customer rating:

Fabulous Intro!
A Great Introduction To The World's Greatest Tenor

Great Caruso

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
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Binding: Audio CD

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The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias
Artists Of The Century - Caruso, The Greatest Tenor In The World
Italian Songs: The Digital Recordings
Prima Voce - Caruso
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

ASIN: B000001HK8
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

Vesti La Giubba
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Chiudo Gli Occhi (Dream Song)
Cielo E Mar!
M'Appari Tutt' Amor
Solenne In Quest'Ora
Che Gelida Manina
O Soave Fanciulla (Love Duet )
Del Tempoi Al Limitar
Celeste Aida
Se M'Ami Ancor...Al Nostri Monti Ritorneremo
Recondita Armonia
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
Mamma! Quel Vino E Generoso!
Oh! Mostruosa Colpa!...Si, Pel Ciel
Libiamo Ne'Leiti Calici
O Figli...Ah, La Paterna Mano
Mia Piccirella
Pimpinella
For You Alone
Trusting Eyes
Luna D'Estate
'O Sole Mio

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous Intro!.......2004-05-04

You just gotta buy this one! It's fabulous! Made me a fan!!!

A Great Introduction To The World's Greatest Tenor.......2003-05-31

The transfers of the original accoutic 78's are very good and the selection gives you a great slice of the arias and songs that made him the benchmark for all tenors that have followed. This is a great introduction to his art and will make you want to get one of the complete sets.

Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo - Pagliacci / Pavarotti, Freni, Varady, Cappuccilli, Gavazzeni, Patanè

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
I'm lucky to own this!

Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo - Pagliacci / Pavarotti, Freni, Varady, Cappuccilli, Gavazzeni, Patanè
Pietro Mascagni , Ruggero Leoncavallo , National Philharmonic Orchestra , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Giuseppe Patanè , Luciano Pavarotti , Julia Varady , Mirella Freni , London Opera Chorus , Piero Cappuccilli , Carmen Gonzales , Vincenzo Bello , Finchley Children's Music Group , Ingvar Wixell , Lorenzo Saccomani , and Ida Bormida
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Puccini - Madama Butterfly / Freni, Pavarotti, Ludwig, Wiener Phil., Karajan
Verdi - Rigoletto / Sutherland, Pavarotti, Milnes, LSO, Bonynge
Puccini - Turandot / Sutherland · Pavarotti · Caballé · Ghiaurov · Krause · Pears · LPO · Mehta
Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Ghiaurov, Karajan
Verdi - Aida / Caballé · Domingo · Cossotto · Ghiaurov · Cappuccilli · Roni · NPO · Muti

ASIN: B0000041QR
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Cavalleria Rusticana: Preludio
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola ch'hai di latti la cammisa
Cavalleria Rusticana: Ah!... Gli aranci olezzano
Cavalleria Rusticana: Dite, mamma Lucia
Cavalleria Rusticana: Il cavallo scalpita
Cavalleria Rusticana: Beato voi, compar Alfio
Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete, o mamma
Cavalleria Rusticana: Tu qui, Santuzza?
Cavalleria Rusticana: Fior di giaggiola
Cavalleria Rusticana: Ah! lo vedi
Cavalleria Rusticana: Oh! il Signore vi manda
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
Cavalleria Rusticana: A casa, a casa
Cavalleria Rusticana: Viva il vino spumeggiante
Cavalleria Rusticana: A voi tutti salute!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Mamma, quel vino e generoso
Cavalleria Rusticana: Prologo: Si puo? Si puo?

Tracks:

Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Son qua!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Un grande spettacolo
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Un tal gioco, credetemi
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: I zampognari!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Qual fiamma avea nel guardo!... Stridono lassu
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Sei la!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Nedda! Silvio, a quest'ora
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Cammina adagio
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Recitar!... Vesti la giubba
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act I: Intermezzo
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act II: Ohe!... Ohe!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act II: Pagliaccio, mio marito
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act II: E dessa!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act II: Arlecchin! Colombina!
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act II: Versa il filtro ne la tazza sua
Cavalleria Rusticana: Act II: No, Pagliaccio non son

Amazon.com essential recording

This may not be the most dramatically charged of all Cav/Pag combos, but it does star the golden-voiced, sincere, in-his- prime Luciano Pavarotti in both operas, and that's enough for some people. Add to this the lovely Mirella Freni as Nedda in I Pagliacci, and the exciting, underrecorded Julia Var´dy in Cavalleria Rusticana, and quite the dramatic evening unfolds. Giuseppe Patané leads I Pagliacci with vigor and sensitivity to the tenor, who turns in a stunning "Vesti la giubba," and Gianandrea Gavazzeni takes a big approach to the earlier scenes in Cavalleria Rusticana, while keeping the one-on-ones intimately intense. Ingvar Wixell is overparted as Tonio, but Piero Cappuccilli's Alfio is a fine, snarling portrait. A first choice for Cavalleria Rusticana alone might be the recording with Domingo and Baltsa or that with Bjorling and Milanov; for I Pagliacci alone, try Björling and de los Angeles. But if it's The Large One you want, here's the right place. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2004-06-20

This CD-Box is outstanding. Here you will find Pavarotti at his best, surrounded by other great artists. The few minutes of "Ridi pagliaccio", by itself, is worth more than the full price. When I listen to this CD, or to "La Boheme", or "Turandot", by the same label (Decca), all sung by Pavarotti during his peak years, I cannot avoid finding myself, at some point, with tears in my eyes. If you love opera, you should own all Puccini sung by Pavarotti in his best years. I think that whatever Pavarotti did or sung in his latest years cannot stain a life of wonderful achievements. And it's beautiful that his achievements will be available for everybody to listen for ages to come.
But beware... After listening to these wonderful Decca-Pavarotti recordings, most live performances of Puccini operas will end up being very disappointing...

I'm lucky to own this!.......2002-08-19

I bought this CD because I was in the choir of a production of "I Pagliacci" in the city Stjørdal, Norway in 2002. (The opera is called "Bajazzo" in Germany and Scandinavia)
I had not heard very much of the music before I got the recording, but I have listened to it several times now!
The music by leoncavallo is beautiful - it thrills with the light, soft songs but it also amazes with the powerful and dramatical songs!
My favorite songs are the choir of the bells, Silvio and Nedda's love duet, Vesti la giubba (as you might have heard) and the whole second act.

I have started to listen to "Cavalleria Rusticana" too, though I haven't heard all of it. But it seems like a great opera too - the music touches me. Actually, I'm working on a translation of Cavalleria Rusticana. I don't think it has been translated to Norwegian before, and it's a hard job!

Tracks:

La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Rodolfo Gianna D'Angelo/Ettore Bastianini
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Rodolfo Gianna D'Angelo/Ettore Bastianini
La Boheme: Mimi E Tanto Malata - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Rodolfo Gianna D'Angelo/Ettore Bastianini
La Boheme: Dunque E Proprio Finita! - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Rodolfo Gianna D'Angelo/Ettore Bastianini
La Boheme: In Un Coupe?... O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Rodolfo Gianna D'Angelo/Ettore Bastianini
Madama Butterfly: Dovunque Al Mondo - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Fiorenza Cossotto/Enzo Sordello
Madama Butterfly: Vogliatemi Bene - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Fiorenza Cossotto/Enzo Sordello
Madama Butterfly: Io So Che Alle Sue Pene - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Fiorenza Cossotto/Enzo Sordello
Madama Butterfly: Addio, Fiorito Asil - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi/Fiorenza Cossotto/Enzo Sordello
Cavalleria Rusticana: Ah! Io Vedi, Che Hai Tu Detto? - Carlo Bergonzi/Fiorenza Cossotto
Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Carlo Bergonzi
Don Carlo: Dio, Che Nell'alma Infondere - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Tugomir Franc/Chor Of The ROHCG
Rigoletto: Questa O Quella - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Renata Scotto/Fiorenza Cossotto
Rigoletto: Ella Mi Fu Rapita! - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Renata Scotto/Fiorenza Cossotto
Rigoletto: Parmi Veder Le Lagrime - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Renata Scotto/Fiorenza Cossotto
Rigoletto: Possente Amor Mi Chiama - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Renata Scotto/Fiorenza Cossotto
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Renata Scotto/Fiorenza Cossotto
Rigoletto: Bella Figlia Dell'amore - Carlo Bergonzi/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Renata Scotto/Fiorenza Cossotto
Otello: Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Carlo Bergonzi

Tracks:

Un Ballo In Maschera: La Rivedra Nell'estasi - Carlo Bergonzi/Birgit Nilsson/Giulietta Simionato/Sylvia Stahlman/Fernando Corena/Libero Arbace...
Un Ballo In Maschera: Di' Tu Se Fedele - Carlo Bergonzi/Birgit Nilsson/Giulietta Simionato/Sylvia Stahlman/Fernando Corena/Libero Arbace...
Un Ballo In Maschera: E' Scherzo Od E Follia - Carlo Bergonzi/Birgit Nilsson/Giulietta Simionato/Sylvia Stahlman/Fernando Corena/Libero Arbace...
Un Ballo In Maschera: Teco Io Sto - Carlo Bergonzi/Birgit Nilsson/Giulietta Simionato/Sylvia Stahlman/Fernando Corena/Libero Arbace...
Un Ballo In Maschera: Forse La Soglia Attinse - Carlo Bergonzi/Birgit Nilsson/Giulietta Simionato/Sylvia Stahlman/Fernando Corena/Libero Arbace...
Un Ballo In Maschera: Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti - Carlo Bergonzi/Birgit Nilsson/Giulietta Simionato/Sylvia Stahlman/Fernando Corena/Libero Arbace...
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Carlo Bergonzi
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Carlo Bergonzi
Aida: Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossie!... Celeste Aida - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi
Aida: Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aida - Carlo Bergonzi/Renata Tebaldi
La Gioconda: Cielo E Mar! - Carlo Bergonzi
La Traviata: Un Di Felice, Eterea - Carlo Bergonzi/Joan Sutherland/Dora Carral/Piero De Palma/Chor Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
La Traviata: Lunge Da Lei - Carlo Bergonzi/Joan Sutherland/Dora Carral/Piero De Palma/Chor Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
La Traviata: De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti - Carlo Bergonzi/Joan Sutherland/Dora Carral/Piero De Palma/Chor Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
La Traviata: O Mio Rimorso! - Carlo Bergonzi/Joan Sutherland/Dora Carral/Piero De Palma/Chor Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
La Traviata: Parigi, O Cara - Carlo Bergonzi/Joan Sutherland/Dora Carral/Piero De Palma/Chor Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Il Trovatore: Deserto Sulla Terra - Carlo Bergonzi/Ettore Bastianini/Chor Del Teatro All Scalla Di Milano
Il Trovatore: Ah! Si, Ben Mio - Carlo Bergonzi/Ettore Bastianini/Chor Del Teatro All Scalla Di Milano
Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Carlo Bergonzi/Ettore Bastianini/Chor Del Teatro All Scalla Di Milano
Adriana Lecouvreur: La Dolcissima Effigie - Carlo Bergonzi
Adriana Lecouvreur: L'anima Ho Stanca - Carlo Bergonzi

Customer Reviews:

Complete Solti/Bergonzi Ballo Released.......2007-04-24

No need to add to what the other reviewers say about this five-star collection. I am writing to alert readers that on April 10, 2007 Decca released the complete recording of Un Ballo in Maschera with Bergonzi, Nilsson, Stahlman, Simionato, and MacNeil, conducted by Solti. To read my detailed review of that release, bring the product up on Amazon.

Another dazzled listener.......2006-12-12

I had to write the same thing for the Sony Classical recording of a Bergonzi recital of Italian songs--this is simply one of the most passionate and intelligent singers I have ever heard, and he sounds as good or better now than when I first played one of his records 25 years ago. Anyone who has the slightest shred of interest in the operatic voice should own this collection from one of the truest and most passionate tenors in recorded history.

Sublime indeed.......2006-05-31

I first came to appreciate the artistry that is Carlo Bergonzi on his magnificnt recording of Butterly with Renata Scotto. Later I got the privelege of hearing him several times in person. He was among the most intelligent of tenors. He knew his voice well and how to use that voice to convey the drama and music in a wonderful combination.

If you appreciate Bergozni, this recording will remind you why. If you are not familiar with "The Tenor's Tenor", you will find out why he has that title. However, in addition to the magnificent Bergonzi, you also get wonderful performances from partners such as Tebaldi, Birgit Nilsson, Sutherland, Scotto, Fischer-Dieskau and Cossotto.

I can only find fault with a couple of the selections. First and foremost is that Bergonzi should never have even attempted the Dio Mi Potevi from Otello. That is the only performance that is in anyway subpar. It is unlike any other performance on this recording (or any other time I heard Bergonzi) -- forced. I would have far preferred a version of Una Furtiva Lagrima, which Bergonzi could sing the sock off of. Or given the presence of E Lucevan Stelle, couldn't they have included Recondita Armonia instead? The only other very minor complaint is the pairing with Nilsson . The duet is fine until the very end. On the final high C you can't even hear Bergonzi due to the sheer size of Nilsson's voice. The music and performance of both are wonderful, but a perfect Alfredo and perfect Brunnhilde do not necessarily mesh. But that is a minor quibble. Aside from a disappearing Carlo, it is quite a wonderful performance.

On the plus side a few things particularly stand out. To me, this is simply the best recording ever of Cielo e Mar. The sections with Tebaldi (Boheme and Butterfly and Aida in particuar) are fabulous. Other standouts include the quartet from Rigoletto with Scotto, Cossotto and Fischer-Dieskau and the Cavelleria duet with Cossotto.

All in all, this is, with a few minor exceptions, a magnificent collection of the best of Carlo Bergonzi.

The sublime vocal artist.......2003-08-15

I have seen most of the great tenors of the past 50 years at the Met: Corelli, Tucker, Vickers, Gedda, Pavarotti, Domingo, etc.. For me, Bergonzi over all, was the superior Italian Opera tenor. His legato, agility, breath control, tasteful musicianship, diction, was superior to most of the great tenors. He was outstanding as Nemorino and Rhadames; Edgardo and Alvaro etc.. This CD shows him at his very best, which is a joy to hear. This CD is a must vocal lesson for any aspiring young tenor, as Carlo Bergonzi is a master singer.

Blown away!.......2003-01-20

This album brings Carlo Bregonzi to life. This is a view from all angels. He commands such an array of singing styles.
No one brings the great composers to life the way Carlo Bergonzi does.