The Very Best Of Johann Strauss

On this CD:

1. An der schönen, blauen Donau (On the Beautiful, Blue Danube), waltz for orchestra (with chorus ad lib), Op. 314 (RV 314)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Falk

2. Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald (Tales from the Vienna Woods), waltz for orchestra, Op. 325 (RV 325)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Falk

3. Frühlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring), waltz for orchestra (with voice ad lib), Op. 410 (RV 410)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Falk

4. Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz), for orchestra, Op. 437 (RV 437)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Falk

5. Wein, Weib und Gesang (Wine, Women and Song), waltz for orchestra (with voice ad lib), Op. 333 (RV 333)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Falk

6. Künstler-Leben (Artists' Life), waltz for orchestra, Op. 316 (RV 316)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Falk

7. Die Fledermaus (The Bat), overture to the operetta (RV 503-1)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Ljubljana Radio Orchestra
Conducted by Anton Nanut

Tracks:

Ach War Ich Schon (Fidelio)
Non So Piu (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Porgi, Amor (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata (Don Giovanni)
Come Scoglio (Cosi Fan Tutti)
Leise, Leise, Fromme Weise (Der Freischutz)
Dich, Teure Halle (Tannhauser)
Einsam In Truben Tagen (Lohengrin)
Wie Fremd Und Tot (Die Verkaufte Braut)
Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir (Hansel Und Gretel)
Da Geht Er Hin (Der Rosenkavalier)
Es Gibt Ein Reich (Ariadne Auf Naxos) - Richard Strauss
Das War Sehr Gut (Arabella)

Tracks:

Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
Bist Du Bei Mir
Ridente La Calma
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Nachtviolen
Der Musensohn
Auch Kleine Dinge
Mein Liebster Ist So Klein
Verschling' Der Abgrund
Ich Hab' In Penna
Wiegenlied Im Sommer
Mausfallenspruchlein
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken
Mignon (Kennst Du Das Land?)
Gsatzli (Swiss Folksong)
Fruhling
Im Abendrot
Muttertandelei
Zueignung
Klange Der Heimat (Die Fledermaus)
Es Lebt'Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
Im Chambre Separee (Der Opemball)
Wien, Du Stadt Meiner Traume

Amazon.com

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte; Richard Strauss' Ariadne, Rosenkavalier, and Arabella, which rise to real ecstasy; and arias from Weber's Freischütz and Smetana's Bartered Bride, which are wonderfully intimate and touching. She is less convincing in roles she never sang on stage, and the "childish" voice she cultivated especially for Hänsel and Gretel is unnatural and contrived. The same is true of the last two "popular" numbers, which sound condescending and artificial. The songs, however, have all her customary finesse and inwardness; the Wolf group, perhaps chosen for its gentle humor, is charming, while Strauss' "Four Last Songs" (represented by two) shimmer and soar. Schwarzkopf's singing had instantly recognizable characteristics: a tendency to hold back both vocally and emotionally, giving a sense of noble restraint, but also of cool detachment; excessive use of color and nuance, creating a fussy, calculated and somewhat artificial air. Only rarely does she "let go" with full voice and spontaneous feeling. However, as these recordings show, she invariably inspires admiration and captures ear and heart through the inimitable, glorious beauty of her voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording.......2006-11-06

The engineering and audio quality of these 1960's performances are surprisingly good. The songs are wonderfully peformed and cover a range of periods and styles, but I find myself returning to her recording (also re-released on CD) of Strauss' "Four Last Songs", which I would give 6 stars -- my favorite recording of all time.

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006).......2006-08-04

This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician. I was saddened to read about her passing. She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.......2006-01-29

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of. She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas. Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation. She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe', and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel; her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary. She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's. Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from. But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it. A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She's a vocal icon.

¡PERFECT!.......2005-02-10

I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art.

PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN.......2005-02-09

La mejor recopilación de la discografía de Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Su belleza de voz, la impecable hilación de frases, y, sobre todo, su expresiva interpretación son algunas de las sorpresas que se podrán escuchar en estos dos discos. Sin duda, UNA DE LAS MEJORES SOPRANOS DEL SIGLO XX.

Average customer rating:

Ever-reigning Queen of Sopranos
Lucia Popp
Lucy: The Reigning Queen of Opera

The Very Best of Lucia Popp

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
Lucia Popp: Opera Arias
Very Best of
Very Best of
The Very Best of Janet Baker

ASIN: B0000AHEAY
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Song To The Moon
Should I Ever Learn
How Confused I Feel
Solveig's Song
Solveig's Cradle Song
Amor Volat Undique
Stetit Puella
In Trutina
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Symphony No. 4 In G
Tatiana's Letter Scene

Tracks:

Un Cenno Leggiadretto
Ho Perduto Il Caro Sposo
O Had I Jubel's Lyre
Laudate Dominum
Welche Wonne, Welche Lust
Porgi, Amor
Voi Che Sapete
Giunse Alfin Il Momento...Deh Vieni, Non Tardar
Crudele?...Non Mi Dir
Come Scoglio
Una Donna A Quindici Anni
Der Holle Rache
Ach, Ich Fuhl's
Crucifixus
Die Forelle
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
An Sylvia
Zueignung
Es Lebt' Eine Vilja
Klange Der Heimat

Customer Reviews:

Ever-reigning Queen of Sopranos.......2007-05-28

Listening through these two discs, one thought kept leaping up to mind: will ever there be another soprano as versatile and accomplished as Lucia Popp? Died in 1994 at the early age of 54, the operatic world hadn't really mourned her enough.
People are still lingering on Maria Callas, the 'star' soprano with all her glamour and legendary life could offer.
Real listeners, however, could not give up the memory of Lucia Popp's terrific artistry and almost supernatural voice.
Her Rusalka, her Solveig, her Susanna, Zerlina, Despina in the da Ponte/Mozart trio, her terrific Queen of the Night (unsurpassed by ANY subsequent sopranos up till now), and ALSO her Pamina in the same opera. In any language you ask her to sing, and she excelled. I marvel at the Letter Scene in Eugene Onegin - only if Lucia had the chance to perform the whole opera during her short life! The joy, the expectation, the emotional tribulations, so vividly captured in girlish and pure timbre. No one will ever beat her; not even Fleming and Netrebko.
"Weird and wonderful" - that's what Elisabeth Schwarzkopf said of Lucia Popp's singing. We today would modify it to 'wonderful and unsurpassable'.
This 2-CD set is an absolute must have, even if you have never heard of Lucia Popp before.

Lucia Popp.......2006-01-12

This is a wonderful album showcasing the very best of Lucia Popp (as the title suggests). Her voice was absolutely beautiful. She could sing the slavic languages like no one else. Her version of Dvorak's Song to the Moon is unbeatable. I dare anyone to find a better performance! Also, the song from Die Zauberflute -Ah Ich fuls (sp?) is outstanding. I've yet to hear a better version. Her diction was fantastic and while she wasn't the highest soprano around - she knew what worked for her voice. This is album is a keeper!

Lucy: The Reigning Queen of Opera.......2004-07-12

Lucia Popp is one of the best sopranos to ever grace the operatic/classical voice stage. This CD compilation shows her progression through lyric Handel to lyric and dramatic Mozart (her Der Holle Rache from Magic Flute is unrivaled) to tender art song and operetta literature. The first disc also showcases her adeptness with 20th Century literature as well as the ability to step out of the traditional four languages of opera. Any avid music fan MUST have this CD compilation.

Average customer rating:

A lot of fun!
Sublime Moffo and cast
LOTS OF FUN AND BEAUTIFULLY SUNG
Great Moments from Die Fledermaus
Sparkling vintage Johann Strauss

The Great Moments from Die Fledermaus

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Die Fledermaus Vocal Score (Dover Vocal Scores)
Johann Strauss - Die Fledermaus / Domingo, Te Kanawa, Prey, Royal Opera Covent Garden
Mozart: Arias
The Exciting Voice of Sergio Franchi/ Live at the Cocoanut Grove
Verdi: La Traviata

ASIN: B00001R3MT
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Overture
Die Fledermaus: Though Honesty Is Said To Be The Policy That's Best
Die Fledermaus: Calamity, Catastrophe
Die Fledermaus: Alfred! - Here We Are, Just You And I
Die Fledermaus: Propriety, Propriety
Die Fledermaus: More Often Than Not...Chacun a son gout
Die Fledermaus: Look How I Look (Adele's Laughing Song)
Die Fledermaus: Echoes Of Hungary! (Czardas)
Die Fledermaus: Champagne Is So Romancing, Tra La La La
Die Fledermaus: Oh, mon ami, We'll Meet Again
Die Fledermaus: Happiness, Here's To Health And Happiness
Die Fledermaus: A Waltz, Lets Have A Waltz
Die Fledermaus: Oh, For The Life Of An Actress
Die Fledermaus: I Am Very Fond Of Elderberry Wine And Sherry

Customer Reviews:

A lot of fun!.......2007-04-25

This is so much fun! It's a shame that this is a "selections only" version rather than the complete work. That said, "Die Fledermaus" is not a great serious work, but a bon-bon. And what a delightful bon-bon!

First, the cast. An interesting combination. Anna Moffo is a delightful Rosalinda; her lush voice works well here. Jeanette Scovotti as Adele may be less well known, but her work is fine indeed (way back when, I owned the Reader's Digest "Operetta" collection, in which these two reversed roles). Rise Stevens, an estimable mezzo, sings Orlofsky with a nice touch. Sergio Franchi plays Alfredo. Eisenstein is well sung by Richard Lewis. George London, a mainstay at the Met, took on Falke. Finally, John Hauxvell sang Frank. And they all seem to be having a grand old time in the singing. The Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Chorus are well led by Oscar Danon.

Second, the singing. The English translation is hardly great art. But the infectious presentation by the singers renders this close to irrelevant. "Calamity, Catastrophe" has everyone in a dither, with a quick tempo that catches the listener up in the excitement. Rise Stevens does a wonderful turn in "More often than not. . .Chacun a son gout." Well sung indeed. Adele's "Oh for the life of an actress" is an affecting piece, with Jeanette Scovotti doing a nice job singing.

So, if you want an infectious, fun version of "Die Fledermaus" (even with a rather lame English translation), this will work well for you.

Sublime Moffo and cast.......2007-03-04

Terrific recording of highlights from Strauss' "Die Fledermaus", sung in English by Anna Moffo and Sergio Franchi in lead roles with Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Anna Moffo's voice is simply sublime and her magnificent performance demonstrates why she is one of the finest sopranos. First rate cast also includes the wonderful Rise Stevens in fine voice. Sound quality is excellent and stereo. I have only one complaint - why did they not release the full version instead of merely highlights? This disc left me wanting more of this delightful opera.

LOTS OF FUN AND BEAUTIFULLY SUNG.......2006-06-29

The sublime Anna Moffo in radiant voice at her peak surrounded by a first rate cast in an excellent translation -only wish it was complete instead of just excerpts!

Great Moments from Die Fledermaus.......2006-02-10

This is a delightful 1963 recording of highlights from the Johann Strauss operetta "Die Fledermaus", sung in English by major stars of the day, and accompanied by the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Anna Moffo sparkles in the role of Rosalinda, showing quite clearly why she was regarded as one of the finest singing actresses of her time. The great mezzo Rise Stevens, at the end of her career here, has a grand time as a throaty Count Orlofsky. Jeanette Scovotti is quite good in the soubrette role of Adele, her light, bright voice contrasting nicely with Moffo's rich, sensuous soprano. The men in the cast are equally good. Richard Lewis, George London and John Hauxvell are all in fine voice and lend a splendid comic flair to the proceedings. The English translations are well done and easy to understand. Uncork a bottle of champagne, sit back and let this recording take you back to Old Vienna!

Sparkling vintage Johann Strauss.......2004-02-20

Oscar Danon is the real star of ths recording. His conducting keeps things light and bubbly, just as it should be.

The English translation is acceptable but nothing dazzling, and some of the words and phrases seem awkward. (Purists will argue FLEDERMAUS is best heard in it's original German. For that, go to Decca's wonderful 1960 set which includes the wonderful gala sequence featuring an all-star cast.)

Anna Moffo is a fine Rosalinda and Jeanette Scovotti is perfect for Adele. (The two ladies switched roles that same year to record highlights for Readers Digest TREASURY OF GREAT OPERETTAS.) Rise Stevens is a bit of a plum as Prince Orlofsky, somehwat past her prime and oversinging "A Most Successful Host." Sergio Franchi does better with Alfred and Richard Lewis does fine as Eisenstein.

The Ball scene is given the larger piece of the recording, probably because this is where the opera's most famous "hit tunes" originate.

FLEDERMAUS is very much a piece of another world...a long forgotten time when Vienna was all glitter and balls and waltzes. They had the right attitude then: In the rest of the world the situation was often serious, but not hopeless. The Vienese viewed the situation as being hopeless - but never serious.

Tracks:

La Ran La Lera...Largo Al Factotum
O Sainte Medaille...Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux
Ce Breuvage...Vision Fugitive
C'est Toi...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Placido Domingo
La Fatigue Alourdit Mes Pas...Comme Une Pale Fleur
Ecoute!...Dieu, Tu Semas Dans Nos Ames
C'est Mon Jour Supreme
Tout Est Desert...Son Regard
Ove Son Io?...Vada In Fiamme
Perfidi! All'Anglo Contro Me...Pieta, Rispetto Amore
Di Provenza Il Mar, Il Suol
E Sogno? O Realta?
Komm!
Der Garten Des Herzens
Lied Des Venezianischen Gondoliers
Le Lazzarone
L'Ultimo Ricordo

Tracks:

Mein Sehnen, Mein Wahnen
Wo Berg' Ich Mich?...So Weih' Ich Mich Den Rachgewalten
Wie Todesahnung...O Du Mein Holder Abendstern
Gruss Op.48 No.1
Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
Die Rose, Die Lilie
Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
Ich Grolle Nicht
Gute Nacht
Die Post
Blicke Mir Nicht In Die Lieder
Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
Von Der Schonheit
O Vaterland, Du Machst Bei Tag
Als Flotter Geist
Komm, Zigany
An Old Song Re-Sung
At Dawning (I Love You) Op.29 No.1 - Armen Guzelimian
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Beautiful Dreamer

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

SImply Untrue.......2006-08-16

The previous review is simply a gross falsification. I have been an obsessed opera fan for a long time, and Thomas Hampson is a truly special singer. He is not the possesor of the largest or most interesting voice, which he will tell you and indeed says so all the time. His commitment to text, his willingness to search out parts to fit his voice, and his dedication to art song make im invaluable to Americans as a ture Troubador. His light Baritone was ideally suited to Figaro and to Valentin and the art song he loves. He must stretch to sing Verdi, where his voice sounds dry and small but many singers have chanced Verdi at their peril, and his innate ablity to inhabit a song, here evidenced in Di Provenza overcomes fact that it is out of his fach. You misinformed opinion of Hampson is mean and strangly bitter. I love Opera, but I do not love every singer, which doesn't mean I debase their very artistic existance. I have seen Hampson live, and have loved him (in Thias) and somewhat disliked him (in Simon Boccanegra) As for him being pretentious, somwetimes I find him mannered, but always charming. SOmetimes Intellectualism can appear pretentious, but surely you wont hold an opera singer to the charge that he must be unintellectual. what a vitriolic review, please buy this Cd, it merits repeated listening to a true American SINGER,

an extra star for all the guest artists.......2006-05-08

The title of this album is an oxymoron. Or a sick joke. I can't decide. Sure he has made millions by luring the uninitiated listener into his web of deceit and conceit, but don't be fooled any longer. How fortunate Hampson has been to sing for and with great artists to shoulder his heavy load.

An Homage to a Great Artist.......2005-10-30

EMI is wisely creating a series of recordings to gather the moments of artists that showcase the very reasons they become so highly regarded. Usually these collections are produced late in careers or even posthumously, but in the case of THE VERY BEST OF THOMAS HAMPSON the artist is still one of the more active and premiere singers of our day. Yet while he doesn't still perform all of these inclusions, it is wonderful to have excerpts from various successful recordings to remind us of the artistry that Hampson represents.

The two disc set includes arias from operas: Rossini's 'Il barbière di Siviglia', von Weber's 'Euryanthe', Gounod's 'Faust', Massenet's 'Hérodiade', Bizet's 'Les Pêcheurs de perles' (in duet with Placido Domingo), Thomas' 'Hamlet', Verdi's 'Don Carlo', 'Il Travatore', 'Macbeth', 'La Traviata', and 'Falstaff', Korngold's 'Die Tote Stadt', and Wagner's 'Tannhäuser'.

But the rewards of a Hampson recording must include his impeccable career as a lieder stylist and on this recording are excerpts from Schumann's 'Dichterliebe', Schubert's 'Winterreise', Mahler's 'Rückert Lieder' and 'Das Lied von der Erde', as well as songs by Meyerbeer, Rossini, Grieg, Kalman, and Lehar. And very importantly there are examples of American songs that Hampson has always emphasized in his recitals. Works by Stephen Foster, and two extraordinary works with the brilliant accompanist Armen Guzelimian - 'An Old Song Re-sung' by Griffes and 'At Dawning' by Charles Wakefield Cadman - round out this fine survey.

Not usually a collector of such 'recombinations', for this listener this album is so very fine that it deserves the attention of all those who appreciate the artistry of Thomas Hampson - then and now. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

superb vocals.......2005-08-07

Mr.Hampson really gets the chance to showcase his wonderful baritone voice in this "Best of" collection which includes excellent selections from his various other CDs. I like the diversity of the selections featuring operatic arias,works from classical composers, and folk songs. For Thomas hampson fans, as well as fans of the baritone voice, this CD is for them.

Average customer rating:

The artistry and allure of a French nightingale
High note feast :)
Simply beautiful high notes
Mady Mesplé's wonderful album
A glorious bit of memorabilia from a sadly forgotten soprano

The Very Best of Mady Mesplé

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Airs D'opérettes
Very Best of
Natalie Dessay - French Opera Arias
The Very Best of Kirsten Flagstad
The Very Best of Régine Crespin

ASIN: B0006VYELY
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Ah!...Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue?
Ah! Je Veux Vivre
Oui! Pour Ce Soir...Je Suis Titania La Blonde (Polonaise)
Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille
A Vos Jeux...Partagez-vous Mes Fleurs...Et Maintenant, Ecoutez Ma Chanson!
Una Voce Poco Fa
Ah! Non Credea Mirarti...Ah! Non Giunge
Di Piacer Mi Balza Il Cor
Gualtier Malde...Caro Nome
Il Dolce Suono...Ardon Gl'Incensi...Spargi D'Amaro Pianto

Tracks:

Quartet No.2 For Soprano, Violin, Viola, & Cello
In Furore Giustissimae Irae
I. La Dame D'Andre - Gabriel Tacchino
II. Dans L'Herbe - Gabriel Tacchino
III. Il Vole - Gabriel Tacchino
IV. Mon Cadavre Est Doux Comme Un Gant - Gabriel Tacchino
VI. Fleurs - Gabriel Tacchino
Les Chemins De L'Amour Op.106 (Anouilh) - Gabriel Tacchino
A Chloris (Viau) - Dalton Baldwin
Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes (Hugo) - Dalton Baldwin
L'Heure Exquise (Chanson Grises, Verlaine) - Dalton Baldwin
Le Chapelier (Chalupt)
Dapheneo (Godebska)
La Diva De L'Empire (Intermezzo Americain) (Bonnaud & Bles)
Ecoutez, C'est Le Chant Des Cigales
Au Bord Du Chemin Qui Passa A Ma Porte
La Bergere Colinette (Villanelle)
Tout Est Soleil, Tout Est Printemps

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

The artistry and allure of a French nightingale.......2007-06-03

This is one of the rare cases when the title of a CD matches completely its content. The Very Best of Mady Mesplé showcases the amazing talent and legacy of the beautiful lady that was the star coloratura soprano of the Paris Opera during the second part of the twentieth century. The first CD is dedicated to opera arias, and only a hearing of the first number, The Bell Song from Delibes' Lakmé, gives us a summary of what makes Mesplé so special. There is hardly a more musical or virtuosic version than the one presented here (from her complete recording of the opera). The legend is presented by the soprano with engaging interest and great attention to the words. The bell refrains are amazingly fast, with diminutive stacatti, a great trill and ravishing high notes. The final cadenza is very exciting, ending with a firm, beautiful high E that soars triumphally over the orchestra. All these qualities are present when she is singing Juliette, Philine, Ophélie and Olympia. Particularly on this last aria she conveys in her voice the illusion of hearing an automaton instead of human being and there is no ornamentation except on an interpolated high Eflat at the end. It is remarkable how Mesplé always is musical with her ornamentation. The Italian arias that end the first Cd are very pretty, even though they are not as successful, given the distinctive sound of the soprano, more in her element with the nuances of her native language than the legato singing that is proper to the belcanto style. However, the arias are still lovely, specially Una voce poco fa, where Mesplé showcases not only her high register but also the lower part of her voice by singing the first part of "Io sono docile" exactly the way it is written. CD number 2 takes the listener to a totally different aspect of Mady Mesplé's artistry with incursions into contemporary music, a Baroque cantata, French art song and French operetta. The Quartet no.2, for soprano, violin, viola and cello is a very demanding piece where the soprano becomes another instrument: dissonant and difficult intervals are required in all the registers of the voice. The soprano succeeds on this as well as the motet by Vivaldi, a totally different number of equal difficulty. A great part of the CD is then dedicated to songs by Poulenc, Hahn and Satie, where the singer perfectly conveys the mélodie style with her very distinctive sound, that can convey all degrees of emotion, from innocence to worldliness. Specially remarkable are Poulenc's Le chemin de l'amour, Hahn's Si mes vers avait des ailes and Satie' La diva de l'empire. The final part of the CD is dedicated to French operetta arias, a very important part of Mesplés discography. All the selections are a delight. It is worth noticing that she recorded the virtousic aria from Massé's Les noces de Jeanette in 1981, in the later part of her career and there is no difference in the sound and technique from Mesplé's debut recordings. The CD ends in a high note (literally and metaphorically) with a delightful waltz by Johann Strauss where she ends with a stunning Aflat over high C. In summary, this is a superb presentation of the career of Mady Mesplé, a singer who was not only one of the most stunning coloraturas of all time, but also a gifted and versatile artist.

High note feast :).......2006-10-02

I love this set. Her voice is similar to that of Pons, but this is in clear stereo sound! And her highest notes don't sound like whistle tones! The Bell song won me over; Sutherland is still my favorite singer, but she did not have the acuti of Mesple. Very good listening here.It is all so effortless - that final note on CD 2 (A-flat above high c''') is astonishing!

Simply beautiful high notes.......2006-08-14

I feel ashamed of myself. Really. For all the years I have been listening to pons and sutherland and callas and the more recent dessay and jo, I never really paid attention to Mady Mesple. I really wished I had. Her voice is so pure and bell-like similar to Pons but with a much richer middle range and with the most impressive solid low range I have heard on a coloratura sopranos. It is a tragedy that she was over shadowed by the coloratura powerhouse which is Joan Sutherland. Her high notes are to die for and really it would hard to find anyone who can hit them like her. She may not have Pons agility but the lightness and tone of her high e flat can certainly go head to head with pon's and may possibly be a tiny step above pon's which up until this point didn't think was possible.

Mady Mesplé's wonderful album.......2005-08-30

I felt a sense of awe listening to Mady Mesplé's voice. Of the two CD set, I much prefered CD #1 as #2 was a bit too modern for me. #1 has many of my favorite soprano arias, and Mlle. Mesplé did them all justice.

A glorious bit of memorabilia from a sadly forgotten soprano.......2005-05-10

Mady Mesple is one of the best kept secrets of the music industry today. Of course, when you're singing around the same time as Joan Sutherland you're rather likely to be overshadowed. Still, Mesple offers a wealth of musical goods that even Sutherland never could have given. Not only is her coloratura technique virtually flawless, she (gasp)inflects every word she sings with great sensitivity to the text, never losing grasp of the character she is striving to portray. Of course, she does have a rather controvertial aspect to her voice that many listeners may object to, As a classic french coloratura, her vibrato is VERY fast, fluttering tremulously at all times but never getting in the way of her pitch. Still, her high notes are exceptional (the second CD ends with a glorious high A flat) and the fresh, girlish beauty of her tone is unsurpassed even today (my apologies to Natalie Dessay). Be sure not to miss her Bell Song, by FAR the best I have ever heard! Her voice has a crystaline quality that is PERFECT for that particular aria. Her Doll Song is rather weak, but her mad scene from Hamlet MORE than makes up for it (can we say eight seconds of beautiful high F harp?!!). The second CD offers Mady in a more matura phase of her life, singing sensuously in more traditional art songs before going on to challenging operetta arias. And you won't want to miss the violin, viola, cello, soprano quartet that opens the CD!!! Let's just say you're in for a surprise... this CD is a must-have!

Average customer rating:

Redisovering a great Schubert singer
A brilliant retrospective

The Very Best of Brigitte Fassbaender

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | 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

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Very Best of Régine Crespin
The Very Best of Hildegard Behrens
Schubert: Winterreise
The Very Best of Kirsten Flagstad
Frida Leider: A Vocal Portrait

ASIN: B0006VYEL4
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Laudamus Te
Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
Agnus Dei
Von Den Stricken Meiner Sunden
Es Ist Vollbracht!
Doch Wer Wird Ertagen Den Tag (But Who May Abide)
O Du, Der Wonne Verkundet In Zion (O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion)
Er Ward Verschmahet (He Was Despised)
Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi - Lucia Popp
Una Voce Poco Fa
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Suicidio!
Ach, Ich Habe Sie Verloren (Che Faro Senza Eurdice?)
Verhangnisvoll War Das Geschenkn (O Don Fatale)

Tracks:

Der Musensohn D764
Gretchen Am Spinnrade D118
An Sylvia D891
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Fruhlingsglaube D686
Die Sterne D939
Der Einsame D800
An Die Musik D547
Gute Nacht
Die Wetterfahne
Der Linderbaum
Fruhlingstraum
Einsamkeit
Die Post
Mut
Die Nebensonnen
Der Leiermann
Jagerin, Schlau Im Sinn - Hermann Prey
Ja, Was Nun? - Hermann Prey
Ich Lade Gern Mir Gaste Ein
Heinerle, Heinerle, Hab' Kein Geld
Voruber Ist Die Feier
Im Labyrinth Der Freundlichen Hallen (Au Cabaret Du Labyrinthe)
Venus Mit Heissen Liebesflammen (Venus Au Fond De Notre Ame)

Customer Reviews:

Redisovering a great Schubert singer.......2007-02-22

The first CD in this two-fer is mostly Bach and Handel, the second CD mostly Schubert (17 lieder). Fassbaender was eminent in both areas, as well as on the oepra stage, but as she grew older she concentrated entirely on liedersinging. She was never as famous as Christa Ludwig, the other Austro-German mezzo of greatness at the time. Their voices are in stark contrast: Ludwig was soft, warm, and smiling (she had a hard time being convincingly tragic), while Fassbaender's was plaintive, sharply focused, and rarely smiling. There's a peculiar glint in her timbre that's almost metallic.

Leaving tone aside, she has great intelligence and acuity in lieder. Her Schubert isn't soft and gentle but dramatic and incisive. Eight lieder here are miscellaneous 'great hits' with Erik Werbe, the other nine are from Winterreise with Fassbaender's long-time accompanist Aribert Reimann, who's playing fits her style more closely. All these readings are intense, and although female versions of Winterreise are rare (Ludwig has a fine autumnal one with James Levine at the piano on DG), Fassbaender is thrilling and her voice suitably dark and tragic. I'd rate this her finest Schubert on disc, recor4ded early enough that she hadn't become overly intense and hectoring, which happens on some of her late recordings. Highly recommended.

A brilliant retrospective.......2005-12-19

Here we have a mezzo who was equally brilliant in the florid and dramatic style and who also sang Kunstlieder. Her recordings of Sacred Works might not be as famous as Ferrier's or Baker's but that doesn't mean she isn't as amazing. Her Eboli, Carmen, Charlotte, Rosina and many others are gems among the more famous recordings of her rivals. Her Charlotte is more stylistic and French than Obraszowa's, her Carmen has more esprit than Larmore's and so forth. Her interpretations of "Die Post" and other Lieder are little gems. Buy this album and discover a brilliant mezzo who is sadly underrated nowadays.

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Christa Ludwig

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

The Very Best of Renata Scotto
Very Best of
The Very Best of Lucia Popp
The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
The Very Best of Hildegard Behrens

ASIN: B0000AHEAX
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Ah, Scostatil... Smanie Implacabili
Prendero Quel Brunettino
E Amore Un Ladroncello
Mira, O Norma... Si, Fino All'ore Estreme
Liber Scriptus... Dies Irae
Elsa! Wer Ruft?... Entweihte Gotter!
Mir Ist Die Ehre Widerfahren
Fischerweise
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Ave Maria
Die Forelle
Fruhlingsglaube
Erikonig
Er, Der Herrlichste Von Allen
Du Ring An Meinem Finger
An Meinem Herzen
Och Mod'r, Ich Well En Ding Han!
We Kumm Ich Dann De Pooz Erenn?
Dein Blaues Auge, Op. 59/8
Standchen Op. 106/1
Vergebliches Standchen Op.84/4

Tracks:

Du Lieber Heiland Du... Bub' Und Reu'
Erbarme Dich, Mein Gott
Ach, Golgatha...Sehet, Jesus Hat Die Hand
Abscheulicher!...Komm, Hoffnung
In Quali Eccessi...Mi Tradi Quell'alma Ingrata
Das Irdische Leben
Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
Wo Die Schonen Trompeten Blasen
Von Der Schonheit
Im Treibhaus
Schmerzen
Traume
Mild Und Leise

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Strauss

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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The Very Best of Chopin
The Very Best of Beethoven
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The Very Best of Vivaldi

ASIN: B000B6N65O
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Overture
Pizzicato Polka
Roses From The South
Komm In Die Gondel
Champagner-Polka
Emperor Waltz
Eljen A Magyar Polka
Wiener Bonbons, Waltz
Persian March
Csardas
Artists' Life
Tik-Tak Polka
Blue Danube, Waltz

Tracks:

Voices Of Spring
Tritsch-Tratsch Polka
Overture
Ach, Meine Herrn Und Damen
Wine, Women And Song
Annen-Polka
Tales From The Vienna Woods
Leichtes Blut Polka
Wer Uns Getraut
A Musical Joke
Thunder And Lightning Polka
Wiener Blut, Waltz

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Hildegard Behrens

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Very Best of Brigitte Fassbaender
The Very Best of Kirsten Flagstad
Obsessions (Wagner & Strauss: Arias and Scenes)
The Very Best of Christa Ludwig
The Very Best of Renata Scotto

ASIN: B0006VYEIW
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Dich, Teure Halle, Gruss' Ich Wieder
Allmacht'ge Jungfrau, Hor Mein Flehen!
Johohoe!... Traft Ihr Das Schiff
Einsam In Truben Tagen
Euch Luften, Die Mein Klagen
Mild Und Leise
Der Manner Sippe
Hojotoho! Hojotoho!
Siegmund! Sieh Auf Mich!
Starke Scheite Schichtet Mir Dort

Tracks:

I. Seit Ich Ihn Gesehen
II. Er, Der Herrlichste Von Allen
III. Ich Kann's Nich Fassen, Nicht Glauben
IV. Du Ring An Meinem Finger
V. Helft Mir, Ihr Schwestern
VI. Susser Freund, Du Blickest Mich Verwundert An
VII. An Meinem Herzen, An Meiner Brust
VIII. Nun Hast Du Mir Den Ersten Schmerz Getan
Bist Du Bei Mir BWV 508
Wiegenlied Op.49 No.4
Meine Liebe Ist Grun Op.63 No.5
Madchenlied Op.107 No.5
Die Nacht Op.10 No.3
Wiegenlied Op.41 No.1
Die Nachtigall
Bien, Mon Fils!
Jochanaan, Ich Bin Verliebt In Deinen Leib - Wiener Philharmoniker
Ah! Du Wolltest Mich Nicht Deinen Mund Kussen Lassen, Jochanaan! - Agnes Baltsa

Average customer rating:

The Very Best Of Johann Strauss

The Very Best Of Johann Strauss

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000058GD
Release Date: 1993-02-03

Tracks:

Blue Danube Waltz
Tales From The Vienna Woods Waltz
Voices Of Spring Waltz
Emperor Waltz
Wine, Women And Song Waltz
Artist's Life Waltz
Die Fledermaus Overture - Ljubljana Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Very Best Of Johann Strauss.......2004-03-17

a lot of pops and cracks on this cd...not happy with it

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

A Water's Wake

Chamber Music of Charles Knox

Casares: Concierto Sefaradi/7 Cancioines Sefaradies Y Danza/L'Ultima Strada/Yonathan/Heiman: Seashores/Bloch: Chanty/

El Rojo: The Complete Keynote Recordings And More [Import]

Dust to Glory [Soundtrack]

Con El Tiempo

Crazy Legs

Dance America [Explicit Lyrics]

Di Korpu Ku Alma

CHARLES IVES : The Celestial Country - The St Olaf Choir

El Rey y Yo (The King and I)

Coleccion Anniversario [Import]

Drop the Bass (Death of a Bass Head)

Nightshade Rounds: Virtuoso

Cosmo's Factory