The Very Best of Opera

On this CD:

1. Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), opera, K. 620 Overture
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Alfred Scholz

2. La bohème, opera Si, mi chiamano Mimi
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

3. Carmen, opéra-comique in 4 acts Habanera
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Zagreb Opera Orchestra with Ruza Pospisch-Baldani
Conducted by Milan Sachs

4. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), opera Un bel dì
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

5. Il Trovatore, opera Stride la vampa
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Zagreb Opera Orchestra with Ruza Pospisch-Baldani
Conducted by Milan Sachs

6. Tosca, opera Vissi d'arte
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

7. Il Trovatore, opera D'amor sull'ali rosee'
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

8. Don Giovanni, opera, K. 527 Madamina
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Richard Haan
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

9. Cavalleria rusticana, opera in 1 act Intermezzo
Composed by Pietro Mascagni
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Philip Gibson

10. Nabucco, opera (Nabucodonosor) Hebrew Chorus
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Ljubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Conducted by Marko Munih

11. Gianni Schicchi, opera O mio bambino'
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

12. Otello, opera Ave Maria
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic
Conducted by Niksa Bareza

13. Samson et Dalila, opera in 3 acts, Op. 47 Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix'
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Zagreb Opera Orchestra with Ruza Pospisch-Baldani
Conducted by Milan Sachs

14. La Gioconda, opera in 4 acts Voce di donna'
Composed by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performed by Zagreb Opera Orchestra with Ruza Pospisch-Baldani
Conducted by Milan Sachs

15. Orfeo ed Euridice, (Italian version), opera in 3 acts, Wq. 30 Che puro ciel'
Composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck
Performed by Zagreb Opera Orchestra with Ruza Pospisch-Baldani
Conducted by Milan Sachs

Tracks:

Una Voce Poco Fa - Sherrill Milnes
Dunque Io Son - Sherrill Milnes
Contro Un Cor - Sherrill Milnes
Ah, Qual Colpo Inaspetatto! - Sherrill Milnes
E Il Sol Dell'anima... Addio! Speranza Ed Anima - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Gualtier Malde... Caro Nome - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Tutte Le Feste Al Tempio... Compiuto Pur Quanto... Si, Vendetta - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
V'ho Ingannato... Lassu In Cielo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere... So Anch'io La Virtu Magica - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Pronta Io Son... Vado, Corro - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Via, Caro Sposino - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Tornami A Dir Che M'ami - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
La Morale In Tutto Questo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Tracks:

Vilia - Beverly Sills
Ah! Je Suis Seule... Dis-Moi Que Je Suis Belle - Beverly Sills
Cielo! Che Diverro?... Si, ferite... Dal Soggiorno... Ah! Che Spiegar - Beverly Sills
Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - John Alldis Choir
Un Di Felice, Eterea - John Alldis Choir
E Strano... Ah, Fors'e Lui... Follie! Follie!... Sempre Libera - John Alldis Choir
Pura Siccome Un Angelo... Ah! Dite Alla Giovine - John Alldis Choir
Che Fai? - John Alldis Choir
Addio Del Passato - John Alldis Choir
Parigi, O Cara - John Alldis Choir

Amazon.com

Beverly Sills hardly needs an introduction. She sang on the radio as a child and on the operatic stage as a teenager; her meteoric international career was launched by appearances in several virtually unknown bel canto operas at the New York City Opera. This compilation of arias and ensembles from some of her signature roles, recorded in the 1970s, with splendid partners like Nicolai Gedda, Alfredo Kraus, and Sherrill Milnes, displays her unique vocal and dramatic artistry at its peak. Her voice, effortlessly produced over an enormous range, is bright, pure, infinitely variable in color, inflection and intensity. Her intonation is impeccable even in huge leaps, and her breath is endless. The coloratura roulades are like strings of perfect, luminous pearls, clearly articulated in seamless legato. But this stunning technique (whose only flaw is a sometimes wide, wobbly vibrato) is never used for show; every note has life and expression, serving the music and the dramatic situation. Indeed, her characters are flesh-and-blood human beings, whose thoughts, emotions and interactions, from inwardness to ecstasy, from lamentation to overflowing joy, she projects with riveting concentration. Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville is a charming, mischievous minx who succumbs to delighted tenderness; Pamira's great scene from his Siege of Corinth shows clearly why her Metropolitan Opera debut in that role was a sensation. In Verdi's Rigoletto, Gilda's hopeful innocence turns into hopeless despair: she dies, palpably, on a floating, celestial pianissimo. In his La traviata, Violetta's initial cool, hesitant restraint gradually melts as she opens herself (and her voice) to Alfredo's ardor and the bliss of love. The vocal balance in their final duet is uncanny; its tremulous tenderness in the shadow of death breaks the heart, as does her duet with Germont. Massenet's Thais is sensuous; Donizetti's Don Pasquale and Lehár's The Merry Widow provide comic relief. --Edith Eisler

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Here's what the fuss was all about!.......2007-07-17

It would have been even better if they had included at least one Cleopatra aria and something from Baby Doe, but it doesn't really matter, because this collection will allow younger listeners especially to hear what the fuss was all about! There are moments listening to Sills, especially from Traviata or Manon, that are so beautifully sung and so genuine that they are heartbreaking. I feel so fortunate to have heard her Queen of the Night, Manon, Violetta, and Baby Doe. She was so generous as a performer and as a humanitarian, and she really brought opera into the American mainstream.

Beverly Sills - The Best.......2007-04-01

What a voice. No coloratura can compare, and she makes it seem so easy.

Beverly Sills' highs are breathtaking!.......2006-09-18

Adio del Passato is incredible! Beverly's high, floating coloratura is no less than ethereal which takes you to another world. Her voice has given me so much joy that it is hard to say one recording is better than another because I love her Mozart album equally with her Bellini/Donizetti. It is so wonderful to have these recordings captured on CD! Enjoy!

THE 2005 OPERA CD OF THE YEAR.......2006-08-19

THIS CD WAS THE BEST OPERA CD ISSUED LAST YEAR, AND HAS CAUGHT THE WORLD'S EAR IN NO TIME. I WAS BUSY WRITING IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL, WHILE THE STATEOWNED FM RADIOSTATION, DEDICATED TO CULTURE, WAS SOFTLY PLAYING OPERA ARIAS IN THE BACKGROUND. SUDDENLY I HEARD THE MOST FANTASTIC RENDERING OF "SEMPRE LIBERA" FROM "LA TRAVIATA". I GOT UP, SAT BY THE RADIO AND WAITED TO KNOW WHO WAS SINGING... THEN GOT BACK TO THE COMPUTER TO ORDER THIS CD FROM AMAZON! INCREDIBLE: ONLY 17 BUCKS FOR THIS, WHILE QUITE A BIT OF TRASH IS SOLD FOR 30.40 AND MORE...
A LADY FRIEND ONCE TOLD ME SHE COULD NOT LISTEN TO THE DUET IN "MADAMA BUTTERFLY" WITH MIRELLA FRENI AND LUCIANO PAVAROTTI (RECORDED IN 1974, BY VON KARAJAN) WITHOUT CRYING. WELL, YOU CANNOT LISTEN TO SILLS IN "LA TRAVIATA" DRY-EYED, NO MATTER WHO THE TENOR IS. SHE PROJECTS THE SAME DRAMATIC FEELING OF "LA DIVINA" CALLAS WITHOUT THOSE SHRIEKED HIGHNOTES; SHE OFFERS THE SAME COLORATURA VOCAL GYMNASTICS AS "LA STUPENDA" SUTHERLAND BUT WITH WARMTH... WHEN BEVERLY SANG, AS IN EVERYTHING ELSE SHE DID, SHE ALWAYS GAVE HER UTMOST. SHE WAS "LA GENEROSA" TO BE SURE.
DON'T JUST SIT THERE READING WHAT OTHERS THINK.
ORDER THIS CD NOW AND MARVEL AT HOW THIS GREAT AMERICAN LADY, IN SO MANY OTHER WAYS, ALSO COULD SING!

EMI Does It Again: Beverly Sills - A Tribute.......2005-07-22

EMI's "Very Best Of" series are perfect introductions to operatic singers of the 20th century. Once you hear these artist tribute albums (much like The Singers series) you will get hooked on the singer and seek out their full-length studio recordings. Beverly Sills was the first truly famous American opera star. One may argue that she was not, that she was merely a continued tradition of American divas such as Mary Garden and Lily Pons and which still continues today with Renee Fleming, Elizabeth Futral and Susan Graham. Beverly was raised in New York City, which is still her home, and which is the home of the New York City Opera and the Met, opera houses which rocketed her to fame. Her first success (not featured in this recording...UH WHY ?) was Cleopatra of Handel's Julius Caesar, a performance she sang opposite the illustrious baritone Norman Treigle. Those performances were legendary because coincidentally at the same time the Met was opening its new theatre and season with what became a disastrous Samuel Barber's Antony and Cleopatra starring Leontyne Price in an overblown, big-budget, epic fiasco. The great roles that followed the 1965 Cleopatra were Manon, Queen Elizabeth I in Roberto Deveraux, Maria Stuarda and Anna Bolena in the Donizetti Tudor Queen operas, Pamira in The Siege of Corinth (which were Sill's La Scala and belated Met debut. None of the Queens are featured in this recording, though its supposedly the Very Best Of. An aria from Rossini's Siege of Corinth is featured here however. What we are treated to however are fine lyric roles- Beverly Sills shone brightly and acted convincingly as Gilda in Rigoletto (the final scene is featured here) as Violetta in La Traviata, Thais, The Merry Widow (the beautiful Vilja is featured here)and the ingenue role of Norina in Don Pasquale is also showcased here. To each of these roles, Beverly Sills delivered an authenticity and dramatic interpretation, not ot mention beautiful, sweet tone. I love her pianissimos, her high notes, her chest register. It was the voice of Beverly Sills who first hooked me into opera. For a recording that should showcase her best work, Manon is not featured nor any of her prized French heroines- Marie in The Daughter of the Regiment and the heroines in Tales of Hoffman. Also not in here is the role that was her first success- the Broadway opera Ballad of Baby Doe. Even as such, the arias here are gorgeous. The Barber of Seville is in here and as Rosina she is playful and charming. Sills was a modern singer, with a voice that was beautiful but willing to sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic content. When Sills was once asked what she thought of the supposed rivalry with Joan Sutherland (which was never real and only gossip from partisan fans) Beverly said something to this effect -Joan and I are apples and oranges in our take on opera, we are Picasso and Monet. She would do anything for the effect of beauty and tone, I'd sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic text. Even as such, I see no ugliness to any of the roles here. All of them are beautiful to hear, full of rich floating celestial tones. It would have been nice to hear the roles that did call for Sills to step up the tense drama - Norma, will her recording ever be reissued by EMI ? Also, few people know that Beverly Sills sung role most would consider dangerous for her voice (though she sang them long before her career even took off)- Aida and Carmen!!

Average customer rating:

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

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century
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The #1 Opera Album

ASIN: B00005Y1YQ
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Resource - We LOVE This CD!
Great Intro to Operas
A Sampler of Greatest Hits and Karaoke, Too
World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English
Great for adults too!

World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B0000C5ROP
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

The Barber Of Seville: Largo Al Factotum - Gregory Dahl
Carmen: Habanera - Jean Stilwell
The Marriage Of Figaro: Non Piu Andrai - Allan Monk
The Magic Flute: Papageno's Song - Daniel Lichti
Carmen: The Toreadors Song - Brian Banion
La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci - Addio Di Mimi - Laura Whalen
The Magic Flute: Der Hoole Rache (The Queen Of The Night's Aria) - Aline Kutan
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Michael Schade
Tales Of Hoffman: The Doll Song - Tracy Dahl
Die Walkure: Ride Of the Valkyries - Laura Whalen
The Marriage Of Figaro: Voi, Che Sapete - Erin Thrall
Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di Verdremo - Natalie Choquette
Xerxes: Ombra Mai Fu - Daniel Taylor
Rigoletto: Caro Nome - Lambroula Maria Pappas
Habanera - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
Non Piu Andrai - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
Papageno's Song - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
La Donna E Mobile - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
Voi, Che Sapete - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Resource - We LOVE This CD!.......2007-07-16

This is a GREAT CD! Both the children and my husband and I love it. We bought it as an introduction to opera for our homeschooled children, and never guessed we'd all enjoy it so much.

All the tunes are ones you will probably recognize - but hearing the words that go with the music and hearing them in *English* is so helpful! It has been really fun to find out what these songs are really about.

My kids and I often catch ourselves singing opera through the day now, which is really neat. It has helped build their understanding of music in many different ways, and has improved my oldest daughter's voice ability as she strives to keep up with the professional singers on the CD.

The music is beautiful, the words are lovely and give meaning, and this whole CD is just exceptionally good entertainment!

Great Intro to Operas.......2006-10-16

THE WORLD"S VERY BEST OPERA FOR KIDS is a collection of fourteen of the best loved arias in the world. The whole family will enjoy this CD, which is a unique version of these famous arias in that these are all sung in English so your child (and you) can appreciate and imagine the story that it illustrates. It is a wonderful introduction to opera and will have the whole family humming the memorable melodies, which are sung by some of the best of famous voices. You will be inspired to read the storylines of the operas to your children for a wonderful educational and delightful family hour. The CD includes an insert with the words so you can sing along

A Sampler of Greatest Hits and Karaoke, Too.......2006-04-05

It really doesn't get much better than this CD. The primary benefit of the music is that it is a terrific selection of funny and touching arias from the classical genre. I am an opera lover and bought this for myself to memorize the words in English, as prompts when I listen to the pieces untranslated. I started listening to the CD while I was driving, and within a week had bought about a dozen CDs to distribute to family members and friends, with kids (and without). Everyone loves it. And at the end of the CD are several tracks of just the music, so you can sing along, which is a hoot. Your friends and colleagues, who hear you barking along to beats, will think you have taken leave of your senses. The lyrics (in English) are in the liner notes. I would suggest not reading the liner notes while driving.

Second CD benefit. The time you spend listening to this will be the equivalent of an afternoon at the beach or a walk in the mountains. The calming factor is amazing.

World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English.......2006-01-30

I listen to this with my 3 year old and we both enjoy it. I am not an operatic expert and to my lay ears the performances here sound great, and my daughter likes hearing the words to some of her favorite music ("Play the Torreadores again Mommy!") Its a nice break from some more traditional kids songs that we listen to.

Great for adults too!.......2005-08-15

I never had an interest in opera until I made a trip to Italy and dined in an opera cafe. I appreciate it even more thanks to this CD. Now that I can hear the lyrics in english and read a synopsis of the story, I appreciate and enjoy opera even more.

Average customer rating:

customer
WONDERFUL CD
Good upbeat working music

Very Best of Hooked on Classics

Manufacturer: Double Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Hooked on Classics Pt. 1 & 2: Piano of the Bumblebee No. 1/Fli [Medley]
Hooked on Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat (3rd Movement) [Medley]
Night in Opera: Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat (3rd Movement)/Hall [Medley]
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Hooked on Marching: Under the Double Eagle/The Stars & Stripes [Medley]
Journey Through America: The Star Spangled Banner/Oh Susanna/M [Medley]
Hooked on Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca (Turkish March, From Sonata [Medley]
Hooked on Bach: Ave Maria/Minuet [From the Notebook of Anna Ma
Symphony of the Seas: The Sailors Hornpipe/Portsmouth/Anchors [Medley]

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Hooked on Classics: Wedding March [From a Midsummer's Night's
Hooked on Romance (Opus 3): Gymnopedie No. 2/Nocturne Opus 9, [Medley]
Hooked on Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien (Introduction)/Swan L [Medley]
If You Knew Sousa/The Liberty Bell/Blaze Away/The Liberty Bell [Medley]
If You Knew Sousa and Friends: Entry of the Gladiators/Colonel [Medley]
Also Sprach Zarathustra [Medley]
Can't Stop the Classics: Overture 2 Russian & Ludmilla/Czardas [Medley]
Hooked on America: Rhapsody in Blue/Camptown Races/Rhapsody in [Medley]
Hooked on Romance: Air Form Suite No. 3 (Air for G String)/Ave [Medley]

Customer Reviews:

customer.......2007-06-26

cd arrived fast, in excellent shape as promised, well packaged to protect it during shipment. I'd heard the CD during an exercise class and had trouble trying to get it from other vendors so especially appreciated Amazon.

WONDERFUL CD.......2007-05-08

I was so happy to find this on CD I have the original on a cassette from childhood. I loved it then and now and now my children listen and love it.

Good upbeat working music.......2007-03-08

I love these CDS . . what a brilliant idea to add a beat to the most popular classical songs of all time. It is great upbeat music that gets you going. I specifically use it for when I need a boost to get me going on housework. It get you in just the right mood to start working. My kids love it too.

Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti

Average customer rating:

Okay so track #1 aside...
What the heck?
Why on earth is this listed under classical music?
Why on earth is this listed under classical music?
The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti

Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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ASIN: B00005Y204
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Caruso
Non ti scordar di me
Torna a Surriento
Core 'ngrato
Mamma
Mattinata
Chitarra Romana
O sole mio
Passione
La strada del bosco
Funiculi, funicula
Ti voglio tanto bene
Che gelida manina
Una furtiva lagrima
Amor ti vieta
M'appari
Dalla sua pace
Un' aura amorosa
La Danza
Nessus dorma

Customer Reviews:

Okay so track #1 aside..........2005-12-14

I got this as a gift last Christmas and just got around to writing a review. To start off with, let me say that I think Pavarotti is the greatest tenor ever. Period. His command of his voice (breath control, relaxation, etc.) were absolutely flawless, and no he never shouted (except when he was getting old and losing his voice...maybe), cause I have never heard anyone shout with vibrato. Anyways, yes I have heard better accompanyments than Caruso's (track #1) on a certain children's show that will remain unnamed but it features a large purple dinosaur, but that doesn't ruin the entire CD for me like it did for the other reviewers. Let's face it the rest of the CD is Pavarotti classics. You won't find a better Nessun Dorma anywhere. His La Danza is wonderful, his L'elisir is legendary and La Boheme's Rodolfo is one of, if not his truly signature role. As for the Neapolitan songs, you can't criticize him for those. It's no different than Kathleen Battle throwing in a few spirituals on her CDs. Yes, I wish there were more arias on the CD (Ah! Mes amis for instance) but still was not dissappointed by this CD at all. Buy it!

What the heck?.......2005-09-12

I'm so glad I didn't pay for this disc, instead checking it out from the my public library. The first track, "Caruso", had me thinking I was playing the wrong CD. It's not so much that it's electronic accompaniment. It's really bad synthesizer music. Horribly bad. Inexcusably bad. Cheap-lounge-singer-who-can't-afford-a-piano bad. That train wreck of track sets exactly the worst tone, destroying the mood for the rest of the album. If it weren't for some of the later selections from La Bohème and L'Elisir d'Amore, this CD would be a total loss. Even then, these gems are completely drowned in a gushing flow of treacly Italian "classics" apparently aimed at a certain demographic of blue-haired, tittering Pavarotti fans. I don't mean to sound like a snob. It's just the bad vibe from that first track rattling me. My advice: get it from the library and listen to your favorites. Avoid everything else on pain of intense aural assault.

Why on earth is this listed under classical music?.......2004-03-22

Pavarotti has a short but excellent repertoire that belongs in "Classical Music" (e.g. Fille du Regiment), however 99% of his recordings belong in Popular Music. Amazon folks, please get your act straight on this guy and his other two tenor friends!

Why on earth is this listed under classical music?.......2004-03-22

The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti.......2004-01-28

This weekend I purchased "The Very Best of Luciano Pavarotti", Romantica. The first track, Caruso is terrible. Classical music, opera, etc, should never be played with synthesized anything! This is especially true with voices like Pavarotti's. This first track was CHEAP and tinny sounding.

Pavarotti is good, but I think that the title is misleading.

Classical music should be with real musical instruments. Lesson #1, if it takes electricity, it's NOT a musical instrument.

My $.02

The Very Best of Franco Corelli
Average customer rating:

If you love beautiful voices...

If you want to know Corelli's art, this is the right CD

excellent gift

Greatest Tenor of This Century!

Ah... Franco :}

The Very Best of Franco Corelli

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

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Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor

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Very Best of

ASIN: B00008V5VV
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

A Te, O Cara
Meco All' Altar Di Venere... Me Protegge, Me Difende
Ah Si, Ben mio...De Quella Pira
Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aida
Intanto Amici... Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba
No, Pagliaccio Non Son
Colpito Qui M'avete...Un Di All'azzuro Spazio
Credo A Una Possanza Arcana
Legray!... Andrea Chenier!...Si, Fui Soldato
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
Vicino A Te

Tracks:

Donna Non Vidi Mai
Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Non Piangere, Liu... Ah! Per L'ultima Volta!
Nessun Dorma
Favorita Del Re!... Spirto Gentil
Cielo E Mar
L'anima Ho Stanca
Non Lunge Della Torre... Bianca Al Par Di Neve Alpina
Ange Adorable
L'amour, L'amour.. Ah! Leve-Toi, Soleil!
O Nuit Divine!
C'est La! Salut! Tombeau!
Fronde Tenere... Ombra Mai Fu
Ave Maria
Domine Deus
Core 'Ngrato
Torna A Surriento

Customer Reviews:

If you love beautiful voices..........2007-04-30

and passionate singing, you won't be disappointed. While Corelli certainly had his flaws, they are minor in the larger picture of this unique, magnificent force of nature. Then get this set for your friend who thinks Andrea Bocelli is a great tenor.

If you want to know Corelli's art, this is the right CD.......2007-03-10

Franco Corelli had one of the powerful tenor voices of the twentieth century. Think Mario del Monaco with more beauty and grace; think Richard Tucker with a smoother voice. He had annoying touches in his singing, such as those "catches" here and there. But, with Tucker, he is, in my estimation, one of the two most powerful and attention riveting tenors in the past century. Other tenors were more artistic, provided better characterization (think Domingo, Gigli, Pavarotti, Gedda, Caruso, and some others).

But Corelli was a wonder of nature! Some samples: "Ah si, ben mio. . .Di quella pira." If there were an aria made for Corelli, this would be it. His big, rich, powerful voice fits this cut nicely. Not much subtlety here. In "Di quella pira," he hits the high notes in a stentorian manner. There are those mannerisms, but they are so easily forgiven, taking into account that rich, lustrous voice.

"Celeste Aida" is another representative cut. This is a powerful version. Also, note how he goes from forte to piano at the end of this aria. A powerful effect indeed.

Then, there are the twin arias from "Tosca." In "Recondita armonia," his rich voice is well manifest. He exhibits a smooth line in his singing. This is a powerful version of this well known aria. "E lucevan le stele" displays again that rich voice. At one point, he goes from forte to piano in a mesmerizing manner (Who'd have thought it?). His final "la vita" grabs one's attention.

Finally, "Nessun dorma." Well, smoothly, and powerfully sung. The final "vincero" is powerfully rendered, leaving goose bumps on the spine.

This is the very best of Franco Corelli. Those who want to get a sense of the vocal prowess of one of the most powerful tenors of the 20th century should attend to this double CD set.

excellent gift.......2007-02-09

I gave it to my father and he says Its an amazing cd.

Greatest Tenor of This Century!.......2007-02-03

Franco Corelli is the greatest tenor of this century. Although there are many fine tenors including Carlo Bergonzi - no tenor comes close to singing with the pure heart and animal magnetism of Franco Corelli. Surprisingly, he was also quite comfortable with bel canto, listen to the incredible "A te o'cara". I've heard "Nessun Dorma" sung by many excellent tenors and hands down, none can touch the sublime beauty of Corelli's version. This 2cd set of his greatest arias is a wonderful gift for any opera fan. "Recondita Armonia" is my personal favorite. His thrilling vocal beauty and intensity of performance is truly unforgettable.

Ah... Franco :}.......2007-01-10

Such a pleasing voice. I can't believe the clarity and perfection. He was well before my time and others have become more 'popular' since then, but for some reason his voice seems better than the more current singers. I do not know much about opera so I will have to rely only on my own ears. I happily recommend this double album. I like to have it playing on the 5 CD changer with other opera cds, mixing through them...it is a perfect saturday morning accompaniment. enjoy.

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo
This is really the best.
If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD.
Rare And Great Domingo Classics
A real Bobby Dazzler

Very Best of
Placido Domingo
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
Bravo Domingo
Perhaps Love
The Domingo Songbook
The Best of the Three Tenors

ASIN: B000083GOJ
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Ill Mio Tesoro
Un'aura Amorosa
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
La Ci Darem La Mano
Vani Sono I Lamenti...Svegliatevi Nel Core
Pays Merveilleux...O Paradis
Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre...Salut ! Demeure Chaste Et Pure (Faust, Act III)
Ah! Tout Est Bien Fini... O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere (Le Cid, Act III)
None But The Lonley Heart
Lensky's Aria
Donna, Non Vidi Mai (Manon Lescauy Act, II)
Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce
Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle (Tosca, Act III)
Ch'ella Mi Creda (La Fanciulla Del West, Act III)
Dai Campi, Dai Prati (Mefistofele, Act I)
Virgini Muse...Quando Al Soave Anelito
O Sink Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
Was Am Besten Er Kann...Hoho! Hohei!

Tracks:

Se Quel Guerrier Io Fossi!...Celeste Aida
Su, Profetessa...Di Tu Se Fedele
Forse La Soglia Attinse...Ma Se M'e Forza Perderti
O Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli
Su, Cacciator...Fontainebleau!...
Niun Mi Tema
Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n
Sckenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol
Gern Hab'ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
O Vaterland...Da Geh'ich Zu Maxim
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz
Mi Aldea
Cancion Del Sembrador
No Puede Ser
Serenata
Copillas De Belen
Coplas Del Pastor Enamorado
En Aranjues Con Tu Amor
Jealousy Tango
La Golondina

Amazon.com

Placido Domingo is a phenomenon, and every aspect of his artistry is on display in this 2-CD compilation, which includes arias from his signature roles in Italian, French, German, and Russian operas, and songs from Viennese and Spanish operettas. The original recordings range from the early 1970s to the present and show that though over the years his bright golden voice has taken on a darker, more burnished glow, it has retained the melting lyricism, the heroic ring, the thrilling top notes, and the focused intensity that make it instantly recognizable. (Comparing the Verdi arias included here with their counterparts of later vintage in the all-Verdi set The Tenor Arias bears this out.) The program demonstrates his stylistic and expressive versatility and his ability to instantly establish character and mood, from Lenski's sorrow (in Eugene Onegin), Cavaradossi's heart-rending despair (in Tosca), Otello's shattering agony, to Tristan's passion, Siegfried's exuberance, Faust's ardor (first in French by Gounod, then in Italian by Boito). In three Mozart arias, Domingo spins endless, perfectly shaped phrases with incredible breath control, then adds an oddity: the famous duet between Zerlina and Don Giovanni, a role he has not performed. Five Viennese operetta songs, one of which he also conducts, are delightful; there is a smile of pleasure in his voice, but not a hint of kitsch. By contrast, Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" is spoiled by an orchestration that is pure Hollywood. In the final Spanish group, he is on home ground and incomparable. This is a glorious record, a must for all lovers of great singing. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to the art of Placido Domingo.......2007-07-04

Placido Domingo, of course, is one of the finest tenors of the latter part of the 20th century. This 2 CD set well captures his talent, showing the range of his singing. We hear cuts from Puccini and Verdi to Tchaikovsky and Wagner to Strauss and Handel. And even a traditional Spanish sung and some operetta thrown in for good measure!

This is a wonderful introduction to his artistry, and shows that he can sing well across a variety of styles and eras. Let's sample some cuts:

"Il mio Tesoro" (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) is a difficult aria to sing well. And Domingo is up to the challenge. He displays a smooth and rich voice. His is one of those distinctive tenor voices, like Tucker's or Pavarotti's, that is quickly recognizable. This is, as noted, a challenging piece and Domingo handles it well, showing off considerable vocal agility in the process.

From the same opera, "La ci darem la mano," a sweet duet with, in this instance, soprano Susan Graham. This seductive work is sung well by both parties and is a ravishing version.

From Puccini's "Tosca," "Recondita armonia." At the close, his voice rises above orchestra and chorus. Overall, well and richly sung.

And now for something very different. . . The "Forging Scene" from Siegfried. One may not think of Domingo as a heldentenor, but he does a serviceable job here. His voice sometimes appears a bit light, but, overall, he does estimable work. He catches Siegfried's spirit as he forges the shattered remains of his father's sword, "Nothung." When he sings the name of his sword at the close, with the leitmotif ringing out from the orchestra, it is an affecting moment.

Then, "Celeste Aida" (from Verdi's opera). A stentorian voice well deployed to meet the challenges of this wonderful aria. Some tenors scoop as they move from those lower to the higher notes; Domingo's voice is well controlled here. The final high note is well hit.

Strauss (Junior's) "Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n" is a romp! A fun piece and well sung by Domingo. He demonstrates, as before, excellent vocal agility.

Lehar's "O Vaterland" is also fun. It is a sprightly tune sprightly sung.

Finally, he ends the second CD with a traditional Spanish tune--"La Golondrina." He does not overpower this work with operatic technique. He sings it well and affectingly.

So, all in all, if one wants a good introduction to Placido Domingo's vocal oeuvre, this is a very strong starting point.

This is really the best........2007-05-16

I have many of Mr. Domingo's recordings but I really love this one. He seems to get better with age. Some of the songs are on some of my other recordings but they seem new and fresh on this CD. I really think this is the best of Placido Domingo.

If you like Placido at all, you must have this CD........2005-04-06

Placido Domingo has been around for so long, it is easy to take this great artist for granted. I totally agree with the previous reviews of this album; I can also say that I had the opportunity to hear him live in concert on April 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and his voice is still stunning. His opening aria that night was the prayer from El Cid, "O Souverain," which he dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II. This piece is the 8th selection on CD 1, and is from a 1997 live recording. His thrilling finish blew me away when I listened to it the first time, and and the crowd on the recording reacts the same way the Mississippi audience did when we heard him. That aria alone is worth the price of this CD set.

Rare And Great Domingo Classics.......2005-03-08

EMI's "The Very Best Of" series is a wonderful way for the opera lover/novice or even connoisseur in training to get acquainted with the great singers of opera in the 20th century. It is possible that in a few years, the great singers of today (from the 90's up to now and further into the future) will grace the album covers of The Very Best Of...The Very Best Of Renee Fleming, The Very Best Of Salvatore Licitra, etc. This is not exactly the best of Domingo. It is more of a collection of rare and wonderfully expressive arias from operas that range all over the map- Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Meyerbeer, Gounod, Massenet. Now, here's the reason why so many people adore Domingo, myself included - Domingo is a Renaissance Opera Tenor. He has sung almost every tenor role in the opera universe. Even if he is, to some, the "tenor who sang with Pavoratti in the three tenors" he proves he's the strongest of the bunch, the most dedicated, the most prolific and most artistic. Domingo has a beautiful voice, with secure high register and dark, masculine middle chest voice and exciting dramatic electricity! He's sung more than 50 operas, in addition operetta and Spanish Zarzuela (the Spanish equivalent to musicals or operetta which is where he got started and his parents sung in Zarzuela) and he has also recorded Spanish mainstream love songs for Latin audiences. A winner of Grammies, an actor in movies about operas that he starred in (Tosca, La Traviata, Otello) and the most active tenor on tv broadcasts, he is just incredible and powerful.
He is a great force in opera.

Even in his old age, he does'nt seem to be slowing down or call it quits. Recent performances (2000-2005) include Eugene Onegin, the lead in Queen of Spades, Rasputin in Debra Dratell's Nicolas and Alexandra, Idomeneo and his next role Parsifal. He is the singular tenor who mastered every repertoire- Mozart (Don Ottavio, Tamino...unfortunately Domingo as Don Giovanni is a miscast because he is too noble and romantic and GOOD to be a bad guy)..to Puccini heros (Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, Dick Johnson in Fanciualla Del West, Rodolfo in Boheme, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot) Verdi heroes (Radames in Aida, Don Carlos, Stiffelio, etc) to the French repertoire...Gounod (Faust, Romeo) Meyerbeer heroes, Massenet hero (Des Grieux, Le Cid) and Saint Saens (Samson) the list goes on and on. When this man dies, an era will die with him. His legend will live on because he will leave behind dozens of albums, movies and memories......

A real Bobby Dazzler.......2004-02-19

Fans of Mr. Domingo would be lucky to find a selection of music that more profoundly explores and exhibits the diversity of his vocal ability and interpretation than is offered on these two discs. Delicious displays of Mozart, ringing renditions of the most challenging high Italian roles, powerfully rounded accounts of some of the heavy German/Russian repetoir, and some noticably nostalgic songs from the light Spannish tradition provide an impressive catalogue of the great man's rich, focussed, technically impecable and singularly beguiling vocal talent. Those who are yet to form an opinion on any particular genre of the operatic spectrum would do well to start here, so eclectic is this album. Also, you might be reassured to know that, should you become an admirer of P.D.'s talent as a result of listening to this compilation, (it is difficult to resist), you will have no trouble finding other recordings by him. A record-breaker with more than 110 roles to his repetoir (40 is a respected total for an opera singer), he is the most recorded tenor in history, leaving more than 80 complete accounts to date of operas in the Italian, French, German and Russian traditions.

Average customer rating:

Just perfect
CD The Very Best of James Galway
Not for the serious flautist
The Very Best of James Galway
Lightweight

The Very Best of James Galway
James Galway
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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James Galway - Greatest Hits
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ASIN: B000068773
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Canon - James Galway and the Munich Radio Orchestra
Gayane: Sabre Dance - James Galway and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Concertino for Flute and Piano, Op. 107 - James Galway
Song of the Seashore (Hamabe No Uta) - James Galway and the Tokyo String Orchestra
Thais: Meditation - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: Minuet and Badinerie - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Dolly Suite, Op. 76: Berceuse - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Carnival of Venice, Op. 77 - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Suite bergamasque: Clair de Lune - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto No. 2 for Flute & Orchestra, K. 314 in D: Rondeau: Allegro - James Galway and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Sonata in E-Flat, BWV 1031: Siciliana - James Galway
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance of the Blessed Spirits - James Galway
Peer Gynt, Suite No.1: Morning - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tale of Tsar Saltan: The Flight Of The Bumblebee - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From ''Titanic'') - James Galway and the London Telefilmonic Orchestra
El Condor Pasa (If I Could) - James Galway and the Galway Pops Orchestra
I Will Always Love You - James Galway
Ashokan Farewell - James Galway
The Girl from Ipanema - James Galway
Wind of Change - James Galway with Peter Willison & His Sinfonia Strings
Annie's Song - James Galway and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Wind Beneath My Wings - James Galway and the Galway Pops Orchestra
Memory (From ''Cats'') - James Galway
Riverdance - James Galway and the Tranquility Strings
Tango del Fuego - James Galway
Beauty and the Beast - ames Galway and the Galway Pops Orchestra
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (From ''The Lion King'') - James Galway and the London Telefilmonic Orchestra
Shenandoah - James Galway and the Nashville String Machine / Shelly Kurland Strings
Waltzing Matilda - James Galway and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Danny Boy - James Galway with The Chieftains and the National Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Just perfect.......2007-01-12

The CD case was in perfect condition; no cracks. The CD plays great and the product came just on time

CD The Very Best of James Galway.......2007-01-10

This was a gift and the receipant loves it. Amazon responded to my order in above average time and I will continue to buy through their website.

Not for the serious flautist.......2006-06-10

Most of the tracks on this CD consist of saccharine fluff, such as Disney, show-tunes, etc. If I buy a flute recording, I want to hear some serious music, not this ghastly schmaltz. And I hate to say it, I'm not a huge fan of Galway's playing style. It's too light and airy, just on the edge of going into overtones. He overuses his vibrato, especially on the higher notes. When you want them to just smoothly soar with rich tone, they just sort of flutter about. He does have impeccable technique and speed, but his tone leaves a lot to be desired, in my opinion. Seek out another artist!

The Very Best of James Galway.......2005-09-23

Really is one of the best of James Galway, if not the very best. Easy listening, soothing, relaxing - easy to enjoy

Lightweight.......2005-08-24

Admirers of James Galway as a superb classical flutist, of whom I am one, should be forewarned that this 2002 release has been packaged by the mass merchandisers for the "crossover" crowd and the mass market: there's slim pickin's here for serious music lovers. The first CD contains brief, lightweight classical "hits" in "arranged" versions, basically encore bonbons, while almost the entire second CD is devoted to ephemeral, forgettable pop fluff. There's not much of substance here; given Galway's vast (over 50 recordings) discography, the classical music lover would be well advised to look elsewhere.

Ultimate Broadway II: The Very Best of Broadway Now

Average customer rating:

redux
Moderate Quality
POOR EXCUSE FOR SOME GOOD THEATER MUSIC

Ultimate Broadway II: The Very Best of Broadway Now
Various Artists
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Broadway
Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
Greatest Songs from the Musicals
Very Best Of Broadway Musicals

ASIN: B000092Q7E
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Overture (from Gypsy) - London Cast Recording
Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote) - Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ernie Sabella
Run, Freedom, Run! - Hunter Foster
Your Daddy's Son - Ted Sperling, Ragtime Orchestra
Music Of The Night (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Colm Wilkinson
All That Jazz (from "Chicago") - Bebe Neuwirth
Gimme Gimme - Michael Rafter
La boh; Act I; O soave fanciulla - Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Montserrat Caball
Next Best Thing To Love - Randy Graff
Cabaret - Natasha Richardson
Springtime For Hitler (From "The Producers") - John Morris, Mel Brooks
Losing My Mind - Barbara Cook
Time Warp - Raparza
Oklahoma!; Oklahoma - Finale: Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' (Reprise) - Musical Cast Recording
Breeze Off the River - Patrick Wilson
Big Spender - Jane Lanier, Valarie Pettiford, Shannon Lewis, Kim Greene, Kim Morgan, Dana Moore, Rachelle Rak, Elizbeth Parkinson, Dede LaBarre, Mary Ann Lamb, Mary McLeod
Gee Officer Krupke - Cast
Agony - Paul Gemignani
Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) - Colm Wilkinson, Colm
Lullaby of Broadway (from "42nd Street") - John Lesko, Jerry Orbach

Customer Reviews:

redux.......2007-07-06

Four of the songs on this CD (Oklahoma, Music of the Night, Cabaret, and All That Jazz) were on the earlier Ultimate Broadway. Of all the shows that have been on Broadway over the past 70+ years, including the ones that are currently running, there is no excuse for repeats!

Moderate Quality.......2003-06-20

I believe that the show selection for this CD was excellent. However the song selection and song order were not. Why pick "Your Daddy's Son" from Ragtime when you can have the amazing and fantastic "Prologue" from the same show. Also I believe that a mistake was made by slecting "I Don Quixote" from Man of La Mancha instead of the much more listenable "Impossible Dream." Also the overture from Gypsy is not the proper song to start out a CD. Perhaps the "Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera.

This is however an excellent example of showtunes for inexperienced members of the theatrical world.

POOR EXCUSE FOR SOME GOOD THEATER MUSIC.......2003-05-20

The best of Broadway? Sure, if you consider the best of Broadway only those songs taken only from RCA Victor cast recordings. Expect the expected: Tracks from "Ragtime," "Chicago," "42nd Street" and "Man of La Mancha," sung by the likes of Audra
McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Jerry Orbach and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Including a live recording of Barbara Cook warbling "Losing My Mind" from her "Mostly Sondheim" CD isn't exactly kosher. But then again, neither is this gimmick-riddled release. Curtain up?
Half-way, maybe. Light the lights? Dim them, please.

Average customer rating:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording
RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006)
SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
¡PERFECT!
PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN

The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann
Strauss: Four Last Songs/12 Orchestral Songs
Schubert: 24 Lieder
Mozart: Opera Arias
Mozart: Lieder & Concert Arias

ASIN: B0000AF1SC
Release Date: 2003-09-02

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.

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