Caruso & the Legendary Tenors

On this CD:

1. O Sole Mio for voice & piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Eduardo di Capua
Performed by Enrico Caruso

2. Pagliacci, opera Vesti La Giubba
Composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo
Performed by Enrico Caruso

3. Les Pêcheurs de perles, opera in 3 acts Mi par d'udir ancora (Je crois entendre encore)
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Eugene Goossens, Beniamino Gigli

4. Torna a Surriento for voice & piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Ernesto de Curtis
Performed by Beniamino Gigli
Conducted by Dino Olivieri

5. Turandot, opera Nessun dorma
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Joseph Schmidt

6. L' amico Fritz, opera in 3 acts Suzel, buon di...tutto tace (Chery Duet)
Composed by Pietro Mascagni
Performed by Tito Schipa, Mafalda Favero
Conducted by Giuseppe Antonicelli

7. Rigoletto, opera La donna e mobile
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Enrico Caruso

8. Santa Lucia for voice & orchestra
Composed by Teodoro Cottrau
Performed by Enrico Caruso

9. Das Land des Lächelns, operetta Dein ist mein Ganzes Herz
Composed by Franz Lehar
Performed by Richard Tauber
Conducted by Franz Lehar

10. Manon, opera O dolce incanto (En fermant les yeux)
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by Beniamino Gigli
Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

11. La bohème, opera Che gelida manina
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Enrico Caruso

12. La bohème, opera O soave fanciulla
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Enrico Caruso, Dame Nellie Melba

13. La forza del destino, opera O tu, che in seno agli angeli
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Giovanni Martinelli

14. Valencia
Composed by Juan Gutierrez de Padilla
Performed by Tito Schipa
Conducted by Rosario Bourdon

15. Tosca, opera Recondita armonia
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Enrico Caruso

16. Tosca, opera E lucevan le stelle
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Enrico Caruso

17. Faust, opera Salut! Demeure et pure
Composed by Charles Gounod
Performed by Jussi Bjorling
Conducted by Nils Grevilius

18. Les Pêcheurs de perles, opera in 3 acts Del tempio al limitar (Au fond du temple du saint)
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Enrico Caruso, Mario Ancona

19. Fedora, opera Amor ti vieta
Composed by Umberto Giordano
Performed by Beniamino Gigli
Conducted by Umberto Berrettoni

20. Mefistofele, opera Dai campi, dai prati
Composed by Arrigo Boito
Performed by John McCormack

21. Otello, opera Si, pel ciel
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed by Enrico Caruso

Tracks:

Oceano
My Confession
Il Postino (Mi Mancherai)
Si Volvieras a Mi
When You Say You Love Me
Per Te
All Improvviso Amore
Broken Vow
Caruso
Remember When It Rained
Hymne a l'Amour
You Raise Me Up
Never Let Go

Amazon.com

Thanks to a fortuitous intersection of talent and fate, 22-year-old Josh Groban hasn't finished his senior year in performing arts school but has already released his sophomore effort on a major major label. Fans of the young vocal phenom's debut will find much to enthrall them here, even if it nudges the singer closer to the center of producer/mentor David Foster's MOR pop sensibilities. Eschewing much of its predecessor's more overt classic-lite pretensions and pop-rock covers for a slate of dramatic, Eurocentric ballads that serve as a showcase for the singer's inviting baritone, Groban shrewdly positions himself as the American alternative to the Bocelli-Watson crossover axis. "Caruso" may find the singer falling short of its operatic inspiration, but "Oceano" and "My Confession" quickly showcase his true dramatic range (which seems to all but yearn for a bona fide Broadway musical challenge), while a vocal take of Bacalov's graceful "Il Postino" theme uses classical virtuoso Joshua Bell's violin flourishes to good effect. To his credit, Groban displays some promising efforts at songwriting collaboration on the bittersweet "Per Te" and "Remember When It Rains," while the ambient/ethnic soundscape of Deep Forest's "Never Let Go" offers a teasing alternative to the record's otherwise melodramatic production formula. Groban has found commercial triumph via Foster's mentoring, but there remains a nagging sense here that he hasn't truly pushed himself as an artist--yet. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Soul.......2007-07-13

Josh Groban is such a wonderful and soothing artist. If you are in need of meditative 'deliciousness' buy this album!

Happy listening.......2007-06-27

A wonderful music CD with one of the best voices in the world today.The bonus "you raise me up"makes it a must have CD.

fantastic voice.......2007-06-01

Wow. What a voice. This is a great cd. I would definitely buy it again.

CLOSER-JOSH GROBIN.......2007-05-14

THIS YOUNG MAN HAS A VOICE EQUAL TO ANDREA BOCELLI AND IS A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUNG SINGERS TODAY.

HOT! HOT! HOT!.......2007-05-10

THIS CD IS FANTASTIC. THE VOCALS ARE SO STRONG IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT THEY ARE IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH, AND ITALIAN. THE PASSION COMES THRU LOUD AND CLEAR. I CAN'T BELIEVE I WAITED SO LONG TO GET THIS. IT'S PLAYED NEARLY EVERY DAY. EVEN MY 4 AND 7 Y/O SING TO IT.

Average customer rating:

Bias I Confess
An Italianized Englishman...
Romancing the listeners
Amazing!!!
Andrea in the 90's

Romanza
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Sogno
Andrea
Cieli di Toscana
Time to Say Goodbye

ASIN: B0000041OG
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Con Te Partiro
Vivere
Per Amore
Il Mare Calmo Della Sera
Caruso
Macchine Da Guerra
Le Tue Parole
Vivo Per Lei
Romanza
La Luna Che Non C'e
Rapsodia
Voglio Restare Cosi
E Chiove
Miserere-Live
Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) - A Tribute To Henri Maske

Amazon.com essential recording

From his childhood on the family farm in rural Tuscany to the worldwide stage, Andrea Bocelli has achieved phenomenal success. His singing is only partially the point, and his fame owes much more to the aura of romance and the romantic archetype that's attached to him. Romanza is by far Bocelli's largest success, winning adoration thanks to the swooning vocals and the easy, sometimes lush, always pop-safe instrumental textures and melodies. As far as his opera chops go, Bocelli has won the approval of Pavarotti but likely will not wow enthusiasts. The upside is that Bocelli will likely grow the opera pie, convincing labels to take on more operatic projects. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Bias I Confess.......2007-07-06

I confess to loving Italian music and opera in addition to Rock & Roll, Country and music in general.

This music is good when you want to relax or have a lady over 40 you want to entertain.

An Italianized Englishman..........2007-06-01

Is the Devil incarnate." (Inglese italianato e un diavolo incarnate) Or so I've heard. I suppose the author (I read it in a copy of Machiavelli's The Prince) could be forgiven for not having heard Don Bocelli and Donna Brightman sing "Con Te Partiro" - can we now say Inglese italianata e un angelo incarnate?

The rest of the album is a collection of ballads, most of which suffer from weak or clashing instrumentals. An exception is "Macchine Da Guerra" which has a pleasant and comparatively strong piano accompaniment.

I'd like to thank Kenny McCormick of South Park, CO for turning me on to Don Bocelli.

Romancing the listeners.......2007-05-30

What a voice, it soars with the arias and bops with the more contemporary. Especially love the song about Caruso. Andrea is un cantante bello, un uomo bello! Turn this one up with the top down and let it sing you home.

Amazing!!!.......2007-05-18

I bought this cd again after losing my original copy that I bought the year it was released. Out of all my Bocelli cds this is my favorite. It has a good mix of classic opera with popera and really shows his abilities. I have used this cd to turn people on to opera and popera, and the results have been incredible! Once you hear him, you cannot deny his talent and passion. Simply AMAZING!!!

Andrea in the 90's.......2007-04-20

Andrea is incredible.His romantic poetry with music is unparalleled.The only downside to this album is the inescapable 90's feel.If you don't mind it,then buy this album.If you do,then buy 'Time To Say Goodbye'off iTunes and get Sogno,Andrea,or Cieli di Toscana.

Average customer rating:

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

Tuscany: A Romantic Journey

Manufacturer: Somerset Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

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

ASIN: B0007R8FC6
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

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

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This selection is by far the best in my collection.

Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)

Average customer rating:

Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)
Luciano Pavorotti
Luciano is the best!

Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of the Three Tenors
Romantica: The Very Best Of Luciano Pavarotti
Pavarotti: Greatest Hits
Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs
The Best of Luciano Pavarotti: 20th Century Masters/The Millennium Collection

ASIN: B0007V5WB4
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

La donna obile
Una furtiva lagrima
"Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)
Donna non vidi mai
Che gelida manina
O soave fanciulla
Mi batte il cor...O Paradiso!
M'appari
Quando le sere al placido chiaror d'un ciel stellato
Se quel guerrier io fossi!..Celeste Aida
Forse la soglia attinse
Recitar! - "Vesti la giubba"
Come un bel di maggio
Ah mes amis - Pour mon
Di quella pira
Nessun dorma!

Tracks:

Torna a Surriento
Santa Lucia luntana
La Danza
L'ultima canzone
Non t'amo pi
Mattinata
'O sole mio
'A vucchella
Core 'ngrato
Nel blu, dipinto di blu
Vivere
Il Canto
Caruso
Buongiorno a te
Ti adoro
E lucevan le stelle
Questa o quella (Ballata)
Parmi veder le lagrime

Customer Reviews:

Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour).......2007-06-27

Wonderful Pavarotti sings the best of the best. His voice never ceases to amaze me. Listening pleasure at it's finest.

Luciano Pavorotti.......2007-02-17

All the songs are wonderful, can never become tired of listening to his songs. Excellent.

Luciano is the best!.......2007-01-20

I can't speak more highly of this collection of Pavrotti's songs. I keep this two CD pack in my car so I can enjoy it on my way to and from work. Even after I have arrived, I find myself sitting in my car waiting for a song to end. Walking out on a song seems sacriligious. While I grew up listening to Caruso and Lanza, there is no question that Pavrotti is the Master! Although, I do have to admit Pavrotti has the greater advantage of modern recording technology to better present his talent than Caruso and Lanza had. However, Lanza definitely didn't have the power that Pavrotti has. With Caruso, we will never know... I highly recommend this collection of Pavrotti's, if you are a Pavrotti fan. If you aren't, buy it anyway and become one:)

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Best of the Three Tenors
Pavarotti: Greatest Hits
Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs
Luciano Pavrotti: The Best (Farewell Tour)
Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti ~ the three tenors in concert / Mehta

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.

Tracks:

Turandot: Nessun dorma
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
La Traviata: Brindisi
Aida: Se quel guerrier io foss ... Celeste Aida
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Rigoletto: Questa o quella
Martha: M'appari
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Fedora: Amor ti vieta
Pagliaccci: Recitar!... Vesti la guibba
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
L'africana: Mi batte il cuor ... O paradiso
Werther: Pourquoi me reveiller
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
Manon Lescaut: Ma se vi talenta ... Tra voi, belle
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
La Favorita: Spirito gentil
II torvatore: Di quella pira
L'amico Fritz: Suzel, buon di

Tracks:

O sole mio
Torna a Surriento
Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna: Core 'ngrato
Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna: Funiculi Funicul
Notte 'e piscatore
O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel)
Panis angelicus
Ave Marie: Ave Maria
Mattinata
La danza
Caro mio ben
Caruso
My Way
Santa Lucia
Tu che m'hai preso il cuor
Mamma
La mai canzone al vento: La mia canzone al vento
Volare
Passione
Granda: Granada

Customer Reviews:

Cornucopia of Pavarotti's works.......2007-03-01

This is a "Super hits" CD, with over forty different cuts (quite a few of which have appeared elsewhere, of course). For those who are aficionados of Pavarotti, this is what might be called "hog heaven."

Disc 1 features estimable works such as "Nessun dorma" (well done, with his voice showing to good effect), "Che gelida manina" (excellently done, with good characterization), ""Celeste Aida" (elegantly sung), "Di quella pira" (a much better than average version), "E lucevan le stelle" (Pavarotti does a nice job in the Puccini-Verdi repertoire), "La donna e mobile" (sung with aplomb), "Recondita armonia" (the other aria from Tosca, which also shows Pavarotti's voice off to good effect), and so on.

Disc 2 is especially interesting, because it features a more popular set of works, from the redoubtable "O sole mio" (richly orchestrated and nicely sung, not overpowered by Pavarotti's operatic voice), "Core n'grato" (compare with Caruso's version), "Oh, holy night," "La danza" (spritely sung with excellent breath control in a treacherous song), "Santa Lucia" (again, smoothly sung), "Ave Maria" (seemingly sung with respect and affection).

A cornucopia of Pavarottiana. For those fans of Pavarotti, this "greatest hits" collection will be welcome. For those who may not be aware of this tenor when his voice was still fresh, this is a fine entrée to his work.

Don't...!!!.......2005-01-24

To combine a voice as beautiful as Pavarotti's with some of the world's greatest music and outstanding orchestras, and end up with this...`thing'...is unforgivable. After buying and listening to it, it brought to mind those painful words "A fool, a fool. I saw a fool today. I saw him in the mirror."

R. J. Rogers

Great Tenor - Poor CD Quality.......2004-10-11

I have never been a huge fan of Maestro Pavarotti but I must admit that this compilation is a masterful collection of his operatic highlights.

I particularily enjoy the first disc which contains just about all the major tenor arias. The singing is superb and listening to this CD it becomes obvious what the fuss over the pre-3 Tenors Pavarotti was all about - the man really did have one of the greatest tenor voices of all time.
His diction was flawless, his line perfect and his interpretation in keeping with the greatest of the Italian tenors of days gone by.

The second disc is interesting in that it is a bit uneven. It contains a few neapolitan standards, a x-mas song, a duet with Frank Sinatra and some other random selections.

Overall this is a 5 star CD but due to the extremely low volume, particularily on the first and most important disc I can only give it a 4 star rating.

On a final note, anyone puzzeled by the current hype over the now againg and commercially over-blown Pavarotti should purchase this CD. This is the great tenor in his prime and as such a CD well worth having...even if you're not a Pavarotti fan.
I'm still not, but I recognize greatness when I hear it.

Great Music......Horrible Mastering.......2004-07-24

Pavarotti has a voice that can take hold of you and change your entire mood...even if you don't know Italian. The problem with this set is the mastering (mastering evens out the volumes and signal to noise ratio on an album). The first CD in this collection is so quiet that you literally have to crank your player to get any kind of volume. For a professional CD this is absolutely unacceptable.
The song choices are good with the exception of "My Way" with Frank Sinatra. Both singers sound ....ummm...let's just say less than their best on the recording. It sits out like a boil on a pretty girl's face.

Surely I am proud to be an Italian-American!!.......2004-06-26

With his wondrous soaring vocals and the humble demeanor within his strong body, Pavarotti is an inspiration to Italian- Americans everywhere - Italian-Americans like me. My family plays his beautiful operas on vinyl nearly every day in me Papa's little wine and cheese shop on 18th and Broadway. The customers compliment the music with glee, pinching my plump cheeks with merriment and wishing me well on their way out the door. Ah, how I love this land of America!!

Oops, I am sorry, Nana.

My Nana has shushed me to "pipe down, little bambino."

Tracks:

Nella Fantasia
Amor Ti Vieta
Pelagia's Song (Captain Corelli's Mandolin)
Caruso
Miserere
Panis Angelicus
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
La Donna E Mobile
Saylon Dola
Someone Like You
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Vienna
Funiculi
Barcelona (With Shaun Ryder)
Nessun Dorma!

Amazon.com

Russell Watson's story is a classic rags-to-riches fairy tale: The former welder, after years of singing in pubs and clubs, traveled from Salford, his hometown, to London. He turned up unannounced at the Decca offices and was promptly signed up by one of the most important classical labels in the world. Vocal coaching followed, as did a number of successful live appearances supporting Cliff Richard. Now, we have this recital CD, which explores a wide range of musical styles. Watson's Italian is a little ponderous in tracks such as "Amor Ti Vieta," but this is more than offset by his captivating and utterly natural-sounding tenor voice. The inevitable popular arias are here, namely "La Donna è Mobile" and "Nessun Dorma," sung with a refreshing and youthful vitality. Pop tracks, including Ultravox's classic 1980s hit "Vienna" and a witty cover version of "Barcelona" sung with former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, sit comfortably on the disc. Watson performs them with integrity, not simply paying lip service to the music of his generation. Watson has the potential to do for classical music what Jamie Oliver has done for cookery, and there are few people who won't find this debut CD appealing. --Rebecca Agnew

Album Details

Full Length LP from the British Tenor that Shot Straight to the Top of the UK Classical Charts. Features Many Beautiful Renditions of Classical and E-z Listening Standards, plus a Version of 'nessun Dorma', which Watson Often Sings Before High-profile English Soccer Matches.

Customer Reviews:

Unsure.......2006-01-07

I'm glad that musical artists besides opera singers are encouraging the art of opera. I also like some of his more upbeat selections as well. In my opinion though, I couldn't listen to his CD for very long. A couple of his arias sounded a bit splatty at times, and back in the throat at others. I don't claim to know everything about opera, I'm only in highschool, but his sound seemed quite pushed in places.
When all is said and done,however, I hope more people will come to know and love opera through his music.

A tenor for the masses.......2005-11-07

I hesitate to add my two cents where others have commented in such number. Still, there are a couple of observations I'd like to pass along, hoping they provide further insight into the phenomenon of Russell Watson and his singing.

First of all, I bought this CD never having heard of Mr. Watson--I just liked the looks of it and thought I'd give it a try. So my perception was based solely on what the CD offered. And I liked it! Both the first time and the next several times. (If I want to get analytical, I can find flaws here and there, but somehow I always enjoy hearing it. Period.)

Why do I like it? For a starter, the performances are musical, interesting, exciting, and aesthetically appealing--and that's my first test of quality. (What good is the greatest, most refined, rendition if you find your attention wandering?) Next, I think Watson's musical instincts (and those of whoever else assisted in creating this CD) are pretty much dead-on. There isn't one track I don't like, though some are clearly my favorites.

OK, the operatic bits don't sound like Pavarotti or Domingo, whom I also love very much. So what? Who says there has to be only one way to do an aria? This music is good enough to support a variety of interpretations. (Now if I could only afford one CD, I'd have to be more demanding.)

This is music for regular people, not necessarily for the elite, and I'm enough of a musical democrat to welcome it. If Watson didn't emerge from a high-class musical background, but still found his way to this music, I say more power to him! He must have an inborn feeling for it, and enough of a voice to perform it convincingly.

We've known a few other tenors from humble musical settings who've risen to popular acclaim (e.g., Mario Lanza). They happen to hear some fine tenor singing and find they can imitate it, and not too badly. With a little encouragement they keep at it, take a few lessons, and soon they're on their way. Where they go from there depends on talent, luck, and choices. I don't know where Watson's career will go in the long run, but I like this initial CD (and the two or three following it).

One concern I felt in listening to "The Voice" was for the voice itself. It seemed to me that Watson might have been forcing it too much, in heroically belting out those high notes. From what I now read, that concern was well founded, for Mr. Watson has had to undergo throat surgery. I hope his recuperated voice will retain the excitement and charm we have grown accustomed to and will serve him (and us) for many years.

A wonderful voice.......2005-05-28

I'd just like to say that while most of the opera purist lot criticize his "untrained voice", they are completely neglecting to say that the beauty of his voice is completely NATURAl. He is a man with a naturally beautiful voice, not one worked on for dozens of years in a conservatorium. Personally, that in itself is commendable. Yes, his pronunciation is not exactly perfect, but I think that this adds to his charm - how his gift (and yes, it is a gift) to him from welding to living out his dream.

Opera purists are a dying race. Making opera accessible to other people is not a crime. I have been brought up in a house filled with music, quite a lot of opera. And I do not think that making opera more accessible is a bad thing. Bringing a more youthful image to opera is a very positive thing. We are seeing a whole generation of artists with wonderful voices, ridding opera of its middle aged image.

Bravo, Russell! You're doing a great job.

PS: Opera purist, I can assure you Russell does not spend a sleepless night on account of your whining. So I suggest you learn to deal with the new youth of opera.

Opera for the Masses.......2005-04-25

Talented Watson brings a youthful, casual elegance to opera which will appeal to opera lovers and novices alike.

Some critics are hard on him for pandering to the pop aspects of modern operatics, but I wouldn't call him a sell out at all, as he certainly has the vocal skills to back up his commercial appeal.

There will be copycats but Russell Watson is an Original!.......2005-03-04

One listen to the voice and it will offer you a true appreciation for this hybrid singer. I call him a hybrid singer because he is one of the new generation singers that have the range to sing beatiful, classical pieces as well as pop songs. Russell has the looks of a boy band star but he chose, instead, to follow his heart and bring beautiful, european music to the world's attention. While I have heard comparisons to Josh Groban let me just set the record straight. Russell Watson is the original while Josh Groban, who needs a good barber, is the copy. Russell's first album, the voice, was released in April 2001. Josh Groban's cd was released in May 2002. Both singers have worked with some of the same producers but there is no true comparison when you hear the range and beauty of Russell's voice. He truly could have been an opera singer and has performed in a few operas in europe. I wont bother to get technical about this cd. It truly is one of my favorites in an extensive mixed cd catalog that I own. What I will say is to listen to a few sample tracks and understand what so many of us in the U.S. and abroad already know: Russell Watson is King!

The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias

Average customer rating:

Great to hear the Great Tenor
A childhood memory
Great collection.

The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Match Point
Italian Songs: The Digital Recordings
Great Caruso
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli
Artists Of The Century - Caruso, The Greatest Tenor In The World

ASIN: B000003EOH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
Rigoletto: Questa o quella
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
L'africana: O paradiso
La Juive: Rachel, quand du Seigneur
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi; Celeste Aida
Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
La Favorita: Romanza: Spirto gentil, ne' sogni miei
La forza del destino: O tu che in seno agli angeli
Otello: Ora e per sempre addio
Les pecheurs de perles: Je crois entendre encore
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee (Flower Song)
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
Faust: Salut, demeure chaste et pure
L'Elisir d'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
Serse: Ombra mai fu (Largo)
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira

Amazon.com

There's a plethora of single-disc Caruso collections, but this one's the preferred choice for opera fans who treasure this golden- voiced epitome of Golden Age singing. It's a Greatest Hits collection to beat all Greatest Hits collections. Selections span Caruso's career, from the lyric effusions of 1906-7 to the darker-voiced later recordings, including one of his last records, the 1920 La Juive aria, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," which he invests with a heartbreaking poignancy that hasn't been bettered. Caruso shines brightest in the Italian repertory, capturing the pathos of Vesti la Giubba, the insouciance of the Duke's Rigoletto arias, and the hero's dilemma in Celeste Aida, among much else. But everything here is wonderful--great music, great singing. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Great to hear the Great Tenor.......2007-04-11

I am impressed how well these almost 100 year old recordings have been transfered to CD. Of course they aren't perfect but considering their age it is still a miracle. It is nice to hear Caruso in his prime and not on a scratchy vinyl. I would recommend this to any lover of Caruso's singing.

A childhood memory.......2006-05-28

I do not really know Opera. I am writing this review because I remember hearing Caruso's voice coming from a seventy- eight on an old Victor gramophone in my paternal grandparents house. The power and lyric quality of the voice struck me so strongly especially in 'Pagliacci'. The phrase has been with me, and comes back occasionally through all the years.
Caruso was then, and I believe still is considered at the very top of operatic singers. And it is a remarkable experience to hear so many years later , and in a stronger and clearer way sounds which one heard long ago in childhood, and have for years only lived in the mind.

Great collection........2000-11-04

This CD is an older RCA release, but still one of the best! A great introduction to Caruso.

Average customer rating:

Pavarotti and friends
great, but...
Verry fun and risky but it worked
I don't think so
Fantastic album...the 1st in a wonderful series

Pavarotti & Friends

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000421O
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Panis Angelicus
Miserere
Muoio Per Te
Caruso
One More Day
Ave Maria
In Liverpool
Sentinel
L'Urlo
Too Much Love Will Kill You
It's Probably Me
Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)
Les Hommes Qui Passent
La Donna E' Mobile

Customer Reviews:

Pavarotti and friends.......2003-11-14

A wonderful eclectic compilation. A bold step for Luciano that works! Very easy listening.

great, but..........2003-06-16

the neville brothers don't belong here. they have fake voices that were made by marketing people. pavarotti has a voice trained over the years with tremendous preparation and hours and hours of classical training and lessons. it's like putting gary matthews jr. on a hitting show with ted williams. a big joke. but everyone else is great.

Verry fun and risky but it worked.......2002-02-07

Pop stars with Opera singers, who would of thought. But it worls well. This CD is fun and has some wonderful proformances. Sting and Pav are very good together on Pania Angelicus. Sting is also good with Zucchero on Muoio Per TE. This CD sounds wonderful and is a must have for the fans of Pav, Sting, Kaas, May, Succhero, at all.

I don't think so.......2000-12-31

This is not what I expected. I only like "La donne mobile." My mom only liked "Caruso" and "Panis Angelicus." This is not like the second on or the one for Bosnia. Those rocked.

Fantastic album...the 1st in a wonderful series.......2000-12-14

This is the first cd in the Pavarotti and Friends series which benefits charities. The wonderful thing about them, is the mix of genres. And this one is no exception. Listen to Sting sing with Pavarotti on the beautiful 'Panis Angelicus', and 'La Donna e Mobile'. Who would have thought of pairing those two together. But it works with breathtaking magic. Just look at the list of artists on this disc and the songs performed. There really is something for every taste. From operatic songs to rock. I love this series, and highly recommend them to all music lovers.

Donizetti: Dom Sebastien, roi de Portugal

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Long overdue
Masterpiece restored!

Donizetti: Dom Sebastien, roi de Portugal

Manufacturer: Opera Rara UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mercadante: Maria Stuarda
Rossini: Adelaide di Borgogna
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Donizetti: Il diluvio universale
Matilde Di Shabran - Juan Diego Florez

ASIN: B000N6UGPU
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Customer Reviews:

Long overdue.......2007-07-24

A professional recording of this opera has been missing from the catalogue for altogether too long. Thanks be to Opera Rara for yet another noble effort! The presentation is up to the high standard that they have set for themselves, including a lavishly illustrated, multi-language libretto with a fascinating essay by Jeremy Commons.
The score ranks with Donizetti's best, naturally nearer to "La favorite" than to "Lucia." There are melodies galore and plenty of musical place settings, be it Iberia or Morocco. The complete ballet music is included. I followed the recording with the Ricordi Critical Edition of the vocal score and can testify to the performance's completeness.
Conductor Mark Elder draws an impassioned performance from the Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Of the principals, honours go to Giuseppe Filianotti in the title role for his dramatic conviction and clear, ringing tone; and to Simon Keenlyside as the beautifully sung, but menacing, villain. Alastair Miles plays the other villain equally well. As the heroine, Vesselina Kasarova offers plenty of passion in a language that sounds only vaguely like French. I understand that Carmelo Corrado Caruso was a last minute replacement who left me wondering if it was really that difficult to find someone to step in for a concert performance. His sense of pitch is so imprecise that his melodies come accross only in the orchestral accompaniment. It really is too bad as this is the only blight on this recording. However, this should not dissuade a purchase of this set, even if I have knocked off of star on his account.
This is an enjoyable and welcome addition to my opera collection.

Masterpiece restored!.......2007-06-05

It's wonderful that this opera is being performed again (allbeit not in a fully staged version yet). This was Donizetti's last work before he went mad from syphillis. It's a cross between bel canto and French grand opera. This is sung in original French and uses the edition by Mary Ann Smart.

The CD is a live recording from 2 performances that opened the ROH's 2005 season. Great sound engineering! The audience is so quiet and the voices and the orchestra are captured so well it could pass as a studio recording.

Mark Elder leads a well defined and passionate performance by the orchestra (tho occasionally too loud), and the lead singers are well sung. Giuseppe Filianoti has really gorgeously clear and noble voice as Dom Sebastien and sings beautifully (omitting the high notes for his big aria 'Seul sur la terre', however). Vesselina Kasarova is a very exotic sounding Zayda. Pretend you don't understand French when she is singing, and she will carry you off into the sands of Africa and the parapets of the spanish castle (really wonderful voice actress, but really can't sing French inteligibly either).

Simon Keenlyside is the Abayaldos to die for. So heroic and utterly convincing that the irony that he is supposedly the bad guy of the show is prominent. I want to fight for the dude when I hear him rather for the supposedly good guys. Carmelo Caruso was a late substitute as Camoens, and he sings well, though has such a prominent vibrato that everything sounds shaky. All the minor roles are well sung and the chorus is awesome.

The music is really wonderfully descriptive and moves the story forward well. I quite love the Act III funeral music (snippet of it is introduced as the overture). The dratted thing is that after Act III, the final 2 acts don't stand up quite well to what comes before it.

At any rate, this is the best recording of this opera available. Very nice packaging by Opera Rara, too. The 3 CDs set comes with a thick booklet detailing the history of the opera and the real life events it was based (loosely) on, with complete synopsis and libretto in French and translated English. Worth every penny of the retail price to me!

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