Ouvre Les Yeux [Import]

Ouvre Les Yeux [Import]

Track Listings

1. Ouvre Les Yeux
2. Pour Ma Demo
3. Entre Dans Ma Secte
4. Jungle Vibes
5. Hollywood
6. Dans le Marecage
7. Large
8. Engrenage
9. Babe
10. Nos Enfants
11. 8 Measures Pour 12 Types
12. Sous Les Cocotiers

Ouvre Les Yeux,Bambi Cruz,Olivi Records,France,Int'l & World Music,Pop


Ouvre Les Yeux [Import]

Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful Collection of Songs
  • A Legend in all.....La Callas.
  • Excellent compilation of La Divina's arias
  • Some people have no business reviewing this
  • BELLA BELLA BELLA!
Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Catalani, AlfredoCatalani, Alfredo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Charpentier, GustaveCharpentier, Gustave | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Delibes, LeoDelibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Donizetti, GaetanoDonizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Giordano, UmbertoGiordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Gluck, Christoph W.Gluck, Christoph W. | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Gounod, CharlesGounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Massenet, JulesMassenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Meyerbeer, GiacomoMeyerbeer, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Puccini, GiacomoPuccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Rossini, GioacchinoRossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Saint-Saens, CamilleSaint-Saens, Camille | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Vocal Works by VerdiVocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Callas, MariaCallas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Very Best Of Maria Callas
  2. Maria Callas - La Divina
  3. Maria Callas: The Legend
  4. Puccini: Arias
  5. The Most Famous Opera Duets

ASIN: B00000631B
Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

  1. Norma: Casta Diva (Atto I): Norma
  2. La Sonnambula: Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno (Atto I): La Sonnambula
  3. Il Barbieri Di Siviglia: Una Voce poco fa (Atto I): Il barbiere di Siviglia
  4. Lucia di Lammermoor: Regnava nel silenzio...Quando, rapito in estasi (Atto I): Lucia di Siviglia
  5. Rigoletto: Gualtier Mald...Caro Nome (Atto I): Rigoletto
  6. La Traviata: E Strano!...Ah, Fors'e lui...Sempre libera (Atto I): La traviata
  7. La Boheme: Si, Mi chiamo Mimi (Atto I): La boheme
  8. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci (Atto III) (Mimi's Farewell): La boheme
  9. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel di Vedremo (Atto II): Madama Butterfly
  10. TOSCA: Vissi D'arte (Atto II): tosca
  11. Turandot: In questa reggia (Atto II): Turandot
  12. La Wally: Ebben? ne andro lontana (Atto I): La Wally
  13. Andrea Chenier: La mamma morta (Atto III): Andrea Chenier

Tracks:

  1. Orphee et Eurydice: J'ai perdu mon Eurydice (Acte V)
  2. Alceste: Divinites du Styx (Acte I)
  3. Dinorah: Ombra leggiera (Atto II) (Shadow Song)
  4. Romeo et Juliette: Ah! Je veux vivre (Acte I) (Waltz Song)
  5. Faust: Les grand seigneurs...Ah! je ris (Acte III)
  6. Lakme: Dov'e l'indiana bruna? (Atto II) (Bell Song)
  7. Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence (Acte I)
  8. Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix (Acte II)
  9. Les Pecheurs De Perles: Me voila seule...Comme autrefois (Acte II)
  10. Carmen: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)(Acte I)
  11. Carmen: Les tringles des sistre tintaient (Acte II)
  12. Le Cid: De cet affreux combat...Pleurez mes yeux! (Acte III)
  13. Manon: Je ne suis que faiblesse...Adieu, notre petite table (Acte II)
  14. Louise: Depuis le jour (Acte III)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful Collection of Songs.......2006-07-15

I have listened samples of 5 Callas CDs before buying this one. This one has a very beautiful collection of songs on just 2 CDs. he sings with so much expression. Most the recordings are from the fifties and early sixties when her voice was very young and lovely. I'll try to get her on DVD so I can see her sing.

5 out of 5 stars A Legend in all.....La Callas........2005-04-24

I would just like to refer to an article that was published by a German Newspaper in 1959, mentioned on the Callas Edition (CED:100342)
'...her voice is of unparalleled beauty, having an inimitable, completely own timbre of sopranos and altos...a performance of superior musical quality..a phenomenon amongst contemporary singers'
' ...One of the most spectacular Verdi arias, of Elizabeth from Don Carlo, and one, In Germany tottaly unknown, terrific scene from Bellini's opera Il Pirata were enough to enchant huge numers of television viewers, who can say at her next performance: 'we have seen La Callas''(Hamburg concert 1959)
'- from the contra-alt-f to the f - thats Callas' voice range, spanning over 37 half-tones. Callas herself has drawn the range of her voice. In her concert repertoire the contra-alt-f can be found in e.g. the aria from I Vespri Siciliani. In an aria from Rossini's opera Armida she reaches the 'F'. five half-tones above the high C. Normal voices couldnt possibly even whistle this high F. Though there are other singers, whose voices contain these three octaves - Erna Sack with her coloratura soprano, the lyrical singer Ema Berger and the dramatical singer Zinka Milanov from the New York Metropolitan Opera - simple fact is that the phenomenon Meneghini-Callas lies in her fabulous vocal versatility. She is a coloratura singer, drama-player and lyrist in one person - and an exceptionally talented ac-tress at that.'
Excuse from a journalist of the German Newspaper for the Diva :

Article Title : 'I am sorry!'

'I owe Maria Callas an apology. She is a unique vocal talent, a great artist. She is a primadonna. And she has her moods. Moods for which i ask her to forgive me. Because i misunderstood them - and many others too. That much i gathered from her latest television concert. Even in the flickering of the screen this woman's nervousness and enormous effort were visible.
La Callas is a fragile, rather shy person. Her moods are fear of failure. The moloch audience expects her to always go to any lenght, show the brilliance others just dont have. She is not allowed to get weak. Decent country singers are not decapitated for a false note. La Callas, on the other hand, is the identifying mark of the extraordinary. Even the slightest hint of a mistake would cost her her uniqueness, her stardom....a perverse triumph for all bathtube singers.
That explains her inhibitation to perform when she isnt well, her cancellations when she is not in the right mood. I understand them now. If she werent moody, she wouldnt be a primadonna, would not be La Callas.
Stars like her do not fit in our world of standards and programmed data. They pay dearly for their moods, have to put up fights and, undoubtedly, shed many a tear. So one more, my apologies, Maria Callas'
(Hans im Bild)
That's all folks!:D

5 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation of La Divina's arias.......2005-03-21

This is one of the best compilations EMI has ever made for Maria Callas' arias. Each and every aria lets us listen to the best of her voice from each period of her career. An excellent collection!

Holly Mathews doesn't know how to appreciate art. Kathleen Battle and Renee Fleming themselves have admitted to the supremacy of Callas' singing over theirs, even if their voices seem more beautiful than La Divina. Why else would Callas be a legend and they wouldn't? They are equally good in their own right, but none of them would surpass the accuracy of La Divina's singing and phrasing. Holly Mathews' left side of the brain must be made of clay or foam, dead material that couldn't absorb any beauty.

5 out of 5 stars Some people have no business reviewing this.......2005-01-25

My goodness, what is a non-musical person like Holly Mathews doing in this board? Do you know what other album she has reviewed? Hayley Westenra! And she's not even an opera singer! She obviously doesn't know her business! Disgraceful review! Ignore it! It obviously was not based on good judgement. I'm sure she is a pop fan who just likes tender music. Oh, her insulting language! What an ignorant Maria basher!

Anyway, this is an excellent compilation of SOME of Maria Callas' greatest arias. Although I do wish some arias like Pace Pace Mio Dio were included here, I do think it is a very good compilation all in all. Although she has many detractors, they still have to admit that Callas is the sheer embodiment of singing and drama. She was an actress...a panther on the stage. Listen to her La Mamma Morta and her Suicidio...those brought chills to my spine when I listened to them. Maria is the only singer in the history of opera besides the great Caruso-tenor Franco Corelli who touched me, moved me even. This is probably the reason why I love Maria Callas' music so much. If you want to hear Medea's anger and Norma's anguish and Butterfly's hopeful blindness, listen to Maria Callas. If you just want a golden voice, then go to Renata Tebaldi or Joan Sutherland. And don't even compare her with Charlotte Church or Hayley Westenra! The distaste of some people!

5 out of 5 stars BELLA BELLA BELLA!.......2004-11-23

THIS WAS THE FIRST ALBUM I EVER BOUGHT FEATURING ANY OPERATIC SOPRANO. I WAS 15 AND WAS GIVEN MY VERY FIRST CLASSICAL PIECE "CARO MIO BEN" WHICH WAS NOT AN OPERA ARIA BUT DUE TOTHIS SONG I WAS SUDDENLY IN LOVE WITH OPERA. I HAD HEAR OF HER A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST BUT MY IDEA OF A GOOD SOPRANO AT THE TIME WAS SARAH BIRGHTMAN (YES I KNOW I KNOW!!!BUT I WAS YOUNG!)BUT IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO REALIZE HOW WRONG I WAS!! THIS CALLAS RECORDING HAD THE MOST PROFOUND EFFECT ON ME WHICH LED TO MY OBSESSION WITH MY OWN OPERATIC ASPIRATIONS. IT WAS STRANGE AS SHE DID NOT SOUND LIKE A FAT WOMAN SCREAMING HER HEAD OFF IN FULL BODY ARMOR. YES YES...I AND MANY MANY SAD AMERICANS HAVE THOUGH OF THIS WHEN GIVEN THE WORD OPERA. (NOW NOW, WE ALL FELT LIKE THAT AT SOME POINT) I NEVER REALIZED THAT THERE COULD BE SUCH PASSION. HER NORMA WAS IS SO BEAUTIFUL IN IT'S SIMPLICITY AND UNDERLINING STRENGTH. HER TAKE ON "COME OER ME SERENO" AND "UNA VOCE POCO FA" WERE SWEET AND APPROPRIATELY INNOCENT. HER BEL CANTO ROLES WHICH INCLUDED HER FANTASTIC LUCIA (ALTHOUGH LATER I WOULD PREFER SUTHERLAND) AND GILDA JUST THRILLED ME. I HAD NO IDEA SOMEONE COULD ACTUALLY SING THOSE PIECES! OF COURSE UP UNTIL THIS POINT I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW OPERA COULD SOUND LIKE THAT!! (SILLY ME!) I WAS SURPRISED TO REALIZED I KNEW THE ARIAS SHE SUNG FROM LA BOHEME, LA TRAVIATA, AND MADAME BUTTERFLY. THEY DIDN'T MAKE A HUGE IMPRESSION BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE FIREWORKS I WAS LOOKING FOR BUT I STILL FOUND THEM TO BE BEAUTIFUL. AFTER ALL OF THIS I LANDED ON CALLAS' TAKE OF TOSCA'S "VISSI D'ARTE". IT WAS AND HAS BEEN THE ONLY TIME I'VE BEEN SO MOVED BY A PERFORMER THAT I CRIED. IT WAS SO PURE BUT THE PAIN WAS SO EVIDENT THAT IT JUST CHILLED ME. I MUST HAVE LISTENED TO IT THOUSANDS OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND STILL HAVE YET TO HEAR A MORE STIRRING RENDITION. DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING FIRST CD I MUST ADMIT I KIND OF IGNORED THE SECOND HALF. EVENTUALLY I DID GET TO IT AND FOUND WHAT I FELT WAS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN. MY WHOLE BEING LIVED FOR LAKME'S BELL SONG. AFTER LISTENING TO HER I WAS CONVINCED THIS WOMAN WAS MAGICAL BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW SHE OR ANY HUMAN COULD SING LIKE THAT! HER SECOND DISC WAS INTERESTING BECAUSE IT WENT FROM WHITE HOT COLORATURA TO MEZZO? AAHHH BUT YES SHE WENT THERE. INTO THE INTENSITY OF SAMSON ET DELILA. I THOUGHT THEY WERE BEAUTIFUL!!! OF COURSE I KNOW PREFER MARILYN HORNE TO CALLAS ON THOSE SONGS....BUT IT SHOWED ME THAT NOT EVERY SONG HAS TO BE HIGH TO BE BEAUTIFUL. I LOVED AND STILL DUE LOVE THIS COLLECTION....IN FACT I HAVE BOUGHT IT THREE TIMES AS MINE DETERIORATED QUICKLY 'CAS I PLAYED THEM SO MUCH! AND I'VE GIVEN THIS COLLECTION TO COUNTLESS FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS IS THE BEST COLLECTION OF CALLAS' WORK AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE AND ANYONE! VIVA LA DIVA!
The Art of Joan Sutherland
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Valuable compendium
  • Rareties available on CD at last!
  • Heavenly
  • WHO ELSE CAN SING LIKE THIS TODAY?
The Art of Joan Sutherland

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by ArneAll Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Academy of Ancient MusicAcademy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Sutherland, Dame JoanSutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Joan Sutherland: BBC-Recitals 1958, 1960, 1961
  2. The Art of the Prima Donna
  3. La Stupenda ~ The Supreme Voice of Joan Sutherland
  4. Bellini - Norma / Sutherland, Tourangeau, Bonynge
  5. The Voice of the Century

ASIN: B000654OUQ
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Valuable compendium.......2007-01-24

This set is extremely valuable, not only as an overview of Dame Joans career but because it contains three complete LP sets that have been very hard to find. The sets are the 2 LP French opera (operetta) set, the Mozart album and the Wagner album. Although some of these do not show her to her best advantage (the Wagner set) they all have some very beautiful things and the French items are superb. The annotations and photos are interesting as well and there are some piano songs with Bonynge that are released here for the first time along with a scene from a live Covent Garden Norma.

5 out of 5 stars Rareties available on CD at last!.......2006-03-29

While Joan Sutherland has recorded a number of impressive aria collections throughout the many years of her recording career, they tend to get lost in the shuffle of the countless reissues Decca/London has endlessly repackaged. While some of the original collections have appeared intact on CD--"The Art of the Prima Donna," "The Age of Bel Canto," "Love Live Forever" (her operetta collection that was originally titled "The Golden Age of Operetta"), to name a few--others are currently represented in the CD catalogue by only a few selections on discs that also include excerpts from complete opera recordings or duplicates of selections from other original collections. As a result, it has been impossible to assemble a CD collection of her recordings without a LOT of duplication, and some of the most interesting collections are still unavailable (e.g. "Command Performance" and "Serate Musicale").

While this newest set does include a lot of bits of this and that, ranging from her very first LPs to excerpts from complete recordings most Sutherland fans already have and a few "live" performances, what is perhaps most significant about it is that it features the complete contents of the "Sutherland Sings Wagner" LP--a real repertoire departure for her--and the double-LP album called "French Opera Gala" (in the U.S.--the British title was "Romantic French Arias"), neither of which, to the best of my knowledge, has been available on CD before. "Opera News" magazine once ran an article in which they asked various stars to name the one album that they felt best represented their artistry for future generations, and Dame Joan selected the "French Opera Gala," so for Sutherland fans, this is a long-awaited treat.

I'm not going to waste space saying how miraculous I consider Dame Joan's artistry. If you are familiar with her work already, you know whether you adore her or not; and if you aren't, this massive set is probably not the best place to start (that would be "The Art of the Prima Donna" album that introduced her to most listeners decades ago)--especially since this newest set doesn't contain the lyrics, a must for newcomers. Let's hope Decca/London gets around to releasing the rest of her recordings intact instead of endlessly scrambling and repackaging the same selections over and over.

5 out of 5 stars Heavenly.......2006-01-31

I first heard of Dame Sutherland while on the internet while listening to a internet radio station. I was instantly a fan, her control, technique, and tone is perfectly executed and rivals the equally fantastic Maria Callas. She has a powerful voice and presence that will evoke every emotion from her listeners. Highly recommended to all Opera Diva fans.

5 out of 5 stars WHO ELSE CAN SING LIKE THIS TODAY?.......2005-04-10

This is Decca's second multi disc evaluation of this fantastic singer's long career and many recordings. True that a lot on the first set is duplicated here, but there are a few exceptions here and there that make it a worthy addition. Of particular interest are the very early items of Handel and Italian baroque arias, some forgotten song recordings and a live performance of the duet from Norma. It can't be said too many times - who can sing like this today? For sheer vocalism it's hard to find anyone on the same wavelength. This set will give very young opera goers an idea of what they missed.
Offenbach - Les Contes d'Hoffmann / Alagna, van Dam, Dessay, Vaduva, Jo, Lascarro, Dubosc, Ragon, Sénéchal, Bacquier, Lamprecht, Nagano
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not a flawless version, but one to be REALLY loved
  • The best of a mediocre-to-bad lot
  • Hoffman contines to elude the recording world
  • Excellent but not definitive
  • O Dieu, de quelle ivresse embrasse-tu mon âme?
Offenbach - Les Contes d'Hoffmann / Alagna, van Dam, Dessay, Vaduva, Jo, Lascarro, Dubosc, Ragon, Sénéchal, Bacquier, Lamprecht, Nagano
Jacques Offenbach , Roberto Alagna , Natalie Dessay , Kent Nagano , Choeur et Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Lyon , Leontina Vaduva , Sumi Jo , José van Dam , Catherine Dubosc , Gilles Ragon , Gabriel Bacquier , Doris Lamprecht , and Juanita Lascarro
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Alagna, RobertoAlagna, Roberto | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Donizetti: Lucie de Lammermoor; Natalie Dessay, Roberto Alagna
  2. Massenet - Werther / Alagna · Gheorghiu · Hampson · Petibon · Courtis · Fouchécourt · Frémeau · LSO · Pappano
  3. Rossini - Guillaume Tell / Bacquier, Caballé, Gedda, Mesplé, Kovacs, Howell, RPO, Gardelli
  4. Russian Album

ASIN: B000005E4D
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

  1. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Prelude - Kent Nagano
  2. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Act 1, Scene 1: Glou! Glou! - Kent Nagano
  3. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Couplets de la muse: La verite, dit-on, sortait d'un puits - Kent Nagano
  4. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Elle est sur la scene, un peuple l'acclame - La Muse - Kent Nagano
  5. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 2: Le conseiller Lindorf, morbleu! - Lindorf, Andres - Kent Nagano
  6. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 3: Vayons? Pour Hoffmann! - Kent Nagano
  7. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Couplets: Dans les roles d'amoureux - Kent Nagano
  8. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Deux heures devant moi - Scene 4: Vite, vite, qu'on se remue! - Lindorf, Luther - Kent Nagano
  9. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 5: Choeur des Etudiants - Drig, drig - Kent Nagano
  10. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Vrai Dieu! Mes amis - Kent Nagano
  11. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Eh! Luther! Ma grosse tonne - Lindorf, Luther, Nathanael, Hermann, Wolfram, Wilhelm - Kent Nagano
  12. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 6: Bonjour, amis! - Kent Nagano
  13. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Couplets and Andante: Va pour Kleinzach! - Kent Nagano
  14. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Peuh! Cette biere est detestable! - Kent Nagano
  15. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Duo: Et par ou votre Diablerie - Kent Nagano
  16. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Simple echange de politesse - Kent Nagano
  17. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Je vous dis, moi - Kent Nagano
  18. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Ma maitresse? - Kent Nagano
  19. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Final: Messieurs, on va lever le rideau! - Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Lindorf, Luther, Nathanael, Hermann, Wolfram, Wilhelm - Kent Nagano
  20. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Act 2: Entracte - Kent Nagano
  21. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 1: La! Dors en paix - Spalanzani - Scene 2: Ah! Bonjour! Enchacte! - Spalanzani, Hoffmann - Scene 3: Fais allumer partout! - Spalanzani, Cochenille - Kent Nagano
  22. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 4: Allons! Courage et confiance! - Kent Nagano
  23. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Pardieu! J'etais bien sur - Kent Nagano
  24. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Couplets: Une poupee aux yeux d'email - Nicklausse, Hoffmann - Kent Nagano
  25. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 5: C'est moi, Coppelius! - Kent Nagano
  26. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Je me nomme Coppelius - Kent Nagano
  27. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: J'ai deux jeux, de beaux yeux - Kent Nagano
  28. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Serviteur - Kent Nagano
  29. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Ah! Ange du ciel, est-ce bien toi? - Nicklausse, Hoffmann, Coppelius - Kent Nagano
  30. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 6: Hein! Vous! - Hoffmann, Coppelius, Spalanzani - Kent Nagano
  31. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 7: Choeur des Invites: Non aucun hote vraiment - Kent Nagano
  32. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Vous serez satisfaits, messieurs - Hoffmann, Spalanzani, Nicklausse - Kent Nagano
  33. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 8: Mesdames et Messieurs - Kent Nagano
  34. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Mesdames et Meisseurs, fiere de vos bravos - Kent Nagano
  35. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Air: Les oiseaux dans la charmille - Kent Nagano
  36. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Ah! Mon ami! Quel accent! - Hoffmann, Spalanzani, Nicklausse, Olympia, Cochenille - Kent Nagano
  37. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 9: Ils se sont eloignes! Enfin! - Kent Nagano
  38. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Ah! Vivre deux! - Kent Nagano
  39. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Tu me fuis? - Hoffmann, Olympia - Scene 10: Eh! morbleu! modere ton zele! - Hoffmann, Nicklausse - Kent Nagano
  40. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 11: Voleur! Brigand! Quelle deroute! - Coppelius - Kent Nagano
  41. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Scene 12: En place les danseurs - Kent Nagano
  42. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Voila! Assez, assez, ma fille - Kent Nagano
  43. Les Contes D' Hoffmann: Ah! Quoi? L'homme aux lunettes, la! - Spalanzani, Cochenille, Hoffmann, Olympia, Nicklausse, Coppelius - Kent Nagano

Tracks:

  1. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Act 3: Entracte - Jacques Offenbach
  2. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 1: Elle a fui, la tourterelle - Antonia - Jacques Offenbach
  3. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 2: Malheureuse enfant! - Crespel, Antonia - Scene 3: Desespoir! Tout a l'heure, encore! - Crespel - Scene 4: Frantz! n'ouvre a personne! - Crespel, Frantz - Jacques Offenbach
  4. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 5: Jour et nuit je me mets en quatre - Frantz - Jacques Offenbach
  5. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 6: Frantz, c'est ici! - Hoffmann, Frantz - Jacques Offenbach
  6. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 7: Enfin je vais savoir pourquoi - Jacques Offenbach
  7. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Romance: Vois sous l'archet fremissant - Jacques Offenbach
  8. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: C'est une chanson d'amour - Hoffmann, Antonia, Nicklausse - Jacques Offenbach
  9. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 8: Ah! Je le savais bien - Jacques Offenbach
  10. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ah! J'ai le bonheur dans l'ame - Jacques Offenbach
  11. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Pourtant, o ma fiancee - Jacques Offenbach
  12. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Viens la comme autrefois - Jacques Offenbach
  13. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Qu'as-tu donc? - Antonia, Hoffmann - Scene 9: Rien! J'ai cru qu'Hoffmann etait ici! - Hoffmann, Crespel, Frantz, Miracle - Jacques Offenbach
  14. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 10: Pour conjurer la danger - Jacques Offenbach
  15. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Allons, parle! et sois bref! - Jacques Offenbach
  16. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: J'ai la certains flacons - Miracle, Crespel, Hoffmann, Antonia - Jacques Offenbach
  17. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 11: Ne plus chanter - Hoffmann, Antonia - Jacques Offenbach
  18. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 12: Tu ne chanteras plus? - Jacques Offenbach
  19. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ah! Quelle est cette voix? - Jacques Offenbach
  20. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ta mere, oses-tu l'interroger? - Jacques Offenbach
  21. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Non! Assez! - Jacques Offenbach
  22. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ja cede au transport qui m'enivre! - Miracle, Antonia, La Voix - Jacques Offenbach
  23. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 13: Mon enfant, ma fille! - Crespel, Antonia, Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Miracle - Jacques Offenbach

Tracks:

  1. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Act IV: Entracte - Jacques Offenbach
  2. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 1: Messieurs, silence! - Jacques Offenbach
  3. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Recit et Chant bachique: Et moi, ce n'est pas la - Jacques Offenbach
  4. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Amis, l'amour tendre et reveur - Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Giulietta - Jacques Offenbach
  5. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 2: Je vois qu'on est en fete! - Schlemil, Giulietta, Pitchinaccio, Hoffmann - Scene 3: Au premier reve je t'enleve - Nicklausse, Hoffmann - Jacques Offenbach
  6. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 4: Tourne, tourne, miroir - Dapertutto - Jacques Offenbach
  7. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 5: Cher ange! - Dapertutto, Giulietta - Jacques Offenbach
  8. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 6: Melodrame: Vivat! J'ai tout gagne! - Giulietta, Schlemil, Dapertutto - Jacques Offenbach
  9. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 7: Giulietta, palsembleu! - Jacques Offenbach
  10. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Air de Giulietta: Vous ne jouez pas? - Jacques Offenbach
  11. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Que dit-elle? - Jacques Offenbach
  12. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Giulietta, je vous jure! - Jacques Offenbach
  13. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Oui, fut-ce au prix de ma vie - Jacques Offenbach
  14. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Sextuor and Choeur: Helas! Je vais encore la suivre - Jacques Offenbach
  15. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Morbleu! - Jacques Offenbach
  16. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Il a ma cle - Jacques Offenbach
  17. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 1: Ton ami dit vrai! - Jacques Offenbach
  18. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Romance: O Dieu, de quelle ivresse - Jacques Offenbach
  19. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Jusque-la, cependant - Jacques Offenbach
  20. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Si ta presence m'est ravie - Jacques Offenbach
  21. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ah! Tu m'as defiee - Giulietta, Hoffmann, Dapertutto, Pitchinaccio - Jacques Offenbach
  22. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 2: Alerte, Hoffmann! - Jacques Offenbach
  23. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Voyez! Il n'a plus le moindre reflet! - Jacques Offenbach
  24. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Je n'aime pas qu'on me defie! - Jacques Offenbach
  25. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ainsi, tu mentais! - Nicklausse, Hoffmann, Dapertutto, Pitchinaccio, Giulietta - Jacques Offenbach
  26. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Act V: Entracte - Jacques Offenbach
  27. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 1: Choeur: Folie! Oublie tes douleurs - Jacques Offenbach
  28. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Voila quelle fut l'histoire - Jacques Offenbach
  29. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Choeur des Esprits et des Etudiants: Glou! Glou! - Hoffmann, Luther, Lindorf, Nathanael, Nicklausse - Jacques Offenbach
  30. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Scene 2: Stella, Stella! - Jacques Offenbach
  31. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Couplet: Pour le coeur de Phrygne - Jacques Offenbach
  32. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Denouement: Hola! Quelqu'un de fort pour emporter Hoffmann! - Jacques Offenbach
  33. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Ingrat! Et moi? - Jacques Offenbach
  34. Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Adieu! Je t'abandonne - Andres, Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Stella, La Muse, Lindorf - Jacques Offenbach

Amazon.com

Of all the revisionist Hoffmanns, this one is the best, using the latest (and one trusts) last version of Michael Kaye's edition, based on sketches recently discovered for the unfinished opera. Most of the changes are in the Giulietta act; it now tracks better dramatically, and unlike some restoration attempts, its length is sensible. In the title role, Roberto Alagna is full of imaginative touches of characterization, singing the famous Kleinzach song with an intentional vocal roughness in a worthy effort to convey the Hoffmann's debauched state. As the mechanical doll Olympia, Natalie Dessay proves she's not only a phenomenal singer but a great comedienne. Kent Nagano deploys his Lyon Opera forces with great stylistic authority. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Not a flawless version, but one to be REALLY loved.......2006-05-09

This is a recording with significant highs and lows. But in overall it is an excellent account of this wonderfully tuneful and beloved opera.
First, about the edition. The Kaye edition restores a lot of music including recitatives written by Offenbach and a number of musical numbers. It also goes for the Guiraud recitatives which some versions totally omit and replace by the dialogues which Offenbach likely might have intended. Compared to, say, the historical Sutherland/Domingo/Bonynge version, this version is significantly longer and more substantial, musically speaking. With more than 30 minutes of music compared to the Bonynge edition, it is understandable why the Kaye version needs up to 3 CDs to bear the substantial amount of music.
While fans of Contes d'Hoffmann would likely be grateful at the ressurrection of so much musical material, I personally find this version sometimes just too painfully long. The Guiraud recitatives sometimes simply are bland and cause the opera to just drag along. Yes, Guiraud obviously has a lot of skills and bright ideas in these recitatives, mostly shown by the quoting of music by Offenbach in these recitatives to give the opera a better sense of unison. But compared to the simpler recitatives that Offenbach himself wrote, the Guiraud sometimes just seems aloof. Unless you really have a lot of time, you might want to stick to the more important musical numbers. Also, the new ending, with Hoffmann facing the Muse in the apotheose is a wonderful ensemble, with sounds from the church organ that gives the scene its necessary "holy" feel.
Now to the singers. Alagna has a masculine voice and is dramatically very effective. He also has a perfect French diction-crisp, idiomatic and a real joy to listen to. His instrument naturally is not very beautiful; and I personally find his Hoffmann a bit beefy and hysterical; but his good understanding of the role still helps him come across as a better Hoffmann. The best Hoffmann is in my opinion either Domingo or Schicoff.
The ladies are provided with quite a luxury cast. Natalie Dessay's Olympia is perhaps second only to Sutherland and Sills. To everyone who honors La Stupenda's E flats, listen: Dessay presents the role of the mechanical doll with FOUR Gs, yes 4 full-voiced, stunning, jaw-dropping Gs!!! Musically speaking, Dessay is not as comedic as Sutherland; her tone is a little thin and nasal but her coloratura and lovely portrayal of the role is simply untterly convincing.
Vaduva's Antonia is excellent: excellent diction, girly tone and very successfully portrays the youngsinger's vulnerability and sensibility. She however lacks power in the trio and that C sharp falls flat. Her "Elle a fui la tourterelle" is however wonderfully touching and moving. The best Antonia, in my opinion, is Victoria de Los Angeles. To one of the reviewers here, Vaduva is not a Slavic singer. She is a French singer of Romanian origin. A totally Latin singer!
Sumi Jo portrays a very convincing Giulietta with very believable spinto qualities, which she provides effectively with chaning in tone. The rediscovered coloratura, with a couple of E flats and spellbinding runs, well, brings the wonderful Korean coloratura soprano to her prime best. Her French is surprisingly idiomatic.
Lascarro's got a small role as Stella. I personally don't like her tone; but she is good enough in the beautiful apotheose ensemble.
Jose Van Dam's quartet villain almost matches Bacquier's famous portrayal. His voice is not as dark or evil-sounding as Bacquier's but still gives a top-notch interpretation. His doctor Miracle might have been the best on record if he took some of those melodramatic laughs in the Trio. His reluctance, combined with Vaduva's small voice, creates a flat Trio. This being said, the French bass's quartet of villains stills ranks among the undisputed best. My favorite villain quartet, Gabriel Bacquier has a cameo role here as Crespel, which he does a great job.
Gilles Ragon's a good tenor and his stuttering in the portrayal of Cochenille is very convincing. I however find him a bit too serious and heavy for these tenore buffo roles. The same can be said for Senechal's Spalanzani. Compared to Charon's Spalanzani on the Bonynge recording, he is very unfunny. The "brigand! Bandit!" quarrel after the destruction of the doll is bland and lifeless.
Catherine's Dubosc has a lovely voice and does great job as Nicklausse. There is nothing to criticize about her singing qualities. My only objection is that the casting of this trouser role for a soprano harms the overall balance of the opera: 5 soprano roles and 1 mezzo role (the voice of the mother): this is not a good balance. The Barcarolle duet, in particular, suffers from both a misbalance and a ridiculous fast tempo.
Kent Nagano's conducting does not have the solid tempos of Bonynge and sometimes overwhelms the singers: most notably in that C sharp of the Trio. But he has really interesting ideas and provides invaluable support.
With the exception of a bland Spalanzani, some strange tempos and the unusual length of the edition, this is a very good Hoffmann. Together with the Bonynge version, this is another very good all-around recording. The set is a tad expensive, but given the substantial amount of music and a very informative booklet, this is a recording to really consider. It will provide a lot of listening pleasures. You will not be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars The best of a mediocre-to-bad lot.......2003-10-30

I have heard six recordings of "Hoffmann," an opera that is particularly dear to me for sentimental reasons. None of them are perfect, all have flaws, but on balance this is the best of the lot.

Now that musicologists have finished playing with the Mahler 10th Symphony (which ended rather well) and the Beethoven 10th (which ended rather badly), they have been taking a whack at "Hoffmann," rushing to revise music the composer never sanctioned and adding music found in buckets and boxes long after his death. My personal feeling was, if it ain't broke, don't fix it: you're not Offenbach, and to speak for him requires a tremendous amount of chutzpah. And a lot of the revisions, to my ear, simply do not work well, such as turning Giulietta into a coloratura soprano, spinning out an aria that ends much like Olympia's doll song as on this recording.

I'm also not fond of switching the Antonia and Giulietta acts from their traditional positions for both dramatic and musical reasons. To begin with, having the "tales" end with Antonia gives Hoffmann's character a certain sense of redemption that simply isn't there the other way. Also, the Giulietta act is musically the weakest: as primiarily an operetta composer, Offenbach simply had a hard time creating music for this act which is darker and more tensely dramatic than anything else in the work. The superp trio that climaxes the Antonia act, on the other hand, is one of the most brilliant and transcendent things he wrote.

That being said, there is much to admire in this set. Kent Nagano conducts briskly, which is his wont, thereby tying together the music in a cohesive and satisfying way where others (particularly Cluytens and Cambreling) sound slow and rambling. On the other hand, his chorus of the spirits, though light and brisk, just misses the rapt, enchanting sound achieved by Bonynge; and though it was probably Offenbach's intent to have only a few strings play the violin motif in the Antonia trio, they sound too thin, not sweeping or driven enough, for the dramatic situation. Nagano also conducts the famed "Barcarolle" at a shade-too-fast tempo, thus robbing the music of its mysterious charm (even Arthur Fiedler made a better recording of the instrumental version). These moments point to a lack of "theatricality" in Nagano's conducting style that Bonynge, Rudel and even Beecham managed to capture.

Alagna is not as suavely beautiful or haunting in the role as Robert Rounseville or Stuart Burrows were. This is something of an abrupt, nervous reading, though if one knows something about E.T.A. Hoffmann and his tales it is perfectly in keeping with his character. (I have yet, however, to see ANY tenor perform the role made up to LOOK like Hoffmann, a scrawny little man with a square jaw, popping eyes and a shock of unruly, frizzy hair. I guess no tenor really wants to look like that!)

This is unquestionably the finest performance Dessay has ever recorded: her voice is brilliant, in focus, on pitch and wonderfully secure. Only Bond in the Beecham performance and Sutherland come close, though I personally feel that Sutherland was funnier in the role. She had a real flair for comedy, whereas she did not possess enough personal warmth for Antonia or Giulietta.

The Sutherland recording also had the best "villains" in Gabriel Bacquier in his prime, but to my ears Van Dam is an excellent second. (Treigle, in the Sills set, was good but not great, his somewhat gruff voice rather overwhelimg the roles with too much histrionics.)

Vaduva has a pretty tone but your typical "Slavic wobble," more noticeable in the early and late parts of her act. For some reason, the voice is better focused in the middle sections, but she does not efface memories of de los Angeles who was the best Antonia ever.

Jo is surprisingly good as Giulietta: though her voice is even smaller than Dessay's, it had a fuller lyric sound in the mid-range which captured well on records. (I have beel told that her "live" career is just about over on stage as the voice is too small to carry in most modern theaters.) I liked Margherita Grandi in the old Beecham film, but a chesty, spinto Giulietta is apparently persona non grata in the new Michael Kaye edition of the work.

Dubosc is a good Nicklausse, though I preferred Tourangeau and the singer (I forget her name) from the Beecham film. Bacquier, with far less voice, is still predictably good as Crespel; the timeless Senechal is a classic Spalanzani; Ragon is an excellent Cochenille, not so memorable as Franz. (I miss Andrea Velis, the old Met comp, who was brilliant in these roles but was never recorded in them.) The other small roles range from excellent (Tezier as Schlemil) to poor (Juanita Lascarre as Stella).

An ideal modern "Hoffmann" would have Elisabeth Vidal as Olympia, Hong as Antonia, Fleming as Giulietta, Alvarez as Hoffmann, Rene Pape as the three villains, and someone like Pappano or Plasson conducting.....but we can dream all we want. The era of complete opera recordings, according to many inside sources, is over as we know it--even the Bobby & Angela act is being shelved--so we must pick from what we have, and this is simply the finest over all "Hoffmann" on record, with Bonynge's being a good second choice, though I do not like Domingo's hard-voiced, beefy Hoffmann.

4 out of 5 stars Hoffman contines to elude the recording world.......2001-10-03

This is a very good Hoffman, with the new edition of the score and a lot more music than in earlier editions. There is MUCH here to be admired and enjoyed as there is in the classic Domingo/Sutherland recording.

I prefer Domingo's more passionate Hoffman to Alagna's workmanlike effort, which is still quite fine.

On the other hand, having different female vocalists, as this recording does is preferable to my ear than having the same throughout as the Domingo/Sutherland recording does. The three female leads here range from good (Dessay) to excellent (Jo). Having heard Sumi Jo sing Olympia on record and in person, I find it hard to enjoy Dessay's quite as much. Jo is here as Antonia however.

No single recording of Hoffman is clearly preferable and listening to each is recommended. In the meanwhile, there is still an opening here for a more fully satisying Hoffman.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent but not definitive.......2001-04-20

This recording has given me many hours of listening pleasure. Pretty much every artist featured in it gives an excellent performance, and the greatness of Offenbach's opera is conveyed more fully than can be done by other performances that contain less of what he composed for "Hoffmann" before his untimely death. However, the recording has several specific faults that result in my giving it only 4 stars, even though it is among my favorite operatic recordings.

First, the good points. Listening to this recording one definitely thinks of the opera's characters rather than the artists portraying them.... I find Alagna's voice quite beautiful on this recording and feel that he portrays the character of Hoffmann with spectacular success....

Van Dam is one of the recording's great assets as the villains. The three main heroines are each memorable(.).......(Jo's) interpretation of Giulietta's long-lost coloratura aria is spectacular and features a spine-chilling moment in her climactic cadenza ...she sings a rising series of notes almost identical to one sung by Dessay as Olympia in Act II, emphasizing the connection of the heroines. ...Lascarro does a very good job in the small role of Stella (....Dubosc is excellent as the Muse and Nicklausse, giving a truly memorable performance of nearly the entire role. Unfortunately, Nicklausse's Antonia-act aria, arguably the artistic and emotional heart of the entire opera ...,seems somehow disappointing on this recording. Dubosc's voice does not cut through the orchestra as it should when she sings in her lower register, and as a result the aria fails to have the cathartic impact on me that it has when I have heard it in Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. .... Ragon gives an excellent, highly memorable performance in the four "grotesque" roles.

Now I may turn to the disappointing features of this recording. ....(T)his recording contains no extra-musical sound effects whatsoever. To a certain extent this is a valid approach to recording an opera. The problem is that "Hoffmann" contains an unusually high number of passages which were composed with the extra-musical sounds that would be heard from the stage in mind and which lack some of their intended impact without sound effects. The effectiveness of the students' drinking song is reduced when we don't hear them banging their glasses together and on the tables, and without the winding-up sound the pauses in Olympia's song when she runs down make less sense. We also should hear Coppelius smashing Olympia, Hoffmann and Schlemil moving around heavily as they duel, the death-gasp of another character who dies in the new ending of the Giulietta act (I won't spoil the unfamiliar twists of plot here), and various other sound effects which would add to the drama of the story. Moreover, Van Dam's villains never laugh except when their laughter is notated in the score, even though the libretto specifies some additional evil laughs, notably the one as Dr. Miracle disappears and Antonia falls dying at the end of the trio for Miracle, Antonia and the voice of Antonia's mother.

One of the main problems with the recording is that Van Dam, Ragon and Dubosc are the only performers to play multiple roles. Not only are the heroines played by four different sopranos, but none of the artists who play Luther and the students reappear in other roles in the acts devoted to Hoffmann's three stories. All of this goes against what are presumed to be Offenbach's wishes for his opera, despite the fact that this is a recording of Kaye's critical edition (in its "grand opera" version). Moreover, this recording was, unfortunately, made before Offenbach's own finished finale for the Giulietta act, written very shortly before his death, became available for inclusion in Kaye's edition. ....

Finally, it seems bizarre that the aria "Scintille, diamant," which has been one of the most popular numbers in the opera for a long time, is not included on this recording. ....

Despite these flaws, this recording is recommended. It is extremely enjoyable and represents the totality of Offenbach's intentions for "Hoffmann" more fully than any other recording currently available. One hopes that a new recording of Kaye's edition, with the definitive ending for the Giulietta act and with a single soprano playing all four heroines, will be made in the not-too-distant future.

5 out of 5 stars O Dieu, de quelle ivresse embrasse-tu mon âme?.......1999-11-21

Comme un concert divin ta voix m'a pénétré!....

This recording is undoubtedly one of the two benchmark recordings of this opera, the other one being the classic Sutherland/Domingo/Bonynge set. It is the most complete set with the "newly-discovered" Giuletta ending, and even includes the terrific but apocryphal sextet that is missing in the Bonynge recording. Alagna is the true star here, reflecting the spirit of Hoffmann throughout the opera, and singing in a very ideomatic French (unlike Domingo). The four heroines are marvellous, even though I prefer a single soprano singing all the four roles. Van Dam is great as the four villians, but he could have been more sinister in the trio in the Antonia act. Nagano is fine, but has some problems with the tempi at times.
The Most Relaxing Opera Album in the World...Ever!
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    The Most Relaxing Opera Album in the World...Ever!

    Manufacturer: Angel Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Paris Symphony OrchestraParis Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CzechCzech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    1. The Most Relaxing Chamber Music Album in the World ... Ever!
    2. The Most Relaxing Flute Album in the World...Ever!
    3. The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
    4. The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever
    5. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

    ASIN: B000AXWGWM
    Release Date: 2005-10-04

    Tracks:

    1. La Traviata - Prelude, Act I - Giuseppe Verdi
    2. Falstaff - Sul fil dun soffio etesio (Nanettas Aria) - Giuseppe Verdi
    3. Andrea Cher - O pastorelle, addio - Umberto Giordano
    4. Manon - En fermant les yeux - Jules Massenet
    5. Les Peurs de Perles - Zurga, quant tous deux Au fond du temple saint - Georges Bizet
    6. Adriana Lecouvreur - Ecco! Respiro appena Io son lumile ancella - Francesco Cilea
    7. Cosan tutte - Soave sia il vento - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    8. La Boh - Smi chiamano Mim Giacomo Puccini
    9. Don Giovanni - Dalla sua pace - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    10. Tannher - Wie TodesahnungO du mein holder Abendstern - Richard Wagner
    11. Guilliaume Tell - Quel jour serein le ciel prge - Gioachino Rossini
    12. Orfeo ed Euridice - Che farnza Euridice? - Christoph Willibald Gluck
    13. Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo - Pietro Mascagni
    14. Norma - Casta Diva Vincenzo Bellini
    15. Lelisir damore - Una furtiva lagrima - Gaetano Donizetti
    16. Turandot - Signore, ascolta - Giacomo Puccini
    17. Don Giovanni - Deh, vieni alla finestra - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    18. Lakm Viens, MallikaDis (Flower Duet) - Leo Delibes

    Tracks:

    1. Introduction to Khovanshchina - Modest Mussorgsky
    2. Rusalka - Song to the Moon - AntonDvorak
    3. Porgy and Bess - Summertime - George Gershwin
    4. Les Contes dHoffmann - Belle nuit, it damour (Barcarolle)
    5. Xerxes - Ombra, mai fu - George Frideric Handel
    6. Le Nozze di Figaro - Porgi amor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    7. Gianni Schicchi - O mio babbino caro - Giacomo Puccini
    8. La Traviata - Di Provenza il mar - Giuseppe Verdi
    9. Nabucco - Va, pensiero - Giuseppe Verdi
    10. Le Nozze di Figaro - Voi che sapete - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    11. Die Zauberfl- Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd sch Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    12. Orfeo ed Euridice - Dance of the Blessed Spirits - Christoph Willibald Gluck
    13. Don Giovanni - Il mio tesoro - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    14. Samson et Dalila - Mon cur souvre a voix - Camille Saint-Sa
    15. La Wally - Ebben?Ne andrntana - Alfredo Catalani
    16. Les Peurs de Perles - Je crois entendre encore - Georges Bizet
    17. Le Nozze di Figaro - Deh vieni, non tardar Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    18. Madama Butterfly - Humming Chorus - Giacomo Puccini
    Favorite French Excerpts
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Favorite French Excerpts

      Manufacturer: Opera D'oro
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by ThomasAll Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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      RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0000A1HO1
      Release Date: 2003-07-01

      Tracks:

      1. Pres Des Remparts De Seville (Seguidille) - Rosa Ponselle
      2. Les Tringles Des Sistres Tintaient - Emmy Destinn
      3. Votre Toast (Toreador Song) - Lawrence Tibbett
      4. La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee (Flower Song) - Enrico Caruso
      5. Je Dis Que Rien Me N'Epouvante - Claudia Muzio
      6. Rachel, Quand Du Seigneur - Enrico Caruso
      7. Depuis Le Jour - Grace Moore
      8. Vainement, Ma Bien Aimee (Aubade) - Edmond Clement
      9. Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue (Bell Song) - Lily Pons
      10. O Casto Fior (O Chaste Fleur) - Riccardo Stacciari
      11. Egli E Bel (Il Est Doux, Il Est Bon) - Claudia Muzio
      12. Instant Charmant...En Fermant Les Yeux - Jussi Bjorling
      13. Ah! Dispar Vision (Ah! Fuyez, Douce Image) - Tito Schipa
      14. Je Viens Celebrer La Victoire - Louise Homer
      15. Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix - Wanda Werminska
      16. A Vos Jeux, Mes Amis (Mad Scene) - Nellie Melba
      17. Mi Par D'Udir Ancora (Je Crois Entendre Encore) - John McCormack
      18. Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Marcel Journet

      Tracks:

      1. Ah! Leve-Toi, Soleil - Jussi Bjorling
      2. Je Veux Vivre Dans Ce Reve (Juliet's Waltz Song) - Amelita Galli-Curci
      3. Que Fais-Tu Blanche Tourtourelle? - Elisaveta Petrenko
      4. Valse Infernale - Juste Nivette
      5. O Paradiso (O Paradis) - Beniamino Gigli
      6. Piff! Paff! - Paul Aumonier
      7. Au Mont Ida - Jussi Bjorling
      8. Legend Of Kleinzach - Richard Tauber
      9. Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille (Doll's Song) - Lily Pons
      10. Ah! Non Credevi Tu (Elle Ne Croyait Pas) - Giuseppe Di Stefano
      11. Je Suis Titania - Lily Pons
      12. Addio Mignon (Adieu, Mignon) - Ferruccio Tagliavini
      13. Pourquoi Me Reveiller - Giovanni Martinelli
      14. Ah! Tout Es Bien Fini...O Souverain - Enrico Caruso
      15. O Sainte Medaille...Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux - Lawrence Tibbett
      16. Le Veau D'Or - Pol Plancon
      17. Salut! Demeure Chaste Et Pure - Jussi Bjorling
      18. Ah! Je Ris De Me Voir (Jewel Song) - Nellie Melba
      19. Vous Qui Faites L'Endormie - Feodor Chaliapin
      20. All'Erta, All'Erta - Gina Cigna
      21. Sous Les Pieds - Ezio Pinza
      Callas à Paris
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Callas à Paris

        Manufacturer: Capitol
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by BerliozAll Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by GluckAll Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by ThomasAll Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000002RPO
        Release Date: 1990-10-25
        Serenata (French & Italian Romantic Songs)
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Wonderful recital!
        Serenata (French & Italian Romantic Songs)

        Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by LeoncavalloAll Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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        General ContemporaryGeneral Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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        1. Ponselle, Vol. 2

        ASIN: B000005EE1
        Release Date: 1995-09-05

        Tracks:

        1. Le Soir
        2. Quanti mai
        3. Au Printemps
        4. La tau stella
        5. Pena d'Amore
        6. Risveglio
        7. Serenata
        8. Elegie
        9. Ouvre tes yeux bleus
        10. Chanson d' Avril
        11. Ser
        12. Absence
        13. Notte di Neve
        14. Notti d' Agosto
        15. Ser Napolitaine
        16. Ser Francaise
        17. Declaration
        18. La Chanson des Yeux
        19. Lasciati Amar
        20. 'A Vucchella
        21. L' ultima Canzone
        22. Intima
        23. Musica Proibita

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Wonderful recital!.......2000-08-29

        I remember, back in 1995, when Jose Carreras gave a recital for his Lukemia Foundation in Mexico City i did everything in my hands to see him, and i did. He is such a master of the recital. He knows how to select a program that will keep the audience at the edge of its seat for two hours. His singing is gorgeous, and he has a great stage presence. This recording at the Musikverein is wonderful. It made me live the performance in Mexico again. The Musicverein is the right place for a recital like this, and Jose just knew it. The emotion that he communicates is unbelievable. Truely a wonderful performance, a great program, and a great concert hall, nothing can top this.
        Vinson Cole - In Love with Love ~ Love Songs by Massenet, Bizet, Hahn
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Ideal Voice
        • Ideal Voice
        Vinson Cole - In Love with Love ~ Love Songs by Massenet, Bizet, Hahn
        Reynaldo Hahn , Jules Massenet , Georges Bizet , Jan Zach , Vinson Cole , and Patrick Stephens
        Manufacturer: Delos Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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        Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B0000006YG
        Release Date: 1994-05-03

        Tracks:

        1. Le rossignol des lilas
        2. J'aime l'amour!
        3. A Chloris
        4. Ouvre tes yeux bleus
        5. Chanson d'avril
        6. Si mes vers avaient des ailes
        7. L'Heure exquise
        8. Elegie
        9. Berceuse
        10. Sonnet
        11. Cantique
        12. Nuit d'espagne
        13. D'Une prison
        14. Stances
        15. Absence
        16. Vous aimerez demain
        17. Infidelite
        18. La chanson du fou
        19. Paysage
        20. Le souvenir d'avoir chante

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Ideal Voice.......2000-08-07

        Of all the many recordings of French Art Songs, Mr. Coles' has a special claim on the listener. He melds tenderness and urgency with delicacy. In short, Mr. Coles captures the elixir of this very special musical form. Further, the selections from Hahn, "L'Heure exquise," "D'Une prison," Bizet, "Absence" and Massenet, "Berceuse," et. al. are excellent.

        5 out of 5 stars Ideal Voice.......2000-08-07

        Of all the many recordings of French Art Songs, Mr. Coles' has a special claim on the listener. He melds tenderness and urgency with delicacy. In short, Mr. Coles captures the elixir of this very special musical form. Further, the selections from Hahn, "L'Heure exquise," "D'Une prison," Bizet, "Absence" and Massenet, "Berceuse," et. al. are excellent.
        Was It A Dream
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Was It A Dream

          Manufacturer: Brana Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by SibeliusAll Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B0001LQJU8
          Release Date: 2004-03-05

          Tracks:

          1. Jean Sibelius - Schilfrohr Sle
          2. Jean Sibelius - Schwarze Rosen
          3. Jean Sibelius - Mhen kam vom Stelldichein
          4. Jean Sibelius - Ai-je r?
          5. Jean Sibelius - Der Diamant auf dem Mschnee
          6. Jules Massenet - Oh! Si les fleurs avaient des yeux
          7. Jules Massenet Ouvre tes yeux bleus
          8. Jules Massenet - Heure ve?
          9. Jules Massenet - Plus vite
          10. Jules Massenet - Voix Supr
          11. Henri Duparc - Au pays ofait la guerre
          12. Henri Duparc - Romance de Mignon
          13. Henri Duparc - Chanson triste
          14. Gabriel Faur Au bord de leau
          15. Pablo Luna - De Espana vengo
          16. Pablo Sorozl - Noche hermosa
          17. Sebastide Yradier - La Paloma
          18. LDelibes - Avril
          19. Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky - Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt
          20. Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky - Inmitten des balles
          21. Marguarite Monnot - Hymme a lamour
          22. Dino Olivieri - Jattendrai
          23. Louis Gugliemi - La vie en rose

          Album Description

          Although these composers didn't quite reach the heights of Robert Schumann or Franz Schubert, there is certainly no lack of beauty in the songs found here. Composers such as Sibelius and Tchaikovsky are more often than not, recognised as masters of larger scale works. This collection of songs exposes their smaller masterpieces while at the same time demonstrates the art of the French masters; Fauré, and Duparc. A touch of spice is added by the exotic Zarzuela composers Pablo Luna, Sorozobál, Yradier as well as two songs written by Edith Piaf.
          The Incomparable Callas (Favourite Arias)
          Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
          • A fabulous compilation of the divine one!
          • poor sound, bad singing
          • Summit of expressing human instinct
          The Incomparable Callas (Favourite Arias)

          Manufacturer: Capitol
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Bellini, VincenzoBellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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          All Works by GluckAll Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by GounodAll Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by ThomasAll Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000002S16
          Release Date: 1990-05-07

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars A fabulous compilation of the divine one!.......2004-01-14

          AMAZON, please re-release this gem! It's simply fantastic!

          1 out of 5 stars poor sound, bad singing.......2003-05-26

          Poor sound, bad singing. Stay away from this one.

          5 out of 5 stars Summit of expressing human instinct.......1999-06-19

          No more words to follow. She is the center of my universe already. Only with this album, she contributed to pushing this world of human being into divinity.

          Rap Music:

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          2. Power in Numbers [Explicit Lyrics]
          3. Primetime [CD-single]
          4. Product of the Streets [Explicit Lyrics]
          5. Pure Groove
          6. Rappin' Black in a White World [Explicit Lyrics] [Import]
          7. Regulate...G Funk Era [Clean]
          8. Scream [CD-single] [Explicit Lyrics]
          9. Set The Record Straight
          10. Shaheedullah and Stereotypes

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