Octavio

About the Artist
Octavio was Born on October 21st, 1977 in the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. He lived there until he was 13 years old and then his family moved to Lynn, Massachusetts in the U.S. Inspired by his parents, his father Manuel Patxot is an ex- musician of Javier Cugatts from the 1960’s, Octavio began writing and singing at a young age beginning his musical journey at age 16.

Octavio returned to the Domincan republic at age 20 and recorded his first Bachata album "Triste y Afortunado " After the release and success of his 1st album, Octavio changed gears and decided to go with a more international sound and recorded his current album "Historia de Amor ", which is his first pop album. This album fuses genres such as Flamenco, Salsa , Spanish Rock, Pop Ballads, and a unique style of Bachata with a pop flair. With his striking good looks and his enormous musical talent, Octavio is on his way to becoming a name in the Latin music market.

Product Description
Octavio : HISTORIA DE AMOR An extremely high quality pop album (featuring 2 beautiful ballads,1 Flamenco ,3 pop Bachatas,1 Salsa 3 latin Rocks) that was carefully crafted and slowly perfected via winning engineers and amazingly talented musicians, producers and songwriters. Enjoy extraordinary musical performances

Octavio,Historria De Amor,Octavio,Diom Productions,International,Pop

Average customer rating: Sunny

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3; Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dvorák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104; Bruch Kol Nidrei; Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme / Dorati, Starker, London Symphony Orchestra (3-Channel and Stereo Hybrid SACD) Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3 [Hybrid SACD] Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1-6 [Hybrid SACD] Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet); Fireworks [Hybrid SACD] Suppé: Overtures; Auber: The Bronze Horse [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B0007YP0UE Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. I. Andante-Allegro
2. II. Tema Con Variazione
3. III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
4. I. Vivace
5. II. Andante
6. III. Allegro Vivace
7. Toccata
8. Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck ('Quasi Variazioni')
9. Song Without Words, Op.62, No.1
10. I. Run, Run
11. II. March
12. III. Hobby-Horse

Customer Reviews:

Sunny.......2007-02-05

I consider myself supremely unqualified to rate any musical item. I am more than happy to criticize literature. Ironically, I have a degree in music and no such thing in literature. But, then again, my literature professor never smacked my hands with a ruler and told me to stop despoiling his piano with my clumsy touch. I wonder if there was anyway to write that last sentence without the suggestion of piano-human sex.

So take this with the salt it deserves--this album is top-notch.

There is something about Janis's playing that I can't put my finger on: somehow, no matter the piece, there is a feeling of cheerfulness. One would expect this in the Prokofiev, but we find it even in the melancholy Rachmaninoff, even slivers of it in the morose Schumann excerpt. It's no cause for complaint: one still gets all the emotion these works deserve. Somehow, still, everything seems so bright and sunny in Janis's hands.

His playing is above any criticism.

This is, perhaps, not my favorite recording of the Rach 1, but that may simply be because I'm used to a more somber sound. Nonetheless, it is a remarkable rendition, clear as a bell. The Prokofiev 3rd is breathtaking, the typical sarcasm and snide humor of the composer.

The Op. 11 Tocatta must be heard to be believed.

The Pinto pieces are charming little bits of dessert.

My only complaint, and this goes not to Janis, is that the album is somewhat old and thus suffers from a kind of dusty grain in the sound. That detracts not a bit from the music itself, however.

Average customer rating:

Rossini: Il Signor Bruschino Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000P6RAVG Release Date: 2007-06-12

Average customer rating: Relaxing

For Octavio Paz Six Organs of Admittance Manufacturer: Holy Mountain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dark Noontide School of the Flower The Manifestation Compathia Sun Awakens ASIN: B00023B1ZS Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Fire On Rain
2. When You Finally Return
3. Memory, Memory, Memory
4. The Night Knows Nothing At All
5. Elk River
6. The Fixed The Broken Windmill Today
7. Rain On Fire
8. The Acceptance Of Absolute Negation

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing.......2005-11-04

Relaxing...mellow...Private music. Nice to read to or cook to or sleep to or stare at the wall...

Average customer rating: The artistry of Sumi Jo Nice Collection, Pure Voice. Slightly Weak High Notes Angels sings like this... This is a tribute to Bel Canto Another Sutherland, yet even better...

Sumi Jo - Bel Canto / Arevalo · ECO · Carella Gioachino Rossini , Vincenzo Bellini , Giuseppe Verdi , Gaetano Donizetti , Federico and Luigi Ricci , Giuliano Carella , Sumi Jo , Octavio Arevalo , and English Chamber Orchestra Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sumi Jo - Virtuoso Arias ~ Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Meyerbeer Sumi Jo sings Mozart French Coloratura Arias Sumi Jo - Les Bijoux / Carella Sumi Jo - La Promessa / Vincenzo Scalera ASIN: B000005E5A Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. Semiramide: Bel raggio lusinghier
2. La Sonnambula: Care compagne
3. Falstaff: Sul fil d'un soffio etesio
4. I Puritani: Son vergin vezzosa
5. I Capuleti e i Montecchi: Eccomi in lieta vesta...Oh! quante volte, oh! quante
6. Linda di Chamounix: O luce di quest' anima
7. Tancredi: No, che il morir non e
8. I Puritani: Qui la voce sua soave
9. Crispino e la Comare: Io non sono piu l'Annetta
10. La Traviata: E strano, e strano

Customer Reviews:

The artistry of Sumi Jo.......2007-02-28

This CD shows Sumi Jo's bel canto technique off to good effect. She has a light agile voice that exemplifies top notch coloratura singing (and I know that bel canto and coloratura are not the same). Indeed, she probably must be rated as one of the best coloratura sopranos of the current era.

Some samples of her work. . . .

"Bal raggio lusinghier," from Rossini's "Semiramide" is enchanting. She displays, as always, an agile voice with a lovely quality to it. Her technique is good; this is fun to listen to. She hits a nice high note at the end.

From Bellini's "I Puritani," we have "Son vergin vezzosa." There are iconic versions of this, first, from Joan Sutherland, and, second, from Beverly Sills. However, Sumi Jo's rendering of this work stands well in comparison. She sings this at a quick pace, as seems appropriate. She shows a nice trill; her florid singing is nicely done. She hits high notes cleanly, although one appears a bit thin and strained--but that's a mere quibble. The repeat is very well done.

"O luce di quest'anima," from Donizetti's "Linda di Chamonix," is also well sung. The opening portion is prettily sung. The cabaletta picks up the pace. She shows off nice appoggiaturas and her singing is, as always, very agile. She displays a decent trill before the final high note.

And then there is one of the great showpieces for coloratura sopranos, "Qui la voce. . .Vien diletto," from Bellini's "I Puritani." "Qui la voce" is poignantly and touchingly sung, showing some nice characterization. The cabaletta is smoothly and agilely sung the first time through. Her voice sounds quite sweet in the slower parts of this segment. The repeat features nice ornamentation, including a good trill here and there. Her repeat is not as florid as some, but it is nonetheless nicely done. The final high note is hit dead on.

Finally, from Verdi's "La Traviata," "E strano". . ."Sempre libera." This has been well sung by many who came before her, such as Renata Scotto and Anna Moffo from decades ago. Her singing seems to represent a nice characterization of the doomed Violetta. The early parts are well sung and expressive. "Sempre libera," of course, picks up the pace. And so does Jo. She handles the demands of this music well. She, once more, manifests considerable vocal agility. The repeat is fine, with some nice runs and a final high note well done.

In short, this is a good representation of the work of Sumi Jo. For what it's worth, in my estimation, she rates very high among the current crop of coloratura sopranos, alongside Natalie Dessay, for instance. With singers such as these, the current generation of coloratura sopranos ranks well against their historical predecessors.

Nice Collection, Pure Voice. Slightly Weak High Notes.......2003-04-09

I don't want to say more about her since she is too famours to introduce. I just bought two of her cds recently, which I had big expection for her.

Undoubtly, she has beautiful voice and wonderful coloratura style, I was amazed by the flexiblity in her voice. However I was slightly disappointed by the weakness in her high notes. It seems that she never has strong high notes, and those high notes can't last as long as Dilber's or Organasova's.

Sorry to say this to the pretty Sumi.

Angels sings like this..........2002-06-18

This is, without doubt, the most beautiful bel canto recital disc since Dame Joan's Art of the Prima Donna. Sumi Jo is without equal in this repertoire today. Her interpretations are immaculately rendered and her technique (just incredible) is beyond reproach.

This disc is worth ever penny because it contains the best Elvira ever recorded. Sumi's angelic (albeit small) voice floating above a chamber orchestra creates one of the most intimate operatic portraits of Elvira in recent history. Callas gave us penetrating pyscholgical insights into Elvira, Dame Joan gave us vocal fireworks, but Sumi Jo IS Elvira. She's simply exquisite.

This is a tribute to Bel Canto.......2002-01-06

This record is realy a Tribute to Bel Canto.
When we talk about bel canto, we have to refer Sutherland. Dame Joan had (has) the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. The range of her voice is incredible and I have to desagree with the reviewer that says that Sutherland lower range was heavy. It was strong, not heavy. With that voice range she could do any kind of reportoire.

Now, let's talk about Sumi Jo. Miss Jo is realy a coloratura Soprano and in bel canto she is the best we have now. All the high notes are very clean and she has no difficulties to reach them. Qui la voce sua soave is very good, I even prefer this interpretation over Sutherland's.

Well, she is not Sutherland, but she is with no doubt a Tribute to Bel Canto.

Another Sutherland, yet even better..........2000-12-28

As I have explained in another review I wrote of Sumi Jo's music, she has become one of my favorite sopranos. I started out with Dame Joan Sutherland, La Stupenda herself in her recital disk "The Art of the Prima Donna." A fantastic CD. And I must say that it has been hard to find other sopranos that could do as well as Dame Joan in such traditional bel canto repertoire. You know how it is, once you hear one version, it's hard to find another that is better. And although some of the arias on this CD are different than you find on Sutherland's, they are just as great, if not better. What one finds with Sumi is a gorgeous voice, clear and pure throughout(not mushy and heavier as Sutherland had in her lower range... Ahhh!! I can't believe I admitted it... I hate to put Sutherland down), and the enunciation is never a problem. So what is there to complain about?... Nothing really, except maybe if her top note wasn't a high F, and instead a C above high C, and then I wouldn't like Natalie Dessay just for her high notes(she has a high A flat I believe). But a high F is more than enough for any bel canto piece as Sutherland showed us throughout her career(I just love high notes, the higher the better).

Now that I've settled with my love of the voice... the recording itself is to be talked about. Bel raggio lusinghier from Rossini's Semiramide is the first track. A different interpretation than Sutherland, but gorgeous. All throughout this recording, Sumi Jo shows us just how effortless her coloratura is, and this track especially conveys this. As for Sumi Jo's lyrical skills, the perfect track for that is track 5, "O quante volte" from Bellini's "I Capuleti e I Montecchi." What a gorgeous Juliette she is! And if only the previous reviewer knew I was going to see Sumi this coming February in this exact role. I know I can't wait, and I'm sure Ms. Jo will not disappoint. Anyways, this entire recording, each and every song is wonderful. And the Violetta aria from Verdi's "La Traviata" is a nice end to the CD, summing up just how great Sumi Jo is. To those who say bel canto has withered away lately, they should hear this disk. Sumi Jo would convert them right away. And could there be no better praise than the fact that Sutherland's husband Maestro Richard Bonynge has worked with Sumi Jo... Afterall, his wife was practically the Queen of Bel Canto. It's obvious that Bonynge has found his new reigning queen. We could be in for a real treat in the coming years!!!

This is bel canto at its finest. Enjoy

P.S. - Even though it's not bel canto repertoire, one wishes Sumi Jo's famed Queen of the Night from Die Zauberflöte were on this set to wow people even more. But not to worry, it's on a couple of her other recordings.

Average customer rating:

Latin American Journey (Music for Two Pianos) Carlos Guastavino , Ernesto Lecuona , Francisco Mignone , Astor Piazzolla , Octavio Pinto , Manuel Ponce , and Duo Turgeon Manufacturer: Marquis Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ASIN: B0001XP2DQ Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

1. Le Grand Tango
2. Idilio Mexicano
3. Scenas Infantis Corre Corre
4. Scenas Infantis Roda Roda
5. Scenas Infantis Marcha, Soldadinho
6. Scenas Infantis Dorme, Nene
7. Scenas Infantis Salta, Salta
8. Travesso
9. Valsa Choro No. 11
10. Valsa De Esquina No. 2
11. Lundu
12. Tres Romances Argentinos Las Ninas
13. Tres Romances Argentinos Muchacho Jejeno
14. Tres Romances Argentinos Baile
15. Cordoba
16. Ante El Escorial
17. Malaguena

Average customer rating:

Music for One and Two Pianos, Abbott/Williams Piano Duo Manufacturer: Eroica Classical ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005RD7I Release Date: 2001-09-09

Tracks:

1. Run, Run
2. Ring Around The Rosy
3. March, Little Soldier!
4. Sleeping Time
5. Hobby-Horse
6. En Bateau
7. Cortege
8. Menuet
9. Ballet
10. The Top
11. The Doll
12. The Merry-Go-Round
13. Badminton
14. Puss In The Corner
15. Galop
16. Allegro
17. Andante
18. Allegretto - Rondo
19. Children Are Passing
20. After A Fairy Tale
21. Mazurka
22. Prayer
23. Boistrous Finale

Average customer rating:

Maria Stuarda Manufacturer: Nightingale Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gruberova, Edita | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000056074 Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

1. Act I: Preludio
2. Act I, No.1. Choro Di Festa: Qui Si Attenda
3. Act I, No.2. Scena E Cavatina: Si, Vuol Di Francia Il Rege/Ah, Quando All'ara
4. Act I, No.2. Scena E Cavatina: In Tal Giorno Di Contento
5. Act I, No.3. Scena: Fra Noi Perche Non Veggio Leicester?
6. Act I, No.4. Cavatina: Questa Imagio, Questo Foglio
7. Act I, No.5. Scena E Duetto: Sei Tu Confuso?
8. Act I, No.5. Scena E Duetto: Era D'amor L'immagine
9. Act II, No.6. Scena E Cavatina: Allenta Il Pie, Regina
10. Act II, No.6. Scena E Cavatina: O Nube Che Lieve Per L'aria
11. Act II, No.6. Scena E Cavatina: Nella Pace Nel Mesto Riposo
12. Act II, No.7. Scena E Duetto: Ah! Non M'inganna La Gioia
13. Act II, No.7. Scena E Duetto: Da Tutti Abbandonata
14. Act II, No.8. Scena: Qual Loco E Questo?
15. Act II, No.9. Sestetto: E Sempre La Stessa
16. Act II, No.10. Dialogo Delle Due Regine: Deh! L'accogli
17. Act II, No.10. Dialogo Delle Due Regine: Morta Al Mondo, E Morta Al Trono
18. Act II, No.11. Stretta Finale: Va, Preparati, Furente

Tracks:

1. Act III, No.12. Duettino: E Pensi? E Tardi?
2. Act III, No.12. Duettino: Quella Vita A Me Funesta
3. Act III, No.13. Terzetto: Regina! A Lei S'affretta Il Supplizio/Deh! Per Pieta Sospendi
4. Act III, No.13. Terzetto: D'una Sorella, O Barbara
5. Act III, No.14. Scena: La Perfida Insultarmi Anche Volea
6. Act III, No.15. Gran Scena E Duetto Della Confessione: Oh Mio Buon Talbot!
7. Act III, No.15. Gran Scena E Duetto Della Confessione: Delle Mie Colpe Lo Squallido Fantasma
8. Act III, No.15. Gran Scena E Duetto Della Confessione: Quando Di Luce Rosea
9. Act III, No.15. Gran Scena E Duetto Della Confessione: Un'altra Colpa A Piangere
10. Act III, No.15. Gran Scena E Duetto Della Confessione: Lascia Contenta Al Carcere
11. Act III. No.16. Inno Della Morte: Vedeste?/Vedemmo. Oh Truce Apparato!
12. Act III, No.17. Gran Scena E Preghiera Degli Scozzesi: Anna! Qui Piu Sommessi Favellate
13. Act III, No.17. Gran Scena E Preghiera Degli Scozzesi: Deh! Tu Di Un Umile Preghiera
14. Act III, No.18. Aria Del Supplizio: Oh Colpo...!
15. Act III, No.18. Aria Del Supplizio: D'un Cor Che Muore Recha Il Perdono
16. Act III, No.18. Aria Del Supplizio: Giunge Il Conte
17. Act III, No.18. Aria Del Supplizio: Ah! Se Un Giorno

Average customer rating:

Keyboard Classics for Children Manufacturer: Summit(Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music ASIN: B000MGUZJI Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

1. Prelude And Fugue In C Major From Well-Tempered Clavichord
2. Ah Vous Dirai-ja Maman - 12 Variations In C Major
3. A Child's Xmas
4. Doctor Gradus And Parnasum
5. Jimbo's Lullaby
6. Serenade For The Doll
7. The Snow Is Dancing
8. The Little Shepherd
9. Galliwag's Cake-walk
10. March, Little Soldier!
11. About Strange Lands & People
12. Curious Story
13. Blind Man's Bluff
14. Pleading Child
15. Perfectly Contented
16. Important Event
17. Reverie (Traumerei)
18. At The Fireside
19. The Knight Of The Rocking-Horse
20. Almost Too Serious
21. Frightening
22. Child Falling Asleep
23. The Poet Speaks
24. The Entertainer: A Ragtime 2 Step
25. The Baby Sleeps

Album Description

Music inspired by the experience of childhood! Cover illustrations by Roy Eaton's sons, drawn when they were two years old. They have reopened the world of discovery for him, and this recording will do the same for parents and children everywhere. Eaton won his first piano competition in Carnegie Hall at the age of seven. He won the Naumburg Scholarship from CCNY in 1948, went to Europe, and started master classes with Edwin Fischer, along with Alfred Brendel. Eaton's Scott Joplin CD on Sony Classical is a notable top international seller.

Average customer rating: Breathed by Divine Command Five stars, considering.... The greatest Semiramide on record! Finally, a thoroughly brilliant Semiramide Larmore and Studer are both fine in this recording

Rossini - Semiramide / Studer, Larmore, Ramey, Arévalo, Marin Gioachino Rossini , Cheryl Studer , Samuel Ramey , Octavio Arevalo , Jennifer Larmore , Julie Faulkner , and Ambrosian Opera Chorus Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Larmore, Jennifer | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Studer, Cheryl | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Rossini - Armida / Gasdia · Merritt · Matteuzzi · Ford · F. Furlanetto · Workman · I Solisti Veneti · Scimone Handel: Alcina - Arleen Auger, Delia Jones, John Tomlinson, Richard Hickox, City of London Baroque Sinfonia Matilde Di Shabran - Juan Diego Florez Charpentier - La Descente d'Orphee aux Enfers / Petibon, Daneman, Zanetti, Agnew, Gardeil, Les Arts Florissants, Christie Rossini - Bianca e Falliero / Larmore · Cullagh · Banks · D'Arcangelo · LPO · Parry (Complete Opera) ASIN: B000001GIZ Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. Semiramide: Sinfonia
2. Semiramide: Act One: N.1 Introduzione - Si, gran Nume: t'intesi (Oroe)
3. Semiramide: Act One: N.1 Introduzione - Belo si celebri, Belo si onori (Coro)
4. Semiramide: Act One: N.1 Introduzione - La dal Gange (Idreno, Coro, Assur, Oroe)
5. Semiramide: Act One: N.1 Introduzione - Di plausi clamor giulivo echeggia (Coro)
6. Semiramide: Act One: N.1 Introduzione - Di tanti regi e popoli (Oroe, Idreno, Assur, Semiramide)
7. Semiramide: Act One: N.1 Introduzione - Reginia, all'ara (Assur, Semiramide, Idreno, Oroe, Coro)
8. Semiramide: Act One: Recitativo - Oh tu de' Magi (Semiramide, Oroe, Idreno, Assur)
9. Semiramide: Act One: N.2 Recitativo e Cavatina - Eccomi alfine in Babilonia (Arsace)
10. Semiramide: Act One: N.2 Recitativo e Cavatina - Ah, quel giorno ognor rammento (Arsace)
11. Semiramide: Act One: N.2 Recitativo e Cavatina - Oh, come da quel di tutto per me cangio! (Arsace)
12. Semiramide: Act One: Recitativo - Ministri, al gran Pontefice (Arsace, Oroe, Assur)
13. Semiramide: Act One: N.3 Duetto - Bella immago degli Dei (Arsace, Assur)
14. Semiramide: Act One: N.3 Duetto - D'un tenero amore (Arsace, Assur)
15. Semiramide: Act One: N.3 Duetto - Io tremar? Di te? (Arsace, Assur)

Tracks:

1. Semiramide: Act One: N.4 Scena e Aria - Oh! me felice! (Azema, Idreno)
2. Semiramide: Act One: N.4 Scena e Aria - Ah! dov'dov'l cimento (Idreno)
3. Semiramide: Act One: N.4 Scena e Aria - E, se ancor libero (Idreno)
4. Semiramide: Act One:Recitativo - Se non avesse e meritasse (Arsace)
5. Semiramide: Act One: N.5 Coro di donne e Cavatina - Serena i vaghi rai (Coro)
6. Semiramide: Act One: N.5 Coro di donne e Cavatina - Bel raggio lusinghier (Semiramide)
7. Semiramide: Act One: N.5 Coro di donne e Cavatina - Dolce pensiero (Semiramide)
8. Semiramide: Act One: Recitativo - Niene ancor! (Semiramide, Mitrane, Arsace)
9. Semiramide: Act One: N.6 Duettino - Serbami ognor sido il cor (Semiramide, Arsace)
10. Semiramide: Act One: N.6 Duettino - Alle pie immagini (Semiramide, Arsace)
11. Semiramide: Act One: Recitativo - Oroe dal tempio nella reggia (Assur, Oroe)
12. Semiramide: Act One: Finale I - Ergi omai la fronte altera (Cori)
13. Semiramide: Act One: Finale I - I vostri voti omai (Tutti)
14. Semiramide: Act One: Finale I - L'alto eroe (Tutti)
15. Semiramide: Act One: Finale I - Qual mesto gemito (Tutti)
16. Semiramide: Act One: Finale I - D'un semidio che adoro (Tutti, l'Obra di Nino)
17. Semiramide: Act One: Finale I - Ah! sconvolta nell'ordine eterno (Tutti)
18. Semiramide: Act Two: Recitativo - Alla Reggia d'intorno cauto (Mitrane, Semiramide, Assur)
19. Semiramide: Act Two: N.8 Duetto - Duetto, Se la vita ancor t'ara (Semiramide, Assur)
20. Semiramide: Act Two: N.8 Duetto - Quella ricordati (Semiramide, Assur)
21. Semiramide: Act Two: N.8 Duetto - La forza primiera (Semiramide, Assur)

Tracks:

1. Semiramide: Act Two: N.9 Coro, Scena e Aria - In questo augusto soggiorno (Coro, di Magi, Oroe)
2. Semiramide: Act Two: N.9 Coro, Scena e Aria - Ebben, compiasi omai (Arsace, Oroe)
3. Semiramide: Act Two: N.9 Coro, Scena e Aria - In si barbara sciagura (Arsace)
4. Semiramide: Act Two: N.9 Coro, Scena e Aria - Su, ti scuoti: rammenta chi sei (Oroe, Coro di Magi, Arsace)
5. Semiramide: Act Two: Recitativo - Calmati, Principessa (Mitrane, Azema, Idreno)
6. Semiramide: Act Two: N.10 Aria - La speranza piu soave (Idreno, Cori)
7. Semiramide: Act Two: Recitativo - No: non ti lascio (Semiramide, Arsace)
8. Semiramide: Act Two: N.11 Duetto - Ebben, a te: ferisci (Semiramide, Arsace)
9. Semiramide: Act Two: N.11 Duetto - Giorno d'orror! (Semiramide, Arsace)
10. Semiramide: Act Two: N.11 Duetto - Madre, addio (Semiramide, Arsace)
11. Semiramide: Act Two: N.12 Scena, Coro e Aria - Il di gia cade (Assur)
12. Semiramide: Act Two: N.12 Scena, Coro e Aria - Ah! la sorte ci tradi (Assur)
13. Semiramide: Act Two: N.12 Scena, Coro e Aria - Deh! ... ti ferma ... ti placa ... perdona ... (Assur)
14. Semiramide: Act Two: N.12 Scena, Coro e Aria - Que' Numi furenti (Assur)
15. Semiramide: Act Two: Recitativo - Oh! nero eccesso (Mitrane)
16. Semiramide: Act Two: N.13 Finale II - Un traditor (Coro di Magi)
17. Semiramide: Act Two: N.13 Finale II - Qual densa notte! (Arsace, Oroe, Assur, Semiramide)
18. Semiramide: Act Two: N.13 Finale II - Al mio pregar t'arrendi (Semiramide, Arsace, Assur)
19. Semiramide: Act Two: N.13 Finale II - L'usato ardir (Assur, Arsace, Semiramide)
20. Semiramide: Act Two: N.13 Finale II - Ninia, ferisci! (Oroe, Assur, Arsace, Semiramide, Cori)

Amazon.com

If your priority in a recording of Semiramide is to hear as many of the original notes as possible, this version is a better bet than the famed Sutherland-Horne set. But if it's to hear exciting singin-- at least from the womenfolk--this one suffers in comparison. Soprano Cheryl Studer as the murderous queen and Jennifer Larmore as her unwitting son sing well, and have a memorable blend in their duets, but they suffer in comparison with the classic. On the other hand, it's a shame that the performances of Frank Lopardo and Samuel Ramey couldn't be transplanted to the London recording; they're the standouts here. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Breathed by Divine Command.......2006-09-28

This is my favorite Rossini opera and one of the best recordings I have ever heard. The work demonstrates that, without changing his basic style, Rossini could abandon comedy for a serious plot in a dignified setting. The impression I get is that Italian cultural Catholicism serves as a bridge back to the theocratic world of ancient Mesopotamia. The work offers a heroic plot bottomed in a powerful sense of the authority of organized religion. The overall effect is analogous to Verdi's Aida set in ancient Egypt; and I prefer Semiramide because it is free from the taint of elegiac collapse that colored most European serious music in the wake of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde after 1865. Rossini's comic brightness turns into heroic brightness; and his "temperament of a hack" does not diminish the grandeur of the work at any point. By coincidence, perhaps, the main theme of the overture resembles our evangelical song "Take Time to Be Holy." Instead of taking its time Rossini's muse charges ahead but on the wings of a presuppositional religious consensus. As in Aida a characteristic Italian word of the libretto is "nume," a word for a god suggestive of authoritative spiritual power as in the inscription of Raphael's allegorical figure of Poetry-- "Numine afflatur," "breathed by divine command."

Five stars, considering...........2005-12-20

Yes, Sutherland's voice is built for coloratura, but I believe that Studer is more what Rossini had in mind for this role. (Moreover, I'd rather not have her husband conducting her, but that's another review.)

The DVD with Anderson/Horne/Ramey/et al is worth it because there is a dearth of recorded Semiramides (as well as staged ones). My big quarrel with Anderson is her stiffness, both physically and vocally. That said, she does get all the notes right. And the production is only opulent (even if the costuming, while stunning, flies in the face of the time-frame).

There is a "best" recording around if you're lucky enough to find someone who taped it (I'm hearing it as I write and I apologize for bringing it up, but...). Semiramide is Nelly Miricioiu, who is superb, although if you want fiery ornamention, you need to look elsewhere. Daniela Barcellona is the Arsace, her voice something dark and wonderful although not so flexible as Horne, perhaps a shade better than Larmore, although I have no quarrel with any of these Arsaces. Gregory Kunde is Idreno, Michele Pertusi, Assur -- both are accomplished. I could pick away, but this IS the best of the lot and not even commercial. It is live from Geneva, 1998, conducted by Gianluigi Gelmetti.

I'm sure I'm going to get a slap somewhere on my body for mentioning this recording; I can handle it. Just be on the lookout for it and ask your opera friends, etc.

Nancy Eckert

The greatest Semiramide on record! .......2005-04-16

Although the presence of the Sutherland-Horne set outshadows this recording of the Babylonian queen, I would inarguably declare that this recording is the supreme rendition of Rossini's last opera seria. True, the two main prima donnas of the former recording have vocal facilities that are the stuff that Rossinian dreams are made of, but Studer and Larmore could hold themselves well against these two vocal giants. Studer sings the murderous queen with Rossinian brilliance and drama and excellent diction! And even if Larmore doesn't have the gutsy, manly qualities of Marilyn Horne's voice, handles the coloratura and the lines of Arsace amazingly well. And then there are the prime male singers--Frank Lopardo and Samuel Ramey. These two vocal miracles can easily outsing the tenor and the bass starring in the other recording by Joan Sutherland, and they both sing with the proper style required by Rossini's music. The conductor, Marin, conducts this performance exponentially better than Bonynge ever could--with passion and Rossinian style! Which one would I recommend? I really don't know...if you are a fan of Dame Joan, get her Semiramide recording, but admittedly, I would look to this first because it showcases Rossini's last Italian opera at its musical best (and complete too!).

Finally, a thoroughly brilliant Semiramide.......2005-04-14

Note-complete and very well sung, I doubt that Rossini's Semiramide has received a better performance since the days of Grisi and Lablache. This was Rossini's last Italian opera, and his greatest, grandest opera seria. A truly grandiose performance was very much needed, and here it is!

No, it's not a very Italianate performance. Cheryl Studer's carefully placed voice and well-supervised Kopftöne suggest a very high-level performance in 19th Century Vienna or Dresden rather than Venice or Milan, and Larmore, whose plummy "I-have-a-hot-potato-in-my-mouth" timbre reminds me of Risë Stevens, will never make me forget the unique Marilyn Horne; but both singers have good voices and brilliant techniques, and they really reach the heights in the famous duet Giorno d' orrore, which Adelina Patti and Sofia Scalchi used to turn 19th century heads with.

Excellent as the women are, their contributions must be seen in contrast with the never-to-be-replicated Sutherland/Horne performance on DECCA. That recording's male cast, however, can't hold a candle to this one, and this is where this DGG production hits a bull's eye. Sam Ramey is simply superb as Assur, turning every Rossinian phrase with an authority and a vocal grace that have to be heard to be believed. Lopardo, though not perhaps a star, sings Idreno's unbelievably difficult, florid obstacle courses with real brilliance and, again, vocal grace: if it can't be made to sound easy, it is no use trying it. WHAT singing!

Ion Marin is a fast-and-steady modern metronome, not as "blatant" or "callow" as he has been portrayed in the English press (the fact that this recording was made in London, but does not involve any English individuals, a plus in my book, probably irritated some of their notoriously patriotic critics) but I do prefer Richard Bonynge's more sensitive, more romantic, more expressively molded phrasing on DECCA. Marin, however, is leading an absolutely note-complete performance, and sometimes one does feel a need to just get on with it! He has, at any rate, a faultless cast going at full steam.

The recorded sound is good, and the English orchestra and chorus are thoroughly competent. A MAJOR accomplishment.

Larmore and Studer are both fine in this recording.......2003-12-19

This recording of "Semiramide" is note-complete and features a stunning cast of opera singers. Cheryl Studer is a fine Semiramide and Jennifer Larmore is a great Arsace. Samuel Ramey is a fine Assur with wonderful coloratura. Both Studer and Larmore have fine coloratura techniques and can stand beside Joan Sutherland and Marilyn Horne as the murderous Babylonian queen and her son. While Studer has a smaller and less luscious voice than Sutherland has, her diction is noticeably clearer than Sutherland's. Larmore's coloratura technique is clearer than Horne's and she doesn't machine-gun the coloratura like Horne does. Also, her lower register is far more pleasing than Horne's.

Get this recording while it is still available.

Average customer rating:

Histoire du Tango: Accordion and Violin Manufacturer: ARC ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Tango | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B0009ENHOS Release Date: 2005-01-01

Tracks:

1. Histoire du Tango: Bordel 1900
2. Histoire du Tango: Caf930
3. Histoire du Tango: Nightclub 1960
4. Histoire du Tango: Concert d'Aujourdhui
5. Sweet Dreams
6. Bottles
7. Subitango
8. Desde el Alma
9. Swell Diet
10. Tango Elegy
11. Orillera
12. Francia
13. Crigglestone Lighthouse
14. Very End

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4. Pure Delight
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7. Riverdance-Lord of the Dance
8. Smert Na Reive [Import]
9. Soca for de World
10. Solidays [Import]

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