Adore Me

1. Adore Me

2. Adore Me (Instrumental)

3. Summer Time

4. Summer Time (Instrumental)

5. Faxing You

6. Faxing You (Instrumental)

Tracks:

Voi Che Sepate - Teresa Berganza
Porgi Amor - Heather Harper
Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra - Thomas Allen
Batti, Batti, O Bel Masetto - Elizabeth Gale
Der Holle Rache - Edda Moser
O Isis Und Osiris - Cornelius Hauptmann
Temerari...Come Scoglio - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
La Calunnia E Un Venticello - Ruggero Raimondi
Nei Giardin Del Bello - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Casta Diva - Maria Callas
Se Quel Guerrier...Celeste Aida - Franco Corelli
Tenesta La Promessa...Addio Del Passato - Beverly Sills
Niun Mi Tema - Jon Vickers
Un Bel Di Vedremo - Renata Scotto
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi - Mirella Freni
In Quelle Trine Morbide - Montserrat Caballe
Signore, Ascolta - Kiri Te Kanawa
Recitar...Vesti La Giubba - Jose Carreras
Amor Ti Vieta Di Non Amor - Roberto Alagna

Tracks:

Le Veau D'Or Est Toujours Debout - Boris Christoff
Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue? - Mady Mesple
L'Amour, L'Amour...Ah! Leve-Toi, Soleil - Alfredo Kraus
Allons! Le Faut...Adieu Notre Petite Table - Ileana Cotrubas
Toute Mon Ame Est La Pourquoi Me Reveiller - Nicolai Gedda
Quand La Flamme De L'Amour - Jose Van Dam
L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Victoria De Los Angeles
A Cette Voix...Je Crois Entendre Encore - Alain Vanzo
Une Puce Gentille - Gabriel Bacquier
Je Vais Mourir...Adieu, Fiere Cite - Regine Crespin
Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix - Rita Gorr
Wie Todesahnung...O Du Mein Holder Abenstern - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Johohoe! Traft Ihr Das Schiff Im Meere An? - Anja Silja
In Fernem Land - Chor Der Wiener Staatsoper
Heil Dir, Sonne! - Siegfried Jerusalem
Mild Und Leise - Helga Dernesch

Tracks:

Che Faro Senza Euridice? - Agnes Baltsa
Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja - Walter Berry
Finch'Han Dal Vino - Nicolai Ghiaurov
E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono - Barbara Hendricks
Abscheulicher! - Christa Ludwig
Ne M'Abandonne Pas, Espoir De La Vengeance...Asile Hereditaire - Nicolai Gedda
Largo Al Factotum - Tito Gobbi
Ella Giammai M'Amo! - Ruggero Raimondi
La Donna E Mobile - Alfredo Kraus
Di Quella Pira - Franco Corelli
Esultate! - James McCracken
Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Placido Domingo
Vissi D'Arte, Vissi D'Amore - Maria Callas
In Questa Reggia - Ghena Dimitrova
Tanto Amore - Janine Micheau
O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
Ed Anche Beppe Amo - Luciano Pavarotti
Poveri Fiori - Maria Callas
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Roberto Alagna

Tracks:

Les Grands Seigneurs...Ah! Je Ris De Me Voir Si Belle - Victoria De Los Angeles
Marie, Avec L'Enfant Jesus - Jules Bastin
Heureux Petit Berger - Janine Micheau
Connais-Tu Le Pays - Jane Rhodes
Elle Ne Croyait Pas Dans Sa Candeur - Nicolai Gedda
Votre Toast, Je Peux Vous Le Rendre...Toreador - Victoria De Los Angeles
Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille - Mady Mesple
Maintenant, Chantons...Devant La Maison De Celui Qui D'Adore - Gerard Souzay
Depuis Le Jour - Beverly Sills
Da Geht Er Hin - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Einsam In Truben Tagen - Regine Crespin
Dich, Teure Halle - Hildegard Behrens
Leb Wohl, Du Kuhnes, Herrliches Kind - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Hojotoho! Hojotoho! - Ute Walther

Tracks:

Non Piu Andrai - Thomas Allen
La Ci Darem La Mano - Graziella Sciutti
Duo: Pa-Pa-Pa - Andreas Schmidt
Soave Sia Il Vento - Delores Ziegler
Mira, O Norma - Maria Callas
Il Dolce Suono - Edita Gruberova
Com'e Gentil - Alfredo Kraus
Una Voce Poco Fa - Maria Callas
Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - Alfredo Kraus
Gualtier Malde!...Caro Nome - Michele Pertusi
Ritorna Vincitor - Birgit Nilsson
Ave Maria - Katia Ricciarelli
Nessun Dorma - Franco Corelli
Che Gelida Manina - Nicolai Gedda
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Barbara Hendricks

Tracks:

Mes Amis, Ecoutez L'Histoire - Nicolai Gedda
Mieux Vaut Mourir...Amour Sacre De La Patrie - Alfredo Kraus
Ah! Je Veux Vivre Dans Ce Reve - Mady Mesple
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir...Vainement, Ma Bien-Aimee - Henry Legay
Suis-Je Gentille Ainsi?...Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins - June Anderson
Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Jessye Norman
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee - Jose Carreras
C'est Toi!...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - John Aler
Werther, Werther, Qui M'Aurait Dit...Ces Lettres! - Tatiana Troyanos
Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
Ah! Je Suis Seule Enfin...Dis-Moi Que Je Suis Belle - Beverly Sills
Alerte, Alerte!...Anges Purs, Anges Radieux - Nicolai Ghiaurov
Boris's Farewell - Boris Christoff
Schreckensschwur! - Gary Lakes
Die 'Selige Morgentraum-Deutweise'...Selig, Wie Die Sonne - Peter Schreier
Was Am Besten er Kann...Nothung! Nothung! - Siegfried Jerusalem

Customer Reviews:

Superlative collection.......2006-10-11

A collection of 100 individual arias and ensembles from the EMI catalogue of complete works recorded between 1955 and 2003. It includes selections from operas by Italian, Austrian, German, Russian and French composers. The French composers are especially well represented unlike most such anthologies. And there are several more obscure contributions, such as an aria from Catalani's La Wally. A well-judged balance of musical periods and styles, and the very best singers of the last half of the last century. And remarkably, the whole collection of 6 CDS, over 7 hours of music, is being sold for the cost of only 1 CD !

Great value for the money.......2006-04-23

This is simply the best collection of opera arias that I have seen. It's not 100% in that there are a few well-known arias that are not here, but what is here is simply a treasure. The organization is a bit strange, but there's some logic. For example, Disk 6 is mostly from French operas. A seemingly endless amount of glorious music. Just fabulous. You won't be disappointed.

Great for the money and a good starter on opera...........2006-01-07

This cd is a splendid collection of songs, and the price is unbeatable; I have but a few minor complaints about the overall product. The cd would have been much more enjoyable if they had put the music in some sort of order, rather than jumping around from artist to artist sporatically. My only other complaint would be that they could have chosen some better vocalists to play some of the songs. For example, in CD 6, track 3: Romeo et Juliette, the singer was not nearly as strong and definative as she should have been and I've definately heard in various other versions that were way better than this. This disappointed me greatly. But even with these few small complaints, this collection is still great and the price is amazing. It includes MOST of the famous opera pieces, as well some great songs that are often overlooked such as the beautiful song from Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (CD 6, track 16) along with others.

Amazing Value.......2005-08-23

I am so impressed by this collection that I must share my joy at getting so many beautiful arias, duets, et al in one collection. It captures many of the great operatic voices in stellar performances spanning the last 50 years. If you are enchanted by beautiful operatic highlights, removed from their operatic storylines, this set is for you. Hours of gorgeous music for practically pennies!

Average customer rating:

Good coloratura work by Elizabeth Futral
At Last a Solo Recital on CD
An Interesting display

Great Operatic Arias

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Diana Montague Sings Great Operatic Arias, Vol. 2
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Pasión!
Songs by Fauré, Hahn and Head; Arias by Rossini and Handel

ASIN: B00009AQMF
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Come Take Me In Your Arms
My Soul Is Filled With Love For You
What Are These Tears And Sighs
How I Loved Him!
A Maiden Adorning
He Has Come Back
See Here, Dorabella
Ah! Let me Live In This Dream
He's The God Of Youth And Springtime
The Silver Moon Was Shining
Ain't It A Pretty Night!
Take Me Away To The One I Adore
Oh Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me?

Customer Reviews:

Good coloratura work by Elizabeth Futral.......2007-05-27

This is an interesting CD from soprano Elizabeth Futral. The theme of this is a set of operatic arias sung in English, not in the original French or Italian or. . . . I'm not sure how sold I am on the concept, but, after all, it's the singing and musicality that is most important. And, by that measure, Elizabeth Futral does very nicely.

The accompanying booklet begins by noting that (page 8) "The voice of the light soprano has enchanted listeners for centuries." Futral's singing is characteristic of this type of voice.

In this era, any coloratura soprano has two challenges: first, to compare with the past generation's astonishingly talented practitioners, well exemplified by Joan Sutherland and Beverly Sill. Second, though, there are some wonderful coloratura sopranos today against whom others will be compared, with Natalie Dessay and Sumi Jo among the most adept. Thus, Futral will almost automatically be compared with such exemplars. I do not think one could say she is the equal of those four just mentioned, but she does not compare badly either.

From the Wikipedia: "In musical notation, the Italian word staccato (literally detached, plural staccatos or staccati) indicates that notes are sounded in a detached and distinctly separate manner, with silence making up the latter part of the time allocated to each note. The rhythm is not affected. Notes identified as staccato should be played or sung abruptly and short." This is worthy of comment, since the "Bell Song" from "Lakme," one of the selections on this CD, features many such notes. Futral sings them well. Her performance in this work is well done (although it is somewhat jarring, again, to hear it sung in English). She begins with a nice high note and a bang up following trill. She displays good agility and features nice technique on staccato notes. Overall, this is well done. Toward the end, which calls for great ornamentation, she seems a bit hesitant at time, but she concludes with a nicely sung high note.

Other examples of her singing. From Handel's "Alcina," she sings "Come take me in your arms." Her voice is a light, standard coloratura voice (although not all coloratura sopranos have such a voice, of course). She displays considerable agility, a decent trill, and good ornamentation. There is a bit of harshness on a high note toward the close, but hardly fatal to the overall positive effect of her singing.

From Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix," there is "My soul is filled with love for you" (otherwise known as "O luce di quest'anima"). Her version is not too shabby when compared with such greats as Sutherland and Jo. The cabaletta shows off, again, her agile voice. Good staccato high notes. Nice trills and a well nailed final high note.

Then there is the charming "Son vergin vezzosa" from Bellini's "I Puritani," here entitled "A maiden adorning." Again, nice agility, good trills, well done florid singing technique. While there is some harshness in the penultimate high note, overall, well done.

In short, Futral adds to a currently rich supply of coloratura sopranos, and compares well with the best of them.

At Last a Solo Recital on CD.......2005-03-19

Elizabeth Futral is one of those rare sopranos who seems to put pacing of her career, care of the voice, and commitment to repertoire range ahead of the too early media blitz that can hamper a singer's career. Clearly she has it all - beauty of voice, beauty of physical presence, fine acting skills, intelligence, and interpretive insights.

Having seen her Cleopatra in LA Opera's GUILIO CESARE and in SF Opera's production of Previn's STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE put her high on the list of important new sopranos. This rather strange recording gives samples of her foray's into all styles from Handel to Previn and does a fine job in capturing the beauty of her phrasing and quality of her seamless soprano voice. It is somewhat distracting to place a first recital recording before the public being sung entirely in English, especially for those who are unfamiliar with Futral's gifts. But credit Chandos with the courage to try something different, something that may introduce new audiences to the opera field.

Surely after the recent successes of Futral performances in the opera houses more recordings will follow. Meanwhile this is a tasty sampler of just how versatile - and special - Elizabeth Futral is. Grady Harp, March 05

An Interesting display.......2003-07-23

Coloratura-soprano Elizabeth Futral is a remarkable artist with a beautiful instrument and a most impressive technique. Her appearences in record stores are mostly on lesser known and up and coming labels such as Opera Rara and CHANDOS; with a few performances on DG.

This CD has an unusual semi-personal package. Duets, trios and quartets are featured. The title of the program is called Great Operatic Arias which seems rather broad for a soprano recital disc.

Futral sings well as always, however the content seems to lack a bit of intricacy and polish. Each aria, duet etc leaves you wondering whether or not a bit more time could have been put into this. The arias range from baroque to 20th century; covering four languages.

The entire program is performed in English and this is interesting... Although some of the arias just sound plain strange in English! It is a very nice thing to actually completely and instantly understand what is being sung. I was most impressed with the CHANDOS Lucia di Lammermoor. Futral probably gave her best performance on record in that role. She is astonishingly good on that recording. Her mad scene is awesome!

Customer Reviews:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Average customer rating:

Superb

The Best of Organ & Brass

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

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Classic Hymns
The Queen

ASIN: B0002T2QDS
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra
Fanfare And Flourishes
And Can It Be No. 2
All Glory, Loud, And Honor
All Hail The Power No. 1
Abide With Me
Monteverdi-Vespers
Thine Is The Glory
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Simple Gifts
Come, Thou Fount
America The Beautiful
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Canzon Septimi Toni No. 2
All Hail The Power No. 2
Crown Him With Many Crowns
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Holy, Holy, Holy
God Of Our Fathers

Album Description

This CD contains 20 transcriptions including: "Also sprach Zarathustra," "Fanfare and Flourishes," "All Hail the Power," "Abide with Me, Monteverdi Vespers," "For Unto Us a Child Is Born," "Simple Gifts," "America the Beautiful," "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "Holy Holy Holy," "God of Our Fathers," "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "Gabrieli Sacrae Symphoniae," and more. Tim Zimmerman and The King's Brass provide the "best in sacred brass music." These Christian professionals from around the U.S. perform their own arrangements. For more than 20 years, The King's Brass have performed over 100 concerts each season. Playing a wide variety of music from Gabrieli to hymn classics, The King's Brass uses all corners of the concert hall to lift hearts and spirits.

Tim Zimmerman, director of The King's Brass, has been a member of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and Chairman of the Music Department at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. Rebecca Kleintop plays the Ruffatti pipe organ at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2004-09-23

Outstanding!! This recording features original arrangements of well known music. The arrangements, performance, and recording are all excellent.

Patricia Petibon ~ French baroque arias (Rameau, Lully, Charpentier, Grandval) / Les Folies Françoises, Cohen-Akenin

Average customer rating:

Man, That woman really can sing !
Delicious singing, gorgeous music... this is a must-have.
I would give this CD seven stars if I could!
Perfect!
Affect and early music performance

Patricia Petibon ~ French baroque arias (Rameau, Lully, Charpentier, Grandval) / Les Folies Françoises, Cohen-Akenin
Jean-Philippe Rameau , Marc-Antoine Charpentier , Jean-Baptiste Lully , Nicolas Racot de Grandval , Patrick Cohen-Akenine , Patricia Petibon , and Les Folies Françoises
Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Tracks:

Platee: Air De Clarine: Soleil, Fuis De Ces Lieux
Les Fetes De L'Hymen Et De L'Amour: Ariette De L'Amour: Volez, Plaisirs, Celebrez Ce Beau Jour
Les Fetes De L'Hymen Et De L'Amour: Entree Des Egyptiens
Les Fetes De L'Hymen Et De L'Amour: Ariette De L'Egyptienne: L'Amant Que J'Adore
Les Fetes De L'Hymen Et De L'Amour: Ariette De L'Egyptienne: Amour, Lance Tes Traits
Platee: Air De Folie: Formones Les Plus Brillants Conc...Aux Langueurs D'Apollon
David Et Jonathas: A-t-on Jamais Souffert Une Plus Rude Peine?
Armide: Prld/Armide: Enfin, Il Est En Ma Puissance
Armide: Le Perfide Renaud Me Fuit
Les Indes Galantes: Air De Phani: Viens, Hymen
Les Indes Galantes: Air De Zima: Regnez, Plaisirs Et Jeux
Les Indes Galantes: Chaconne
Rien Du Tout

Amazon.com

This program of scenes and arias by Rameau, Charpentier, Lully, and Grandval is well designed to display Patricia Petibon's consummate vocal technique and historically informed artistry. Her florid coloratura, going up to high D- and E-flat (in the low period-instrument tuning) is clearly articulated and perfectly in tune. She can change color, nuance, and expression on a single note, and her mastery of the style is complete. She captures the seriousness as well as the humor in Rameau's two cantatas, the sorrow of Jonathan's lamentation in Charpentier's "David and Jonathan," the vacillation between reluctant attraction and furious vengeance in Lully's dramatic scene "Armide," and the rollicking fun in the final tour-de-force, Grandval's "Rien du tout"--a wicked parody of all singers and singing styles.

The voice itself takes some getting used to. In keeping with period practice, it is mostly lacking vibrato and so cool and bright as to seem shrill and strident. In the Lully, however, it becomes warmer, darker, and truly expressive. A large group of strings, winds, and percussion supports her splendidly, sometimes with only one or two instruments, sometimes with full orchestral effects that set the stage and underline mood and atmosphere. The musicians come into their own in the numerous instrumental sections, which are played with great verve, rhythmic incisiveness, character, and a wonderful sound. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Man, That woman really can sing !.......2006-11-09

In addition to Veronique Gens that is..........

Delicious singing, gorgeous music... this is a must-have........2004-04-30

Fine champagne fizzing from a French goblet... exquisite use of flirtation's fan behind cocquettish eyes... bitter-sweet laments and sighs over love and life... all with unmistakable French style and elegance. This is how Patricia Petibon has conveyed her performances of these fine baroque French arias.

As a fellow soprano specialising both in early music and other later classical vocal styles, I am extremely fastidious in my likes and dislikes when it comes to singers. When, therefore, I find a singer whose voice, intelligence and musicality produce ravishing quality like this, I am in alt...

In contrast to some of the comments here, I do not find Ms Petibon's voice shrill or white (except when she uses it so deliberately in order to create a particular emotional or stylistic effect). On the contrary, it is of a crystalline purity which she is able to tinge with warmer colours when necessary. I was hugely impressed by this recording, a worthy follow-up to the unbelievably beautiful recording of the Couperin Leçons de tènèbres which was sung by Petibon and Sophie Daneman.

What a sense of fun Patricia Petibon has! It's marvellous to hear baroque music performed with such stylish humour and grace, instead of the tediously uninterpreted choir-boy style which is considered by some to be the "correct" way of singing this type of aria. I listened with particular closeness to the arias from "Armide", which I had just performed myself - and was enchanted by Petibon's singing of them. Even though her voice is light in colour, she is perfectly adept at conveying vengeful hatred, despairing love, and a right royal snarling bad humour!

The accompanying instruments are taut, graceful, and beautifully recorded. The result is a treat to hear.

This CD is most highly recommended by me - and believe me, sopranos are tough critics of each other...!

I would give this CD seven stars if I could!.......2004-04-24

The beautiful and talented Patricia Petibon is simply stunning in this recording! If you've never listened to much Baroque opera this would be a great place to start! The music ranges from deeply emotional to whimsical. Petibon sings everything with style, panache, pizzazz and a deep commitment to the music and the composers.
The Baroque orchestra that accompanies her is new to me and they play with great verve.

What is so wonderful about this disc is that it is a genuine first - it is, as far as I know, the only disc in existence devoted the arias of Rameau, Lully, Charpentier and Grandval from a single singer. Bored with predictable collections of Opera Seria arias? Fed up with all the collections of the same Handel arias made by various sopranos, mezzos, countertenors, et cetera? Wondering what, exactly, the French were doing while the rest of Europe was worshipping castrati?

Well, look no further! You have it all here on this one marvelous CD! Here new 'French Touch' CD (on DECCA) shouldn't be missed either!

Long live Patricia Petibon!

Perfect!.......2003-11-19

This was one of the first opera aria recital CD's that I've ever purchased, and it got me hooked on Baroque opera, French or otherwise. I picked up this record originally because I found the singer very attractive; not the deepest reason, but the MUSIC turned out to be immnesely enjoyable, even if they would've put artwork or a photo of an opera-house on the cover.

To begin with, Petibon's voice is beautiful. As the other reviewer(s) put it, it is a cool, vibrato-less voice that might SEEM shrill, but her voice is never unpleasant. In fast or slow pieces, she is always a pleasure to listen to. Besides the sheer beauty of timbre of her voice, her musicanship is incredible: her interpretations are always appropriate, coloring the piece with humor, excitment, sex appeal (especially the Armida piece), anger, you-name-it. Technically she is very impressive, and handles the disc's runs, cascades, top-notes, etc. very well. (This disc is by no means a firweworks display though).

The orchestra plays with the same degree of musicianship, technicality and beauty. In some of the Rameaus pieces (especially the march), the instrumental textures really show off the great harmonies and voicings that Rameau is famous for; this disc is a great introduction to the composer's music, I wish she recorded Rameau more often.

Finally, the music itself is unique, interesting and entertaining all at the same time. The 2 two excerpts from Lully are not conventional arias, but they display how well the composer was able to blend drama into music. His music is both at the same time, and it soudns cliched but you have to hear it to treally understand it. The piece from Charpentier from "David and Jonathan" is stirring, and shows off what a talented singer and skilled orchestra can do with good music: it is musical, stirring, anguished and not something you will (probably) ever hear at the Met.
A wordy review, but this is one of my favorite records, one that I think everyone who has an intrest in the Baroque period should listen to. If you''re looking for an introduction to this very unique corner of classical music, try this CD.

Affect and early music performance.......2003-04-24

Patricia Petibon's performance on this recording seems wholly appropriate for the Baroque era repertoire she is singing. Early music performance in general stresses that the musician clearly present the affect of the piece. This, Petibon does. She is not afraid to sound thin, shrill or even ever so slightly out of tune. These artistic allowances, I'm sure are all intended and allow for word painting. She has a versatile style, sounding warm and serene, cold and sharp, and even overly-dramatic and funny.
In the small company of early music performers who strive to be authentic as possible, she is welcome.

Average customer rating:

great album from Sumi Jo
a chanteuse on the loose
Delightful
Very Nice!
customer review

Sumi Jo - Les Bijoux / Carella
Ambroise Thomas , Giuliano Carella , and Georges Bizet
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sumi Jo - Bel Canto / Arevalo · ECO · Carella
Sumi Jo sings Mozart
Sumi Jo - Virtuoso Arias ~ Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Meyerbeer
French Coloratura Arias
Sumi Jo - La Promessa / Vincenzo Scalera

ASIN: B00000JLLS
Release Date: 1999-08-03

Tracks:

Romeo et Juliette: Ariette: Je veux vivire dans ce reve...
Faust: L'air Des Bijoux: Ah! Je ris de mi voir si belle en ce miroir!
Mignon: Recht, Polonaise et Finale: Oui, pour ce soir, je suis reine des fees
L'Etoile du Nord: C'est bien l'air que chaque matin
Hamlet: Scen et air d'Ophelie: A vos jeux, mes amis
Louise: Depuis le jour ou je suis donnee
Mireille: La Valse: O legere hirondelle, messagere fidele
Les Hugenots: Acte II, Introduction et Air: O Beux Pays de la Touraine
Manon: Gavotte: Obeissons, quant leur voix appelle
Les pecheurs de perles: Cavatine de Leila: Mi voila a seule dans la nuit
Robinson Crusoe: Conduisez-moi verss celui que j'adore

Amazon.com

Sumi Jo is an exquisite singer, in some ways a throwback to the coloraturas of old, who could dash off high, pure sounds with ease, all the while exuding charm and grace. But unlike too many of those gone warblers, Jo also pays attention to the text--even if the texts for most of these arias tend to be pretty silly. In this new recital, she concentrates on the French repertoire, tossing these jewels at us and making us grab for more. Rarities include arias from Meyerbeer's L'Etoile du Nord, with its two- and then three-flute accompaniment (Sutherland recorded it as well) and an aria from Offenbach's Robinson Crusoe (also recorded by Dame Joan, and Yvonne Kenny--but still rare); favorites are Ophelie's Mad Scene, superbly sung and characterized, Juliette's Waltz Song, all fresh and sweet, and a nicely surprising piece of Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots. It's only in Charpentier's "Depuis le jour" that Jo seems out of her weight class, though the singing is still gorgeous. This is a sure bet for fans of this repertoire and a fine way to meet Sumi Jo if you haven't already. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

great album from Sumi Jo.......2006-10-20

I'm only a recent convert of the charming opera singer Sumi Jo. This is one of my favourite albums, showcasing arias of composers including Gounod, Offenbach, Bizet, and (most surprisingly) Meyerbeer.

The Meyerbeer arias are truly something. Sumi Jo should consider doing a whole album dedicated to his works, but until then, we can savour the "Les Huguenots" and "L'Etoile du Nord" arias.

Sumi Jo's voice has a fantastic, silvery quality, best-suited to the demanding arias on show here. Hers is a precision instrument that hits each and every note perfectly; never does she slide between notes or compromise the quality of the material. Perfection is a tough thing to live up to, but Sumi Jo is perfection.

I heartily recommend this album. [Erato/Warner Music 3984-23140-2]

a chanteuse on the loose.......2002-09-06

Sumi Jo is cleary at ease with the French repetoire and she has some magical moments on this cd, the Meyerbeer stuff especially. The quality of the voice is evident, and she has a certain timbre that seems particularly suited to this literature; light, but totally controlled singing reigns throughout.

Delightful.......2002-02-05

I purchased this CD as a student of coloratura literature (specifically because of "Je suis Titania") and it is my first Sumi Jo recording. While I personally find her voice a little too bright for my taste and, occasionally, she sounds slightly unstable on the top, I still wholeheartedly recommend it. Sumi Jo is an extremely clean coloratura and has a beautiful voice, even if it is something of an acquired tasts if you are used to a more lyric sound. It is no wonder she is considered one of the best coloraturas singing today. Besides praising Sumi Jo, I have to say that this is simply a wonderful collection of music; all of it is lovely! It is truly delightful to listen to.

Very Nice!.......2002-01-17

An excellent demonstration of a beautiful voice. Sumi Jo is at her best. This is a nice purchase for any lover of fine music.

customer review.......2001-08-07

I received this CD by accident as I am not very familiar with ordering from the Internet. I pondered whether or not to open it as when it is open it cannot be returned. I am really glad that I opened it. It is wonderful. I heard about this singer on NPRand it was said that a voice like hers only happens once a century or something like that. She is truly gifted and a wonderful Coloratura soprano. I suggest this CD for anyone like myself that is a high-note junkie.

Boy George's Taboo (2002 Original London Cast)

Average customer rating:

Jolly Good!
Bravo Boy George!
holy crapper!
A Very Pleasant Surprise
No words to describe this

Boy George's Taboo (2002 Original London Cast)
Boy George , and Euan Morton
Manufacturer: First Night (Red)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Taboo (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
U Can Never Be 2 Straight
Unrecoupable One Man Bandit, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0001I2BQW
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

Ode To Attention Seekers
Safe In The City
Freak
Stranger In This World
Genocide Peroxide
I'll Hve You All
Love Is A Question Mark
Shelter
Pretty Lies
Guttersnipe
Talk Amoungst Yourself
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
Touched By The Hand of Cool
Everything Taboo
Petrified
I See Through You
Independent Woman
Ich Bin Kunst
Out Of Fashion
IL Adore
Pie In The Sky

Amazon.com

Boy George's musical-theater debut has been unfairly maligned. Set in the glamorously decadent London nightlife of the early 1980s, the show is unquestionably hampered by a weak book. But Boy George's original score (which is credited to his actual birth name of George O'Dowd) boasts several strong pop songs and generously spread-out tour-de-force numbers among a handful of performers. The plot follows the rise to fame of Boy George (impeccably channeled by Euan Morton) and his interaction with lovers and hangers-on, friends and foes. One of the most striking characters is Australian-born performance artist Leigh Bowery, confusingly played by Boy George and Matt Lucas, who took turns during the London run and who both appear on this cast album (George sings "Everything Taboo," for instance, but Lucas gets the striking, Cabaret-like "Ich Bin Kunst"). Confused yet? Well, that's Taboofor you. But never mind the plot: There's plenty of cool, theatrical tunes on this CD, which is more than you can say about most contemporary shows. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Jolly Good!.......2006-06-16

Boy George may be to blame for the failure of his musical in the United States, though he would rather fault Rosie O'Donnell. Still, critics praised him for his lyrical skills here. There are catchy songs with various gay themes here. I enjoyed it though I've never seen the musical. I think musical fanatics will appreciate having this piece in their collection.

Bravo Boy George!.......2004-05-26

Don't hate me, but I saw the Broadway production five times including closing night. I'm still unclear why this tremendous production did not catch on, it was truly amazing. It's the first time that I've seen a Broadway show more than once. I received my Broadway CD today, as I ordered it the day after the show closed - I understand that it will be available in July, 2004, hopefully sooner in time for the Tonys. The soundtrack CD is absolutely brilliant, completely capturing the fire and energy of the live production. My favorites from the show are still my favorites here, especially Euan Morton's haunting Stranger In This World and his beautiful Pretty Lies; Liz McCartney's unbelievable take on Talk Amongst Yourselves; Guttersnipe (so funny and cute live); I See Through You; Raul Esparza's heartbreaking Petrified plus the opener Freak; Out Of Fashion and the finale, Come In From The Outside. My fingers are crossed that the Tony's are generous to this show and hope Rosie O'Donnell keeps her promise for a return for this show! Get a copy, you won't regret it, even if you are not a Boy George fan, his lyrics and beautiful melodies are his best ever - everything here is eons above so many Broadway shows that run for years. I guess I'll just keep wondering why mass audiences didn't get it, although the show did receive a standing ovation every performance.

holy crapper!.......2004-05-18

well first off, being a huge boy george fan... i was interested in his musical... i bought this cd... and i must admit most of the songs are written well and are catchy.... the most touching song is STRANGER IN THIS WORLD... euan morton's voice is soothing and the lyrics are sad and beautiful... and i recommend this album to all boy fans... although this is the london recording.... (as i patiently wait for the broadway score)... this album is good.... although george only sings on one song its still being rotated in my stereo.... get this album now....

A Very Pleasant Surprise.......2004-04-23

I did not see the Broadway Musical, but I am curious why it failed. I bought the cd just out of curiosity and absolutely love it. The songs are witty and the ballads are especially beautiful. I would highly recommend this cd.

No words to describe this.......2004-04-12

My review is going to be short and i'll get right to the point. Buy the soundtrack. The singers are beyond anything you've ever heard before. Euan Morton, be still my heart. His voice is mesmerizing. The song STRANGER IN THIS WORLD will leave you breathless. Just listen to it and you'll be transfixed, I know I was and am everytime.

Ruth Ann Swenson: Endless Pleasure: Handel & Mozart Arias

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous
This album is so dull and boring!
Beautiful voice!
A bland misfire from a good singer and conductor
Excellent recording

Ruth Ann Swenson: Endless Pleasure: Handel & Mozart Arias
Charles Mackerras , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Lisa Beznosiuk , The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment , George Frideric Handel , Ruth Ann Swenson , and John Toll
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ruth Ann Swenson - i carry your heart / Warren Jones
Ruth Ann Swenson - Positively Golden ~ Colaratura Arias
Ruth Ann Swenson - Con Amore ~ Italian Opera Arias / Rudel, London SO
Handel: Arias
Handel Operatic Duets ~ Amor e gelosia / Ciofi · Di Donato · Il Complesso Barocco · Curtis

ASIN: B00000DFNV
Release Date: 1998-11-03

Tracks:

Semele: Endless Pleasure
Semele: Myself I Shall Adore
Semele: O Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me
Giulio Cesare: V'addoro, Pupille, Saette D'amore
Giulio Cesare: Se Pieta Di Me Non Senti
Giulio Cesare: Da Tempeste Il Legno Infranto
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: Recit: Welcher Wechsel Herrscht In Meiner Seele
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: Aria: Traurigkeit
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: Martern Aller Arten
Misera dove son, K. 369: Recit: misera, dove son!
Misera dove son, K. 369: Aria: Ah! non son io che parlo
Lucio Silla: Recit: In un istante oh come s'accrebbe il mio timor!
Lucio Silla: Aria: Parto, m'affretto

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous.......2004-10-01

Her voice is just breathtakingly gorgeous.Her voice is of such a smoothness, purity, and delicasy.I loved her renditions of semele and they are the best I've heard. She beat out Fleming on this one. Fleming having released a new album with some of the same Handel arias.Her voice is just a jewel.This deep soprano is one of my new favorites-beautiful voice. I wonder why I haven't heard more about her having such national critical aclaim and awards.

This album is so dull and boring!.......2003-02-28

The title of this review says it all. Ruth Ann Swenson is such a dull singer. Her singing is very weary and uninvolved in the "Giulio Cesare" arias and in "Martern aller Arten". None of Cleopatra's emotions is conveyed by her singing. Konstanze's defiance and dignity are noticeably absent from her rendition. If you want to hear a great rendition of this Mozart aria, check out Joan Sutherland's version on her "The Art of the Prima Donna" recording. Sutherland's voice sails through that aria with so much ease that it is breathtaking. Sutherland also has more temperament. Cleopatra's seduction aria and lament aria are so underembellished that it is criminal. Swenson has a wonderful trill and she should have been able to show it off in those two arias. I suspect that Charles Mackerras had something to do with her restraint in embellishing those arias. Cleopatra's bravura aria is done well, but the embellishments are strange. The coloratura is assured, but it sounds too careful and deliberate. Only once does a trill surface. What a shame! Beverly Sills has much better renditions of Cleopatra's arias. The "Semele" arias are done well and the coloratura seems more carefree. She really seems to identify with the character of Semele.

The album, on the whole, causes one's mind to wander very often. Charles Mackerras is competent, but his tempos are way too slow. His orchestra plays well, but it sounds weak and anemic. This whole album is a shame. Swenson needs to develop dramatic involvement and she needs to execute coloratura with abandon. Her diction is great. It would be a great shame to waste such promising talent.

Beautiful voice!.......2001-08-11

I am a big fan of Ruth Ann and this CD is wonderful. Her interpretations of these arias are executed well. The arias from Semele are refreshing. However, a better Semele can be found in Kathleen Battle. Her Mozart's are my favorites on this album. The last aria, "Parto, m'afretto", is sung beautifully with some amazing fireworks. Brava Ruth Ann!

A bland misfire from a good singer and conductor.......1999-11-04

Ruth Ann Swenson is a highly accomplished and enjoyable singer, but not an all-purpose one. Her rich, full tone, accurate coloratura, easy high notes and beautiful trill work wonderfully in "Rigoletto" and in "La Sonnambula," for example; she seems dramatically committed and engaged in those roles, too. Here, she seems detached, clueless and stylistically at sea -- neither her tone nor her phrasing conveys the luscious sensuousness of Semele's arias, and her Mozart is similarly bland and uncomprehending. It's surprising that Charles Mackerras, usually a superb and enlivening conductor of both these composers' music, could not stimulate or lead her to something better.

Excellent recording.......1999-10-29

I own every recording that Swenson has ever done. (which isn't any kind of unusual feat, she is terribly under-recorded) This one shows off her ease with the challenges of Handel and Mozart. "Myself I Shall Adore" is sung with an amusing sense of playful vanity--not to mention the accuracy and sheer beauty of her fioratura and trills. Swenson moves her voice with quicksilver speed. Every note is articulated. I love the intimate way she caresses Handel's intoxicatingly lovely, "V'adoro pupille." Caesar would have been utterly charmed. My favorite item on the disc is her "Parto m'affretto." It's filled with a true heroine's pathos and seamless coloratura. Her staccatti are spectacular. A very passionate and gorgeous performance that will bring you endless pleasure.

Average customer rating:

Incredible chant recording!
First rate chant recording

Compline and other chant

Manufacturer: Saydisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000004540
Release Date: 2000-09-23

Tracks:

Latin Plainchant: Abbey Bells And Introit - Spiritus Domini (Pentecost) Mode VIII
Latin Plainchant: Alleluia - Emitte Spiritum Tuum (Pentecost) Mode IV
Latin Plainchant: Hymn - Christe Redemptor Omnium (Christmas) Mode I
Latin Plainchant: Hymn - Vexilla Regis Prodeunt (Passiontide) Mode I
Latin Plainchant: Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus (Pentecost ) Mode VIII
Latin Plainchant: Hymn - Adoro Te Devote Mode V
Latin Plainchant: Hymn - Virgo Dei Genitrix Mode II
Latin Plainchant: Offertory Verse - Ave Maria Mode VIII
Latin Plainchant: Magnificat Antiphon - Montes Gelboe Mode I
Latin Plainchant: Moter: Ave Verum Corpus Mode VI
Latin Plainchant: Psalm 45 - God Is For Us A Refuge And Strength
English Chant: Hymn - Christ Our Saviour, From The Father (Christmas)
English Chant: Psalm 138: O Lord You Examine Me And Know Me
English Chant: Hymn: Into The Silence Of Your Hearts
English Chant: Psalm 137: I Thank You Lord With All My Heart
Compline (Latin)
Compline (English) - The Nuns Of Stanbrook Abbey

Customer Reviews:

Incredible chant recording!.......1999-10-29

This is an incredible recording of English and Latin chant. The Latin and English Offices of Compline are especially noteworthy. The Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook have produced a remarkable, literate and prayerful English version of Compline. In my book, this is a desert island disc!

First rate chant recording.......1999-09-16

This is a gem. The monks sing very well, and sing with joy and love. The settings of Psalms 45 and 137 are outstanding.

Average customer rating:

The Opera Rara Collection Volume 1

Manufacturer: Opera Rara
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Opera Rara Collection, Vol. 2
Rossini: L'Assedio di Corinto
Paventa Insano: Pacini and Mercadante Arias and Ensembles
Massenet: La Navarraise / Horne, Domingo, Milnes, Bacquier, Zaccaria, Davies, LSO, Lewis

ASIN: B00000C2BP
Release Date: 1998-09-08

Tracks:

Mercadante Orazie Curiazi - Anthony Michaels-Moore/Alastair Miles
Donizetti Gabriella Di Vergy - Della Jones
Meyerbeer Dinorah - Deborah Cook,/Alexander Oliver//Christian Du Plessis
Donizetti Rosmonda D'Inghilterra - Renee' Fleming
Rossini Ricciardo E Zoraide - Bruce Fort/William Matteuzzi/Nelly Miricioiu
Donizetti Ugo Conte Di Parigi - Janet Price/Della Jones/Yvonne Kenny
Nicolini I Baccanali Di Roma - Yvonne Kenny
Offenbach Christopher Columbus - Marilyn Hill Smith/Johanna Peters
Donizetti L'Assedio Di Calais - Della Jones/Nuccia Focile/Christian Du Plessis
Mercadante Virginia - Bruce Ford
Pacini Maria Regina D'Inghilterra - Nelly Miricioiu/Mary Plazas
Donizetti Gabriella Di Vergy - Ludmilla Andrew/Christian Du Plessis
Meyerbeer Il Crociato In Egitto - Diana Montague
Rossini Armida - Bruce Ford/William Matteuzzi/Paul Austin Kelly
Offenbach Robinson Crusoe - Yvonne Kenny
Donizetti Emilia Di Liverpool - Sesto Bruscantini/Chris Merrit
Mayr Medea In Corinto - Jane Eaglen
Pucitta La Caccia Di Enrico IV - Della Jones/Marilyn Hill Smith
Donizetti Maria De Rudenz - Nelly Miricioiu
Mercadante Il Brindisi - Bruce Ford/Alastair Miles

International Music:

International Music

International Music