This blog will review opera recordings both recent and old.
Monday, 19 September 2011
This recital showcases from Juan Diego Florez at the top of his game. I would even go as far as to say that this is probably the finest recording that Florez has put out since he started recording recitals for the Decca label. Florez's voice has matured somewhat and his famous high notes sound even easier than in previous recording such as Arias for Rubini. On this CD one can expect to hear the usual foreworks that Juand Diego is able to pull off eith charm and perfect control. There are only a handful of tenors today that are able to tackle the repoitre that Florex has become an expert in with ease and control that is exhibited here. This recital is not only a CD of arias but also duets. Some of the stars of the opera world can be heard on this album. These include Anna Netrebko,Mariusz KwiecienPatrizia Ciofi and Placido Domingo. For me the duet that stands out has to be the duet with Placido Domingo. This recital includes the aria from la fille du regiment, Ah mes amis (on this CD it is sung in Italian and is listed as Amici Miei), which made Juan Diego Florez world famous when he was applauded at the Met to the point of an Encore that hasn't happened for decades. This is a CD for any bel canto fans and is truly spectacular.
La boheme is one of the most loved works in opera. The story of a two star gazed lovers combined with some of the most beautiful music and melodies that one can hear, makes for a truely unforgettable experience. This work has been recorded by so many great artists over the decades. These include the very popular recording with Pavarotti and Freni in the title roles and who can surpass the classic recording with Bjorling and De los angeles, just to name a few. It is for that reason that if one was to ask whether another recording would be necessary, one would respond simply ‘No’. However after hearing this recording one can see why this recording was made. The title roles of Mimi and Rodolfo are played by two stars in the opera world today, namely Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon. It is also interesting to note that this recording was done from a live performance. These two artists are at their prime at the time of this recording. They inject the much needed youthfulness and joy that is needed for much of this opera. They primarily achieve this through the phrasing and dynamics. One is also able to hear and feel the heartbreak that is needed in the last act of the opera when tragedy befalls these two lovers. Netrebko and Villazon are supported by very capable cast of singers. All in all if an opera fan is looking for a new edition to their La boheme collection, this one would have to be the pick.
The Opera world is forever looking out for the next, potentially great tenor that would follow in the steps of Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras and those that have gone before them. This decade has seen the appearance of some already formidable ang great tenors such as Kaufmann, Villazon, Vargas, Florez, Grigolo and Calleja, and now there is one more to add to the list. Piotr Beczala is a tenor with a distinguishable tone and sings with ease which makes him a delight to listen to. In his debut recording, Salut, Beczazla has chosen a combination of French and Italian arias. These include a selection of well known tenor arias that would be expected to be found on almost all debut albums by tenors such as Una furtive Lagrima by donezetti and Che gelida manina from La boheme by Puccini. The recording also includes some lesser known arias such as Apri la tua from Mascagni’s Iris. Beczala’s voice has a full sound in his mid to lower register and has the ping that is so desired for tenors in his upper register that is somewhat reminiscent of Pavarotti. This is a very impressive debut recording from one of the most promising tenors in the opera world today.
Tracklist
1. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera: Act 3. Tombe degli avi miei – Fra poco a me ricovero
