Angela Gheorghiu

I heard this CD on a PBS pledge drive (it was a premium) and found myself loving every cut on it! I was in my car and just wanted to keep on driving and listening. This is by far my most-played CD - I've had to make it a weekend only listen to prevent getting burned out on it. HIGHLY recommend it. Even if you are unfamiliar with some of the pieces, you will quickly learn to love them. . . . I must end this review - I'm off to listen to the "flower duet" for the 100th time. . .

I'm new to opera, but this CD has really beautiful music. I use it in my CD clock radio (Timex, that I purchased here also) to go to sleep to.

21 Dec, 2007
The movements in this collection move Me as much as My very bowel. Hence, it might work for your too. Try it, you'll like it if you want to be moved to your very "soul".

Am just discoving the glory of opera. Not all opera, but the arias that make your heart soar. My husband turned away from opera because he was "overdosed" at an early age and it really spoiled his pleasure for life. He's gone now, and I'm discovering what I've missed. This is a wonderful CD and well worth having.

If one was wanting to introduce a friend to the wonderful world of opera, this would be a great cd to buy them. Also at this time when many of us are worrying about Luciano and his health , it is great to hear him featured on many of the selections. A great buy and wonderful collection.

Christmas Adagios
Two record set which gives me all the best in Christmas music.

This is the BEST Christmas collection that I have ever heard. I would like
to purchase 15 more to give as gifts this year; however, it appears that
Decca is out of stock or no longer releasing it. HELP!!

this was one of the best assortment of classical holiday songs that i have ever heard. it contains a marvelous array of the best composers and performers that the world has to offer. if you are a fan of classical music, i think this cd will be a positive addition to your music collection

Beautiful Adagios and a rich selection for the price. Audio travels to Vienna, London, Cambridge etc

What a delightful surprise this 2 disc album was and I'm not a big fan of Christmas music. I loved all the selections and felt they were well performed. This is a true "must have" for any Christmas collection. Superior to many other compliations on the market. This one is a keeper! It is the one album I'll pick first to listen to after Thanksgiving.

This rarely-performed Puccini gem has been beautifully captured on this recording. Ms. Gheorghiu's voice is amazing. She was born to sing this role. The supporting cast is equally outstanding. Supported by the London Symphony Orchestra, it doesn't get any better than this. The engineering is outstanding. If you're a fan of Puccini, this recording is a must have for your collection. Superb!

This is in my opinion not the best opera Puccini wrote but its not att all bad. Its no Tosca, La Boheme, Turandot etc but it doesnt matter because it is a quite good one AND most importent is that performance is absolutly fantastic on this disc.

Pappano conducts FANTASTIC, GREAT AND Alagna AND Gheorghiu sings ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC too and so do rest of the cast.

I had a lot of opera records and find a better opera record, talking about singing and conducting (and sound of this excellent record,) you need to look for Björlings best records and/or some of Pavarottis and Domingos best.

Some people dont like Alagna/Gheorghiu but in this case you should give this couple a fair chance because they sing wonderful on this disc.

Mayby everything was right, magic on this session.. their voices is probably at their peak level here? and mayby Pappano did something extra good too in his will and support.

Anyway... fact is that this performance is beutiful and this is NOT a matter of taste because ANYONE with music ear could understand that.

Buy it because of its fantastic performance. If you dont do so you def. miss something really good.

I can dispense with relating the story of La Rondine as that has been admirably done by earlier reviews. But it is difficult for me to account for the harsh criticism offered by some reviews of this set. When this recording of La Rondine appeared in 1997, it was warmly greeting by critics and was (and is still) considered to be the best of the available recordings. The opera was an attempt to emulate the operettas of Lehar and Johann Strauss, and with La Traviata holding particular influence. There was a multitude of influences on La Rondine, even to making it into a comic opera along the lines of Rosenkavalier. However, it more closely resembles Traviata in its story and musical language.

It is the singing by Angela Gheorghiu (as Magda) and Roberto Alagna (as Ruggero) that make this an idea recording. The way they approach and sing their parts convey what Puccini had in mind: Magda's role more complex and filled with emotional expression, and Ruggero an ardent young student. I don't think the singing could be better expressed than on this recording. Antonio Pappano brings out subtle shadings in the score and the recording is bright and clear. The earlier recording by Maazel has its virtues but the better characteriztion of these roles to the Pappano recording.

The fillers are of interest as well. Morire? (a first version of a song Puccini included in the Vienna performances of La Rondine) is superbly sung by Alagna with Pappano at the piano. The excerpts from La Villi, Puccini's first opera, are tantalizing with Roberto Alagna, once again, giving a great account of his abilities as Roberto. Listening to La Villi makes one wish that Pappano would record this work. I can enthusiastically recommend this recording to anyone.

The two musically and vocally sumptuous CDs under review include the enchanting La Rondine, a mature Puccini' score, plus highlights of the tragic opera Le Villi, the composer's first opera. The recording offers a glorious trail of musical discovery to the listener because performance and recording of both operas are rare. Any list of lyrical opera masterpieces does not include either of them. How wrong can people be? It is the first time I heard both operas.

Puccini's publisher Tito Ricordi thought very little of La Rondine and dismissed it as bad Lehar. This opinion is sheer nonsense. La Rondine is a delightful, inspired musical composition in the typical expansive lyricism of the great master. The score evokes the artistic sense, delicate tastes, passionate refinements and French boudoirs of La Belle Époque in Europe (1900-1914). Make no mistakes. The unsurpassable lyrical style of Puccini is there: Heartfelt recitatives, tender phrases with bold colours, ample extensions, top notes of volume, power and timbre. The music is reminiscent of the effusive delicacy mixed with passion of Madama Butterfly.

Now to the plot concisely. Ruggero meets the courtesan Magda at a Parisian ball. Thinking that love has blossomed, they flee to the coast away from city vicissitudes. Ruggero utters "Dimmi che vuoi seguirmi alla mia casa" offering his beloved a life of family affection. Magda is an art- loving, modern charm woman and cannot renounce to her ambiguous circles. They part.

Roberto Alagna as Ruggero sings warm, lirico spinto notes without a French nasal but more with a Franco-Italian pulpy sound. He cannot claim entry yet into the "espada", a group of legendary tenors including Gillion, Escalais, Fleta, Lazaro and Lauri-Volpi. They emitted steel bladed top notes. Alagna is very convincing in the role, which portrays the naïve and immature young man from the provinces. Angela Gheorghiu as Magda sings with pure and soaring notes. She is beautiful, has long black hair and a ravishing scenic personality. She is very convincing as the charming courtesan.

The highlights of Le Villi are part of the second CD and a magnificent bonus. The prelude and two symphonic intermezzi are included. They are admirable pieces of orchestral invention and workmanship. In the first intermezzo, the Abandonment, the orchestra begins quietly, female voices join in, surges to passionate chords and dies away with the chorus' distant echo. In the second, the Witches' Sabbath, the orchestra pours forth an overflowing rush of sounds and extremely talented polyphonic mixtures with great clarity, as in all Puccini's music. "Torna ai felici di' dolente il mio pensier" the protagonist Roberto laments in sorrow on his return home. He had left, fallen for an adventuress and forgotten Anna, his first love. The sweet Anna waited in vain and died heartbroken at the coming of winter. Anna' spirit appears with those of other deserted maidens, Le Villi, and in revenge draws him to a fatal dance.

Alagna sings the aria with surprisingly passionate accents as the masochistic self-tormented Roberto (Le Villi). Alagna sounds distinctly and superbly Puccinian. The conductor Pappano's tempi are magnificent and throw both operas under a new light of incredible musical beauty (listen to the intermezzo, the Abandonment, of le Villi). More stupefying is his sense of opera as musical theatre. The expressive strength, the space he concedes to the singers, the sense of arioso and a sound explosion without limits fly to the listener's ears and heart. The CD sound is resounding and faultless.

The beautiful booklet contains photos of the principal singers, secondary roles, conductor and artistic scenes. The critical review and synopsis are in English. The libretto is in both English and Italian. The CDs track numbers are usefully bolded at the margins of the libretto. BUY AND LISTEN TO LA RONDINE AND LE VILLI ON THESE CDs. YOU WILL GET A STUPENDOUS, NOVEL EXPERIENCE AND DISCOVER MORE OF PUCCINI!

I am in deep shock at some of the poor reviews regarding this magnificent recording of La Rondine. On my stereo the voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu sound absolutely divine. This recording is anything but boring--perhaps some of the other reviewers need to look into replacing their stereo systems with ones that can capture fully the ravishing voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu. While La Rondine is not one of my favorite operas, this recording is nonetheless one of the finest and most beautiful that I own. Alagna and his wife may be controversial and not well liked, yet any unbiased reviewer cannot fail to appreciate the fine singing on this CD. If you are a fan of Puccini, don't hesitate to purchase this CD. If you are unfamiliar with this opera, this is the version you want to have, as it is in a class of its own. Put aside any negative feelings towards Alagna and Gheorghiu and just listen to the singing, which is certain to win you over. Even my non-operatic friends have commented favorably on this CD upon hearing it, and that should speak volumes to anyone interested in this edition.

When I was in Lucca, It., the birthplace of Puccini, we attended a concert in a local church that was so beautiful. This CD brought me right back there. A lovely way to spend time listening to Puccini.

"Quando m'en vo" is not omitted from this CD; it is just called "Musetta's waltz song." It is the same aria.

This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written. But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues. I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc. So, is the music the ultimate? YES! Is the recording the ultimate? NO!

I don't know opera.

Last summer we had an incredible 20th anniversary trip to Italy. As a side trip from Venice, we planned a night in Verona. Neither my wife or I had been to an opera.

Is this how its supposed to be...

...an incredible star filled night with a three quarter moon, the largest stage and outdoor theatrical production on the planet, all taking place in a roman colleseum (arena) built in 180 a.d., an incredible colorful set and production with a full symphony orchestra and voices that don't come easy. Aida.

Now I know what all the hpye is as you opera fans sure are lucky to have such a beautiful setting for all your productions.

Okay, we got spoiled. But I also found myself getting spoiled on the Italian composer Verdi.

For me, this set is not only a "take me back to Verona" trip, but a great introduction to Verdi's other works. With some of the biggest names in the opera world in starring roles, I listened to both discs twice the first night they arrived.

And, of course, we are planning a return trip to Verona in the very near future to see some more Verdi...perhaps Nabucco or Otello or Macbeth...I'll even settle for Aida again. It was such a magical experience and a superb introduction to opera and Verdi.

This set continues that magical moment for us and provides a great introduction to a master of the opera...Verdi.

This is a marvelous compendium of Verdi's opera works that even the serious opera fan wouldn't turn his nose up at. These are the top contemporary soloists singing with first tier orchestras. When I saw the Decca label, I expected reasonable quality, but this disk is stunningly well engineered. Most of the vocals match the best jazz cds for immediacy and intimacy, and the orchestras are equally well done.

I don't say incredible about too many things, but Verdi was the zenith of Italian Opera and Solti and the Chicago Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic are the quintessential ensembles for modern classical performance. Not to mention that most of the voices showcased have their own lines of CDs (Pavarotti, etc.) This CD is the best Verdi album available, and it has EVERYTHING. BUY THIS CD!

In my opinion this recording is stunning. I am not usually a fan of compilations in classical music, as they're usually watered down representations made under the presumption that the listener would find the full-blown version intimidating or boring. This one, however, is not only an exception in my view, but a recording that deserves a high place of honor in every serious listener's collection. The representation of artists, both vocal and orchestral, is breathtaking and impressive for the span of years. A great big thank you to the people at Decca responsible for putting this collection together, as it is obvious to this listener that a great deal of thought and care went into looking for the most beautiful version of every piece on here. I have purchased two copies, one for home and one for the office, and have gotten two friends similarly hooked. I am also feverishly searching for more pairings of Joan Sutherland and Carlo Bergonzi. In the meantime, I'm on to Essential Puccini!!

I heard excerpts from this recording on a transatlantic flight and had to have the whole thing. I am a great fan of Gheorghiu, and she is in top form on this recording. Why aren't these three one act operas performed more often? That is the question that this recording leaves with you.

These are very beautiful and artistically committed performances. I think they are the best currently available on Cd-(but one wonders about those "LIVE FROM THE MET" SAT. performances broadcast live to theaters across the country. Will they become available and trump this recording?Only time will tell.)
But there is much here to enjoy , compare, and contrast.
While I still favor Tito Gobbi's Gianni Schicci , Van Dam's rogue has his own magic and merits. The Alagna's too are both quite stunning! While the older London Tebaldi/Merrill/Del Monaco Il Tabarro is very special to me for Merrill's amazing singing and acting(not usual for him-his voice was so gorgeous that he really didn't need to act that much), nevertheless these performances here are very fresh, alive and pungent in the combined impact projected by Guelfi's seething Michele, Guleghina's desperate wife and Schicoff's macho Luigi( Listen to the high notes!)(You'll scream along with Giorgetta at the end of Tabarro-you'll NEED to.)
Maria Gauci's Angelica was a touchingly vulnerable and beautifully tender performance on Euro disc, but here we have Christina Gallardo-Domas's passionately human and spiritual heroine. Despite what some snide critics have said, pay careful attention to this sturdy yet vulnerable Puccini-tormented character. He loved her dearly- you can HEAR it if you listen with both heart and ears. Just turn down your inner critic a notch or two!
All three operas are beautifully recorded and I LIKE MAESTRO PAPPANO! HE IS BOTH MUSICALLY AND DRAMATICALLY ALERT AND THRILLING! HE CAREFULLY LINKS THESE DIVERSE AND UNUSUAL WORKS INTO A SINGLE EVENING'S ENTERTAINMENT(just try listening to them back-to-back, as the composer wished). Also, the purchase price of the recording is now MOST reasdonable.
Recently I wrote a separate review praising the Eurodisc set of TRITTICO not realizing that it was no longer available. What a Shame!
For now at least, get this Angel/EMI recording. I think you'll be very pleased. It has very starry casting for very diverse Puccini. Maybe Il Trittico is not Boheme, Tosca or Butterfly but IT IS far better than many critics will condescend to admit. So, if you would like some Puccini verismo served on toast...help yourself!!!

Very good performances of all three one-acts. Good sound quality, and the orchestra performance is top-notch.

This review compares three of the recordings of Suor Angelica, with the finding that the recording of this miniature gem in the boxed set of Puccini's Il Trittico conducted by Antonio Pappano far exceeds the others in various qualities.

The best first. The vocal performances of both the title role (Cristina Gallardo-Domas) and la Zia Principessa (Bernadette Manca di Nissa) offer a great breadth of interpretation and an honest and true attention to pure vocal production. I have the very slightest of quibbles with one specific response from Gallardo-Domas' Angelica to her aunt, "La Vergine ci ascolta e Lei vi giudica!" is offered much too anglrily, where the score is marked "coldly." The wonderful choral work that supports the action and provides so much of the exposition is a well-modulated performance of Puccini's best writing for women's voices in non-starring roles. Indeed, the balance between the soloists, chorus, and orchestra is keenly maintained througout, ever allowing the orchestra and chorus to be equals to the soloists. Lastly, Pappano's pacing seems the most accomplished of all the recordings.

The worst second. The performance of the Rome Opera Orchestra & Chorus with Fedora Barbieri and Victoria de Los Angeles is frightful. The balance is muddy, and the soloists are miked so closely that they become strident. Worse yet is that the editing was inattentive, and several badly pitched tones made their way to the final recording. --And the pitch problems continue throughout, sometimes sharp, sometimes flat. The chorus members' diction is almost slurred, and a sloppy ensemble results in many nice melodies being unintelligible.

The most surprising recording is conducted by Richard Bonynge and stars Joan Sutherland and Christ Ludwig. As another reviewer noted, Dame Sutherland is past her prime, recording the role at age 52. If only we had a recording of Angelica from her at 30! As it is, I believe Richard Bonynge is the one driving a stake through the heart of this work. His readings alternate between a rush through lyric passages and tearing through the recitativo segments at a full tilt. But it seems so strange because the balance favors the women's voices, making the orchestra extraordinarily subservient. Finally, the performances in general seem less than committed. For example, Sutherland lacks both the fire and the meek submissiveness that should complicate the character.

Like another previous reviewer, I too came to this set feeling that the old Tito Gobbi recording was something very special, and hard to beat. And it still has a special place in my collection. But this set is exceptional on all counts; it is superbly recorded, the soloists are wonderful, and Pappano's pacing throughout is just glorious...here is a conductor who understands, and has a love for this music. Furthermore, the older Gobbi set is hard to find, and only "Schicchi" is in true stereo. In short, you will not go wrong with these lovely, sensitive recordings. Better yet, get these and the older set if you can find it, and you'll never want for any more.

fantabulous!!! a must have! I had to get it for a beginner italian opera course but am now obsessed and listen to it all the time ... if you know opera at all you will appreciate it more, i only say that because after watching these songs i understand them so much better and want to listen to their emotion constantly. so, i advise, rent some popular operas then listen to this cd, then experience exaltation. haha enjoy.

Ideal for an opera lover, or for anyone who loves gorgeous singing. I am an opera nut and was introduced to this one by accident; "Au gond du temple saint" from Pearl Fishers (selection #6, disc one) was playing on the stereo in the Metropolitan Opera giftshop when I walked in at intermission one night. I thought it was so stunning I bought my first copy of the CD then and there; and have bought 2 other "back-up copies" since then, as well as having it on my iPod.

If you are in search of a cd containing various popular pieces from the greatest operas in the world, then search no more. This cd contains classic operatic pieces, sung by some of the most talented tenors and sopranos out there, including Placido Domingo. Madame Butterfly's Un Bel Di and Turandot's Nessun Dorma are, without a doubt, two of the most emotional and dramatic songs ever composed. Fortunately, this inexpensive two cd set includes those songs and many more. This cd is a delight to own, whether or not you've ever attended an opera.

I am not particularly a fan of opera but do realize it's merit. I also appreciate the talent of it's artists. This 2 disc set offers a wide, wisely chosen selection from most of the popular operas, performed by most of the world's greatest singers, present and yesteryear. Yes, you will find legends such as Maria Callas to Pavarotti to the up and coming Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu; sharing space on these discs. Economically, I was able to obtain this set for under ten bucks. My research could not find a more varied set with such a stellar roster at any price. It will impress any novice to seasoned collecter. I wish that EMI annotated the set better, a brief synopsis of each track would have tutorial value. The sound reproduction flows seemlessly from track to track.

This is billed as "the greatest opera stars on one double album for the first time ever."

Many major voices of the first part of the past half century are presented on this CD (e.g., Shwartzkopf, Moffo, Freni, de los Angelos, Sutherland, Callas, Gedda, Merrill, Bjoerling, Pavarotti, Sutherland, Domingo, et al.). Also represented are some more contemporary singers, among whom are Kanawa, Gheorgiu, Alagna, Dessay, and so on).

So, a nice album. But we are also reminded of the absence of some major figures on CDs (such as Richard Tucker, who is little represented on CDs). . . . Hopefully, in future years, more of those glorious voices will become accessible on CD.

Este recopilatorio ofrece variedad de estilos, versiones siempre de alto nivel y precio medio muy interesante. Muy recomendable para iniciarse en el mundo de la opera de la mano de los mejores artistas de hoy y de ayer, aunque algunos de los grandes cantantes se echan quiza en falta.

Beautiful music for anyone. Even those I know who generally dislike opera have taken an interest! These are truly highlights of some of the greatest peices...breathtaking voices...relaxing and yet movingingly passionate. I reccomend this for anyone wanting a varied and yet stunning collection.

This set of two CDs is a great way to listen to some highlights from many different operas when you aren't in the mood to listen to a full opera. Many of your favorite arias are here, such as Nessun Dorma, Habanera, Non piu andrai etc. But what I liked most about it is that it features many different artists. While I love my Pavarotti and Domingo albums, it is nice to hear other singers.

Also, hearing some pieces that sounded familiar have gotten me interested in operas I haven't heard or seen before, such as the Flower Duet from Lakme. I've heard that before--but where? Probably in some car commercial...

This music will haunt you, and is wonderful for listening to while driving or just sitting. Try it with headphones on so the rest of the world goes away.