Boïto, Arrigo Enrico

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A discovery of pleasure
We don't get to see recordings like this issued anymore
Beautiful!

Boito: Mefistofele

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006M8U
Release Date: 1985-06-17

Customer Reviews:

A discovery of pleasure.......2005-08-27

I found this opera becuase I was tracking Caballe's recordings... Alas! I listened to it once, and twice and a million times! I didn't know anything about this opera and it is now one of my favorites... I've read about its shortcomings, etc... Who cares! It has the geat prologue, the coral parts, and the great solos and duets... Everything is here if one wants to enjoy, I guess.
This was my first MEFISTOFELE, I got many more afterwards, but I keep coming back to this and to the DVD from San Francisco Opera (thanks for that visual feast!).
What can I say about the singers here? First rate! Sound is great too.

We don't get to see recordings like this issued anymore.......2003-11-26

In our day and age when corporate interests, contracts, and big egos prevail over the interests of Art, can anyone imagine a collaboration of four megastars for a complete opera recording? The most we're ever likely to get is a tired husband-and-wife cutesy that EMI supplies in abundance lately - a venture that attests to corporate interests before anything else. However, back in 1985, when Decca wasn't busy recording another installment of the Watson tragedies, it issued this incredible complete recording of Boito's most known opera with two leading lyric sopranos - Montserrat Caballé and Mirella Freni as Helen of Troy and Marguerite respectively. To make the set better still, Nicolai Ghiaurov and Luciano Pavarotti, both in very good voice, are cast as Mephistopheles and Faust. Sadly, this recording wasn't available for the longest time, and people turned to inferior versions instead. Well, you have got to hurry and get this set before it becomes unavailable once again.

For me personally, the purchase decision was mainly influenced by the fact that conductor Oliviero de Fabritiis cast the most demonic-sounding basso in history - Nicolai Ghiaurov - to sing the title role. Well-known for his several recordings of Gounod's version of the devil, Ghiaurov's recordings of Boito are scarce. His interpretation is of larger-than-life, no-holds-barred type; he fires all the canons of his huge basso for the maximum effect. His Mefistofele is definitely a ruler of its own kind, defiant and triumphant. As the title character, he holds the action together and forcefully propels it forward.
Mirella Freni's gorgeous silky soprano is incredibly suited for the role of Marguerite, Gounod's or Boito's equally. Boito's version is more touching and less rebellious than Gounod's, and there's a great achingly beautiful verismo-style aria "L'altra notte in fondo al mare". She also looks the part, and I can't wait until Decca opens up its vaults and we get to see her Marguerite on video. Freni isn't afraid to make an "ugly" sound when the situation calls for it, Marguerite's plight is vividly depicted and her nobility shines as she resist the love that's tingled with evil.
In a brilliant stroke of luxury casting, Montserrat Caballé (an equally good Marguerite in Rudel's EMI recording) is cast as Helen of Troy. While great diva's heyday is often said to be 1960's and 70's, this 1982 recording finds her in excellent vocal shape, easily gliding over Helena's difficult tessitura. Unlike most of her heroines, Helena is very seductive and even ethereal. Needless to say, Caballé's mesmerizing voice is a perfect vehicle for conveying these qualities of a love goddess.
Luciano Pavarotti's bright silvery tenor can sound a bit too youthful at times to portray a world-wary, chivalrous, and seductive Faust. But he heavily draws on the ardent and cajoling resources (familiar to his fans from "Rigoletto") to present a convincing, if not particularly likable character. Boito deliberately keeps Faust in the shadow of Mephistopheles to show that the latter acts like a puppeteer to the former. It's obvious that Faust cannot resist the devil's temptations and plunges into his new feelings heart and soul. The duet "Lontano, lontano", and aria "Dai campi dai prati" are absolutely lovely and sang gloriously.
A lot of critics said that Act IV seems like a strange add-on and takes away from the opera's central story. Well, with these singers, it makes for a great listening experience, regardless of the Act IV relevance.
Oliviero de Fabritiis works up a storm with National Philharmonic Orchestra, and the choruses are first rate.
The recording is early DDD and it's actually pretty good, save for just a couple of moments when singers' voices overwhelm the equipment. Most buyers' choice will be between this set and EMI budget set with Normal Treigle in title role. While the latter set is very good, it does not have a) digital recording, b) a Helen of Caballé's caliber, c) Nicolai Ghiaurov (although Treigle is an excellent, if smaller, basso), and d) Decca's wonderful presentation with 186-page booklet and slip case. These factors combined swayed this customer in favor of Decca's set.

Beautiful!.......2003-04-06

This is a vastly underrated opera. Filled with some of the most beautifully melodic music, this recording is a must for all Italian opera lovers. Yes, the story may lack focus, with a rather strange trip to Helen of Troy in the last act.
The orchestra is in top shape under the baton with Fabritiis. He conducts with strength and sweep.
Freni is the star here. In her long scene in act II she sounds like the crazed Margarita, full of passion, anger, tenderness and great breath control. She is so dramatic, dropping into chest register frequently, never covered by the orchestra as so many sopranos are (who don't use chest). Her spoken "Taci" in act II gives me shivers and goose bumps. The death scene is breath-taking!
Pavarotti also gives a magnificent recording, done well before he sang as if he doesn't care. Golden tone and excellent diction help him build the character of Faust. He and Freni blend beautifully in their "Lontano" duet, some of the most incredible singing I've ever heard.
Ghiaurov sings very well, as well. His voice is HUGE and so well suited to devils. A few moments of strain add to the dominance of the character.
Caballe is Elena of Troy. I've never been a great fan of her singing but she is dramatic and passionate. Her duet with Pavarotti is one of my favorite all time melodies that always makes me smile. Her high C at the end is less that perfect (I wish Freni had taken the role as well).
Great recording of a great opera! Highly recommended

Average customer rating:

The Greatest Pagliacci EVER

Prima Voce: Beniamino Gigli Vol. I

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Beniamino Gigli: Historical Recordings 1927 - 1951

ASIN: B0000037J8
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

La Gioconda: Cielo E Mar
O Surdato 'Nnammurato
Mefistofele: Dai Campi, Dai Prati
Mefistofele: Giunto Sul Passo Estremo
Tosca: Recondita Armonia
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle
Tosca: O Dolci Mani
La Favorita: Spirto Gentil
Faust: Salve, Dimora Casta E Pura
Iris: Apri La Tu Finestra
Tu Sola
Notturno D'Amor
Le Roi D'ys: Vainement Ma Bien Aimee
Pagliacci: Vesti La Giubba
Andrea Chenier: Un Di All' Azzurro Spazio
Andrea Chenier: Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio
L'Africana: O Paradiso
Loreley: Nel Verde Maggio
II Canto Del Cigno
Marta: M'appari Tutto Amor
Povero Pulcinella
Funiculi Funicula

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Pagliacci EVER.......2001-01-14

Many people are born to sing, but few are born to sing like the angels. Beniamino Gigli is truly the most remarkable tenor of this century. While he peformed on both sides of the Atlantic, in New York, London, Italy, and Germany for nearly his entire career, he remained loyal to his family, friends, colleagues, and record company with little ego and great warmth. Above all else, his voice had a lyrical quality that remains unique, even in the age of the three tenors. Pagliacci was his signature role, and performed it with such abandon, that it took a toll on his voice over the years, but the 1922 recording on this CD is him doing what he does best. The 1923 'M'appari tutto amor' is also very nice.

Amazon.com

This disc can make a hardened realist believe in miracles. The first is technological: superimposing a new instrumental background on "vocals" recorded between 1902 and 1913. To listeners who cherish Pearl's re-issues of the Caruso Edition, where the voice comes through in all its glory while the orchestra sounds like a village band several miles away, this is naturally a vast improvement. It is also strangely disorienting: with brand-new accompaniments played by an excellent orchestra, the vocal sound shows its age; instead of leaping out from its surroundings, it almost seems upstaged by it. However, the ear quickly adjusts, just as it did to the originals' orchestral sound. The second miracle is Caruso's unique vocal and dramatic artistry. The program features favorite arias as well as unfamiliar ones, such as the disc's title track from Giordano's Fedora and Canio's final aria, rather than the famous earlier one, from Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci. An aria from Verdi's Otello, which he was to sing for the first time at the Metropolitan Opera in 1921, brings home the tragedy of his death at 48 that year. The disc includes some of his earliest recordings (with the orchestra taking over the original piano accompaniments played by the composers), as well as several he made after his operations, when his bright, honeyed, "golden" voice took on its famous baritonal quality: darker, warmer, somewhat heavier. In close juxtaposition, the difference is quite startling, creating the illusion of hearing two different singers. What remains unchanged are his incomparable technique and his inimitable style, though the early tendency toward what now seem excessive slides, portamentos, fermatas, gradually abates. His top notes retained their thrilling, heroic ring, his agility its effortless ease; his breath-control remained uncanny, his charm infectious. Perhaps most striking is his ability to create mood and character, drawing you instantly into the heart of the scene and the person portrayed. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Quite a miracle.......2005-05-16

I bought the first digital Caruso CD, "Caruso 2000", and loved listening to it. Although it was more interesting than artistic. I found the digital process fascinating, however it seemed that too much was erased from the digital recordings, to the point that Caruso's voice lost some nuance. This CD however (the third in this series) manages to somehow filter out (most of)the surface noise and the original accompiament while keeping the voice mostly intact. The balance between the old and the new is also more convincing. Detractors of the Caruso 2000 CD should definitely check this one out. They might be surprised

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The Legendary Caruso
Salvatore Cottone , Georges Bizet , Paolo Francesco Tosti , Zardo , and Trimarchi
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias
Prima Voce - Caruso

ASIN: B00000I3V7
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Cavalleria Rusticana - "O Lola"
La Gioconda - "Cielo e mar"
I Pagliacci - "Recitar!...Vesti la giubba"
Germania - "Studenti, udite"
Mefistofele - "Dai campi, dai prati"
Tosca - "E lucevan le stelle"
Iris - "Apri la tua finestra"
Fedora - "Amor ti vieta"
Adriana Lecouvreur - "No, piu nobile"
Aida - "Celeste Aida"
Germania - "Ah vieni qui...No, non chiuder"
Mefistofele - "Giunto sul passo estremo"
The Pearl Fishers - "Mi par d'udir ancor"
Manon - "O dolce incanto"
Rigoletto - "Questa o quella"
L'elisir d'amore - "Una furtiva lagrima"
La mia canzone
Non t'amo piu
Luna fedel
Un bacio ancora
Mattinata

Amazon.com

This collection begins at the dawn of Enrico Caruso's recording career: in 1902, only four years after his breakthrough success at La Scala. Caruso's voice rings out magnificently over the primitive recording technology in a collection of Italian arias from Aida, Tosca, La Gioconda, Manon, and The Pearl Fishers that have become warhorses in our age but were so new in Caruso's time that the singer is occasionally accompanied on piano by the composer. So there's an authentic-performance value in this as well as the sheer pleasure of that famous tenor voice, which maintains its brilliant virility even when Caruso ascends into head voice for the final high pianissimo that ends "Celeste Aida." Even the upper regions of "Mi par d'udir ancor" from The Pearl Fishers have a fluid musicality that so many modern recordings lack. EMI's transfers are a bit overly filtered; there's more noise in RCA's Complete Caruso but also more voice. --David Patrick Stearns

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Prima Voce: Enrico Caruso, Opera Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Ladino | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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Prima Voce: Caruso in Opera, Vol. 2
Prima Voce - Caruso
Caruso In Ensemble

ASIN: B0009S3HYE
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

O Lola
Cielo E Mar
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
Cujus Animam
Crucifixus
Mia Piccirella
Sento Una Forza Indomita
O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni
Una Furtiva
Chi Mi Frena
Presto, Presto
Eh! Quoi! Toujours Seule?
Je Viens Celebrer
Vois Ma Misere
O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
Bois Epais

Tracks:

Flores Purisimas
Celeste Aida
Aida A Me Togliesti
Dio, Che Nell' Alma Infondere
Ai Nostri Monti
Libiamo, Libiamo
Sleale!
Bella Figlia Dell' Amore
Ingemisco
Chi Mi Frena
Bella Figlia Dell' Amore
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
Celeste Aida
Dai Campi, Dai Prati
No, Piu Nobile
Una Furtiva Lagrima
E Lucevan Le Stelle
No, Non Chiuder Gli Occhi
La Donna E Mobile

Average customer rating:

Charming in it's antiquity...

The Early Recordings with Enrico Caruso

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Mattinata - Enrico Caruso/Ruggerio Leoncavallo
Les Pecheurs De Perles: Je Crois Entendre Encore
Pagliacci: Recitar, Mentre Preso Dal Delirio...Vesti La Giubba
Aida: Celeste Aida
Tosca: Recondita Armonia
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola Ch'ai Di Latti La Cammisa ('Siciliana')
La Gioconda: Cielo E Mar
Les Huguenots: Ah, Quel Spectacle Enchanteur...Plus Blanche Que La Blanche Hermine
Mefistofele: Dai Campi, Dai'prati
Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Enrico Caruso/Giordano
Aida: Celeste Aida
La Gioconda: Cielo E Mar
Pagliacci: Recitar, Mentre Preso Dal Delirio...Vesti La Giubba
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola Ch'ai Di Latti La Cammisa ('Siciliana')
Non T'amo Piu
Rigoletto: Questa O Quella
Manon: En Fermant Les Yeux (Il Sogno)
L'elisir D'amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Mefistofele: Giunto Sul Passo Estremo
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle
Iris: Ser: Apri La Tua Finestra
Germania: Studenti! Udite
Germania: Ah, Vieni Que...No, Non Chiuder Gli Occhi Vaghi
Germania: Studenti! Udite
Germania: Ah, Vieni Qui...No, Non chiuder Gli Occhi Vaghi
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle

Tracks:

Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo - Geraldine Farrar
Pagliacci: Prologue: Si Puo? Si Puo? - Pasquale Amato/Francis J. Lapitino
Lucrezia Borgia: Il Segreto Per Esser Felice - Sigrid Onegin
Die Walkure: Der Manner Sippe - Lotte Lehmann
Don Giovanni: Dalla Sua Pace - Richard Tauber
A Life For The Tsar: I Do Not Grieve - Antonina Nezhdanova
Les Pecheurs De Perles: Je Crois Entendre Encore - Dmitri Smirnov
Cleopatre: Air De La Lettre: Tes Messages D'amour (Air De La Lettre) - Marcel Journet
Louise: Depuis Le Jour - Nellie Melba
Un Ballo In Maschera: Eri Tu, Che Macchiavi - Mattia Battistini
La Sonnambula: Ah! Non Giunge - Luisa Tetrazzini
I Puritani: Ah, Per Sempre Io Ti Perdei - Giuseppe De Luca
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Miguel Fleta
Persian Love Song - Feodor Chaliapin
Cant No.81: Jesus Schlaft, Was Soll Ich Hoffen - Marian Anderson
Mefistofele: L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare - Claudia Muzio
Le Postillon De Lonjumeau: Mes Amis, Ecoutez - Helge Roswaenge
Atalanta: Care Selve - Eide Norena
Werther: Io Non So...O Natura - Tito Schipa

Customer Reviews:

Charming in it's antiquity..........2003-12-09

This is an absolutely necessary for any true Opera buff. Caruso is, with out a doubt the greatest tenor of all time, and this recording shows that well. The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is the fact that it has a lot of hiss. This is unavoidable since all of the songs were recorded between 1902 and 1910, but I would not recommend buying this set if you cannot stand that sound for long. The technique, the passion... it's all there! It's a good collection of the world's "pioneer" tenor.

Average customer rating:

Ignore the primitive recording, listen to the performances.
Nevermind the quality of sound, listen for the music

The Complete Recordings, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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The Complete Recordings, Vol. 2
Enrico Caruso: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 3
Enrico Caruso: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 6
The Complete Recordings, Vol. 4
Enrico Caruso: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 11

ASIN: B00004VXD1
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Germania - Studenti, Undite
Germania - Ah, Vieni Qui ... No, Non Chiuder Gli Occhi
Regoletto - Qusta O Quella
Aida - Celeste Aida
Manon - O Doice Incanto (Il Sogno)
L'Elisr D'amore - Una Furtiva Lagrima
Mefisofele - Giunto Sul Passo Estremo (Epilogue)
Mefisto Fele - Giunto Sul passo estremo (Epilogue)
Tosca - E Lucevan Le Stelle
Iris - April La Tuna Finestra (serenata)
Mefistofele - Dai Campi, Dai prati
Fedora - Amorti Vieta (Acc. By Composer)
Aida - Celeste Aida
La Gioconda - Cielo E Mar!
I Pagliacci - Vesti La Giubba
Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana - O Lola (Siciliana)
Non T' Amo Piu
La Mina Canzone
Adriana Lecouvereur - No, piu nobile
Luna Fedel
Un Bacio Anchora
Luna Fedel
L'elisir D' Amore - Una Furtiva largima
Tosca - E Lucevan Le Stelle
Germina - No, Non Chiuder
Rigoletto - La Donna E Mobile
Cavalleria Rusticana - O lola (siciliana)

Customer Reviews:

Ignore the primitive recording, listen to the performances........2002-03-13

If you are interested in hearing the documents that launched the gramophone (or phonograph) as a serious recording medium, rather than a toy, then this is the disc to listen to. Of course, 100 years ago, the recording and reproducing process was very primitive, and current digital processing capabilities cannot really compensate for that. But, except for one very poor edit, the transfers from the original 78rpm discs are excellent.

Ignoring the recording deficiencies, what you can hear are marvelously enthusiastic performances by the greatest tenor ever to make records.

Simple as that.

Nevermind the quality of sound, listen for the music.......2000-10-16

This is a sturdy collection of songs, with the most famous pieces of the period (1902-1903, but the sound quality is lacking.The songs are recorded before the age of digital everything, the popping and cracking of the tracks could add charm or ruin the cd-depending on taste. Yet, the songs are incredibly beautiful and are worth a listen.

Beniamino Gigli: A Life in Words and Music

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Beniamino Gigli: A Life in Words and Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B0001N9ZES
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

'I Was Born With A Voice And Very Little Else...'
Family Background
Gigli's Stage Debut And Poverty-Stricken Start
Puccini: 'O Soave Fanciulla' From La Boheme - Maria Zamboni
Service In The Household Of Countess Spannocchi
Donizetti: 'Spirto Gentil' From La Favoria
Colonel Delfino, And Giovanno Zerri's Legal Agreement
Cannio: O Surdato 'Nnammurato
A Hospital Visit And Scholarship
Mascabni: 'Ah! Ritrovarla Nella Sua Capanna' From Lodoletta
Gigli Graduates And Makes His Debut; He Goes For The High B Flat
Puccini: 'E Lucevan Le Stelle' From Tosca
Marriage, Rome And A Tuor To Spain
Mascagni: 'Apri La Tua Finestra! From Iris
A Letter From Fred Gaisberg Of HMV
Mascagni: 'Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso' From Cavalleria Rusticana
Gigli Conquers South America, And Recieves An Offer From The Met
Metropolitan Opera Debut In Mefistofele
BoitoL 'Giunto Sul Passo Estremo' From Mefistofele

Tracks:

The Critics' Verdict, And More Performances
Donizetti: 'Tombe Degl'avi Miei' From Lacuia Di Lammermoor
Gigli's Fate Becomes Entwined With Caruso's
Giordano: 'Un Di All'azzurri Spazio' From Andrea Chenier
Who Will Be Caruso's Sucessor
Verdi: 'De'miei Bollenti Spiriti' From La Travita
Life Forms A Regular Pattern, And Gigli Learns To Sing In Foreign Languages
Lalo: 'Vainement, Ma Bien Aimee' From Le Roi d'Ys
Manon At The Met
Massenet: 'O Dolce Incanto' From Manon
Catalani's Loreley
Catalani: 'Nel Verde Maggio' From Loreley
Summer In Italy, Then Back To New York And Some Physical Training
Gounod: 'Ah! Ne Furis Pas Encore!' From Romeo Et Juliette
Honorary Captain Of The NYPD
Meyerbeer: 'O Paradiso' From L'Africaine
Flourishing Finances And Professional Rivalries
Crushin Remarks; The Attraction Of Radio
Sullivan: The Lost Chord
A New Decade, And The Honour Of Playing Nemorino At The Met
Donizetti: 'Quanto E Bella' From L'elisir D'amore

Tracks:

Debuts In Paris And London, And London's Critical Reception
Flotow: 'M'Appari' (Ach! So Fromm) From Marta (Martha)
Crisis: The Death Of Gigli's Mother, And Tension At The Met
Departure From The Met
America's Loss Is Europe's Gain
Speech: Gigli In An Interview At The Savoy Hotel, London
Cherished London Reviews
Leoncavallo: 'No. Pagliaccio Non Son!' From Pagliacci
Recording Reflects The Drama
Leoncavallo: 'Suvvia, Cosi Terrible' From Pagliacci
Touring, Gigli's Working Relationships, And A New Turn Of Events
De Curtis: Non Ti Scordar Di Me
Film Popularity, Hitler And Goebbels, And The Caracalla Tradition
Puccini: 'Che Gelida Manina' From La Boheme
Voice Expert John Steane's Recommendation
Puccini: 'O Soave Fanciulla' From La Boheme
A New Recording Of Tosca
Puccini: 'Recondita Armonia' From Tosca
Patience And Hard Work Produce A Perfect Set Of Master Recordings
Puccini: 'E Lucevan Le Stelle' From Tosca
Verdi: 'Ingemisco' From The Requiem
Verdi: 'Ingemisco' From The Requiem
The Recording Of Madama Butterfly
Puccini: Closing Moments Of Act I, Madama Butterfly

Tracks:

War Keeps Gigli In Italy
Introductory Speech To Cavalleria Rusticana By Mascagni
Translation Of The Speech
Mascani: 'Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso' From Cavalleria Rusticana
More Role Debuts, Gigli's Wartime Films, And Andrea Chenier
Giordano: 'Un Di All'azzurro Spazio' From Andrea Chenier
John Steane's Verdict
Giordano: 'Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio' From Andrea Chenier
Rome Opera House Ralies Wartime Spirits
Verdi: 'Teco Is Sto - Gran Dio' From Un Ballo In Maschera
Verdi: 'Non Sai Tu Che Se L'anima Mia' From Un Ballo In Maschera
Verdi: 'Oh, Qual Soave Brivido' From Un Ballo In Maschera
Gigli's Political Affliations
Verdi: 'Celeste Aida' From Aida
Postwar Italy: An HMV Manager's Report
Verdi: 'Pur Ti Riveggo, Mia Dolce Aida' From Aida
Covent Garden With Rina, Then A Tour Of Britain And Ireland
Speech Given By Gigli After A Concert At The Royal Albert Hall
The Final Phase - And No Thoughts Of Retirement
Di Veroli: Ritorna Amore
A Last Visit To The USA
Cottrau: Santa Lucia
Gigli's Death, His Obituaries, And His Place In The Tenor Lineage
Meyerbeer: 'O Paradiso' From L'Africaine

Beniamino Gigli: The Complete Victor Recordings, Vol. 2: 1926-28

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A must have!!
MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION!!!
MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION!!!
MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION!!!

Beniamino Gigli: The Complete Victor Recordings, Vol. 2: 1926-28

Manufacturer: Romophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Beniamino Gigli: The Complete Victor Recordings, Vol. 3: 1929-32

ASIN: B000001S3Z
Release Date: 1996-01-01

Tracks:

Tosca: Recondita Armonia
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
I Millioni D'Arlecchino: Notturno D'amore
Serenata
Serenata
Torna, Amore
Stornelli Marini
Santa Lucia Luntana
Rondine Al Nido
La Forza Del Destino: Solemne In Quest'ora
La Boheme: O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Beniamino Gigli/Titta Ruffo
La Gioconda: Enzo Grimaldo, Principe Di Santafior! - Beniamino Gigli/Titta Ruffo
Mefistofele: Dai Campi, Dai Prati
Addio A Napoli
Mefistofele: Giunto Sul Passo Estremo
La Boheme: O Mimi, tu Piu Non Torni
La Forza Del Destino: Solemne In Quest'ora
O Bei Nidi D'amore
I Pescatoridi Perle [Les Pecheurs De Perles]: Del Tempio Al Limitar [Au Fond Du Temple Saint] - Beniamino Gigli/Giuseppe De Luca

Tracks:

La Gioconda: Enzo Grimaldo, Principe Di Santafior! - Beniamino Gigli/Giuseppe De Luca
La Giocondo: Enzo Grimaldo, Principe Di Santafior! - Beniamino Gigli/Giuseppe De Luca
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tombe Degl'avi Miei
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Giusto Cielo, Rispondete - Beniamino Gigli/Ezio Pinza/Metropolitan Opr Chor
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'ali
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tombe Degl'avi Miei
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Giusto Cielo, Rispondete - Beniamino Gigli/Ezio Pinza/Metropolitan Opr Chor
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Tu Che A Dio Spiegasti L'ali
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento? - Beniamino Gigli/Amelita Galli-Curci/Louise Homer/Angelo Bada/Giuseppe De Luca, Ezio Pinza
Rigoletto: Bella Figlia Dell'amore - Beniamino Gigli/Amelita Galli-Curci/Louise Homer/Giuseppe De Luca
Rigoletto: Bella Figlia Dell'amore - Beniamino Gigli/Amelita Galli-Curci/Louise Homer/Giuseppe De Luca
Cavalleria Rusticana: Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante 'Brindisi' - Beniamino Gigli/Metropolitan Opr Chor
La Traviata: De' Miei Bollenti Spiriti
Mignon: Ah, Non Credevi Tu [Elle Ne Croyait Pas]
Mignon: Addio, Mignon, Fa Core [Adieu, Mignon, Courage]
L'Africana [L'Africaine]: O Paradiso [O Paradis]
Voce'e Notte
Canta Pe' Me

Customer Reviews:

A must have!!.......2001-06-01

Beniamino Gigli was one of the finest Tenors of all time. That being said, this set offers some of the best work the great Tenor ever recorded. Real standout renditions here are all of the duets recorded with Baritone and friend Giuseppe De Luca, the two lovely arias from Mignon, O Paradiso (rivaled only by Bjoerling and Lanza), Lucia selections (pretty much the entire final scene of the last act), and the Neapolitan selections (such as Toselli's hauntingly beautiful "Rimpianto"). The duets with Ruffo are interesting, but without the subtlety and finesse the same selections with De Luca possess. All three of the Romophon sets of Gigli's Victor recordings are prizes indeed (the third volume being only 1 CD), but this is, in this reviewer's humble opinion, the best of the three. Treat yourself to some truly fine singing and purchase this set now, before it goes out of print.

MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION!!!.......1998-09-22

A WONDERFUL COLLECTION BY WHOM I CONSIDER, THE GREATEST TENOR OF ALL TIME (EXCLUDING CARUSO). HEARING BOTH THE PUBLISHED AND UNPUBLISHED TAKES OF THE DE LUCA/GIGLI DUETS IS SIMPLY A PRIZE, AS WELL AS, THE PUBLISHED AND UNPUBLISHED TAKES OF TOSSELLI'S SERENADE (RIMPIANTO). A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES GREAT SINGING. GIGLI'S VOICE IS SIMPLY BREATHTAKING HERE. THIS IS GIGLI IN HIS GLORIOUS PRIME.

MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION!!!.......1998-09-22

Treasures of the St. Petersburg State Museum

Average customer rating:

Treasures of the St. Petersburg State Museum

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002T2QB0
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Album Description

From the acclaimed Prima Voce series on Nimbus Records, a towering assemblage of priceless, historic vocal recordings made from 1904-1913 and preserved in the St. Petersburg State Museum. Some of these recordings are not available elsewhere and are of the most extreme rarity and revelatory quality. Total playing time is over two-and-a-half hours.

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