CD-Charts Position 161
Average Rating:

Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
starring: Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, James Morris (IX), Jane Bunnell, Richard Croft (II)
directed by: Brian Large

Release Date April 13, 2004
This is probably the best "Otello" on DVD. Placido Domingo has some moments in which his voice sounds forced, particularly in "Si, pel ciel", but on the whole, the production is excellent, with great, exciting conducting by James Levine, a very good and believable Iago in James Morris, and a really good Cassio and Emilia.
The true star of the production, however, is Renee Fleming, who is simply spectacular as Desdemona. She sings like an angel, with wonderful expression and some ravishing pianissimi. Definitely the best Desdemona I've ever heard.
The staging is very lush and the costumes gorgeous, but I really can't understand why the old Met production, which was beautiful, wasn't kept on for a few more years. I'm sure there are ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 162
Average Rating:

Osvaldo Golijov: Ainadamar

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Deutsche Grammophon

Release Date May 09, 2006
The rhythms are exciting, some of the orchestration is clever and well-done. Listening to the CD overcomes some of the problems of a live production: achieving a balance between acoustic and amplified music, overcoming the lack of contrast (almost all women's voices) and utter lack of dramatic movement (nothing happens). The voices are good and perform the music well. Still, there is not much here for them to work with and the result is mediocre.

The music, while catchy at first, is simple, undeveloped and repetitive. The story lacks drama and movement. It is essentially a reverie on Lorca, not the man, his poetry, his sexuality, his art or politics but just some tired ahistorical cliches about freedom and fighting facism climaxing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 163
Average Rating:

The Story Of Handel

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Vox (Classical)

Release Date April 16, 1995
The content is terrific. This CD is one of a series of classical music masters. The only problem is that tracks 38 and later have a lot of distortion/static. I returned thinking it was a problem with the disc, but the replacement disc had the same problem. If not for that, I would have rated 5 stars.

CD-Charts Position 164
Average Rating:

Essential Bach

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Decca

Release Date June 13, 2000
This really has the best of Bach on one CD (compared to 150 for his total works).

CD-Charts Position 165
Average Rating:

The East Village Opera Company

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Decca

Release Date September 27, 2005
You'll love The East Village Opera Company. They add their own distinct sounds to such classics as Nessa Dorma. It is a great addition to your collection of Il Divo, Russell Watson, Amici Forever, Michael Amante, and 10 Tenors. Give it a shot I am glad I did. Also watch for them on tour.

CD-Charts Position 166
Average Rating:

Puccini - Tosca / Kabaivanska, Domingo, Milnes, Luccardi, Mariotti, Bartoletti

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
starring: Raina Kabaivanska, Plácido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Giancarlo Luccardi, Alfredo Mariotti
directed by: Gianfranco De Bosio

Release Date June 14, 2005
If you don't mind a movie version of an opera, then this is a great production to enjoy. It takes place in the actual spots designated in the libretto and is very realistic even though the characters are singing instead of speaking. The costumes are beautiful and very authentic. The singers were all in their prime physically and vocally and give powerful performances. Since it was edited, there are no intermissions which gives the opera a strong build-up to the final scene. I certainly was caught up in the intrigue even though I've seen the opera many times.

CD-Charts Position 167
Average Rating:

Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
by: Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Duruflé, Judith Blegen, James Morris

Release Date October 25, 1990
A very professional performance.I used it to prepare for the performance of this number by our oratorial society. I wish we could do as well.

CD-Charts Position 168
Average Rating:

Bizet - Les Pêcheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers) / Hendricks, Aler, Quilico, Capitole de Toulouse, Plasson

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: EMI Classics

Release Date April 10, 1990
For many years the Fournet Pearl Fishers was my go-to recording. I still have a place in my heart for it, particular moments that are delicate and sweet as no other. However, when I feel the need to hear the opera now, this is the recording I play. It is very good.

The performances, especially that of Barbara Hendricks are lovely. The recorded sound is a pleasure compared to the others, whereby one hears the full lushness of the music, the dreamy quality of an exotic and secreted Ceylon (Sri Lanka). My only regret (and this goes for all the available recordings of which I'm aware) is that more sweep and punctuation, particularly in the form of tempi is lacking. I find that the conducting hesitates to bring forth moments that would add so much more life ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 169
Average Rating:

Porgy & Bess

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
by: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong

Release Date October 25, 1990
Recently saw the London show which was fantastic and remember the original well. Not as good as the original but I still get lost in the great music and singing. Can't get the original? This is the next best thing.

CD-Charts Position 170
Average Rating:

Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies

CD-Charts > Music > Opera and Vocal
from: Rounder / Umgd

Release Date May 02, 2006
My kids love this series for the fun lyrics to the songs. I love that they are learning without thinking about it a lot about classical music. What is best is that it makes listening to the classical music station fun for them as they recognize not only specific works, but are learning the individual styles of different composers! A real must for kids! We plan to get them all!