Babilonia

Babilonia

Track Listings

1. Cirkus

2. Bare Feet

3. Snow Lion (feat. Feist)

4. Not

5. Slide (feat. Yael Naim)

6. Simple Appareil

7. A Fire In The Forest (feat. David Sylvian)

8. Cirkus Interlude

9. Time Machine

10. The Only One (feat. Yael Naim)

11. If So, What?

12. The Last Time

13. Didi

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Readymade FC is Jean-Philippe Verdin, a French musical maverick who has worked on everything - from day jobs as a graphic designer (for the likes of MTV) and a stint at Brighton College Of Art to remixing Serge Gainsbourg and Chet Baker, writing music for Dior catwalk fashion shows and DJ-ing in many of the globeâ€™s top club hotspots.

Product Description
Babilonia is Readymade FCâ€™s second album and features guest vocalists David Sylvian, Feist and Yael NaÃ¯m.

Readymade FCâ€™s debut album, 2001â€™s Bold, attracted sheaves of plaudits ("ploughs the way for French electronica", waxed national newspaper LibÃ©ration, typically) and its smorgasbord of influences (hip hop, dub, electro-pop) - not to mention a memorable guest appearance from David Sylvian immediately established Readymade FC as a major force in resurgent French pop.

Tracks:

L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera)
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Eccomi Al Fine In Babilonia
Cruda Sorte!
Hence, Iris, Hence Away
Dove Sei, Amato Bene?
Che Disse! Che Ascoltai!
Addio, Addio O Miei Sospiri
O Pretres De Baal... O Toi, Qui M'abandonne
Elle Est La! Pres De Lui!
Mura Felici
Tanti Affetti

Tracks:

Superbo Di Me Stesso
Il Segreto Per Esser Felici - London Symphony Chorus
Mi Chiami, O Norma!
Deh! Con Te, Con Te Li Prendi
Mira, O Norma
Si, Fino All'ore Estreme
Soli Or Siamo... Condotta ell'era In Ceppi - Luciano Pavarotti
Non Son Tuo Figlio? - Luciano Pavarotti
Mal Reggendo - Luciano Pavarotti
E Un Anatema! - Renata Tebaldi
Nacht Und Traume, D 827
Abendlied
Traume
Jesus De Nazareth
Shenandoah
I Bought Me A Cat
The Lord's Prayer
Somewhere
At The River (Lowry)
Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair

Customer Reviews:

Marilyn Horne scintillates.......2007-05-20

This 2-CD set includes 32 separate "cuts." Thus, it provides a perspective on the broad range of works that Marilyn Horne mastered. While some pockets of work may be given somewhat short shrift (e.g., Rossini), overall this shows off her skills nicely. Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania (one of the coldest places in the nation during winter), she made her operatic debut in 1954. In liner notes copyrighted in 2003, she notes that: "Can't believe it's time for a 70th birthday celebration. . . ." And neither can I, since I recall hearing her perform at the Met (via the old Texaco opera show), and it does not seem all that long ago!

Some cuts well depict her artistry across a range of genres and composers.

The "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is, to be sure, an old chestnut by now, but she sings it with a rich and lustrous voice. She sings a seductive aria seductively.

"Eccomi al fine in Babilonia" is from Rossini's "Semiramide" and shows off her skills nicely. This piece shows off the range of her voice well. Her voice is very agile, as it would need to be to do Rossini justice. There are some nice runs; the cabaletta showcases her agility and allows her to display well sung ornamentation.

From Handel's "Semele," we hear "Hence, Iris, Hence Away." This is a sprightly piece that is characteristically well sung by Horne.

Handel's "Rosalinda" features a nice work for mezzos, "Dove sei amato bene?" If I hear correctly, Horne begins this with a trill in piano; there are a number of nicely executed trills in this work. This cut is smoothly and richly sung throughout.

"Addio, addio o miei sospiri" comes from "Orfeo ed Oridice" by Gluck. A sprightly paced work. Horne shows off excellent ornamentation; her coloratura technique is terrific.

From "Norma" (by Bellini) there are 4 cuts (from a longer scene), featuring collaboration with Joan Sutherland. The two singers worked well together in a number of operas, and this set of works illustrates that synergy beautifully. "Mi chiami, o Norma!" starts things off. The two voices meld extremely well together. "Deh! Con te, con te li prendi" features fine work all around. Both singers display good vocal dexterity. Horne hits one high note with a bit of harshness, but not an issue of any moment. "Mira, o Norma" is ravishing; Sutherland's and Horne's duet is absolutely wonderful. Finally, "Si, fino all'ore estreme." This is a fast paced duet, with both singers manifesting considerable vocal agility and sound coloratura technique. When they sing together, their voices almost sound "twinned."

Finally, "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair." Horne sings this straight, without the ghastly "opera-tizing" that some singers cannot resist. Sung simply and powerfully. Her rich voice produces a very good vocal effect.

And so on.

Although this CD does not fully represent her repertoire, it does provide a good sense of the art of Marilyn Horne and it suggests the range of her singing. For those wanting to get a sense of Horne's oeuvre, this is one recording that provides entrée to her body of work.

One Of The Greatest Voices of All!.......2006-01-29

I am not the only one who regards Marilyn Horne's voice as exceptional. During the seventies and eighties she was regarded by The New York Times Music Critic as possessing the greatest voice of our time. One only has to sample this "golden" collection to prove how right he was. Her "mezzo" handles Handel and Rossini like no other. Brava all the way (To say nothing about Dalila's famous aria!) And I must even mention her "Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair". This is a two CD that is a MUST for those who appreciate the glories of the human voice (To say nothing about the warmth and spirit than accompany it.)

Not 100% satisfied with the selections, but what artistry!.......2004-11-03

Decca's release of this career-spanning Marilyn Horne recital contains many "golden" nuggets, but isn't the absolute best representation of her artistry, in my opinion.

There was certainly plenty of material to choose from, as Horne was one of the most recorded mezzos in the twentieth century. As advertised, Madame Horne personally approved the final recital list, and the diva undoubtedly has sentimental attachment to certain selections. Furthermore, a conscious attempt was made to represent the different genres explored during her decades-spanning career. This approach, however, leaves out some truly stunning material that would have made an even stronger case on why she was such an operatic institution.

In summary:

The first disc begins with the Habanera from Carmen. Horne was very proud of her Carmen, noting that it surpassed sales of Callas's Tosca at one point. It deserved to be included, but I don't think she was "THE" Carmen, and besides, the whole opera is so warmed-over by now, it's hard to get anyone excited about it!

From then on, we are treated to a bonanza of wonderful arie and scena. The aria from Samson et Delilah is a real gem. Horne was certainly not the most glamorous singer, but My God, the interpretation is heavenly. This is what the aria sounds like in the hands of a world-class contralto. Eccomi in Babilonia follows, and by anyone's measurement, she is the finest Arsace on record. Blessed with an extraordinary range, she is as fulminating in both the top and bottom registers. What's more, her spirited delivery magnifies the pure genius of Rossini's music. As for Cruda Sorte, "ditto," as Marilyn herself might say.

Next, we are treated to two excellent Handel arias. Iris, Hence Away gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it. This was recorded in the early sixties, for inclusion in the Age of Bel Canto recital she shared with Joan Sutherland and Richard Conrad. Now, if she had recorded this a few years later, she might have drove the coloratura harder. However, at this point, the voice had a somewhat lighter quality, thus the aria isn't sung with that all-purpose "Marilyn Horne" voice we are so used to. Speaking of lightness, Dove Sei, Amato Bene will send shivers down your spine. Again, Marilyn wasn't known for her subtlety, but she proves here that she was more than capable. Just listen to the fluttering trills and fil di voce, and dare to disagree with me! One of my major complaints is it there isn't more Handel on the recital. Sure, a whole recital of Handel arias by Horne is still available, but in this best-of disc, there was room at least for Or La Tromba, the trumpet aria from Rinaldo, and a personal favorite. Also, nothing is included from Vivaldi's Orlando Il Furioso, another travesty.

The pinnacle of the first disc is Addio, I Miei Sospiri, from Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. This is Horne magified to the nth power. Where to start? A scrumptiously sung recitativo, then the aria itself, with Marilyn pulling out all the stops. The bronzed tone, perfect breath control, spectacular coloratura fireworks, superlative diction, evenness and security from top to bottom, and Marilyn's own way of generating excitement will floor you. This is bravura singing at the highest level.

After a few other selections from the French reperetoire, the disc closes with two Rossini warhorses. Again, the "ultimate" Horne best-of would have saved room for more Rossini, on the second disc. But the evidence here is ample enough to proclaim her honorific as the leading interpreter of Rossini in the last century.

The second disc is less satisfactory. The first selection, Superbo Di Me Stesso sounds like it came from an inferior source, and wasn't remastered properly. Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, from Lucrezia Borgia is fine enough, but Marilyn could have ornamented more, and that snare drum is too loud! Then, we have an extended scene from Il Trovatore. Now, Marilyn herself stated that she wasn't perfect in Verdi. As she put it, she sang Verdi by not taking "both feet" out of the bel canto waters, so that she could go on singing the roles that brought her the most fame. This is understandable, but if that's the case, then we didn't need this long scene. Perhaps she wanted to highlight her collaboration with Luciano Pavarotti, and I'm sure Decca saw this as a way to lure the casual listener. For my money, though, they should have just included Stride La Vampa, and called it a day. This would have freed up lots of room for the stuff for which she's better recognized!

Now, another extended scene, from Norma, is completely justified. Equally important to Marilyn's legacy as an individual artist is her legacy as one-half of the Sutherland/Horne duo. I don't need to write more- the music speaks for itself.

The rest of the second disc throws in a bit of verismo (Horne is unrecognizeable in Ponchielli; Simionato she's not), a bit of German lieder, and some patriotic tunes. Along with Leontyne Price, Marilyn Horne was the most conciously patriotic singer out there, and to have left out her American recordings would have been a disgrace. But, again, we are given an ample serving of it, when it could have been scaled back some to make room for her operatic triumphs.

All in all, there is enough glorious material here for any fan of the legendary Marilyn Horne, and also those who want a taste of how a superlative mezzo/contralto sounds like.

Vive Madame Horne !.......2004-01-09

Je suis soufflée, et tout bonnement reconnaissante à Decca pour avoir sorti cette compil qui rend si bien honneur à une des mes interprètes préférées. Voix de velours, aisance dans le grave et médium unique au Monde, Marilyn a été, dans toutes ses incarnations, un pur produit américain, certes, mais quel produit ! Bien évidemment son timbre si particulier, que d'aucuns ont défini androgyne, peut plaire ou non... Ce qui compte c'est l'apport émotionnel qu'elle donne à tout ce qu'elle chante, et sans que cela n'enlève rien à la pure beauté de sa voix à la technique sans faille. Merci Mme Horne, pour nous avoir livré une des plus mémorables leçons de chant de l'histoire, et joyeux 70ème anniversaire (car il n'est pas déplacé que de dire votre âge, étant donné la vitalité qui vous caractérise depuis toujours).

Average customer rating:

Viveca sparkles
Pure pleasure....
More Bravura
Bel Canto Arias; Vivica Genaux
BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA!

Bel Canto Arias; Vivica Genaux
Vivica Genaux , Gioachino Rossini , Gaetano Donizetti , John Nelson , and Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Arias for Farinelli
HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva
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A. Scarlatti - La Santissima Trinità / Invernizzi · Gens · Genaux · Agnew · Abbondanza · Europa Galante · Biondi

ASIN: B0000BWTK1
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

Nacqui All' Affanno
Cruda Sorte! Amor Tiranno!
Amici, In Ogni Evento...Pensa Alla Patria
Nella Fatal Di Rimini
Il Segreto Per Esser Felici
Popolo, Amici, Sanguinosi Allori... Ah! Si, Da Tanti Affani
E Sgombro Il Loco... Un Bacio, Un Bacio Ancora
Mura Felici
Eccomi Alfine In Babilonia... Ah! Quel Giorno Ognor Rammento
Una Voce Poco Fa

Customer Reviews:

Viveca sparkles.......2007-01-04

If you love Bel Canto and Mezzo Sopranos, you will love Vivica Genaux!

Pure pleasure...........2006-05-19

I have her Farinelli CD, as well. I also saw her on A&E some time ago. My only criticism was her excessive chin movements but, then, I don't get all bent out of shape over Bartoli's grimaces -- and the voice is the thing, after all.

As for Fach, a singer doesn't need to enjoy merely one, although many are restricted to such. What I like about Genaux, aside from the absolutely beautiful tone, is that she is NOT mannered. She has just the right take on every one of these arias. Spare me from the singers who just MUST emote all over the place when simplicity and class are sufficient.

I've had this CD since for some time and decided to see what others thought of it -- I'm always interested in other opinions.

Nancy Eckert

More Bravura.......2006-03-23

When I read a review stating that Vivica sang with two little volume on this recording, I found that very hard to believe. Everything I had previously heard of her showed a voice with unlimited power. However, when I purchased this set I agreed that Vivica sings with to little volume and possibly emotion. This is puzzling; I think it must have been an artistic decision that doesn't really work.

However, I can't agree with the other reviewer about this being the wrong repertoire. Most of Genaux's early roles were Rossini and her Bel Canto technique is superb. I love the selection of music, and despite the shortcomings, I really enjoy listening to this CD. I just wish she used a little more emotion and power in the parts that call for it.

Bel Canto Arias; Vivica Genaux.......2005-09-26

Vivica Genaux seems to have a lovely personality not to mention an absolutely fabulous voice both live and on disc, but some of these arias just don't work for her voice, some are just too.....well.... Bel Canto but the arias by Rossini I liked, especially
"Una Voce Poco Fa".
I also feel I should mention that Vivica is NOT a soprano
as "Sergey Tsoy "Dallas Opera"" states in his review, but rather a Mezzo-soprano.

BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA!.......2004-12-20

In my opinion, Vivica is a fantastic singer and an outstanding artist. I have heard her singing live in Rossini's La Cenerentola, and it was literally breathtaking. Many sopranos sing well and have beautiful voices, but it is perhaps their choice of vibrato which makes them sound extremely out of tune, weak, irritating, and just ugh! Also, many of them sing just loudly. I am not a singer, but to my ears, Vivica is absolutely the best soprano (or at least, one of a few) whom I have heard live - beautiful, pure, in tune (yes, fortunately and unfortunately it matters, too), great vibrato, wild tempi, rock-solid consistency of musical ideas, convincing stage presence, logical, elegant, and so forth. It is all these things add together, which make a true impression. I still wonder, how is it possible to sing with such clarity, presicion, and beauty? Because it is often either, or. But she somehow combines everything, and that's just marvelous. And also, her tonal quality is so fresh and sounds really out of the ordinary. Although I have never heard her CDs, I have no second thoughts about this particular one, which I have just bought and wait with great impatience until it arrives. Brava to Vivica, for, to my mind, her type of artistry comes in a truly short suply nowadays! It is my personal opinion.

Vesselina Kasarova - Rossini Arias and Duets / Flórez, Fagan

Average customer rating:

Pyrotechnique showcase
Impassioned and polished singing
An exquisite Falcon
Vocally Astounding
Different mezzo voice

Vesselina Kasarova - Rossini Arias and Duets / Flórez, Fagan
Gioachino Rossini , Arthur Fagen , Vesselina Kasarova , Juan Diego Flórez , and Munich Radio Orchestra
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Vesselina Kasarova - Mozart Arias / Sir Colin Davis
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Matilde Di Shabran - Juan Diego Florez
Ewa Podles - Rossini Arias for Contralto

ASIN: B00000I9LV
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Bianca e Falliero: Tu non sai qual colpo atroce
L'Italiana in Algeri: Per lui che adoro
La Cenerentola: Una volta c'era
Semiradime: Eccomi alfine in Babilonia
Armida: Amor... possente nome!
L'Italiana in Algeri: Cruda Sorte!
Othello: Ah, vieni nel tuo sangue
La Donna Del Lago: Tanti affeti in tal momento

Amazon.com essential recording

Once again, Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Vesselina Kasarova proves that one can forget even the fabulous Cecilia Bartoli. With a voice at least twice that of Bartoli's, with the same agility in fast music, and capable of a similar number of shadings from ppp to fff (Bartoli can go from ppppp to f), Kasarova here tackles some of the same repertory as her Italian counterpart. We discover that her Cenerentola is much more easily wounded and far gentler, and maybe even more appealing than Bartoli's. But forget comparisons and just listen to Kasarova's infectious, seductive scene from L'Italiana and the amazing, breakneck finale to La Donna del Lago. Marvel at her manly singing in Arsace's big scene from Semiramide (totally different from Horne's and no less riveting), and bask in the charm of her Armida. Enjoy a scene from the almost unknown Bianca e Falliero. And just to surprise yourself, listen to Kasarova in a duet from Rossini's Otello and be knocked out by her foray up to a high D natural. Kasarova is joined in this and a couple of other scenes by sweet-voiced tenor Juan Diego Florez. Arthur Fagen conducts throughout as if this were Kasarova's show--which it most certainly is. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Pyrotechnique showcase.......2007-05-02

Reviewers concentrated mostly on Vesselina Kasarova. Certainly, this is a soprano with an astounding range - her aria in track 4 demonstrates a natural contralto voice, yet in more places than one she sores up way beyond the high C, to the envy of many sopranos.
To me, the duets in tracks 3, 5 and 7 with the then 25 year-old Juan Diego Florez are in a similar degree revelations of Florez's amazing voice.
Call him 'graceful tenor' or what not, his is a distinctive voice between a counter-tenor and tenor that only he possesses. But living with the high range is not his only skill - he has fine phrasing, sensitive musicality and wonderful intonation, even at the early age of 25!
The vocal talents displayed by the two singers in this recording are simply mesmerising.

Impassioned and polished singing.......2007-01-09

This is a great CD. At least one critic suggested earlier in her career that Kasarova should stick to the dramatic roles and stay off the bel canto repertoire, but she has certainly developed since then. The performances are beautifully crafted, with the added excitement of a substantial voice and real dramatic flair.

If you want to hear the most exciting performance ever of "Cruda sorte" go to Della Jones. But all in all this is a wonderful CD.

An exquisite Falcon.......2004-02-03

Madame Kasarova is an exquisite Falcon-Soprano (Natural Mezzo capable of doing soprano-roles) in the tradition of del los Angeles. Her mezzo-range is most powerful but she has acuti that would make sopranos pea-green with envy. I love her in Rossini and if you like romantic opera buy "Werther" with her as Charlotte, the most fantastic Charlotte since Victoria de los Angeles. She also AMAZING in Donizetti, esp. as Giovanna in "Anna Bolena". Enjoy this fabulous CD!

Vocally Astounding.......2001-07-12

In terms of vocal power, talent and technique, this may well be the most impressive collection of Rossini arias on record. This is a unique, very powerful voice, with shades of the rare agility of a coloratura contralto, as we are told Malibran was.

Much of the lightheartedness of Rossini's world is lost in these readings, though--and this will be a problem for many listeners accustomed to the aura of playfulness convention has taught us is central to Rossini's work, the tongue-in-cheek naivete of the Rossini Heroine. And while there IS at times more gravity in the readings than the music seems to demand, this untraditional interpretation also challenges many popular preconceptions about the a major composer of the mezzo/contralto repitoire.

And when it works--wow. Kasarova's "Una volta c'era...Un soave non so che" from *La Cenerentola* is the most rivoting performance of the aria I have ever heard. With simply a bit more variation in her shadings, Kasarova will become even better than she is, which is really, really good.

Different mezzo voice.......2001-03-31

By far, this is not a voice like Bartoli's. It is quite different and can not be compared to anyone else. You will not find the chest notes of Horne, neither Bartoli's charm. I am not an expert, but I can tell you that the security and the power contained in this bulgarian mezzo is worth trying.

Ewa Podles - Rossini Arias for Contralto

Average customer rating:

Great music and a magnificent voice
No counter-tenors allowed!!
Probablemente la mejor voz femenina rossiniana del momento
A live performance from an engaging singer
Contralto GODESS!

Ewa Podles - Rossini Arias for Contralto
Gioachino Rossini , Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus , Pier Giorgio Morandi , and Ewa Podles
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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The Spectacular Voice of Marilyn Horne: Rossini / Horne

ASIN: B00000149V
Release Date: 1996-11-05

Tracks:

The Italian Girl In Algiers: Cavatina - Cruda Sorte! Amor Tiranno! - (Isabella) - From Act I
The Italian Girl In Algiers: Recitativo e rondo - Amici, in ogni evento m'affido a voi...(Isabella) - From Act II
Semiramide: Recitativo e cavatina - Eccomi alfine in Babilonia Ah! quel (Arsace) - From Act I
Trancredi: Recitative e cavatina - Oh patria...Di tanti palpiti (Tancredi) - From Act I
Maometto II: Non temer; d'un basso affetto (Calbo) - From Act II
The Lady Of The Lake: Elena! oh tu, che chiamo (Malcolm) - From Act I
The Barber Of Seville: Una voce poco fa (Rosina) - From Act I
Cinderella: Nacqui all'affanno (Cenerentola) - From Act II

Amazon.com

One generally looks to the Naxos label for inexpensive recordings of the standards by minor European orchestras, and for competent performances of rarities--usually by forces that do not spring to mind as natural fodder for recording stardom--that the bigger labels are afraid to touch. So this remarkable album came as a complete surprise, because the Polish mezzo-soprano Ewa Podles is real star material. The sound has a contralto quality; the range is astounding, the flexibility of the voice incredible. This album has been a best-seller for Naxos, and rightly so. The chorus, orchestra, and conductor are adequate; buy this one for Podles, and for Podles (and Rossini) alone. -- Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Great music and a magnificent voice.......2006-02-28

The Polish-born Mezzo-soprano is truly magnificent on this CD. Her voice is amazing and one-of-a-kind: it is full, rich and strong with an unbelievable range and a nice coloratura. She maintains full strength throughout her range and her voice never wavers and is never weak or shrill. If you like the beautiful melodies of Rossini and the sound of a great Mezzo-soprano, you'll like this CD.

No counter-tenors allowed!!.......2004-10-14

This is an amazing, surprising and refreshing way of looking/hearing Rossini. After years of hearing most mezzo-sopran and alt roles conquered just by force of numbers by counter-tenors and Cecilia Bartoli (don't get me wrong,she's really good, but have you ever asked yourself why she doesn't perform usually on big stages but on small ones or on studios? Her voice, though wonderful for coloratura, is small for a big audience), I have come to adore, simply adore, this polish singer. Her way of singing, her voice's colour, her strength and her ability to sing the most damned roles written for a low voice....including coloratura (just hear her in "Dovver, iustizia, amor..." from Handel's Ariodante) make her a wholesome alto. Which makes me hope for a better day for alto and mezzo-sopran voices. I must confess I don't like counter-tenors a bit, they sound too un-natural.

Probablemente la mejor voz femenina rossiniana del momento.......2004-06-19

Para los fans de Rossini y de las voces con personalidad sera imprescindible comprar este soberbio recital de la contralto polaca EWA PODLES, que hace un amplio recorrido por las paginas mas celebres del repertorio de Rossini para su cuerda con unos resultados absolutamente sobresalientes, ya que posee una voz extraordinaria en todos los registros. Ademas, tanto la orquesta como el coro rinden a buen nivel al mando de un rossiniano como es el Maestro MORANDI, lo cual redondea un fantastico disco.
De compra obligada.

A live performance from an engaging singer.......2001-12-03

There are precious few opportunities to hear this fantastic singer either live or on recording, which is a pity given her unique sound and impeccably-schooled voice.

One of the hallmarks of a great singer is a unique vocal quality. Such is true of Madame Podles. With the top voice of a dramatic soprano, a middle that sometimes resembles a counter-tenor sound, and a bottom voice that is almost baritonal, her sound may recall another singer's voice here and there, but ultimately, it is one-of-a-kind.

Ms. Podles has the perfect vocal qualities necessary to sing Rossini -- an incredible range, enormous flexibility, and subtle vocal coloration. On top of that, she has a unique vocal color and phrases beautifully.

The only possible quibble I can find with this recording is that a couple of the characterizations are a bit on the heavy side -- particularly Rosina. Although the notes are in place (and very impressive) and the coloratura impeccable, this Rosina sounds a bit older, perhaps more serious, than Rossini seems to require. In a later reading of the same aria, in a live 1998 concert in Poland (Rossini Gala recorded on DUX), her Rosina bubbles with youthful energy.

In general, that recording shows her in more brilliant voice, though both discs are impressive. Although several arias are common to the two, each has arias that the other lacks. Both are welcome additions to any vocal library, though if only one is possible, I'd recommend the 1998 recording over this one.

Contralto GODESS!.......2001-09-08

In the world of rare voices and trouser roles, Ewa Podles is quite possibly the MOST underappreciated singer in our generation. Her coloratura is near faultless, and her range of color and tone are something to be reckoned with. Having a range significantly larger than many low voices, she tends to create witty and daring cadenzas and ornaments that must make the golden singers of the past jealous. The only thing that kept this album from being a 5 is that, at times the sound quality is slightly less than perfection and that I prefer her baroque interpretations to the Rossini. Still an amazing album and an unbeatable price!

Average customer rating:

Rossini: Ciro in Babilonia

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Rossini: Torvaldo e Dorliska
Rossini: Adelaide di Borgogna
Donizetti: Il diluvio universale
Matilde Di Shabran - Juan Diego Florez
Meyerbeer: Semiramide

ASIN: B000M2DNP0
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Tracks:

Sinfonia:Andantino-Allegro Spiritoso
No.1 Introduzione:Di Babilonia I Popoli
No.2 Duetto:T'arrendi:Alfin Dipende
Recitativo:Stanco Di Tue Ripulse
No.3 Coro E Cavatina:Veh Come Pallido
Recitativo:Non Piu Miei Fidi
No.4 Aria:Avrai Tu Pur Vendetta
Recitativo: Signor, A Te Dal Campo
No.5 Aria:Vorrei Veder Lo Sposo
Recitativo:L'aspetto Mio...La Mia Presenza
Finale I:Guradie. Ola

Tracks:

No.7 Introduzione:Si Bell'alma Soccorrete
No.8 Scena:Dunque Fia Ver Che Il Vincitor Di Creso
Duettino: Nello Stringerti Al Mio Petto
Terzetto: Ma Qual Voce?...
Recitativo:Udisti Argene? E Pronto Il Gran Convito
No.9 Coro-Recitativo-Coro:Ontorno Fumino
No.10 Recitativo: Oh Quanta Pieta Mi Desti In Sen!
No.11 Aria: Daniello Io Son
No.10 Aria:Misero Me, Che Intesi!
Recitativo: Oh Quanta Pieta Mi Desti In Sen!
No.12 Aria:Deh! Per Me Non V'affliggete
Recitativo:Deh! Tu M'Aita,O Zambri
Aria:Chi Disprezza Gl'infelici
Coro, Scena Ed Aria:Dunque In Oggi I Nume Irati
(Moderato): T'abbraccio, Ti Stringo
(Allegro):Che Si Tarda?
(Andantino):E Lieto E Contento
Recitativo:Abbia Fin L'Atra Strage
Finale II:Al Vincitor Elemente

Babilonia: El Imperio Comienza Reggaeton U.S.A.

Average customer rating:

Babilonia: El Imperio Comienza Reggaeton U.S.A.
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Universal Latino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Compilations | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000YTPRA
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Tracks:

Intro
Party de Gansters - Daddy Yankee
Leona - Don Omar
Salgo de Noche - Baby Rasta & Gringo, Gringo
Tactica
Venganse Ya - 3-2 Get Funky
Sopa de Letras - Tego Calder
Propuesta y Apuesta
Toda la Noche
Figura de Mujer
Demonia - Voltio
No Seas Timida - Zion & Lennox
Soltura y Movimiento
Mueve Tu Cuerpo
Pegate Mujer
Con el Trucutru

Average customer rating:

Babilonia
Readymade FC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000BNTAWA
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Tracks:

Cirkus
Bare Feet
Snow Lion
Not
Slide
Simple Appareil
Fire in the Forest - David Sylvian
Cirkus (Interlude)
Time Machine
Only One
If So, What?
Last Time
Didi

Album Description

Readymade FC's second album brings some of the most timeless and beautiful pop songs that encompass subtle electronic and acoustic sounds, features guests David Sylvian and Feist. BMG. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Intimate with Larmore

In Recital

Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002M5T2U
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Customer Reviews:

Intimate with Larmore.......2005-03-22

The CD or DVD for this concert will show the fine art of recital and Larmore sure knows how to give a good one! She and Palloc build to a wonderful payoff and during the way we get to see what a versatile, talented, and smart performer Larmore is. She totally understands Weill and gives a heartbreaking rendition of "Je ne t'aime pas" - I get chills everytime I hear it. The same for Quilters "Love's Philosophy".

Fans of La Larmore will not be let down. Those not familiar with this great Mezzo will understand what all the fuss is about. Brava Jennifer! Keep the great music coming.

Average customer rating:

Babilonia
Readymade FC
Manufacturer: Peacefrog
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000ANVPJ2
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

Cirkus
Bare Feet
Snow Lion (feat. Feist)
Not
Slide (feat. Yael Naim)
Simple Appareil
A Fire In The Forest (feat. David Sylvian)
Cirkus Interlude
Time Machine
The Only One (feat. Yael Naim)
If So, What?
The Last Time
Didi

Album Description

Babilonia is Readymade FCâ€™s second album and features guest vocalists David Sylvian, Feist and Yael NaÃ¯m.

Tracks:

El Diwan De Las Poetisas
Me Desea
El Hechizo De Babilonia
El Relampago
Gibralfaro
El Vergel Ignorado
Es Bueno Todo Lo Que Surge De Vos
Tinmel
La Puerta De Los Pescadores
La Doncella Del Rio Y El Valle Del Guadix
Clara

Customer Reviews:

Bewitching Songs from the 1st millenium.......2003-04-20

There is one kind of music that transcends genre. It is music that makes you feel drunk - drunk on some incredibly sweet nectar that you want more and more of. You want to dive deeper and deeper into it, never want it to stop. It doesn't allow for separation of the emotions - nostalgia, loss, loving, and above all, joy. This CD, Delgado's musical rendition of Spanish woman poets from the first millenium, is the latest additon to my CD shelf marked "drunk music".

Music Review:

Music Review

music review