Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
This Rigoletto has been around for so long it might be easy to take it for granted or skip it for a newer set. Don't! It features all three principals in superb voice, as well as pacing from Bonynge that is much heavier on drama than most of us expect from him. Sutherland may sound a bit mature (and mush-mouthed) for Gilda, but not only is she sympathetic, she sings gorgeously. And speaking ...
Manufacturer: Decca
Russell Watson's story is a classic rags-to-riches fairytale: the former welder, after years of singing in pubs and clubs, travelled from Salford, his hometown, to London. He turned up unannounced at the Decca offices and was promptly signed up by one of the most important classical labels in the world. Vocal coaching followed, as did a number of successful live appearances supporting Cliff ...
Andrea Bocelli is no opera singer, but he shows far more potential in this album than does another pop-vocalist tenor-wannabe, Michael Bolton. For one thing, he can shake off the crooner mannerisms and really sing when performing music that calls for it. At his best, he has a rich, dark timbre and an easy, unforced top. At other times, however, the tone turns dry and thin and the high notes are ...
Manufacturer: Universal Classics
Manufacturer: Music Club
Manufacturer: Philips
As a servant of the old aristocracy, Haydn shared its anxiety about the progress of the wars with Revolutionary France; this Mass, with its anxious "Kyrie" and "Benedictus", has always been associated with the relief felt at Nelson's victory in the Battle of the Nile. Like the Te Deum recorded with it here, it was probably performed for him when, two years later, he and Lady Hamilton ...
