Customer Reviews

Anhelo: Argentinian Songs

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Musical wonderman José Cura conducts himself in this splendid collections of art songs from his native Argentina. Wrapping his big, rich, meltingly warm barti-tenor voice around each ballad of heartache and romantic longing, Cura beautifully conveys the emotion at the heart of the song; it's meaning comes clear even for us listeners who aren't up on our Spanish. Especially impressive are his top notes, which he deploys either forcefully or very soft and intimate, like a lover's whisper in one's ear. Superb support from Ernesto Bitetti and Eduardo Delgado on guitar and piano contribute to the aura of closeness surrounding this disc. Simply put, ANHELO is a beautiful album and one which deserves a place any serious music lover's collection. ¡Viva El Cura!

I discovered Jose Cura through Sarah Brightman's "Time to Say Goodbye." What a find I made! This man has the most expressive voice. Full of emotion and grandure, but not to the point of being ridiculous.

"Anhelo" is the perfect introduction to this wonderful man's voice. It is traditional Argentine music. The first time I heard "La Rosa" I was literally crying by the time it was over. The production is not over the top. You can hear Jose, without fighting the orchestra. Even if you don't speak Spanish, you can understand what he's singing through the emotion he gives each song.

Where most operatic voices do not understand that not every song is an aria, Jose does. He, like Sarah Brightman, can sing the opera with the "pop." Pick up this CD, with the bath and wine ready!

Many opera singers cannot seem to make their voices fit small or popular-type songs. The great Placido Domingo's pop albums are all disappointing: overproduced and underfelt. Jose Cura, on the other hand, gives these small songs from his homeland a warm, heartfelt treatment. The spare, always apt accompaniment adds to the poetic quality of the whole. This CD is a treasure.

In this exquisite CD of Argentine music, you will not hear Jose Cura sing with the full power of his magnificent operatic voice, but rather with a gentle beauty that is captivating. He shows us his heart in these songs, and what he is capable of doing artistically as well as his commitment to excellence, beyond his career as an international opera superstar. The repertoire consists of music by 20th and 21st century composers: Cura himself (2 tracks), Carlos Guastavino (8), Carlos Lopez Buchardo (2), and Julian Aguirre, Alberto Muzzio, Jorge Cardozo, Alberto Ginastera, Ariel Ramirez, Astor Piazzolla, Hilda Herrera, and Maria Elena Walsh each contributing one selection apiece.

The arrangements (by Cura) and musicianship are superb, featuring the brilliant talents of Eduardo Delgado (piano) and Ernesto Bitetti (guitar). Cura also conducts, and also had a hand in the design of the booklet insert, which has terrific liner notes, recording info, and lyrics in Spanish, English and French. There are also lots of photographs, and one of Cura as a toddler at the piano that is priceless.

There are 4 instrumentals on the CD, and the transcription of Piazzolla's "Adios Nonino" for piano quintet is stupendous, and another big favorite is Ginastera's "Cancion del arbol del olvido." There is nostalgia, sweet simplicity, and a purity to this album that may not appeal to those who like their music always on full throttle, but it is rich with a depth of soul and emotion, and is a rare encounter in this age of sound overkill. Total playing time is 62'08.

The awesome talent of the 38 year-old Cura, and flawless performances by Delgado, Bitetti, and others, coalesce with the passionate musical compositions expressing Argentinean life in the early 1900s. Arguably one of the most consistently artistic and creative CDs in recent times due to the seemingly limitless talent of the producer/performer, Jose Cura.

What a talent! Magnificent middle sonorities with expressive beautiful phrasing. This is a talent which I hope that we see around for a long time to come. This was my first introduction to this outstanding voice. I think that the three tenors will have to move over and make room for a forth.

This is a wonderful album which not only shows Cura's talent as a singer, but as a composer and conductor. He captures the feel of the music and passion of Argentina in his selections. His interpretation of Cien Sonetos de Amor by Pablo Neruda shows an ability to bring to music the intense feelings expressed in poetry. Even if you don't speak Spanish, the music alone is a joy to listen to. Let's hope Senor Cura takes on more projects like this in the future.

I bought this CD after I heard Jose on Sarah Brighman's "Time to Say Goodbye." His voice is always so powerful, yet sweet that moves the hearts of those who listen to his music. He has truly put his heart into this CD. His feelings about Argentina is clearly reflected in all the songs that he included on this CD. HE will be the greatest tenor!!! He has all the qualities that a truly great tenor should! Let's wait for Jose's career to shine like no one else's.

Love the voice, but didn't like the overall selection of his music. If you like him alot worth it, if not pass.

I bought this CD about four years ago. It's become a beloved favorite. I've listened to it repeatedly over the years, and my love for it has grown each time.

I, with others, fell in love with Cura after hearing him with Sarah Brightman (There for You) I try to buy each new CD I can find from him. Each song on the Anhelo CD is a jewel that will sparkle and shine if one simply slows down and listens. Some songs have a simple guitar or piano accompaniment. Others have small orchestral arrangements.

Cura crafts each song carefully. His quiet delivery of the word "lagrimas" as it repeats again and again in Postal de Guerre is beautifully poignant. For me it is the touchstone of the album. Then, on Como Yo Te Ame, his voice soars and he sings with passion, and my heart melts as he finishes, "Como yo te ame." He also finds the perfect romantic song in "Somos Novios." There is also a wonderful piano solo called "Adios Nonino."

Perhaps this CD is not for everyone. But, it touches my heart as no other Cura CD. Perhaps it is because the songs are close to Cura's heart.