Aria

Charles Gounod (Composer), Giacomo Puccini (Composer), Georges Bizet (Composer), George Gershwin (Composer), Jules Massenet (Composer), Gioachino Rossini (Composer), Ambroise Thomas (Composer), Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Franz Lehar (Composer), Arthur Fagen (Conductor), Kalmen Opperman (Conductor), Kalmen Opperman Clarinet Choir (Performer), Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Kalmen Opperman Clarinet Choir
• Orchestra: Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Arthur Fagen, Kalmen Opperman
• Composer: Charles Gounod, Giacomo Puccini, Georges Bizet, George Gershwin, Jules Massenet, et al.
• Audio CD (September 16, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000003G9W
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,629 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stoltzman makes the clarinet sound like a human voice., October 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Aria (Audio CD)

IN this CD Richard Stoltzman shows how the colors of the clarinet can be used to create the wonderful feelings that singers achieve in the great arias of the opera. Along with the very capable playing of the Slovak Orchestra, he performs many of the arias of clasic opera, and some contemporary "arias" of George Gershwin. An unexpected and very welcome treat are three cuts on the CD, where Stoltzman performs with the Kalmen Opperman Clarinet Choir. Very few people know that the clarinet instrument comes in very many different forms, from very low pitched contra bass clarinets, to high pitched E flat clarinets. The choir encompasses the entire range of the clarinet, making an organ-like sound of tremendous beauty and flexibility. With the choir Stoltzman performs arias from Puccini on these three cuts, including an amazing virtuoso workout with the choir on cut six.

After you hear this CD, you will have a new appreciation of these arias, of the beautiful sound of the clarinet, and of the artistry of Richard Stoltzman.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stoltzman being Stoltzman!, September 6, 2004

By 

Donald G. Hite III "clarinetist extraordinaire!" (Houston, Tx USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aria (Audio CD)

One thing that I love about Stoltzman (it's the thing many hate about him) is his stylistic flamboyance. While his bravado may be somewhat out of place in more reserved pieces (I personally don't feel this way, though I can see how one could make the argument), it seems completely at home here. After all, what's more flamboyant than opera?!?!

A diverse style is represented here, including the jazzy Gerswhin Pieces, the flashy Rossini, the sublime Bizet pieces (which sound great with Opperman's clarinet choir), and many more lyrical pieces.

Stotlzman is a true showman, and this CD presents him in all his glory. If you are a clarinet fan, an opera fan, or just a person who likes music in general, this CD will make you smile from the first time you listen to it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Clarinetist Takes Us To The Opera, February 14, 2006

By 

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aria (Audio CD)

During his musical career, Richard Stoltzman has gained a reputation not only for excellence as a clarinetist but also as a show person. His recordings are varied and demonstrate both his ability to perform difficult music as well as to provide an enjoyable listening experience. Perhaps the best example of his classical talents along with his gift for entertaining would be the collection of music from opera in his recording ARIA.

ARIA is a collection of opera's favorite arias arranged for clarinet. The clarinet is an instrument that is just as at home with high and low registers, so Stoltzman is able to select arias from the soprano, tenor, mezzo, and baritone repertoire. Each of the selections transposes nicely to the clarinet arrangements. The selections range from the Bel Canto sounds of Rossini to the music of Verdi and the verissmo sound of Puccini. The French repertoire of Bizet, Gounod, and Massanet is also represented. Gershwin and Lehar round out the collection. Stoltzman is true to the music but does more than just play. He also adds a feeling that many of the great voices of opera added to these works to give them life.

ARIA is a great collection for background music or for that time that a listener is in the mood for something different. It will be appreciated by anyone who loves good music but will have a special appeal for opera lovers, and of course those of us who played the clarinet as children. We can listen and discover what could have been if we had listened to our parents who told us over and over again to practice.