Customer Reviews

Aria

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

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.

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.

Top notch, lush, dark tone. Stylistically it's all there!. Stoltzman doesn't hold anything back in his interpretations. You will NOT be disappointed with this CD!

I really enjoyed this unusal recording of Clarinet playing - I think I prefer this to the 'singing' versions. I prefered the slower 'arias' -the Puccini 'Che gelida manina' is particularly lovely -a very soothing recording to listen to after a hard days work - highly recommended

i loved it. the tone was nearly perfect andi love the sound of the different clarinets and the mix of jazz and classical styles

Former Buckeye Richard Stoltzman (although once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye, I guess) has long been a champion of the clarinet, and in Aria he presents a number of operatic arias on that beautiful instrument, backed by the Kalmen Opperman Clarinet Choir on a couple of cuts and the Slovak Philharmonic on the rest. Not only do we get the expected arias from composers such as Gounod, Verdi, Rossini, Bizet, and Puccini, but there is also a medley from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Yes, as a fellow Buckeye and ex-clarinetist, I admittedly bring favorable prejudices to bear on this particular recording, but I am confident that even trumpet-playing Wolverines would find that this disk provides more than 76 minutes of musical pleasure.

"Aria" is a CD of Clarinet music based on classical Opera Arias.
It is EXCELLENT!

Very well done. The clarinet work is accurate, precise, clear, relaxing, and first class. This is a terrific CD to sit back and enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.

I have loved the clarinet since I first heard Benny Goodman play more than 60 years ago. There are many great players today, from classical to jazz, but Richard Stoltzman is my all time favorite. He is often criticized for his non-traditional interpretation of the classics but, in my view, that is part of what makes him great. The Aria is the perfect vehicle for Stoltzman to show his genius. Kalman Opperman, Stoltzman's teacher, is note for saying, "...you can't teach music, only the instrument." Stoltzman not only illustrates his mastery of the clarinet but his mastery of interpretation and making music. I'm not even sure you have to love opera, as I do, to appreciate this music. This is the only album I have ever heard that I would unequivocally rate 5 stars. Enjoy.

Rchard Stoltzman, the clarinetist featured on this CD, is one of the masters. I had no idea how great the clarinet could sound till I heard Stoltzman. This CD is a keeper.