Customer Reviews

Art of Elaine Bonazzi

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

 

 

This newly-discovered recital disc from 1985 is a stunning showcase for one of America's finest vocal artists, mezzo Elaine Bonazzi. Ms. Bonazzi graced the opera and concert stage for 4 decades and her performances will be long remembered and cherished. This recital, a pristine digital recording, was made at Peabody Conservatory, when she was teaching there, and it is an admirable showcase for her special communicative powers. The Brahms and Ravel are pretty well known, but the Britten and, especially, the Monteverdi are less familiar. To hear them sung so compellingly and with such artistry is a rare and satisfying treat. And she is joined by some of the finest instrumentalists of the time--pianist Ellen Mack, flutist Timothy Day, violist Karen Tuttle, and the late cellist, Stephen Kates. Don't miss this one!!

The Art of Elaine Bonazzi on the Bridge Records label will showcase Ms. Bonazzi's seamless vocal line, warm bel canto technique, flawless diction and phrasing, but also one enjoys her stylistic interpretation on these Monteverdi, Britten, Brahms and Ravel selections. Ms. Bonazzi performs here with excellent accompanist, Ellen Mack, who also brings her best to each selection. In Brahms' Two Songs, Karen Tuttle's warm viola beautifully partners Bonazzi's mezzo. Flutist Timothy Day and the late
'cellist Stephen Kates partner Ms. Mack in providing sensitive accompaniment in Ravel's Chansons Madecasses. The recordings on this CD will provide years of inspiration for music lovers, voice teachers and singers alike. The recital was recorded live, but the clarity of the sound would rival any studio recording! Ms. Bonazzi's career has brought her more premieres than any other American singer living or dead. Some of her secrets are revealed in the accompanying CD notes: As a teenager she studied with Elisabeth Schumann and she later studied with mezzo Jennie Tourel and for many years Aldo di Tullio. The notes are filled as well with many photographs of Ms. Bonazzi on stage. We certainly hope that Bridge will publish MANY more of Elaine Bonazzi's recitals in the future. Sadly, this lyric coloratura mezzo enjoyed such a busy singing career that she was not able to get into the recording studio as often as her adoring fans would have liked. Count me in that number. Having heard her sing on many occasions beginning in 1972 and ending in 1996, Elaine Bonazzi delivered a rave-worthy performance at every concert. We are grateful to Bridge Records to be enjoying the art of Elaine Bonazzi for many years to come!

I am delighted that this outstanding mezzo has gotten a showcase CD all her own. Her vocal passion and commanding presence are fully revealed- especially in the Monteverdi and Brahms pieces. Elaine Bonazzi's mezzo polishes and shines these jewels into a brilliant sheen! But I believe that she is no longer performing so if you want to hear a golden and timeless mezzo, this is one to get.

I was doing an internet search for versions of Monteverdi's "Maledetto sia l'aspetto" and came across this artist. Her version of that lovely song is sung extremely fast (48 sec). I enjoyed all the items. Many were unknown to me. The 2 Op 91 brahms songs are very good, but who can excel Kathleen Ferrier? Overall a very enjoyable recital of a great artist.