Customer Reviews

Brian Asawa - Vocalise / Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I don't know what some of you are talking about! This is one of the best countertenors in the world and you make him sound like Charlotte Church (yes, that is a "CC" insult). His tone is very full and indicative of how good countertenors should sound. He has performed at the Met and won many prestigious awards. People need to get off their overly macho high-horses and realize that some men sing in the alto/mezzo range. Stop critisizing because he is a countertenor and listen to the voice! Also, stop complimenting JUST because he is a countertenor. Compliment because he is good. I never have said "Bartoli is really good to be a mezzo". The same should go here. I must say that this CD is beautifully done. A great chance to hear some rep that you don't hear every day. I highly recomend this CD. [stepping off soapbox]

We may have heard some of these pieces performed by female singers but I have never heard them performed by any countertenor. Aside from his daring, Mr. Asawa displays amazing (I'll even confess 'enviable') skill and artistry. His "pretty" voice (as it is touted....and his voice IS gorgeously endearing) is indisputable, and though I don't hold him as the authority on Rachmaninov's 'Vocalise', for example (for me that authority belongs to Anna Moffo), I appreciate his 'take' on it. This is the countertenor voice.

I also appreciate that some may not be able to break the mould of traditions concerning the performance of these pieces but that is not to deny the fact that the countertenor voice in these songs is brilliant, by that (countertenor) standard. I go even further to say that the concept of a countertenor (and Mr. Asawa's ravishing one in particular) here adds an intruiging new feel to the works. We KNOW it's not Natalie Dessay or Joan Sutherland singing, though we love them too. This CD is more of an indulgence, to say the very least (and I say that not prejudice Mr. A's performance).

Overall, this CD is certainly a fair introduction to these pieces with great performances in some parts. But more idiomatically speaking, this is a wonderful achievement by a top-rate countertenor and I'm getting more of his work.

Mr. Asawa is flawless on this album, but then again I may be biased since he is one of my favorite Countertenors and since I am a starting Countertenor myself. I particularly fell in love with Villa-Lobos''Cancao do amor,'and 'Bachinas Brasilieras.' Not to mention ALL of the works by Rachmaninov; YES even the vocalise!

Mr. Asawa's voice is deliciously full and sensual as well as smooth. I agree with the above person who wrote that we should review this based on the fact that he as a classical vocalist is simply good! Not because he's good as far as being a countertenor is concerned or the fact that he sounds better/poorly than a mezzo. He's a vocalist and a damn good on in his own right. Give him his due for what he has put out. I truly love this album and Mr. Asawa.

I give it a 20 on a scale from 1-19!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vocalise was just named the recital album of the year by Opera News and I couldn't agree with them more. This is a very well-deserved recognition for an excellent album by an exceptional vocal talent.

I got this CD after reading the rave review in the Editor's Choice section of the March 1999 issue of "OPERA NEWS." Among the adjectives the reviewer used to describe Brian Asawa's voice: ravishing, singular, stirring and shimmering. His voice is all that and more, and when combined with first-rate musicianship, makes this eclectic collection of songs and vocalises an extraordinary listening experience. "Vocalise" is definitely worthy of 5 stars!

High praise to Mr. Asawa. A facscinating collection of songs, beautifully performed. One of the best counter-tenor recordings I have heard. A must have for patrons of the counter-tenor voice.

There is not much emotion in Mr. Asawa's performance of Rachmaninov and no deep penetration into that great music.

Brian Asawa is definately the best countertenor out there right now. His tone is wonderfully bright and colorful. I will admit that his interpretation leaves a little bit to be desired but this CD is definately a good listen. Just to hear a countertenor with a high F that sounds like his is worth buying the CD. His voice serves as a great model for young countertenors like myself.

Brian's voice is heavenly. I thought so when I first listened to "The Dark is My Delight." I know so now that I've heard "Vocalise." I'm sure this is the very beginning of a long, significant career for one of the worlds greatest counter-tenors. 5-stars!

I almost laughed with the Villa-Lobos cantilena. The same with En Sourdine. This sort of music was meant to be sung by someone who sounds like a human being. If he wants to get into non-baroque repertoire, he should get some composer to write it for him.