Customer Reviews

Canteloube: Songs of the Auvergne / Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras / Rachmaninoff: Vocalise

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What an extraordinary album. There have been many recordings of Canteloube's Songs of the Auvergne, but none, in my opinion, come close to capturing Anna Moffo's creamily seductive interpretations. Moffo in her prime had everything one could wish for in a lyric soprano: warmth, power, thrilling high notes and a sense of phrasing that was bewitching.

The Rachmaninov Vocalise and Bachianas Brasilieras No 5 are equally compelling, and Moffo is ably supported by Stokowski in top form. My only regret is that a "blip" has appeared near the end of the Vocalise (which was not there on the original LP), thus giving the misleading impression that the ending was a retake.

This is my desert island soprano album. Now if BMG could just be persuaded to release her sublime One Night of Love album from the early 1960s, then I'll be packing that one as well...

There are some pieces of music that I love the composer's concept, but cannot for the life of me find the right recording! Dvorak's Symphony No.9 comes to mind, Rachmaninov's Concerto No.2 is another, and up until I found this recording, Songs of the Auvergne. Wow! Stokowski and Moffo breeze through these pieces like romp through a sparkling lit countryside filled with dewy leaves, a babbling brook, and wafting scents. Her voice is rich, pure, and playful. And Stokowski sets and changes the mood for each piece. My chief complaint for the Te Kanawa and von Stade versions is that all the songs have identical moods. Also included in the Moffo set are the ravishing beautiful Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 and Rachmaninov's Vocalise, wait until you hear that!

Because of Anna Moffo's unfortunate vocal crisis in the late 1960's, people tend to forget that she possessed one of the most achingly beautiful voices in the history of recording. This was made at the peak of her career, when her voice was mature but showed no signs of deteriorating. Rachmaninov's "Vocalise" has never been performed better and it's doubtful that it ever will be.

The sound of Anna Moffo's voice in this recording is utterly beguiling, a warmth and sensuality that cannot be described. The last number, Vocalise by Rachmaninoff is achigly beautiful. Pure magic.

Bought it in vinyl years ago and then replaced it when RCA released it on CD. It is truly a gem. Moffo's voice is perfect in the material. I like the few Songs of the Auvergne she has recorded here when I am not listening to the complete set recorded by Netania Davrath on Vanguard, which to me is the ultimate recording of these. The Vocalese brings me to tears. I give this CD very often to friends as gifts...give youself one

Seldom has the voice of the great underrated soprano Anna Moffo been captured so well on disk. The "vocalise" especially is beautiful and Moffo is at her peak throughout the recording. Stokowski, of course, conducts with sensitivity and style, showing off Moffo's voice to the best of her considerable ability but never resorting to showiness.

I was happy to see so many Amazonian listeners express pleasure in an album I've enjoyed for years on record, and now on mid-priced CD. Moffo has never been better--the Villa-Lobos "Bachianas Brasileiras" are beautiful and darkly moving, and I don't think I've ever heard a more stunning rendition of the "Vocalise." For a fuller version of the "Songs of the Auvergne" give a listen to the splendid Dawn Upshaw/Kent Nagano version; in the meantime treat yourself to this very lovely Moffo recording.

An absolutely gorgeous, heart-breaking performance by Anna Moffo of ten of the most beautiful songs in the repertoire. Her breath control is astonishing. Catapults to the top of the list of my favorite CD's. Wonderful to see it reissued after a lapse of 44 years. Sound quality is still first rate.

A MARVELOUS CD.
ANNA MOFFO'S VOICE IS PURE,SUBLIME AND IS IN HER BEST.BUY IT NOW.
A GREAT GEM FOR EVERYONE.
LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC,I CAN SAY,WITH ALL JUSTICE,THAT GOD EXITS.

I have five CD on the singings(songs) of Auvergne - In my opinion Anna Moffo is the best interpreter What a pity! that she(it) offers us only 7 singings(songs) - Kiri Te Kanawa offers us 2 CD deserved well of these very beautiful singings(songs) which awaken our senses has the nature - Christian (France)