Denyce Graves - Heroines ~ French Romantic Opera Arias

Hector Berlioz (Composer), Georges Bizet (Composer), Gaetano Donizetti (Composer), Charles Gounod (Composer), Edouard Lalo (Composer), Jules Massenet (Composer), Camille Saint-Saens (Composer), Ambroise Thomas (Composer), Marc Soustrot (Conductor), Denyce Graves (Performer), Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Performer: Denyce Graves
• Orchestra: Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo
• Conductor: Marc Soustrot
• Composer: Hector Berlioz, Georges Bizet, Gaetano Donizetti, Charles Gounod, Edouard Lalo, et al.
• Audio CD (October 20, 1998)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Aria
• ASIN: B000009KCP
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #389,671 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best mezzo soprano currently active; gorgeous voice., March 7, 2001

By	D. R. Schryer (Poquoson, VA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

There are some fine mezzo sopranos currently active, but Denyce Graves is the best of the lot -- and by a significant margin. Graves is the only modern mezzo whom I would put in the same class as the great mezzos of the past: Rise Stevens, Marilyn Horne, and Christa Ludwig. The arias selected for this CD range from good to great and the singing is superb. If you haven't yet heard this outstanding mezzo, this CD is an excellent place to start. Please don't pass this one up.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't praise this album enough!!, October 2, 1999

By	"sstadler" (Rome, Italy) - See all my reviews

Anyone who truly loves French opera, in particular mezzo sopranos, rejoice! This is indeed a treasure to listen to again and again. Denyce Graves is the most talented mezzo to emerge in the last 10 years, her diction is superb, as well as her knowledge of the French style. I don't think I have ever heard a more moving rendition of "Mon couer s'ouvre ta voix" from Samson et Dalila in my life. She makes so much of the text! The little known aria from Gounod's "Sapho" is worth the price of the CD alone. Graves is SO moving, SO dignified, she moved me to tears. I could go on and on about each piece, but will leave you to discover this wonderful CD for yourself.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Lucid Description: Graves, Poignant and Sensuous, July 28, 2002

By	Q. Allen Heyward (Savannah, GA USA) - See all my reviews

In "Heroines," Graves delivers with inimitable sensuousness. Her voice is as smooth and caramelized as her complexion. Business sends me to Paris regularly and I pack "Heroines" in my briefcase before my passport. Graves' celestial sounds are at worse, tranquilizing: I listen to this CD as I travel into the city and Graves' talent seduces me, I often miss the Eiffel Tower on my journey. And if only the Mona Lisa could hear her, she just might smile. It's been five years since I purchased this CD; in fact, by accident. A Southerner, I have always had a penchant for Jessye Norman. Purchasing Graves' "Heroines" is by far the best accident I've ever made, and now she's my favorite.