Duetto: Marcelo Álvarez & Salvatore Licitra

Marcelo Alvarez (Artist), Salvatore Licitra (Artist), Gabriel Faure (Composer), Carlo Marrale (Composer), Roberto Pacco (Composer), Matteo Saggese (Composer), Francesco Sartori (Composer), James Shearman (Composer), Steve Wood (Composer), Kevin Hennessey (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Kevin Hennessey
• Composer: Gabriel Faure, Carlo Marrale, Roberto Pacco, Matteo Saggese, Francesco Sartori, et al.
• Audio CD (June 24, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony Classical
• ASIN: B00009QG9Z
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,256 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #45 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Suites
  • #66 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Baroque (c.1600-1750) > General
  • #67 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Baroque (c.1600-1750) > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Italian Salvatore Licitra and the Argentinian Marcelo Alvarez are, arguably the two most exciting, promising (they're in their 30s), big-voiced, bread-and-butter (or steak-and-potatoes) "Italian" tenors around. Yhey have proved themselves on the stages of the great opera houses of the world and on recordings. This CD is designed to present them to a wider audience--it is clearly meant to appeal to Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli fans. And, in fact, it succeeds. These guys have glorious voices: Licitra's is darker and somewhat heavier than Alvarez's, but the latter's shine is irresistible; one might compare them to Domingo and Pavarotti, respectively, to make that point. Neither has any problem throughout his entire range; each has big, secure top notes, and there's an innate musical intelligence at work at all times. Opera fans will relish the fantastic singing--listening to them trade high B naturals in the CD's third song, "Odissea," is thrilling--but will probably be disappointed by the music. It's soupily arranged, sentimental background drivel with catchy melodies (parts of "Salut demeure" from Gounod's Faust show up in something called "Son gli occhi tuoi," complete with a stellar high C from Alvarez), and even the gorgeous duet from Bizet's Les Pêcheurs de Perles (one of two "classical" pieces on the CD, if one doesn't count an instrumental piece by Bach to which trite lyrics have been added) has been re-arranged to include a tinny chorus, when singing it as written would have been a magnificent treat. Their voices are bathed in a phony-pop glow which will please the Bocelli market while continuing to horrify purists. Yet it is impossible not to be bowled over by the singing--a few off-pitch-at-low-volume moments and a mess of a "Je crois entendre encore" aside. In short, two high-power, world-class operatic tenors in their prime, singing, for the most part, music in which the treacle level is obnoxiously--even dangerously--high. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "a power-house of thrills ~ Alvarez & Licitra", July 24, 2003

By 

J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Duetto: Marcelo Álvarez & Salvatore Licitra (Audio CD)

Passion, fire and the ability to hit those high C's, can only spell the latest "Duetto", featuring Marcelo Alvarez and Salvatore Licitra with The City of Prague Philharmonic and The Kuhn's Choir ~ each track a must have for opera lovers all over the world. The arrangements are to die for by Steve Wood, who also produced the album.

This is top notch moving melodies with power to spare as each tenor takes on the next selection with the ease of a Domingo or Pavarotti. This album is reminiscent of "Time To Say Good-bye", with Brightman and Bocelli ~ each track takes you on a musical journey of a listening pleasure you haven't heard in a long, long time. Both tenors have a sweet lyric sound to their voices, each compliments the other.

Stand outs are ~ "OLTRE LA TEMPESTA", "ODISSEA", "DOVUNQUE SARAI" and "VIAGGIO" ~ emotion prevails within each counterpoint as soft smooth melodies rise to the surface. Both singers strike with power when the occasion arises, very close to the Lanza formula.

They are the best out there today, hands down. Can only hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship in the world of classical music ~ gotta love it!

Total Time: 65:52 on 15 Tracks ~ Sony 87957 ~ (6/24/2003)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, February 23, 2004

By 

E. Maselli (NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Duetto: Marcelo Álvarez & Salvatore Licitra (Audio CD)

I LOVED this CD. I'm a fan of tenors, but not a serious student of their voices, so I can't attest to the flawlessness of phrasing, etc. However, I found the music to be soulful and stirring, and Licitra and Alvarez's voices full and rich. I have given this CD to everyone I know - my parents, cousins, great aunts and friends, even my massage therapist, and everyone has enjoyed it. I listen to it often, pretending to sing along!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Paralyzing.........., July 16, 2003

By 

Diana Dumbadse (Santa Rosa, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Duetto: Marcelo Álvarez & Salvatore Licitra (Audio CD)

The most stunning blend of two voices combined with a great selection of songs will send chills down your spine. I have listened to this CD nonstop since purchasing it. Everytime I think I have a favorite track, along comes a new one. Track #2 Adorarla, #5 Fantasma d'Amore and #7 Solo Amore seem to be my favorites for the moment. This is the sort of CD that you don't mind playing over and over again. People who do not like this CD are missing the moment. Too bad for them......