Customer Reviews

Handel: Giulio Cesare [Highlights]

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

 

 

This CD is a true gem. Those who thought Sills' studio recording of the role that made her an "overnight" sensation back in 1966 could not be topped, better listen to this recording of a Teatro Colon 1968 performance. Sills was always at her best when performing in front of an audience, as is proven here. She is in glorious voice and her artistry is evident throughout. Her V'adoro Pupile aria in Act II is one of the most beautiful pieces of singing you are ever likely to hear, with amazing trills that no soprano has so far been able to surpass, and her Piangero and Se pieta arias, a reminder of her peerless technique and superb breath control, are simply amazing. Unfortunately, Treigle has to resign himself to playing second fiddle to the real star of the production -which should have been called Cleopatra- but does nonetheless a commendable job considering the role of Julius Caesar is not really suited for a bass/baritone.

For those who are not familiar with Sills' singing -I imagine that would be very young people- this is one of her best recordings available. For those who are, here is another chance to be wowed again by one of the best, most accomplished coloratura sopranos ever, period.

I was prepared to hear another muffled pirated recording of the Grande Dame, only to find that the Buenos Aires recording matches the quality of any of her studio performance. Add to that the vitality of opening night and singers at the height of their careers. I wish they had included more of Peter Schreir, a tenor of magnificent ability, but there are jewels enough in this treasure. Richter's conducting is a bit unusual if all you are familiar with are the Rudel recordings. His tempos are VERY slow throughout much of the opera. But all in all 5 stars plus in my book.

I know this 1968 performance suffers from the old cut-and-paste approach to baroque opera performance as opposed to today's more historically correct and textually faithful approach. But listening to this CD set is such a revelation that historical accuracy hardly matters. The performances of Norman Treigle and, especially, Beverly Sills are emotionally and psychologically acute. And the singing, again especially of Ms. Sills, is ravishing, enchanting, enthralling. Listening to her enraptured singing of "V'adoro pupille" spun out to the last lovely notes has brought tears to my eyes, all of the sordid history of humanity redeemed for a few grateful moments.
Buy it. Listen often. Be glad such beauty exists in this world.

Now Beverly Sills definitely ain't a pin-up Cleo like Leonor Varela in the movie disaster from the 90ties but she was a very beautiful woman and had the voice of a sirene in those days, perfect for Handel, as perfect as can be. Her "V'adoro pupille" has to be heard to be believed, it's bursting with seductive colours. Ruth Ann Swenson could learn a thing or two from Sills here when it comes to phrasing and colouring. The "Da tempeste" is flawless, I could listen to it over and over again. Yet, why are there only highlights? Treigle&Sills are so great, they deserve more!

This JJ fellow really has a lot of nerves. Lately there's been a diva war between Callas, Sills, and Sutherland and he/she hasn't let up since. To the basher: we have every right to say that Sills is the best singing actress of this century; this is a Sills site! And we do not believe Callas is in the same league. She was a great actress but she had an annoyingly dry, coarse voice, even in her prime.

This is a fabulous live performance, very much comparable to the 1967 recording on the RCA label. I do have to say though, that some of the tempi are very slow, but then again when you have incomparable singing from Sills, one cannot wish for more. ~bash review neutralizer

Got this for an aria V'adoro Pupille. Was surprised to find tempo so different from other singers' versions, and she has many added florishes, but it is enjoyable. The recording is from a live performance so there are coughs, etc., as well as wild applause, but a nice addition.

I received some Chopin piano music in this Sills CD case, even with the correct logo burned in.
Suspicious...

Callas is the most famous singer in the world. And your Vinh Chan says that Sills is the xx greatest singin actress. That is a lie. Any further comments like this will generate more negatives.