Customer Reviews

Ti Adoro [Hybrid SACD]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pavarotti fans who only know him from the Three Tenors recordings may like this very much. There is lots of drama, and of course, the unique Pavarotti timbre, as well as phrasing by a master. On the song "Caruso" it would be nice to hear more of the renowned and accomplished guitarist Jeff Beck, rather than the teasing bits of background fare provided. That said, the collaboration is inspired, although Beck is the only one revealing the stretch of his artistic limits in this performance. Pavarotti's big risk on this album is the title song, which fails miserably. It sounds like a bizarre attempt at opera-singer-does-1960s-style-swinging-TV-jazz. Sometimes art works and sometimes it doesn't. Were no insiders brave enough to tell the producer and performer this was way off the mark? Listeners who love Pavarotti for his magnificent operatic performances may be disappointed in this endeavor, but it is still a joy for me to listen to him. The voice is worn a bit and aging, but it is still unmatched for sheer beauty of tone.

If you are one of those (like me) who anticipate the final chorus and proclamation in 'Nessun Dorma', and get goose bumps during the haunting melodies and concluding high C of the first act of 'LaBoheme', you're gonna love this CD. It seems that the 13 "Pop" songs in 'Ti Adoro' are even more demanding and wide ranging, showcasing for a full 50 minutes, the exquisite tone, range and expression (that we often have to wait for in opera).The master-tenor bounces between a rich low register and his renown high Fs,Gs As, B flats and Cs. Now you get to enjoy Pavarotti's full range and timbre non-stop. But, the real surprise in Ti Adoro is that throughout a vast variety of styles, from semi-pop-classic to jazz, the constancy of Pavorotti's intonation, range, vibrato, and enunciation is fully there. Great credit also must go the composers/arrangers who hand-crafted this opus for the master's voice. While some reviews have been harsh, maybe these folks are used to the electronically sheltered, unexposed, instrumentally drowned-out quasi-voices of the generation's pop "singers" or they are opera-stiffs who draw the line at say `Ave Maria'. Only one magnificent, emotional rendition, ` Il Gladiatore', had me scratching my head, due to a concluding high C, which, in the very last ½ second drops slightly in pitch. It seems that a retake or some digital editing could have easily corrected it, hence I tend to think it maybe it was left in intentionally for impact (?) Luciano Pavarotti, always my favorite operatic tenor, is more potent, brave and flamboyant in 'Ti Adoro', than I have ever heard him; showing that you don't need to listen to classics and opera to hear really fine singing. It is a Pavarotti showcase for sure. Every syllable and every note is clear, strong, impeccably in tune and out there - pop singers take note. Maestro Pavarotti, I want more of this!

I have always been a fan of Pavarotti, but I must say this recording is the shining star. I am thrilled he released this contemporary disc. It has endless replayability, endless. The song selection was masterful and we get to hear his rich lower and middle registers quite a bit. I truly love his upper register, what made him famous of course, but this showcases his total range.

My favorite on the disc is Il Gladiatore. Focus, listen and see if you have dry eyes when it's over. Ti Adoro, Il Canto, Notte and Buongiorno a te are my overall favs.

This disc is worth every penny you'll spend!

A wonderful performance by Luciano, moving, thrilling , touching, happy, full of love. Just like he is! Love him more and more, but then always have. Thank you Luciano. You make my life more beautiful. I'm very happy for you and hear your happiness in your new cd.

Luciano Pavarotti may be 70 odd, but that's no excuse for this extremely talented singer to stop one little bit. His voice is unique and warm, the songs are mostly cheery and upbeat.

1. IL CANTO (the chant)- a supreme uplifting ballad. Pavarotti is at his best throughout the song. 10/10.
2. NEAPOLIS (Naples)- not my favourite, but still well sung. 7/10
3. STARAI CON ME (You'll be with me)- another beautiful song with a lovely chorus. 9/10
4. TI ADORO (I adore you)- a somewhat strange background beat, but still the nearest thing to happy I've heard in a while. 8/10
5. NOTTE (Night)- a moving, heartfelt song. Pavarotti struggles a little bit to reach the eternal high note, but still is able to pass the test comfortably. 9/10.
6. COME AQUILE (Like Eagles)- a fantastic song, which allows Pavarotti to show off his soothing voice. 10/10.
7. DOMANI VERRA (Tomorrow will come)- well sung, nothing much more than that. 7.5/10
8. BUONGIORNO A TE (Good morning to you)- uplifting, cheerful tune with some inventive parts. 8.5/10
9. AI GIOCHI ADDIO (Farewell to your games)- a sad song with a lot of emotion from Luciano. 9/10
10. STELLA (Star)- another cheery song, slightly painful in parts. 8/10
11. TU E IL TUO MARE (It's you and your ocean)- an exquisite song which Pavarotti glides through imperially. 10/10.
12. IL GLADIATORE (The gladiator)- widely regarded to be one of the best songs on the album. Quite right. 10/10.
13. CARUSO- a very good song to finish with. Powerful and dramatic and from the depths of the heart. 9.5/10

GOOD:
Pavarotti is the only pensioner in the world to sing so well. No, probably the best person.
The songs feel like there being sung for a reason, unlike many modern singers who sing with no feeling whatsoever and hope when they release their song they might earn a bit of money.
This CD makes a good gift for everyone, because he is so famous and well-liked.
Good guidebook; lyrics in Italian and English plus a welcome note in 4 different languages.

BAD:
Pavarotti may make you cringe very occasionaly with his waring voice.

I have most all of Pavarotti,Carreras,Domingo and Bocelli.Love them all and Ti Adoro is my favorite of Pavarotti's works.

This is Pavarotti that is not opera. The beauty of his voice carries over to different types of music. This is a delightful albumn, any Pavarotti lover will appreciate it

I am Luciano Pavarotti's biggest fan, so I am biased. But for a man of his age, this recording is simply amazing. The golden voice is still there - Il Gladiatore is one of the shining moments of his career. I'd put it next to anything else he's ever recorded. Absolutley stunning. And Buongiorno is a delightful, uplifting little tune - can't get it out of my head! Yes, it's an older Pavarotti here, the voice is darker - but like other reviewers said, at this age, he could still out sing most tenors alive today. Very poignant, very beautiful. Buy it!

While not his best recording, this album is enjoyable not boring....Pavarotti makes a fine rendition of the main theme of "Gladiator" the rendition of "Caruso" superb............Long live the "Maestro" and his god given voice!!!

A Pavarotti fan, I bought this CD, took it home and listened to it once, then wondered who I could palm it off on, or maybe return it to the store. Then, a few weeks later, I put it as background for my writing work. I found myself not minding some of the songs. The next day I put it on again, again in the background. Then, I started listening to it every day. It grows on you. The songs come through upon repeated listening. I listen to Bach, Beethoven, Puccini, etc., but am a sucker for stirring movie soundtracks; and this CD has that kind of effect.

(Another great CD that grows on you to the point of not being able to live without it, is Bryn Terfel's Wales CD. Great, stirring, moving.)