Leyla Gencer, Vol. 1

Vincenzo Bellini (Composer), Luigi Cherubini (Composer), Gaetano Donizetti (Composer), Carlo Franci (Conductor), Francesco Molinari Pradelli (Conductor), Francesco Molinari-Pradelli (Conductor), Gianandrea Gavazzeni (Conductor), Fenice Theater Orchestra (Orchestra), La Scala Theater Orchestra (Orchestra), Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra (Orchestra), Orchestra del Teatro la Fenice (Orchestra), RLB Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Leyla Gencer (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Leyla Gencer
• Orchestra: Fenice Theater Orchestra, La Scala Theater Orchestra, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra, Orchestra del Teatro la Fenice, RLB Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Carlo Franci, Francesco Molinari Pradelli, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, Gianandrea Gavazzeni
• Composer: Vincenzo Bellini, Luigi Cherubini, Gaetano Donizetti
• Audio CD (October 17, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Opera D'oro
• ASIN: B00004UDE5
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #212,653 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bel Canto Heroine, July 9, 2004

By 

cherubino (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Leyla Gencer, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

Gencer's story is one of the most interesting of opera during the 20th century. How is it possible that, during the "bel canto revival" of the 50's and 60's, one of its very few specialists was never offered a recording contract? As Gencer states in an interview given recently, the reason may be that the American recording companies only wanted a "voce pura." Although technically speaking, Gencer ranks with the very best, she did have some peculiarities in her voice that you have to develop a taste for. In this regard, she reminds me much of Raina Kabaivanska, a celebrated Butterfly with a cult following in Italy who barely made a splash here in the U.S.

A little known fact is that, had Gencer been available when Marilyn Horne pulled out of the AOS production of Lucrezia Borgia, Montserrat Caballe would have been denied her overnight rise to international stardom (though it is safe to say it would have come sooner or later).

Here, on Disc 1, you have a sampling of some of Gencer's bel canto forays. Unfortunately, most were recorded in the late sixties, when she was moving past her prime. To have an idea of the youthful Gencer, listen to the two selections from Anna Bolena that appear at the end of the CD. However, even a little past her prime, Gencer enthralls you with her varied gifts. Like Callas, she had a fiery temperment, best captured on the finale to Medea, included here, as well as "Deh, non volerli" from Norma, which is truly heart-rending. However, unlike Callas, she knew that fire-and-brimstone should not be turned on all the time, which is why she also developed a wonderful pianissimo, like Caballe. Just listen to the long, long pianissimo she floats at the end of "Sediziosi voci."

Although never allowed to rise to the level of fame of Callas, Sutherland, Caballe, and Sills, Gencer was and is an integral part of bel canto singing, and the current interest in live recordings will ensure that her legacy is not forgotten.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Queen of Pirates, June 1, 2004

By 

Kethryn Alexander (hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leyla Gencer, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

Leyla Gencer is a lesser known soprano who was often compared to maria callas and able to not only hold her own during an era of Tebaldi and Caballe but to excell. You will find with Gencer the full diva package. Here we have a voice which is distinctive and expressive. Gencer makes full use of all the shades and power of her instrument to bring her charcters to life. She is a coluratura dramatic in the truest sense. Though she didn't possess the well rounded and full beauty of tone that tebaldi did.. her sound is pleasant and can be quite beautiful. Especially in her piani and pianissimo we are treated to exceptionally beautiful notes. Her style of singing is quite similar to Caballe, though gencer did come first and single handedly caused the return of many Donizetti and other bel canto composers back to the forefront of opera. Before there was Sills great queens- we had Gencer. We are treated to a Norma, Macbeth, and Medea all in the same league as Callas with a less flawed sound. Although Gencer was never able to match callas' expressive nuances or acting genius.. fans will no doubt come to hold gencer in their hearts as well. This inexpensive disc provides a good intro to one of the greatest and least known divas of our times. Gencer remains the queen of the Pirates- no commercial recordings yet able to be one of the best represented singers on disc thanks to her pirated performances.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, April 5, 2005

By 

Sanford P. Press (Canadensis, PA. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leyla Gencer, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

I can't say enough about Leyla Gencer. A star who was exciting as Callas yet easier to listen to. Enjoy what recordings you can find. They are sparse! Though we can delight in some wonderful voices in 2005, this lady can't be beat. Don't know anyone like her today.