Customer Reviews

Mad Scenes

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

 

 

In 2007 I was lucky to go to the Metropolitan Opera opening night to catch Natalie Dessay's epic performance in the Mad Scene from Donizetti's "Lucia de Lammermoor." Ever since then I have been hoping for Natalie to release an album containing this scene. So say how delighted I am that I now own this release is the least of it. Along with "Lucia de Lammermoor," there are five additional spectacular mad scenes. Dessay truly shines in this recording especially in the mad scene of Ophelie from Thomas' Hamlet. I can't wait to see her perform this role this coming spring at the Met.

Dessay is amazing, and this album is sheer perfection.
Be careful if you listen to it while driving, though, as I do. She hits some notes that are so high that packs of dogs will come from nowhere and chase after your car.

I purchased this CD as a souvenir for a friend with whom I saw the Metropolitan Opera's HD movie, "Lucia di Lammermoor". Listening to Lucia's "mad scene" aria on this CD is worth the cost of the CD alone -- and enough to convert you to a Dessay fan forever. Her gorgeous voice and amazing emotional stamina are almost superhuman!

This compilation is a first-class tribute to Dessay's superb sensitivity and great mastery of her art. The selection is amazing. My favorite piece is definitely the Bernstein piece, but as a French man living in New York, I may be a tad biased! When you get "over the top" yourself, put the recording on. It will put things back in perspective. Enjoy!

This is Natalie Dessay, what else do you need to know? As always, she is indescribably good.

One of the pleasant surprises was to learn that Lucia was translated into French, and the CD begins with the French version of Lucia's mad scene and ends with the Italian version. While the other mad scenes are not as well known, they are still a delight to hear.

Ms. Dessay's vocal prowess continues to amaze. Actually, I prefer the selections contained in her "Italian Opera Arias" to this album, but still, this is a wonderful addition to her recording repertoire.