Customer Reviews

Martinez: Soprano Songs and Arias

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rising fast in the world of opera is the Puerto Rican soprano, Ana María Martínez. Indeed, as I write this she is on the eve of her début as Micaëla in 'Carmen' at the Metropolitan Opera. That will happen tomorrow evening. She has already sung Elvira at Covent Garden, Fiordiligi at Salzburg, Violetta at the Los Angeles Opera (she is rather a protégée of Plácido Domingo). And this CD of a varied program of soprano arias and songs tells us why she is becoming such a hot commodity. The voice is perfectly produced, top to bottom, loud to soft. There is an attractive and distinctive spinning core to the voice that is always present, even at pianissimo. There is also enough squillo to cut through a moderately heavy orchestra to the last row of a large auditorium. Add to that she is a beautiful woman.

The program contains selections varying from a couple of Spanish songs (López's 'Violetas imperiales' and Pablo Luna's 'De España vengo' from 'El Niño Judio') to 'Un bel dì vedremo' from 'Madama Butterfly.' She demonstrates coloratura including trills in 'Les filles de Cadix' by Delibes (with yet more Spanish flavor). An aria she has sung in many of her programs, 'Je veux vivre' from 'Roméo et Juliette,' demonstrates more of the flexibility, as well as the allure, of the voice. We are given a very sexy Hanna Glawari in the 'Vilja-Lied' from 'The Merry Widow.' I'd love to see her in that rôle.

She includes two extraordinarily popular arias - why not? - in Puccini's 'O mio babbino caro' and 'Che il bel sogno di Doretta.' Both are sung simply, believably and with rich tone. One must add, though, that the orchestral accompaniment of the former is a bit soupy for my taste. Otherwise the Prague Philharmonia under American conductor/composer Steven Mercurio.

The high point for me, possibly because I'm immersed in the music of Villa Lobos at the moment, is the most popular of the 'Bachianas Brasileiras,' No. 5, the one for soprano and eight cellos. She sings it operatically and very effectively. And one mustn't forget the most popular of Canteloube's 'Chants d'Auvergne,' 'Baïlèro.' She portrays the young girl singing to her shepherd boy friend across the river with innocence and longing. Wonderful.

This is a marvelous collection and a good demonstration of why young Ms Martínez is drawing such praise in the musical capitals of the world.

Scott Morrison

Ana Maria Martinez is a young up-and-coming diva, captured here singing familiar but glorious arias and songs. Ms. Martinez combines drama, great range and sweet lyricism. The selections include standards like Delibes' Le Fille de Cadiz, Puccini's Un Bel Di and O Mio Babbino Caro. Her rolling r's in the last piece are delicious embellishments. On the other side she nicely handles two darkly lyrical pieces of Villa Lobos's Bachiana Brasilieras. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys or thinks they might possibly enjoy a soprano who could melt your heart. No kidding!

Ana Maria is one of our favourite sopranos and her CD did not disappoint us. A great variety. You will not regret purchasing this CD.

Great voice for a beautiful collection of soprano songs and arias. Heavenly! I believe she is much better than Ana Netrebko, although Netrebko has some visual advantages.

A beautiful instrument. The voice has such clarity! The Aria choices superb! I cannot bestow enough accolades!

In this quality CD, Ana María Martínez demonstrates a palettes of colors that clearly shows her mastery over the voice. Her ability to sing such diverse repertoire and keep an artistic consistency throughout the recording is to be expected of her.
Been myself a double bassist, I didn't quite appreciate the repertoire selections for this recording, although I loved the standards. Otherwise, I have played in the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra while accompanying Ana María, and I have always been astonished by her exquisite musical taste and how it shows through her voice. A great buy!!!

In 2000, I became a fan of Anna Maria Martinez's voice when I appeared with her in a production of L'elisir d'Amor at Houston Grand Opera. Her beautiful tone , passionate acting and amazingly consistant technique made a memorable impression on me.
It is a pleasure to be able to hear her on my stereo and to play for my singing students, a lovely example of a gifted young soprano.
The next year (2001) she returned to sing a role in Catan's "Florencia en el Amazones" and her voice was even richer and more resonant.
I am not aware of any more recent solo recordings so get this one, and I hope that Naxos will bring her back to make another CD, more reflective of how she sings today.

The quality of de cd is superb and so is Ana María Marinez.

This CD shows to the world what I have known for years.
Ana Maria Martinez in indeed one of the best sopranos alive today. I bought 25 copies of this CD for friends and family and they are all gone. Everyone loves it.
I have the priviledge of knowing Ana Maria for years and through her I met Steve Mercurio on one of Andre Bocelli's concerts( Ana was singing with Bocelli and Steve was conducting). What wonderful people they are. To both of them....Well done!!! Bravi!!!
Athos Colon, MD
Lubbock, Texas