Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana

Pietro Mascagni (Composer), Steven Mercurio (Conductor), Orchestra del Teatro Massimo "Bellini" Catania (Orchestra), Andrea Bocelli (Performer), Elena Belfiore (Performer), Enkelejda Shkosa (Performer), Paoletta Marrocu (Performer), Salvatrice Rafisardo (Performer), Stefano Antonucci (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Andrea Bocelli, Elena Belfiore, Enkelejda Shkosa, Paoletta Marrocu, Salvatrice Rafisardo, et al.
• Orchestra: Orchestra del Teatro Massimo "Bellini" Catania
• Conductor: Steven Mercurio
• Composer: Pietro Mascagni
• Audio CD (February 20, 2007)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B000I5X7UW
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,210 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good not Great, October 27, 2007

By 

sopraminerva (Eagan, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana (Audio CD)

I really like opera and I really adore Bocelli. I have traveled all over the US and Europe for both. Usually Andrea does a good job - much better than the critics seem to think - and this performance is no exception. I think in any performance Andrea's biggest problem is inconsistency.He has a warm, rough, earthy quality in his voice that I love.Most of the time Andrea's singing is very good but I admit he sometimes loses the pitch. Usually he is as good as Licitra or Alagna or any other tenor out there now but occasionally he sings so badly that even I wonder what he is thinking. On this CD he makes a good first impression with "O Lola, ch'ai di latti la cammisa" I really like his sound but then he loses it in the whole middle beginning with "Tu qui,Santuzza". His "Viva il vino spumeggiante" is definitly not the best. Why didn't they redo it until Andrea doesn't sound so strangled. Then in true inconsistant Bocelli style he regains his strength for "Mamma!Mamma, quel vino e generoso". It really is wonderful to hear. Very full of genuine sounding emotion which is what is needed for that aria. The rest of the cast is adaquate and nothing is outstanding about this recording. I bought this because I have to have everything Bocelli has ever recorded. I can't honestly recommend it to non-Bocelli fans.

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!!!!!!!, February 27, 2007

By 

Richard D. Cappetto "RickDC" (Moodus, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana (Audio CD)

Andrea Bocelli, the world's most popular tenor (and Best selling) and pop sensation as well, has recorded his sixth full length Opera Recording; Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana; which has many of the opera world's beautiful arias. Bocelli has also recorded Massenet; Werther, Verdi; Il Trovatore, Puccini; La Boheme, Leoncavallo: Pagliacci and Puccini; Tosca. Bocelli who did not go the traditional route into the Opera world has garnered much critical disdain and at the same time, much adoration of the people (not unlike Marino Lanza). Bocelli has recorded a series of wonderful pop crossover albums that just drive the opera critics out of there (collective) minds (Romanza and Amore being two) . Andrea is another in the line of the peoples tenor, he transcend's the opera world and bring Opera to the general public. Bocelli has a very beautiful voice that expresses much emotion. His tone and diction are excellent and his Volume is much better then the critics claim, he is always moving, his singing touches one's heart. Bocelli is supported hear, by an excellent cast; Elena Belfiore, Enkelejda Shkosa, Paoletta Marrocu, Salvatrice Rafisardo, and Orchestra del Teatro Massimo "Bellini" Catania. The Conductor is Steven Mercurio and he always works wonderfully with Bocelli. All of Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana is wonderful and the HIGHLIGHT is Mamma! Mamma, quel vino e generoso witch is one of the best version I have ever heard. This is a must have for all Bocelli fan's.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong performance, March 16, 2007

By 

Carolyn D. Parsons "C Parsons" (Morrison, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana (Audio CD)

I have several other recordings of this opera so I feel I know it. I have long awaited the Bocelli recording and find it yet another super addition to my collection. I cannot get through this one without responding with tears. From track 2, the behind the scenes "O Lola ch'ai di latti la cammisa,--" whets your appetite for more with its haunting quality of longing and sweetness. Later, his disdain for Santuzza's pleading turns to squirming discomfort and anger through their dueling vocal exchanges. The big aria "Mamma, quel vino e generoso-" is strong and filled with anguish for what lies ahead.

Bocelli's contribution is my initial reason for purchasing this cd---however, ALL the voices in the ensemble deserve high praise.

This is an excellent production. Steven Mercurio conducts with his passion and electricity as well. He works well with Bocelli and it always shows to their mutual advantage.