Customer Reviews

Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Cavalleria Rustican by Mascagni is a tragic story of Turriddu,(sung by Andrea) who had returned from military service to find his fiancee Lola, had married Alfio, the prosperous Village teamster. In revenge, Turiddu seduced Santuzza, a young woman in the village. As the opera begins, Lola, overcome by her jealousy of Santuzza, has begun an adulterous affair with Turiddu.

Santuzza, suspecting that he has betrayed her with Lola, is distraught and approaches Lucia and ascertains that Turiddu had gone to fetch some wine. At just that moment Alfio arrives on his wagon accompanied by the villagers. He praises the beauty of his bride.

The villages come out of the church Turiddu is in high spirits because he is with Lola and Santuzza appears to have gone. He invites his friends to his mother's wine shop where he sings a drinking song, Alfio joins them. Turiddu offers him wine, but he refuses it. In a brief exchange of words, Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel.

Voices are heard in the distance and a woman cries, "They have murdered Turiddu!"

Andrea's deep sense of feeling and tragedy comes to the fore and he gives a superb performance. His voice is sweet but has a depth and portrays a great deal of feeling and pathos.

The mroe I listen to this particular opera the more I enjoy it, Andrea is superb!!!

Though it is my 1st time listening to Mascagni's work, i've find it breath-taking and Andrea Bocelli, as my most favourite opera singer, perform very well. And most important, Mascagni and i both have the same birthday! haha!

As always, Bocelli's singing is tops in my book. I enjoy the music that much more when he is singing. His voice is the best tenor I have listened to in my 60+ yrs. I can't think of anyone else I would rather listen to for an entire afternoon or evening. I'm always waiting for more!

I have several versions of this Opera, love them all. Since Andrea Bocelli is my favorite tenor, this disc is numero uno. Great production.

This is for you if you love opera. But if you are a Andre fan, pass it by. Why? Not much Andre and lots of opera