Max Emanuel Cencic - Rossini Opera Arias & Overtures

Gioachino Rossini (Composer), Michael Hofstetter (Conductor), Orchestre de Chambre de Geneve (Orchestra), Max Emanuel Cencic (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Max Emanuel Cencic
• Orchestra: Orchestre de Chambre de Geneve
• Conductor: Michael Hofstetter
• Composer: Gioachino Rossini
• Audio CD (September 18, 2007)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Classics
• ASIN: B000LPRNW2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,453 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available.
Genre: Classical Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 18-SEP-2007

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful singing, but not enough of it...., January 8, 2010

By 

M. Hall (OH, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Max Emanuel Cencic - Rossini Opera Arias & Overtures (Audio CD)

This disc was my first introduction to the countertenor Max Emanuel Cencic. Since purchasing this album, I have invested in much of his other work, and I'm admittedly a huge fan now. As for this disc itself, I think it's a wonderful concept album: to have a countertenor turning the table on mezzo-sopranos and taking on the trouser roles of Rossini. Further, I think Rossini's writing for the solo from 'Aureliano in Palmira," written for a castrato, is less interesting than that found for mezzo-sopranos in "Tancredi," "La donna del lago," and "Semiramde," but Max Emanuel handles all of it marvelously. I'm quite in agreement with Michael Hoffstetter, the conductor, in that Max Emanuel has a wonderful ability to perform Rossini's most difficult music. Personal favorites from the disc include the selection from Tancredi and "in si barbara sciagura" from Semiramide; however, all of the singing is divine.

My only quibble with this disc is that it becomes just as much Michael Hoffstetter's show. I enjoy his conducting, and I like his use of period instruments; however, I don't see the point in including the overtures to Tancredi, Semiramide, and Aureliano - especially when the last overture is the well-known overture used in Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra and Il barbiere di Siviglia. I would have loved to hear more singing from Max Emanuel rather than using more than 20 minutes of orchestral music.

On the whole, I would absolutely recommend this disc to someone who wants to an introduction to a wonderful countertenor or someone looking for a good Rossini recital. Not to be missed.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Countertenor, Beautiful Music!, January 27, 2008

By 

Fran (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Max Emanuel Cencic - Rossini Opera Arias & Overtures (Audio CD)

Max Emanuel Cencic is indeed an exceptional singer. He's come a long sucessful way since his years as a top soprano boy for the Vienna Boys' Choir from 1987 to 1992, then as solo soprano performer to 1997, and reappeared in 2000 as a countertenor. It is always a pleasure to listen to any of his CDs no matter what period in his singing career.
In this particular recording Max sings with great virtuosity some of the most difficult Rossini's arias. Although the overtures are a little bit long, I enjoy them very much as well. They are so beautiful and well performed by the Orchestre de Chambre de Geneve and his director Michael Hofstetter.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Going to the Max, November 12, 2007

By 

R. Grill "Shamrockerusa" (Muncie, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Max Emanuel Cencic - Rossini Opera Arias & Overtures (Audio CD)

Rossini and Max Emanuel Cencic are a wonderful combination of virtuosity. Max presents arias that he has not recorded before. He himself mentions in the program notes that he stretched himself more than he ever has before. One can hear the maturing of his voice and technique as he brings the characters to life. Track eight in particular is very demanding -- my students and I immediately sensed the dramatic tension present in the singing. If you have never heard this countertenor sing before, you are in for a wonderful treat.