Customer Reviews

Opera Without Words

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

 

 

The opera music with the high- toned voices singing words I cannot understand has never especially appealled to me. I'm not bragging; that's probably my short-coming. But this album with no words (as the title makes clear) is such sweet and beautiful in its melodies. The selections (many by Puccini) makes this listener very mellow and serene. It is not only classical music for relaxation, but is sweet for the soul. I highly recommend it.It is one of my two or three favorite classical albums and I have many.

This CD, by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordworth, is a wonderful recording of some of the most lyrical music from opera, with none of the passion missing, although there is a heavy emphasis on Puccini arias. The orchestrations are faithful to the composers' original versions, although I felt the tempo of Delibes "Flower Song" was a bit too fast paced. For persons new to opera music, this CD is a wonderful introduction to why this music has lasted over 150 years. To the established opera lover, can you figure out which arias have been featured in films and TV commercials?

Very few opera performances with the vibrato voices appeal to me but the music is gorgeous and so, I purchased this CD. It is tremendous, uplifting and striking. The BBC Symphony Orchestra does a beautiful job of adding depth and emotion to the moving pieces that you will immediately enjoy. If you are just beginning to enjoy classical pieces of music or have enjoyed some of the recent performances of Josh Groban, the Irish Tenors, etc., you should relish this CD.

If you're taken aback by Opera singing, check this record. Very well known opera excerpts without the voice... Just what you might have wanted to take a first step in the right direction. It's no masterpiece, but it makes for nice enjoyable listening.

More music! My taste in music is rather eclectic. In my studio and during workshops I play many different styles - classical, world, jazz, lounge...

Love Opera? But don't understand the words? Love Puccini and Mozart? Do you find yourself humming along because of how beautiful arias are? Then you'll love these two CDs. Play them while you paint and you'll find yourself in a very uplifted spirit to create and paint better.

I've always loved opera. My mother and I listened to "Live at the Met" with Milton Cross on the radio every Saturday morning. While baking, she explained the different storylines and spoke fondly of her own experiences going to The Met in the New York City as a teenager. So I have a real connection to the opera from those moments.

Beautiful Orchestration to some of the most beloved Classics of the Opera.

Am using it to sing along with. Thrilling!

Big orchestra, beautyfull music without word: Italian Opera is fantastic also without words because Rossini, Verdi, Mascagni composed the music not the words.
Claudio Faragona

The arrangements on this album were so heavy handed that it sounded more like background music from a 1950's movie than an instrumental version of opera's most beautiful melodies.

For example, instead of allowing the strings to replace the voice in 'Vissi d'Arte,' it is played as a muddy musical 'all-skate.' A MUCH better version of this as well as other classics can be found on the other 'Opera Without Words' albums. PLEASE skip this one.