Customer Reviews

Operatic Arias 1916-1932

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Maria Ivogun was born in 1891 and lived until 1987, almost making her centennial birthday. This CD focuses on recordings made in the latter 19 teens into the 1920s, the peak of her career. There are also a couple items from the 1930s that suggested that her voice was still in pretty good form even then, although clearly not at its peak. This CD features three Strauss waltzes, a variety of arias, and some songs (e.g., Schubert). All in all, a fine CD by a fine singer. I only wish that the technology were better so that we could get a more accurate portrayal of her voice.

A sampling to give a sense of her singing. . . .

"Ardon gl'incensi" from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor." One wishes that she had also done "Spargi d'amaro pianto," that wonderful cabaletta. Nonetheless, she essays a well turned version of this work. Hers is a rich voice that traverses the lower to upper registers well and seamlessly. There is some nice ornamentation, with some good (and a few not so good) trills. There are good staccato notes; she floats a nice high note to close this cut out.

From "Il Barbiere di Siviglia," there is the ever popular "Una voce poco fa." She shows good vocal agility, floats some nice high notes, hits staccato notes confidently and well, shows off a nice trill. A nice version.

"E strano" to "Sempre libera" from "La Traviata" (it sounds a bit strange sung in German!). The first part is touchingly sung. Ivogun shows off a nice trill to close out "Ah, fors'e lui." Lots of agility. Finally, "Sempre libera," taken at a crisp pace. She hits the higher notes cleanly with a nice close.

"Voices of Spring" by Johann Strauss Jr. is prettily sung. A good trill early on. She catches the spirit of Strauss. Again, well done staccato notes. The top note at the end is hit well but only most fleetingly.

Finally, Strauss' "Blue Danube." This is a lot of fun to listen to! My notes say that this is characterized by nice high notes, easy movement from register to register, decent trills, nice staccato notes. There is a nice closing high note.

Perhaps not one of the best known singers of the era, but clearly Maria Ivogun was one of the best of the sopranos. Those not familiar with her work would be well rewarded by listening to this CD.

"Prima Voce" compilations are always great fun and wonderful reminders on some unjustly forgotten names who graced operatic stages long ago.Often these compilations point at certain voice that stands out as its case with "Great singers vol.2 1903-1939" where almost nonchalantly listed between other singers was Maria Ivogun who is reason enough to buy the whole CD.Her voice,technique and unbelieveable coloratura are so outstanding and special that I quickly dismissed other stars and focused on her only.Big thank you to Nimbus records and its "Prima Voce" series for compiling this old recordings on one disc,even with muddy sound and scratched recordings Ivogun is wonder to hear - what a pity she stopped performing/recording by mid 1930s as her latest recordings are clearly the best here and her waltzes and folksongs are pure genius.Just as Hidalgo is remembered for being Callas teacher,Ivogun later devoted herself to Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and as much as I love Schwarzkopf,must admit that no one touches Maria Ivogun.Highly reccomended.