Pavarotti: Rare Gems (Box Set) [Box set]

Vincenzo Bellini (Composer), Gaetano Donizetti (Composer), Jules Massenet (Composer), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Composer), Gioachino Rossini (Composer), Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Luciano Pavarotti (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Luciano Pavarotti
• Composer: Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, Jules Massenet, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gioachino Rossini, et al.
• Audio CD (December 6, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Delta
• ASIN: B00000IGU0
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,840 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera: Tombe degli avi miei

2. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera: Fra poco a me ricovero

3. Lucia di Lammermoor, opera: Tu che a Dio spiegasti l'ali

4. Luisa Miller, opera: Oh! Fede negar potessi... Quando le sere al placido

5. I Puritani, opera: Son salvo, alfin so salvo

6. I Puritani, opera: Crediasi misera

7. Stabat mater for 2 sopranos, tenor, bass, chorus & orchestra: Cujus animam

8. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera: E serbato a questo acciaro

9. L'elisir d'amore, opera: Una furtiva lagrima

10. L'elisir d'amore, opera: Quanto e'bella quanto e'cara

Disc: 2

1. Idomeneo, rè di Creta, opera, K. 366: Non ho colpa e mi condamni

2. Idomeneo, rè di Creta, opera, K. 366: Ah qual gelido orror... Ill padre adorado

3. Idomeneo, rè di Creta, opera, K. 366: No, la morte

4. La fille du régiment, opera: Ah! Mes amis

5. La fille du régiment, opera: Che voi m'amate

6. Manon, opera in 5 acts: A dispar vision

7. Manon, opera in 5 acts: Il sogno (Le Rêve)

8. Un ballo in maschera, opera: Forse la soglia attinse... Ma sc m'e forza perderti

9. Un ballo in maschera, opera: Amilia a d'essa ancor

10. I Lombardi alla prima Crociata, opera: La mia letizia infondere... Come potea un angelo

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bright and Shining Gems, August 23, 2007

By 

Galina (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pavarotti: Rare Gems (Box Set) (Audio CD)

Pavarotti: Rare Gems (Box Set) includes two CDs with the areas from the operas of such important and famous composers as Gaetano Donizetti (Lucia di Lammermoor, L'elisir d'amore, La fille du régiment) Giuseppe Verdi (Luisa Miller, Un ballo in maschera, I Lombardi alla prima Crociata), Jules Massenet (Manon), Vincenzo Bellini (I Puritani, I Capuleti E I Montecchi), and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (earlier opera Idomeneo, rè di Creta which according to Rudolf Angermuller, musicologist at Salzburg University: "occupies a key position in Mozart's oeuvre and is a turning point in his operatic career.")

The set title "Rare gems" defines the content very well because majority of operas, as melodious and beautiful as they are, don't belong to the "opera hits" such as some of the same composers' works, for example, Verdi's Aida and Rigoletto or Mozart's Don Giovanni, Marriage of Figaro, or The Magic Flute. Releasing the box with the arias from less known operas performed by one of the greatest tenors of our times, provides the grateful listener with double treat - the chance to familiarize themselves with the great operatic works as well as to enjoy Pavarotti's unique voice and dramatic abilities.

Myriads of praises have been given over the years to Luciano Pavarotti's soaring "golden" voice and he absolutely deserves every one of them. Not only he possesses the rarest priceless gift but he makes his audience forget how much work is behind the effortless perfection and gentle passion of his voice. His name, Luciano means "light; bringer of light". Pavarotti's singing literally brings light and bright joy to his listeners around the world.

I like all areas on the discs but my favorites are from the operas by Gaetano Donizetti. Tu che a Dio spiegasti l'ali from Lucia di Lammermoor, Una Furtiva Lagrima and Quanto E' Bella Quanto E' Cara from L' Elsir D' Amore are three brightest gems among 20 rare gems.

4.0 out of 5 stars Pavarotti - Rare Gems, February 24, 2008

By 

Suzanne "Suzanne" (South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pavarotti: Rare Gems (Box Set) (Audio CD)

The tracks on these cd's are indeed rare gems. The collection includes what are obviously early recordings, and the digital remastering eliminates many recording flaws. Pavarotti's voice soars and sinks in sublime cadences. The stamina and excitement of the young tenor emerge in a number of tracks. The collection goes beyond the standard repertoire of the later years, to a more formative period, when there was a greater vocal and conceptual flexibility at the tenor's disposal. I have nothing but admiration for the performances.

What is disappointing is that no information is provided about the dates or occasions of the the recordings; orchestras, conductors, the soprano in the duets, or any of those details that are of interest to the avid music collector.

Still, a valuable addition to the collection of any lover of Pavarotti.