Customer Reviews

A Portrait of Frederica von Stade

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Von Stade has a voice made of emotion. Her Cherubino (you can hear it on Solti's recording of Le Nozze) is simply THE BEST that there is, so it's vital that they included her "Non So Piu" on this CD - a very interesting arrangement, too, with violin. Not so good as with orchestral accompaniment but still it's nice. Now, I bought this CD for the Mignon gavotte and was not dissapointed. The notes are light and airy. Her voice compliments the natural beauty of the music. Equally gorgeous was the Massinet and oh! The Offenbach is wonderful. It drips with Von Stade-ness. I've heard Anne Sofie Von Otter sing the same aria and she seemed to overdo the comic aspect of it - although I am aware that after all, it is Offenbach. But my philosophy is play it straight and the funniness will shine through. Anyway, this is an excellent CD. Every piece on it is a gem. If you want a good sampling of a great singer, try this CD!

Frederica Von Stade is at present my favorite mezzo-soprano out there. This disc gives a wonderful example of her vocal powers and style. If you are a moderate opera/lieder-listener, this cd has many tracks which are pleasant and accessible, however an aficienado would find much to be delighted with as well.