Customer Reviews

The Puccini Experience ~ Gheorghiu, Rautino, Botha, Michaels-Moore, ROH Covent Garden, Downes

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

 

 

This album from the Royal Opera House features top-knotch performers performing popular as well as rarely performed Puccini masterpieces. The contrast of the singers' voices is indeed interesting. From the first class lyric soprano of Angela Gheorghiu, to the full dramatic soprano,Nina Rautio. The male artists tenor, Johan Botha and baritone Anthony Michaels Moore also rise to occasion in this unique recital. The one fault with this recording,(O mio babbino caro being the most odvious example)is the overall tempo of the pieces. They are much too slow! At times the passion of Puccini is lost and the arias drag. This is a good CD to own for advid Puccini lovers who already own an array of recordings by this prolific composer and would like to experience new interpretations. However, it is not recommended for newcomers for whom it is crucial to hear this brilliant opera giant at his most dramatic.

OK, so the tempi are slightly retarded, but how about these incredible voices !
My real discovery was/is Nina Rautio...WOW ! A visceral & heart grabbing sound.
And all this for a PENNY (+ S&H, of course). I must be dreaming. *JTQ

I am a big Puccini fan, so I almost always enjoy performances of his works, either on audio or video. However, I've played THE PUCCINI EXPERIENCE at least half a dozen times now and I ALWAYS find it boring, which is disconcerting to me since I LOVE Puccini!! I've decided that the main problem is the tempo, which is just sooooo slow that the whole album becomes very lethargic. Adding to this problem are the opera excerpts chosen for the recording, which are mostly slow and less melodic pieces. Also, I am quite a fan of Angela Gheorghiu, and I enjoy her performances here, but if you're looking for recordings of Gheorghiu take note that she divides the soprano selections with Nina Rautio, who also does an admirable job. The tenors on this CD, Johan Botha and Francis Egerton, are decent but don't do a lot for me. However, there is little point in discussing the overall merits of this recording, since the slow tempo problem negates all else! I'm going to trade it in, which I almost NEVER do with a classical music CD.

One of the best compilations of the key arias of Puccini operas performed by excelent artists

Those who expect a lot of uptempo drama in an operatic compilation are welcome to look elsewhere - and the price of this gem will stay low.

Nina Rautio and Angela Gheorghiu sing beautifully and expressively in Puccini's slow, emotive arias. And there is variety, with an interplay of voices, subtle shifts of tempo, and even a surging climax in the Turandot Act I Finale.

This is the perfect album for relaxing after work when you get that Puccini feeling. It can be rejuvenating.