Puccini's Heroines: The Power of Love

Giacomo Puccini (Composer), James Conlon (Conductor), Jesús López-Cobos (Conductor), Kent Nagano (Conductor), Maurizio Barbacini (Conductor), Jennifer Larmore (Performer), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Lyon Opera Orchestra (Orchestra), Munich Radio Orchestra (Orchestra), Orchestre National d'Ile de France (Orchestra), Barbara Hendricks (Performer), Cristina Gallardo-Domas (Performer), Hei-Kyung Hong (Performer), Kiri Te Kanawa (Performer), Richard Leech (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Jennifer Larmore, Barbara Hendricks, Cristina Gallardo-Domas, Hei-Kyung Hong, Kiri Te Kanawa, et al.
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, Lyon Opera Orchestra, Munich Radio Orchestra, Orchestre National d'Ile de France
• Conductor: James Conlon, Jesús López-Cobos, Kent Nagano, Maurizio Barbacini
• Composer: Giacomo Puccini
• Audio CD (July 9, 2002)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00005Y43G
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #309,101 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Heroines not heroic, July 16, 2004

By A Customer

O mio babbino caro was forced, like someone trying to sing to an audience instead of her father. Ms. Kanawa must have had some travel issues while making this album, her heart was not with her the day she recorded O mio babbino caro. The words were clear, but not heartfelt. I recommend this project to anyone doing a vocal comparison.
Senza mamma, o bimbo is more heartfelt, or more convincing. There are some really good performances on this project. The edge is missing, the dynamic range is suppressed. I cannot blame Mr. Puccini so someone must be at the bottom.
I was enjoying Si, mi chiamano Mimi and then noticed that Ms. Kanawa was taking a break from the singing.
Richard Leech does a fine job of Rodolfo in O soave fanciulla, Ms. Kanawa's edge hasn't recovered here either. Perhaps they should have had Cristina Gallardo-Domas be Mimi from track 5 as well as she did track 6. I did like the quietness of Ms. Kanawa's parts but the feeling is not there.
I have come to enjoy this CD more as I listened to it after the fifth time. I still notice the flaws, but I guess I have just become more sympathetic.
It seems I have run out of space to continue further...you'll hear from me again when my luck of the draw makes me do a review.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So much for so little., February 25, 2004

By	Theresa Dailey "Terrie: music lover" (Lackawanna NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After listening to this CD I have come to this conclusion--- Kiri Te Kanawa was delightful in all of her selections. I am glad that I purchased it and I recommend it highly to all opera lovers. You wont be disappointed and you certainly get more than your moneys worth. Excellent!!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a surprise!!!, February 21, 2004

By	Theresa Dailey "Terrie: music lover" (Lackawanna NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I read the only review for this CD I was curious to hear what singer could be rated so badly so I listened to the samples and lo and behold it was none other than Kiri Te Kanawa one of my favorite divas. If all of the other selections are as satisfying as the samples then I am getting a bargain. This is one CD I cannot wait to hear in its entirety. Too bad the music teacher has a tin ear and so sad for his students. I think everyone should buy this CD. Buy!Buy!Buy!