Rossini: Arias for Mezzo-Soprano

Gioachino Rossini (Composer), Pier Giorgio Morandi (Conductor), Hungarian State Opera Orchestra (Orchestra), Ewa Podles (Performer), Hungarian State Opera Chorus (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Ewa Podles, Hungarian State Opera Chorus
• Orchestra: Hungarian State Opera Orchestra
• Conductor: Pier Giorgio Morandi
• Composer: Gioachino Rossini
• Audio CD (November 5, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B00000149V
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,679 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #1 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Podles, Ewa
  • #21 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > M to P
  • #84 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Arias > General AAS

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A live performance from an engaging singer, December 2, 2001

By 

Matthew Spady "800rsd" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rossini: Arias for Mezzo-Soprano (Audio CD)

There are precious few opportunities to hear this fantastic singer either live or on recording, which is a pity given her unique sound and impeccably-schooled voice.

One of the hallmarks of a great singer is a unique vocal quality. Such is true of Madame Podles. With the top voice of a dramatic soprano, a middle that sometimes resembles a counter-tenor sound, and a bottom voice that is almost baritonal, her sound may recall another singer's voice here and there, but ultimately, it is one-of-a-kind.

Ms. Podles has the perfect vocal qualities necessary to sing Rossini -- an incredible range, enormous flexibility, and subtle vocal coloration. On top of that, she has a unique vocal color and phrases beautifully.

The only possible quibble I can find with this recording is that a couple of the characterizations are a bit on the heavy side -- particularly Rosina. Although the notes are in place (and very impressive) and the coloratura impeccable, this Rosina sounds a bit older, perhaps more serious, than Rossini seems to require. In a later reading of the same aria, in a live 1998 concert in Poland (Rossini Gala recorded on DUX), her Rosina bubbles with youthful energy.

In general, that recording shows her in more brilliant voice, though both discs are impressive. Although several arias are common to the two, each has arias that the other lacks. Both are welcome additions to any vocal library, though if only one is possible, I'd recommend the 1998 recording over this one.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant virtuoso singing, June 15, 2000

By 

M. Tietjen "tietj" (Syracuse, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rossini: Arias for Mezzo-Soprano (Audio CD)

When looking for an aria recital disc of Rossini mezzo/contralto recordings, I always figured that my choices were limited to Marilyn Horne and Cecilia Bartoli. However, the brilliant contralto Ewa Podles could drive them all out of work. Never letting her coloratura lag behind the orchestra, or rush ahead, Podles's big, operatic voice puts the competition to shame. I must agree with the other reviewers in naming "Non temer" as the brightest jewel on this album. I have heard others sing this aria, including Horne and Jennifer Larmore, and, although both the other versions have merit (Larmore in particular has some of the best mezzo-soprano high notes I've ever heard although her coloratura is usually just a hair behind), Podles exhilerating performance tops the list.

I also agree with another reviewer who mentioned Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina as another great non-soprano. I wish she would record a Rossini album, after hearing her "Nacqui all' affano."

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing!, July 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rossini: Arias for Mezzo-Soprano (Audio CD)

What a voice! Ewa Podles appears to be the most under-appreciated and under-recorded artist of today. Her true contralto voice is immense: powerful, versatile and expressive; the only similarity that comes to mind is Tamara Sinyavskaya. Yet Podles is also equally comfortable in very low and very high registers (where most mezzos, by the way, often get squeaky and shallow). Instead of re-releasing old Horne recordings, I wish the big labels would turn their "divine attention" to this magnificent interpreter. Bartoli got enough laurels for ten, Podles did not get any. Is it fair? Just listen to this album and judge for yourself. The critics would have you believe that there is no life after Horne. The truth is that Borodina or Podles sound better on the days when they have colds. The "golden age" of opera is now, enjoy it. On this album, the sound is good (for Naxos) and the price is a steal. Naxos even included texts and translations, but, alas, did not include a picture of Ewa. A showstopping aria -- "Cruda Sorte!" will leave you breathless. Happy listening!