Customer Reviews

Rossini: Overtures

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is quite amazing for several reasons. For starters, you get two CDs for the price of one. Therefore, for the price of one CD, you get 14 Rossini overtures (I must admit that I have not even heard of some of the overtures included). All of the works included are well recorded, so there is very, very little of the hiss or blip that plague other CDs. The best aspect of the CD, however, does not lie in its technical values. Instead, it is the performances themselves that caught my attention. The interpretations taken by Chailly and the New Philharmonic Orchestra are certainly fresh, though not necessarily ones that I would feel safe taking had I been the conductor. The tempi and dynamics of several famous passages (some from the popular Barber of Seville) are not what I am used to, though I was pleasantly surprised to learn that such interpretations are possible without sounding bad. This CD is definitely a good buy. Even if you disagree with some of the interpretations, you still get two CDs for the cost of one. And, for those who are tired of hearing the same performances over and over, these two CDs offer something new that may very well recaptivate your heart.

As far as I'm concerned, I don't need to search the field for any other Rossini overture CDs--this 2-CD set has it covered. Chailly's interpretations of these pieces are wonderfully exuberant, and the National Philharmonic plays with precision and flair. These CDs have become the standard I use to judge other recordings of Rossini overtures. Granted, they're not perfect: As another reviewer pointed out, Chailly takes some passages differently than we're used to hearing them (the end of the Barber of Seville overture is faster than usual, for example). However, the orchestra is so competent and the conductor so assured that these small, occasional differences are refreshing rather than annoying. As well, there are (very) occasional moments where the orchestra slips a little out of synch, but only because they're having so much fun playing the music. This is Rossini the way it was meant to sound--playful, melodious and energetic to the end.

I originally bought the LP versions way back before CDs were introduced. High excitement is the best way I can describe the performances. I have heard nothing since to equal Chailly's energetic read. I haven't gotten this CD version yet, but the first volume one did have better quality miking then the second volume. The price makes it worth just buying the CD instead of trying to digitize my LPs.

Just as amuse-boche is meant to entertain and tempt the tastebuds for the coming courses in a gourmet meal, so does the overture function in the operatic banquet.

Rossini is one of the greatest overture composers, and here is collection of fourteen of his best!

They are soaring and delightful. Especially captivated by some that were new to me, causing one to want to followup with the opera-- a brilliant way to cause interest in operatic world. These included the likes of Otell, Semiramide and Le Siege de Corinthe.

Amazing and vibrant double CD collection!

This is a very interesting version because Chailly includes some of the almost unknown overtures by the great italian composer like Torvaldo e Dorliska. We can listen also the wonderful "The italian girl in Algiers", and many more where we see the magic "Crescendo" , an imposing Rossini's characteristic.
Chailly and the orchestra are very correct, and the result is a good sound under Rossinian's style. You can get it with pleasure.

For Rossini lovers, this album gives you a sample of Rossini at his best. The dynamic range of the composer, his verve and vitality delivered in the most popular overtures ever written.
The quality of the recordings is very good, and should satify any and all Rossini fans. I love to kick back, with a set of ear phones and absorb the incredible sound and muscularity of Rossini. Well worth the price of admission.

This 2-disc set contains 14 overtures by the master of this musical form himself, G. Rossini. The music quality is good - standard for digital, the orchestration is clear, and each CD provides about 1 hour of good, lively music. The choice of music is also great, making this set a great buy.

Cailly does a great job, as usual, on these operatic masterpieces. This set will satisfy your craving for these Rossini favorites.