Customer Reviews

Stefano Donaudy: Amor Mi Fa Cantare

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

 

 

Virtually nothing is known about this Sicilian composer who was a contemporary of Mascagni and Puccini and shares in the sort of verismo passion of both. We do know that Toscanini championned his song writing and Caruso sang his music on his recitals, as have Domingo and Corelli and Carreras. No surprise, as they are gorgeous tunes and oh so romantic.
Another fine surprise is the wonderful American tenor Robert Guarino, who clearly has a connection to this music either through his own ethnic heritage or much work on the style and songs themselves--or both. Except for a little limitation at the very top of the range, this is lush, fully committed and suave singing of just the sort one enjoys with a cognac and roaring fire in January. Once again, Newport Classic shows its penchant for unearthing the best in the out of reach and unexpected places on the musical map. Guarino is partnered by a superb pianist and the sound of the album is warm and inviting. Buy it!!!

I am a novice to Opera I found that I have this in my cd player more often than not, and love Robert Guarino's amazing tenor voice.. A+

As a professor of voice I purchased this CD with great hopes. I am always on the look out for recordings of accessible repertoire sung by professionals with sound technical skills. Unfortunately Mr. Guarino's inability to execute the demands of the repertoire at the mp, p, pp dynamic levels denies the music its charm and very purpose for study. (The quality of the audio recording is poor as well.) The music is beautiful, but executed as orignally composed with all dynamics observed, it can be breath-taking. A tragic missed opportunity. I hope some day there will be someone who can record these songs and do them real justice, both emotionally and technically.

Though this cd has to be made instantly, it still comes as fast as the other ones.

It contains Donaudy's classic and rare works, with piano accompany, it's ideal for opera learners to adjust to piano accompanyment and get the sense of old italian songs.