Customer Reviews

Sumi Jo: Carnaval! French Coloratura Arias

5 star:		(7)
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This album is definitely one of the best coloratura recitals on records. Sumi Jo is simply enchanting. She has a voice of great beauty and perfect technique. Her command of trills, roulades and legato line is simply astonishing. Sumi Jo' performance on this recording (a collection of not very known arias from French opera comique) reminds me a lot of Amelita Galli-Curci in her combination of charm and vocal virtuosism. The recording is a delight from start to finish. Among the hightlights are Sevillanas, Charmant oiseaux ( the cadenzas with flute are amazing), the beautiful liricism and stunning high D flat of the aria from Madame Chrysantéme, and of course the Carnival of Venice, a true feast of vocal fireworks. This recording is a must for all the fans of great singing.

No words could describe the beauty of Jo's voice and her input of emotions in this album. Sentimental, nostalgic and GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Felt dizzy intoxicated by "Carnaval de Venise".

Just an intriguing episode to add here. When this album was released, quite a few people thought that it is absolutely impossible for a human to sing like Jo did. They conjectured that there must be a sort of mechanical manipulations added. To prove that there was no mechanical aid to this recording, Sumi Jo sang the whole arias in "Carnaval" in front of millions of French TV viewers and audiences. And the result was: She was technically exactly the same as in the recording. Her live singing was even more touching and impressive! Her "Les Pantins de Violette: La Chanson du canari" was so beautiful that it caused tears from my eyes. And everyone in the audience gave her a long standing ovation!

Sumi Jo is more than just a soprano but a consummate artist, elegant to her fingertips. Her coloratura ranges from sweet and clear to absolutely thilling, as in the final Carnival de Venise. A few top notes sound thin (noticeable splicing has been used to conclude some of the arias with high notes), but those are little qualms considering her elegant, supple phrasing and perfect diction. In the internationalized climate of the modern opera world, it is reassuring that there are still performers who understand the sensitivity of the French style.

I am not an opera fan but when I heard her voice, I knew I was a new fan of hers.

What a great voice she has. So smooth. Nothing harsh about it.

This is a wonderful CD!

Ms.Jo sings these arias flawlessly and beautifully. Any coloratura fans must listen to this wonderful recording!

This CD is a MUST GET! It's very relaxing - great to listen to when guests are over or you simply feel like being alone from the world. In this CD - you can see that she's matured more and is better then ever ... Those who like Sumi-Jo, grab it as soon as possible!