Customer Reviews

Sumi Jo - La Promessa: Italian Songs (with Vincenzo Scalera)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sumi Jo has fast become one of my favorite sopranos. She has great control throughout her range, smooth legato, precise coloratura... technique just abounds. And the voice... the voice is gorgeous in my opinion. Pure, sweet yet not girlish, and all of this is carried throughout her extensive range. And is there nothing she can do? As her CD releases suggest, she can do virtuosic coloratura, traditional bel canto opera, songs from musicals, and here, beautiful art songs(this is to correct some of the reviewers before me... these songs aren't from opera except the "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's Rinaldo). So these are called art songs, and Sumi performs them artfully. I'm not surprised that the aforementioned reviewers are so won over by this CD... it's excellently done. What I find great about this recording is that some of these songs can be found in what many budding young singers know as the "24 Italian" book. It's considered standard repertoire. But the other side to the coin is that this CD doesn't have to be used as a teaching tool. It is perfect also just for a peaceful evening at home. A CD that has multiple uses, is good for different audiences, and is just plain "beautiful singing"... What more could one ask for?

Well, in hopes that Sumi Jo has whet your appetite for more, she has many other recordings out there. If you like what you hear, and aren't quite ready for opera, try "Only Love." A recording devoted to some songs from musicals. This has become quite a popular CD, and her English is quite good. However, if you're ready for an introduction to opera try Sumi Jo's "Live at Carnegie Hall" where she sings some opera arias and some surprisingly European-sounding Korean songs that are exquisite. And if you're really gung-ho to try some virtuosity... of the coloratura soprano kind... I can recommend noneother than "The Art of Sumi Jo." Wow. It'll take your breath away. There's also "Sumi Jo Sings Mozart," "Bel Canto," and "Virtuoso Arias" that I highly recommend.

All in all folks, I hope that this CD leads you to all of the wonders of the human voice that Sumi Jo can show you. Enjoy.

Sumi Jo's artistry really shines through on this CD. Each phrase of each song is delicately shaped. My Italian grandmother, who can be very critcal, commented on how precise her command of the Italian language is. "She seems to be fluent in every language. How does she do it?" she replied after I played her a selection from the CD. Although I have to mention that she thought the paino and voice setting was a bit "dull", I believe it provides for a more "intimate" setting. If you are not particularly fond of opera and opera arias in general, this is the CD for you. While this is not my all time favorite album Sumi has done, it does in fact rank high on the list of CDs she has released. If you would like to hear more of Sumi Jo, I would recommend the "Sumi Jo Sings Live at Carnegie Hall" CD, it is my favorite by the way.

This collection of famous Italian arias is in my opinion one of the greatest recordings of the decade. Jo finds a new style and colour for each song, be it hauntingly romantic or elegant, poised baroque. One of the most beautiful voices today. Do not miss this at all costs!

As a Korean fan, I am extremely proud of Sumi Jo.
This CD indeed, like the other reviewers have said, will be a
great introduction to classical music if you are not familliar
with the overwhelming arias, and etc.
Each and every one of the songs are my favorites.
As a learning singer, I bought this one
due to my instructor's recommendation, and find it extremely helpful for my singing.
Well, of course, you can just listen and enjoy these golden
pieces of music! It's very soothing and, amazingly beautiful. Each of the songs are not very long, so it is relatively easier
to listen to. If you are unfamilliar with classical music but
would like to start listening to it, this can be a fantastic
start. and also if you are a fan of Jo's, or you're learning
classical singing, or would just plainly like to enjoy gorgeous and
relaxing music, this CD is a MUST.

I won't pretend I know a lot about opera. I don't. I do know that when I heard Sumi Jo sing on this CD, I heard the voice of an angel. She reached me on several levels with the beauty of her voice and the clarity of her expression. This CD is one that I can listen to at times of great stress and it brings me a sense of serenity, of well-being and of joy. Thank you to Sumi Jo for hours of great listening pleasure.

This has quickly become my favorite album. Sumi Jo's voice is wonderful. Here she sings accompanied by the piano alone, this highlights her excellent talent.

If you have not purchased a Sum Jo album this is the one to buy. If you collect her recordings this is a must for your collection.

Sumi Jo's depth and passion is felt, as well as her voice, which words can do little justice. Her rendition of Star vicino brought tears to my eyes, and is typical of rest of the cd. To sample this cd is to buy it. This is the first classical cd I wouldnt hesitate to recommend.

I think that Sumi Jo is going to be one of the most beloved and admired sopranos of the next century. This CD presents her abilities as a recitalist. On this album, Ms. Jo gives lots of charm and finesse to this selection of Italian songs. Her diction is excellent, her phrasing is inmaculate and her dinamics are remarkable. Of course, being Sumi Jo an extraordinary coloratura soprano, she excelled specially in the most florid songs, like Qual farfalletta amante by Scarlatti, La Capinera by Benedict, and Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento by Paisiello. A very enjoyable CD that shows a great soprano at her peak.

Coloratura soprano Sumi Jo delivers another delightful album, focusing on arias and pieces from the Italian chamber music composers (Giordani, Bellini, Rosa, Caldara, Cesti, etc.). While I believe Sumi Jo is better-suited to the French composers (see her album "Les Bijoux" on the Erato label), she proves her mettle here by delving wholeheartedly into a section of opera which a lot of sopranos do find quite difficult, the belcanto pieces are an artform in themselves.

In particular, her readings of "Star vicino" (Rosa), "Alma del core" (Caldara), and "Intorno all'idol mio" (Cesti) are chill-inducing. Supported by Vincenzo Scalera on the piano, the feather-light voice of Sumi Jo glides through these pieces with enviable skill. A beautifully-presented album.

[Erato/Warner Music 3984-23300-2]

If you are not familiar with operatic music or if you prefer light voice than heavier voice, this CD is for you. The best songs are "Caro mio ben","Malinconia..","Lascia..","Per pieta."."SE Florindo..","Non TAmo..","La Promessa", "Vadora pupile". This Cd is so nice playing at night time. well, so soothing. If you get tired of this Cd, try similar songs by Cecilia Bartoil or singers with heavier voice than Sumi JO. you might get something different from her (good or bad, I guess, it depends on your taste). Vice verse could be true. Well, one thing is sure for me. In this CD, Sumi Jo displays one of the most beautiful operatic voice in the world(with some drama in her voice)...