Customer Reviews

Una furtiva lagrima

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Too often singers arrive on the musical scene, make one recording, catch the glamour star, only to recede into the background once the initial flourish is made. Not so with Peruvian bel canto tenor Juan Diego Florez. The resounding success of his first album of ROSSINI ARIAS made us hold our breath; could this wonderful new true bel canto tenor hold his own on the stage and on further recordings? Well, yes, he can and has. Not only does he possess a clear, focused, high tenor voice seemingly capable of overcoming any hurdles of power or agility, Juan Diego Florez is a stunning stage presence of handsome bearing. AND he can act with both his body and his head and his voice. UNA FURTIVA LAGRIMA shows Florez in firm control of a broader spectrum of emotional material. True, this selection remains in the bel canto repertoire, but then that is also to his credit, as he is not trying to "sing it all". He has the intelligence to know where his vocal lines are most secure and does not give in to the tendency of foraging into repertoire that could damage his young voice. On this recording there is less distraction from his rather rapid vibrato and more emphasis on the total music line. This CD documents not only a fine tenor currently before the public: it also is a good indicator that he will be around for a long time. Excellent recording, well worth its place in your library.

Juan Diego Florez established himself as the up-and-coming Rossini tenor with his debut album. This second CD shows him displaying more sides of his art, including a traversal of the famous title aria. His rendition of Nemorino's brief, eloquent romanza, as good as it is, won't erase memories of the many great tenors who have recorded this piece--his basic timbre is not as rich and round as, say, Pavarotti, and may not be to everyone's taste in this mainstream music. However, as a totality this album represents a definite advance in expressive range over his first disc, with Florez showing a particular talent for projecting light comedy, as the first track from Donizetti's "Rita" illustrates. Elsewhere the mastery of florid technique and rock-solid high extension that have thrilled live audiences are amply in evidence. The concerted numbers from "Puritani" and "Centerentola" have chorus and supporting singers of somewhat variable quality filling out the other vocal parts.

This is a good album that will win yet more fans of this exciting singer.

Juan Diego Flores is widely touted as "the Next Pavarotti". In fact, he is in a class all by himself. His Rossini CD is the best CD released in this new century. This recital is number 2. No one sings Rossini like Juan Diego Flores, only Rockwell Blake comes close. In the new CD, he proves to be the equal of the young Pavarotti in Donizetti and his better in Bellini. If you love these early composers, if you treasure true bel canto singing, if you like breath-defying coloratura, buy this CD now. He is truly a tenor for the ages.

Keeping more in "tune" with his voice, Juan Diego has recorded an excellent album of great arias. His previous debut album was quite a feast for lovers of high Rossini. This new album gives a feast for just about everyone. It covers a nice range of arias from the beautiful title song to the show-stopping "Mes Amis". Definitely worth buying and enjoying.

I bought this CD just the same day that i saw him singing in Lima. And when you hear it on the stage, he is so brilliant than in the records. He has a clear and powerful voice that impress anyone. I definitely recommend to buy these CD, as well the Rossini Arias...they are so far the best in the bel canto...I'm sure he is going to make greater records in the future...so, stay tuned with him.

When it comes to reviewing classical music, I feel a little bit like a hillbilly at the opera. I really like it, but I'm not all that sure what's going on. And like that hillbilly at the opera (there aren't any hillbillies out there, reading this are there -- Mammy? Pappy)? I love classical music, but I can't honestly say I know much about it.

What I DO know is that to my untrained ear, Mr. Florez' voice is incredibly beautiful, a pleasure to revel in. Listening to his "Una furtiva lagrima" seems to transport me to another time and place. His voice is warm and tender and seems to soar effortlessly as he hits one high note after another and is worthy of appreciation by fans of any music style.

If you want an album filled with exquisite singing, this would certainly be a fine place to start.

When I first heard Juan Diego Florez singing in the Rossini album I thought that the late great tenor Alfredo Kraus had been reborn.Since his death I thought I would never hear such perfect ,clear and sweet high notes again.Thank heavens I was wrong!Anyone who loves Bel Canto must rejoice that there is a young ma n who has so many years ahead to thrill us with his hauntingly beautiful voice.You must buy "Una Furtiva Lagrima" now!.

I saw Florez recital in Lisbon and I must say he is the best tenor in belcanto of our times.
The agility of his voice is natural and the high notes are very clear and powerfull.
This work is a complement of the previous recital with the Rossini arias.
I know it's impossible but imagine if he could sing La Sonnabula with Sutherland. That should be a belcanto masterpiece.

Run -- don't walk --- to the cd shop and buy this cd. You won't find better bel canto singing anywhere!

This cd is a perfect companion to Florez' first (and brilliant) recital cd for Decca, in that it explores the music of Bellini and Donizetti, music that like the Rossini, fits his voice like a glove.

The "Una Furtiva" -- the title track is one for the ages, and there are some rarities on this cd as well, the aria from "Elisabetta" of Donizetti is thrilling, and the "Sonnambula" and "Puritani" excerpts are truly bliss. There is also the famous "High C" aria from "Fille du Regiment" and it is very exciting. Florez' voice soars wonderfully into the tenor stratosphere!

What is also nice is that Decca generously has provided excellent supporting singers so you can hear the arias in context -- this is a welcome idea.

Some of these pieces are "previews" of roles that Florez has not yet sung on stage, but will in the future -- and we have a real treat in store for us when that happens, based on these wonderful renditions.

This cd is a must have for any lover of fine singing. The orchestral conducting and playing are also first rate.

After hearing the first track ("Allegro io son") on our local station (www.allclassical.org), I immediately bought this album. I was a little nervous that there would only be one good track, but (after listening _many_ times) consider most of the tracks to be "keepers". The title track is very moving, but my personal favorite is "Com'e gentil", for the wonderful match of voice and instrument.

Some of the tracks are a little heavy on the recitative, but the album notes include the translation, which makes it more interesting to listen to.