Verdi: Il Trovatore (Complete Opera) [Enhanced]

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Steven Mercurio (Conductor), Andrea Bocelli (Performer), Veronica Villaroel (Performer), Elena Zaremba (Performer), Carlo Guelfi (Performer), Maria Grazia Calderone (Performer), Carlo Colombara (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Andrea Bocelli, Veronica Villaroel, Elena Zaremba, Carlo Guelfi, Maria Grazia Calderone, et al.
• Conductor: Steven Mercurio
• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
• Audio CD (June 15, 2004)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B000228E9K
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,719 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is Andrea Bocelli's third complete opera recording--after La bohème and Tosca. Manrico is a role to which his type of lyric sound is completely unsuited. How odd it is then that it should be the most successful one to date! Some of the problems persist, but all of them to a lesser degree than previously: a sameness of delivery regardless of situation, forcing the voice for volume (the engineers have recorded the whole opera at such a high volume that everyone sounds as if they're yelling), and, in general, just sounding as if he's trying on shoes which are too big for him. On the other hand, "Di quella pira" is thrilling, with a blazing high C at its close, and, at times, Bocelli actually sounds ardent and caring. The rest of the cast is good without approaching greatness, with Veronica Villaroel singing at times quite beautifully as Leonora and at other times sounding dead. Carlo Guelfi offers fine legato and power as di Luna, and Elena Zaremba is an energetic Azucena. Mercurio conducts the note-complete performance with energy. Bocelli fans will need this in their collections. --Robert Levine

Product Description

CD > CLASSICAL MUSIC

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars HORRIBLE, December 7, 2006

By 

Mary S (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Verdi: Il Trovatore (Complete Opera) (Audio CD)

I purchased this CD because I love this opera...I listened to it and it was not half bad...after all how bad can Verdi be?.... but then I just listened to a recording of a live performance of Il trovatore with Franco Corelli and Leontyne Price...and I will never listen to the Bocelli CD again..it is garbage...

19 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Il Trovatore - A joy to listen to!, June 17, 2004

By 

"glomor" (Traverse City, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Verdi: Il Trovatore (Complete Opera) (Audio CD)

I have already listened to "Il Trovatore" several times and it's just superb! I remember reading in an old interview that Andrea Bocelli felt this was his best performance so far and I would have to agree. I can really hear him flexing those vocal muscles that he has worked so hard to develop, and still, the beauty of his unique voice continues to shine through. "Ah sì, ben mio" and "Di Quella Pira" were wonderful on the "Verdi" recording, but now even better. It seems that he sings with more confidence and feeling here. These qualities are evident throughout the opera. I love the vigor and enthusiasm as well as the torment and angst that he brings to this role--he is a wonderful and convincing Manrico.

I have a new appreciation for the music of Verdi, thanks to conductor Steven Mercurio, who gives it energy and life. I could tell right from the opening instrumental segment that this was going to be something special. The rumble of the percussion, richness of the brass and the beautiful harmonies drew me in immediately. The choral segments are a delight, too. I didn't realize how much of this opera I have heard before. So many of the melodies are familiar--it is just a joy to listen to.

Sometimes, with Bocelli's operas I find myself impatiently waiting for his next solo but on this recording I truly enjoy all of the performers, especially the soprano, Veronica Villaroel. I love the duets and ensemble singing on this CD. Tracks 15, 16,& 17 on CD #1 stand out to me as being particularly enjoyable, but there are many more highlights. I think I have developed a greater appreciation for opera and the operatic voice, thanks to Andrea Bocelli who is responsible for opening that door for me. This is simply beautiful music and it is one recording that I know I will enjoy for years to come!

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Verdi: IL Trovatore, June 17, 2004

By 

Barbara J. Baker (Kenosha, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Verdi: Il Trovatore (Complete Opera) (Audio CD)

Andrea Bocelli again shines in this latest version of one of Verdi's finest and most popular operas. As always his diction and interpretation of his role of Manrico is superior. His growth as an opera singer is most evident. For those of you who liked Corelli's IL Trovatore, you will appreciate this latest work by his fervent admirer and former student.