Zandonai - Francesca da Rimini / Domingo, Kabaivanska, Manuguerra, Queler

Riccardo Zandonai (Artist), Eve Queler (Artist), Placido Domingo (Artist), Raina Kabaivanska (Artist), Matteo Manuguerra (Artist), Harlan Foss (Artist), Sheryl King (Artist), Barbara Hoffman (Artist), Alice Marie Nelson (Artist), Nuccio Saetta (Artist), Carole Walters (Artist), Frederika Wisehart (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 17, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Opera D'oro
• ASIN: B00000K0WA
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,423 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'O Donella, c'è il giullare in corte!'

2. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Come Morgana manda al re Artù'

3. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Questi giullari et uomini di corte'

4. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Oimè che adesso io provo...Amor le fa contare!'

5. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Francesca, dove andrai?'

6. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Pace, anima cara, piccola colomba'

7. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Madonna Francesca!... Chi mi vuole?'

8. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'O dattero fronzuto, o mio gentile amore'

9. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Chi ho veduto?'

10. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 1: 'Per la terra di maggio'

See all 20 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'E Galeotto dice: Dama, abbiatena pietà'

2. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Su, levati! Non hai colpa'

3. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'O dama, non ti disperare!'

4. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Abbiamo i sonatori per la canzone a ballo'

5. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Marzo è giunto'

6. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Andate in allegrezza per la corte'

7. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Benvenuto, signore mio cognato'

8. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Paolo, datemi pace!'

9. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Inghirlandata di violette m'appariste ieri'

10. Francesca da Rimini, opera: Act 3: 'Paolo, se perdonato vi fu'

See all 20 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Work--Poor Sound, December 22, 2000

By 

Eric D. Anderson (South Bend, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zandonai - Francesca da Rimini / Domingo, Kabaivanska, Manuguerra, Queler (Audio CD)

"Francesca da Rimini" is a neglected masterwork. But those approaching the work expecting to hear second rate Puccini will be disappointed. Zandonai's musical idiom, while certainly retaining moments of Italian lyricism, is far more modern than Puccini's and may not appeal to those who dislike, say, the operas of Richard Strauss. But certain passages of "Francesca" are riveting--the "wordless love duet" at the end of act one, with its intensely romantic atmosphere and mysterious off-stage female chorus, and the gripping final scene are but two examples.

Sadly, this release doesn't do all that glory justice. The rather dim live sound, and lack of libretto are serious drawbacks. But, hey, for ten bucks you can't complain. Let's just hope that a better recording WITH libretto shows up soon. Perhaps a better introduction to the work would be the Met video of "Francesca" with Domingo and Renata Scotto.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of opera, July 7, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Zandonai - Francesca da Rimini / Domingo, Kabaivanska, Manuguerra, Queler (Audio CD)

When Zandonai's most famous opera, "Francesca da Rimini," premiered at Turino in 1914 (at the Met in 1916) opera goers were still in the melodic grip of the grand Puccini. Zandonai was quite a surprise. There are no arias, per Puccini, still the lovely aria, "Paolo, Paolo, datemi pace," is such an earnest plea from the tragic Francesca who loved only Paolo, but was in a forced political marriage to his warring brother. The brothers are unique in each part, and run the gamut from menacing to gentle. The women's parts are tender and sweet. The contralto singing the maid servant of Francesca is splendid. It is commonly agreed that the great Raina Kabaivanska is the preeminent interpreter of Francesca. Her amazing pianissimi and complete vocal control are the envy of many, if not most, divas. The thrilling artistic compatability of Kabaivanska and Domingo in "Tosca" and "Il Trovatore," are equalled in this performance. As important as the story line taken from a tale from Dante's "Inferno" is, the hauntingly beautiful harmonies Riccardo Zondonai has interposed throughout the opera are its crowing glory. They, with with the lack of defining arias, set the tone for this innovative and magnificent work. Because you will not hum along with any of this, it is recomended for the listener to know the story, follow with libretto in hand. Seen and heard, this is a heartbreakingly beautiful opera. Heard, alone, may be a challenge, but one well worth the time and effort to understand and appreciate. G.K Brown, DMA, Profesor of Music, Ret.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A recommander, October 20, 2005

By 

Mle Claire Le Poittevin (France Toulouse) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zandonai - Francesca da Rimini / Domingo, Kabaivanska, Manuguerra, Queler (Audio CD)

Raina Kabaivanska est absolument merveilleuse. C'est une véritable reine de ce répertoire où l'art de la parole dramatique doit s'allier en une parfaite symbiose au goût musical. Kabaivanska, Domingo et Queler sont à leur sommet. A recommander vivement...