Ewa Podles - Rossini Arias for Contralto

Gioachino Rossini (Artist), Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus (Artist), Pier Giorgio Morandi (Artist), Ewa Podles (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 5, 1996)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B00000149V
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #113,931 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One generally looks to the Naxos label for inexpensive recordings of the standards by minor European orchestras, and for competent performances of rarities--usually by forces that do not spring to mind as natural fodder for recording stardom--that the bigger labels are afraid to touch. So this remarkable album came as a complete surprise, because the Polish mezzo-soprano Ewa Podles is real star material. The sound has a contralto quality; the range is astounding, the flexibility of the voice incredible. This album has been a best-seller for Naxos, and rightly so. The chorus, orchestra, and conductor are adequate; buy this one for Podles, and for Podles (and Rossini) alone. -- Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A live performance from an engaging singer, December 2, 2001

By	Matthew Spady "800rsd" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are precious few opportunities to hear this fantastic singer either live or on recording, which is a pity given her unique sound and impeccably-schooled voice.

One of the hallmarks of a great singer is a unique vocal quality. Such is true of Madame Podles. With the top voice of a dramatic soprano, a middle that sometimes resembles a counter-tenor sound, and a bottom voice that is almost baritonal, her sound may recall another singer's voice here and there, but ultimately, it is one-of-a-kind.

Ms. Podles has the perfect vocal qualities necessary to sing Rossini -- an incredible range, enormous flexibility, and subtle vocal coloration. On top of that, she has a unique vocal color and phrases beautifully.

The only possible quibble I can find with this recording is that a couple of the characterizations are a bit on the heavy side -- particularly Rosina. Although the notes are in place (and very impressive) and the coloratura impeccable, this Rosina sounds a bit older, perhaps more serious, than Rossini seems to require. In a later reading of the same aria, in a live 1998 concert in Poland (Rossini Gala recorded on DUX), her Rosina bubbles with youthful energy.

In general, that recording shows her in more brilliant voice, though both discs are impressive. Although several arias are common to the two, each has arias that the other lacks. Both are welcome additions to any vocal library, though if only one is possible, I'd recommend the 1998 recording over this one.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No counter-tenors allowed!!, October 13, 2004

By	Leila "LEILA" (SPAIN) - See all my reviews

This is an amazing, surprising and refreshing way of looking/hearing Rossini. After years of hearing most mezzo-sopran and alt roles conquered just by force of numbers by counter-tenors and Cecilia Bartoli (don't get me wrong,she's really good, but have you ever asked yourself why she doesn't perform usually on big stages but on small ones or on studios? Her voice, though wonderful for coloratura, is small for a big audience), I have come to adore, simply adore, this polish singer. Her way of singing, her voice's colour, her strength and her ability to sing the most damned roles written for a low voice....including coloratura (just hear her in "Dovver, iustizia, amor..." from Handel's Ariodante) make her a wholesome alto. Which makes me hope for a better day for alto and mezzo-sopran voices. I must confess I don't like counter-tenors a bit, they sound too un-natural.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant virtuoso singing, June 15, 2000

By	M. Tietjen "tietj" (Syracuse, NY, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When looking for an aria recital disc of Rossini mezzo/contralto recordings, I always figured that my choices were limited to Marilyn Horne and Cecilia Bartoli. However, the brilliant contralto Ewa Podles could drive them all out of work. Never letting her coloratura lag behind the orchestra, or rush ahead, Podles's big, operatic voice puts the competition to shame. I must agree with the other reviewers in naming "Non temer" as the brightest jewel on this album. I have heard others sing this aria, including Horne and Jennifer Larmore, and, although both the other versions have merit (Larmore in particular has some of the best mezzo-soprano high notes I've ever heard although her coloratura is usually just a hair behind), Podles exhilerating performance tops the list.

I also agree with another reviewer who mentioned Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina as another great non-soprano. I wish she would record a Rossini album, after hearing her "Nacqui all' affano."