The Radiant Voice of Barbara Bonney

Barbara Bonney (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00005M05B
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,942 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( B ) > Bonney, Barbara
  #9 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( P ) > Previn, André
  #22 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( P ) > Pergolesi, Gio Battista

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Of all the laudatory epithets applicable to Barbara Bonney, the term "radiant" might not be the one that springs to mind--at least, not insofar as it suggests the warm luxuriance of sunshine. Bonney's light, bright lyric soprano is something else: a voice of delicate refinement and transparent, pure-toned beauty. But it's capable of silkily seductive textures, too. And there are wonderful examples on this compilation disc that, if featuring a less-established artist, might qualify as a demo tape. Most of the tracks are previously issued, but together, they define her capabilities and home-base repertory, from Bach, Purcell, and Mozart through to Scandinavian song and Richard Strauss. With "Morgen," "Solveigs Sang," "The Presentation of the Rose" from Der Rosenkavalier, and "Ach, ich Fuhls" from The Magic Flute, this is a catalog of silver, if not golden, moments. Jewel-like singing and pure joy to hear. --Michael White

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious singing from one of America's finest singers, August 8, 2001

By	John Kramar "JKramar" (Greenville, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Miss Bonney's singing on this compilation CD does not ever disappoint the listener. From start to finish, each selection offers her unique brand of intelligence, poetic sensitivity, rhythmic security, and tonal beauty. This soprano's Nordic tone quality is perfectly suited to the wide range of classical styles represented on this disc. One might be surprised at how italianate her Adina is -- the character is right-on, without ever turning harsh, or unnecessarily shrewish. Bonney's Sophie is as close to perfection as is humanly possible in the featured scene from Der Rosenkavalier. Not since Helen Donath and Lucia Popp has there been such a radiant Sophie. The Mozart selections are a constant delight. Having heard this fine artist many times in live performances, I can honestly say that this collection is a beautiful and honest reflection of her very special way of making music.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely luscious, as always., November 14, 2001

By	shannahsings "shannahsings" (NYC, NY USA) - See all my reviews

I am a rabid Bonney fan and happen to feel this recording is the perfect culmination of her impeccable artistry. Her sound is luscious, fluid, charming and always perfect for what she is singing. She is definately one of the smartest singers today. I could go into each piece individually, but there is a max of 1000 words.

In a nutshell, the perfect CD for any classical music lovers collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Stunning, March 28, 2002

By	Jill P. Freuden (Pullman, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Radiant aptly describes the voice of Barbara Bonney. Her silvery tones, the effortless highs, and the quality of her pianissimo are simply stunning. Her voice shimmers with life, and love, and color. The music selections are varied and a grand example of the beauty of Barbara's instrument and artistry. This disk is a heavenly collection of some of the best lyric soprano literature and is pure joy to listen to.