Verdi: Il Trovatore (Complete Opera) [ENHANCED]

Giuseppe Verdi (Performer), Andrea Bocelli (Performer), Veronica Villaroel (Conductor), Elena Zaremba (Artist), Carlo Guelfi (Artist), Steven Mercurio (Artist)

Product Details

• Performer: Giuseppe Verdi, Andrea Bocelli
• Conductor: Veronica Villaroel
• 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: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,621 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. All'erta! all'erta!

2. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Di due figli vivea padre beato

3. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Che più t'arresti?

4. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Tacea la notte placida e bella in ciel sereno

5. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Ditale amor, che dirsi mal può dalla parola

6. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Tace la notte!... Il Trovator!

7. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Deserto sulla terra... Anima mia!

8. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Infida!... -- Qual voce!

9. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 1. Di geloso amor sprezzato... un istante almen dia loco il tuo sdegno alla ragione

10. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 2. Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie... Chi del gitano i giorni abbella? (Anvil Chorus)

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Or co' dadi, ma fra poco giocherem ben altro gioco

2. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Squilli, echeggi la tromba guerriera

3. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. In braccio al mio rival!... Che fu?... Innanzi, o strega

4. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Giorgi poveri vivea... Tu vedi chi l'infame, orribil opra commettea

5. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Deh, rallentate, o barbari, le acerbe mie ritorte

6. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Quale d'armi fragor poc'anzi intesi?

7. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Ah! sì, ben mio; coll'essere io tuo, tu mia consorte

8. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. L'onda de' suoni mistici... La zingara, vieni, tra ceppi mira

9. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 3. Di quella pira l'orrendo foco... All'armi! all'armi!

10. Il Trovatore, opera: Part 4. Siam giunti; ecco la torre

See all 22 tracks on this disc

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 24 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

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 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Il Trovatore - Bocelli & Co., June 16, 2004

By	R. Guerin (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Now before people start throwing stones, many things need to be said about Decca's recent release of Verdi's "il Trovatore".

First and foremost, the ubiquitous Andrea Bocelli doing what most would consider "crossing over" into the opera world one more time after recent issues of his, with Zubin Mehta in the past 2 years, including LaBoheme and Tosca.
There has been much noise made about these recordings. Most of the noise being made by Bocelli detractors inflamed with disgust at how, what they cosider to be an inferior singer, would be allowed to perpetrate such an assault against good taste by desecrating a third of the saintly trilogia populare.
On the other hand, no one gets upset about similar recordings on labels such as Naxos that are produced annually.
Quality aside, I am thrilled that any such commitment has been made at all in the "recording industry" in regards to opera.
As for the performances: With Bocelli as the only recognizable household name on this recording, he sings quite well in this his third complete opera. One would have to say he is improving in his ability to carry dramatic energy through a performance. The naysayers (those who simply don't like his voice) will have their criticisms, but as for the rest of the roster, all roles are sung adequately, with special mention going to Carlo Guelfi who sings the count with wonderful legato lines. Mercurio does what Mercurio does. His conducting on other recordings of this genre (Michael Bolton's opera album comes to mind) and on this one seem adequate, but as you would expect- below Mehta's standard.

I am happy when any opera recording gets made and if you like Bocelli's voice, then ignore the detractors because you will surely enjoy this one as you have enjoyed his other works.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A man with a beautiful voice and great talent, June 17, 2004

By	B. Lee (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I believed that there should be better reviews for this new cd. The younger generations, like myself, believe that his voice is beautiful. Because of Andrea Bocelli, I made a complete turnaround from rap to classical music. People around my age, I am 19, believe that his voice is more appealing than the three tenors. His voice seems to be more clearer and sounds more comforting than anyone else I have heard. This cd was a great classic that I will always cherish. Great work Andrea Bocelli.