Author: Verdi, Giuseppe

Format: Import

Release Date: 27-10-2000

Details: This excellent recording shows off the already impressive voice of a young tenor still only at the beginning of his career. The arias are taken from the body of Verdi operas which begins with I Lombardi (1843) and ends with Otello (1897) and give the star ample opportunity for varied display. So, while he might not be ready to tackle the entire role of Otello, he demonstrates wonderfully that some of the baritonal richness needed for the part is clearly in place in the recitative "Dio, mi potevi scagliar". And he has a thrilling shimmering quality to the top of his voice that makes a heroic aria like "Di quella pira" from Il Trovatore incredibly exciting. The selection demonstrates that though he as yet lacks the melting softness to make a declaration of longing such as "Celeste Aida" totally his own, he is awe-inspiring in the heroic, or anguished arias which he performs with a mesmerising focused intensity. Alagna is accompanied by superb playing from the Berlin Phil, which also gets one track to itself (the overture to La Forza del Destino). And, as an added bonus, the booklet notes are entertaining and informative. --Warwick Thompson

UPC: 724355656728

EAN: 0724355656728

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood