Author: CURA,JOSE

Format: Import

Release Date: 09-11-2000

Details: Amazon.ca This recital shows off the extraordinary dual talents of José Cura as tenor and conductor, and much as Schadenfreude compels me to say he should stick to one or the other, conscience demands otherwise. He does a superb job in both spheres--and more than that, his intuitive and gripping sense of drama links them inextricably. The accompaniments are bound up with the vocal line in compelling and exciting ways: every slight expansion of a phrase, every passionate quickening of tempo, every moment of vocal calm or storm, is felt in the orchestra. His choice of tempi are not always conventional, either: "De' miei bollenti spiriti" from La Traviata is speedier than you might have heard it before, for example, but it perfectly captures Alfredo's youthful ardour. Cura's feeling for the heart of a situation is backed up by a glorious voice, with a remarkably full baritonal range and a thrilling top--and he seems to have a rainbow palette of colours to lighten or darken the sound as necessary. One quibble is that he sings "Di quella pira" from Il trovatore a semitone low: but overall, this is a wonderful recording of a wonderful voice. -- Warwick Thompson

UPC: 685738023226

EAN: 0685738023226

Languages: Italian

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood