recommended recordings

·     Chamber ·     Choral ·     Collections ·     Concerti ·     Opera ·     Orchestral ·     Solo Mozart: Barbara Bonney Sings Mozart / Bonney Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Conductor: Arnold šstman, Christopher Hogwood Performer: Barbara Bonney, Petteri Salomaa, et al. Ensemble: Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra, Drottningholm Court Theatre Chorus, et al. Uni/London Classics - #460571 / November 10, 1998 Click here for more information American soprano Barbara Bonney has emerged as one of the most engaging interpreters of Mozart's heroines on the stage today. Indeed, the selections offered here--culled from various full-length recordings over the 1990s--are about more than beautiful singing: Bonney's portrayals of four Mozart heroines are rich in vivid characterization and emotional nuance and are models in their own way of "vocal acting." Bonney makes a particularly appealing Susanna with her natural, unforced sound and...Read more Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro - Highlights / Kleiber, et al Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Conductor: Erich Kleiber Performer: Hilde Gueden, Cesare Siepi, et al. Ensemble: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Chorus Uni/London Classics - #452732 / September 16, 1997 Click here for more information Erich Kleiber's magically sympathetic, spirited, and incandescent recording of what may be Mozart's most perfect opera has long been the catalog benchmark for this work. Unfortunately, the full recording has again gone out of print; until Universal/Polygram decides to reissue, this compilation of highlights will have to do. But it makes an excellent introduction to the opera, especially for anyone setting out to discover the miraculous, myriad ways in which Mozart could translate emotions and...Read more Mozart Portraits / Cecilia Bartoli, Fischer, Vienna CO Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Conductor: Gyšrgy Fischer Performer: Cecilia Bartoli Ensemble: Vienna Chamber Ensemble Uni/London Classics - #43452 / September 13, 1994 Click here for more information Bartoli, in her musical journey defying all stereotypes, paints multi- dimensional vocal portraits of these Mozart characters. From the most delicate pianissimo to the grandest forte, this superb recording leaves you breathless. While others struggle with Come Scoglio's vocal gymnastics and Dove Sono's challenging legato, Bartoli uses her dark timbre, impeccable coloratura and passionate phrasing to create a kaleidoscope of luscious, wildly exciting sound. The fire of Mozart, the "romantic"...Read more

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