Italian Opera Arias

Dive into the enchanting world of Italian opera with Kiri Te Kanawa's "Italian Opera Arias," a captivating collection of arias that showcase the renowned soprano's exquisite vocal prowess. Released in 1990 under the Warner Classics label, this album features Te Kanawa's velvety lyric soprano, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Myung-Whun Chung. The album spans a mere 45 minutes, yet it is packed with iconic pieces from some of the most beloved operas in the Italian repertoire.

The album opens with Puccini's "Signore, ascolta" from "Turandot," followed by a selection of arias from Puccini's "Suor Angelica" and Cilea's "Adriana Lecouvreur." Te Kanawa's interpretation of these roles is nothing short of breathtaking, her voice imbuing each character with depth and nuance. The album also features arias from Giordano's "Andrea Chénier," Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," Boito's "Mefistofele," Verdi's "Il Trovatore," "La Traviata," and "La forza del destino." Each aria is a testament to Te Kanawa's versatility and technical brilliance, as she navigates the complexities of these roles with ease.

"Italian Opera Arias" is a celebration of the human voice and the power of opera to tell compelling stories. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The combination of Te Kanawa's stunning vocals, the London Symphony Orchestra's impeccable playing, and Chung's masterful conducting makes this album a standout in the world of classical music.