Celebrate the timeless allure of opera with Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in their latest release, "The Academy Plays Opera." This exquisite collection, released on April 22, 2024, under the Warner Classics label, offers a fresh perspective on beloved arias and scenes from the masterpieces of Verdi and Puccini, along with other iconic operatic works.
The album features 13 meticulously arranged instrumental versions of some of the most famous operatic pieces, including "Celeste Aida" from Verdi's "Aida," "Nessun dorma" from Puccini's "Turandot," and "La donna è mobile" from Verdi's "Rigoletto." Each track has been thoughtfully arranged by Pryce Jackman and Palmer, bringing a modern and witty twist to these classic compositions.
Sir Neville Marriner, the legendary conductor and violinist, leads the Academy of St Martin in the Fields with his signature precision and passion. The ensemble is joined by a talented group of soloists, including Christopher Warren-Green on violin, Cynthia Millar on ondes martenot, John Leach on dulcimer, Graham Sheen on bassoon, and Mitchell Dalton on guitar, adding depth and richness to the performances.
"The Academy Plays Opera" is a testament to Marriner's enduring legacy and the Academy's commitment to excellence. With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers a captivating journey through the world of opera. The album is available digitally and features high-fidelity sound, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
Verdi: Aida, Act 1: "Celeste Aida" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Pryce Jackman)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Neville Marriner, Christopher Warren-Green, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Puccini: Madama Butterfly, Act 1: Introduction - Sharpless' Aria and Entrance of Butterfly (Instrumental Version, Arr. Palmer)Giacomo Puccini, Sir Neville Marriner, Cynthia Millar, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act 3: "La donna è mobile" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Pryce Jackman)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Puccini: Tosca, Act 3: "E lucevan le stelle" - Execution and Finale (Instrumental Version, Arr. Palmer)Giacomo Puccini, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Verdi: Il trovatore, Act 2: Coro di zingari. "Vedi! Le fosche notturne spoglie" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Pryce Jackman)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Neville Marriner, John Leach, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Puccini: Turandot, Act 3: "Nessun dorma" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Pryce Jackman)Giacomo Puccini, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Puccini: La bohème (Fantasy for Orchestra, Arr. Palmer)Giacomo Puccini, Sir Neville Marriner, Christopher Warren-Green, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Verdi: La traviata, Act 2: "Di Provenza il mar" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Pryce Jackman)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Neville Marriner, Graham Sheen, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Puccini: Madama Butterfly, Act 2: "Un bel dì vedremo" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Palmer)Giacomo Puccini, Sir Neville Marriner, Cynthia Millar, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Puccini: Tosca, Act 3: "E lucevan le stelle" (Instrumental Version, Arr. Pryce Jackman)Giacomo Puccini, Sir Neville Marriner, Mitchell Dalton, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Ponchielli: La Gioconda, Op. 9, Act 3: Dance of the HoursAmilcare Ponchielli, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia: OvertureGioachino Rossini, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Wolf-Ferrari: I gioielli della Madonna, Act 3: IntermezzoErmanno Wolf-Ferrari, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
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