José Carreras, the renowned tenor, invites you into a world of sacred and timeless music with his album "Ave Maria." Released on January 1, 2002, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this collection is a testament to Carreras' exceptional vocal prowess and his deep connection with classical and operatic repertoire.
Spanning a little over an hour and thirteen minutes, the album is a journey through some of the most beloved and spiritually uplifting pieces in the classical music canon. From the serene and contemplative "Ave Maria" by Schubert to the powerful and dramatic "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's Requiem, each track showcases Carreras' versatility and emotional depth.
The album features a diverse range of composers, including Mozart, Verdi, Bach, and Schubert, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and periods. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Pie Jesu" from Fauré's Requiem, the exuberant "Laudate Dominum" from Mozart's Vesperae solennes de confessore, and the tender "Erbarme dich" from Bach's St. Matthew Passion.
Carreras' renditions are marked by their clarity, precision, and profound emotional resonance. Whether he is conveying the solemnity of a requiem or the gentle devotion of an Ave Maria, his voice is a beacon of warmth and humanity. This album is not just a collection of songs but a profound exploration of faith, hope, and the human spirit, as interpreted by one of the greatest voices of our time.
Messa da Requiem: 2h. IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Wiener Philharmoniker, Fritz Reiner
Vesperae solennes de confessore in C, K.339: 5. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Ps. 116/117)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maria Stader, Helmut Heller, Wolfgang Meyer, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay, RIAS Kammerchor
Ave Maria (Motet), WAB. 5Anton Bruckner, Eugen Jochum, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Requiem, Op. 48: 4. Pie JesuGabriel Fauré, Cheryl Studer, London Symphony Orchestra, Ion Marin
Requiem, K. 626: IIIf. LacrimosaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm, Wiener Staatsopernchor
Stabat Mater: 2. Cujus animam gementemGioachino Rossini, Francisco Araiza, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Semyon Bychkov
4 Sacred Pieces (Quattro pezzi sacri): Ave MariaGiuseppe Verdi, The Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner
Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. Erbarme dich (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Janet Baker, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Ave Maria, Op. 12Johannes Brahms, Gerhard Dickel, NDR Chor
Panis AngelicusCésar Franck, Renata Tebaldi, Ambrosian Singers, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Anton Guadagno
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: X. Chorale. Jesus bleibet meine FreudeJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Chor, Solistengemeinschaft Der Bachwoche Ansbach, Karl Richter
Ave Maria, "Ellens Gesang III", D839 - Arr. Ion MarinFranz Schubert, Cheryl Studer, London Symphony Orchestra, Ion Marin