Vivica Genaux, the acclaimed coloratura mezzo-soprano, delivers a stunning collection of bel canto arias in her album "Bel Canto Arias." Released on September 1, 2003, under the Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Genaux's extraordinary vocal prowess and her deep understanding of the bel canto repertoire. Spanning a little over an hour, the album features arias from some of the most celebrated operas by Rossini and Donizetti, showcasing Genaux's technical brilliance and emotional depth.
The album opens with a poignant aria from Rossini's "La Cenerentola," followed by a series of arias that highlight Genaux's versatility and range. From the fiery "Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno!" from "L'Italiana in Algeri" to the dramatic "Nella fatal di Rimini e memorabil guerra" from Donizetti's "Lucrezia Borgia," Genaux navigates each piece with remarkable agility and expressive nuance. Her rendition of "Una voce poco fa" from "Il barbiere di Siviglia" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to blend technical precision with captivating storytelling.
"Bel Canto Arias" is not just a showcase of Vivica Genaux's vocal talents but also an exploration of the rich musical heritage of the bel canto era. Each aria is performed with a keen sense of historical context and stylistic authenticity, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the genre, Vivica Genaux's "Bel Canto Arias" offers a captivating journey through some of the most beautiful and challenging music ever written for the voice.
Rossini: La Cenerentola, Act 2 Scene 10: "Nacqui all'affanno, al pianto" (Cenerentola, Chorus)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri, Act 1 Scene 4: No. 4, Cavatina, "Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno! … Qua ci vuol disinvoltura" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri, Act 2 Scene 11: No. 16, Recitativo e Rondo, "Amici, in ogni evento … Pensa alla patria" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia, Prologue Scene 1: "Nella fatal di Rimini e memorabil guerra" (Orsini)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia, Act 1 Scene 5: "Il Segreto per esser felici" (Orsini)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Alahor in Granata, Act 1: "Popolo, amici, sanguinosi allori" - "Ah, sì, da tanti affanni" (Hassem)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Anna Bolena, Act 1 Scene 9: "È sgombro il loco … Questa da me rapita" (Smeton)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: La donna del lago, Act 1 Scene 7: No. 3, Recitativo e Cavatina, "Mura felici … Elena! oh tu, ch'io chiamo!" (Elena)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Rossini: Semiramide, Act 2 Scene 4: No. 2, Recitativo e Cavatina, "Eccomi alfine in Babilonia … Ah! quel giorno ognor rammento" (Arsace)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act 1 Scene 5: No. 9, Cavatina, "Una voce poco fa" (Rosina)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
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