Kathleen Battle, the renowned soprano, presents a captivating collection of opera and concert arias in her album "Kathleen Battle sings Opera & Concert Arias." Released on July 21, 2023, under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd., this album spans a rich tapestry of genres, including opera, choral, and classical music, all within a concise yet impactful duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
The tracklist is a testament to Battle's versatility and mastery, featuring iconic pieces from beloved operas such as "Il barbiere di Siviglia," "L'elisir d'amore," and "Un ballo in maschera." Her rendition of "Voices of Spring" from a live performance at Musikverein, Vienna in 1987, adds a touch of historical significance and live energy to the album. Additionally, her interpretations of works by Richard Strauss, such as "Ariadne auf Naxos," and Wagner's "Siegfried" showcase her ability to navigate both the lyrical and dramatic aspects of her repertoire.
Battle's voice, known for its purity and agility, shines through in each piece, offering a glimpse into her extraordinary talent and the breadth of her artistic range. Whether it's the playful charm of "Il barbiere di Siviglia" or the ethereal beauty of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," this album is a celebration of Kathleen Battle's artistry and a delightful exploration of some of the most cherished arias in classical music.
Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act I: No. 5, Cavatina. Una voce poco fa - Cabaletta. Io sono docileGioachino Rossini, Kathleen Battle, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act II: No. 14a, Ma forse, ahimè, Lindoro - Ah se è ver (1819 Interpolated Scena ed Aria)Gioachino Rossini, Kathleen Battle, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Il Signor Bruschino, Act I: N.5 Recit et Aria: Ah! voi condur volete - Ah! donate il caro sposoGioachino Rossini, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, Ion Marin, John Constable
L'elisir d'amore, Act I: Benedette queste carte!Gaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Dawn Upshaw, Luciano Pavarotti, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, David Stivender, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
L'elisir d'amore, Act II: Prendi; per me sei liberoGaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Luciano Pavarotti, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
Un ballo in maschera, Act III: Saper vorresteGiuseppe Verdi, Kathleen Battle, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Un ballo in maschera, Act I: Volta la terrea...Signori: oggi d'UlricaGiuseppe Verdi, Kathleen Battle, Luciano Pavarotti, Alexander Oliver, Renato Bruson, Robert Lloyd, Malcolm King, The London Opera Chorus, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Voices of Spring, Op. 410 - Live at Musikverein, Vienna, 1987Johann Strauss II, Kathleen Battle, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60 / Opera: Großmächtige PrinzessinRichard Strauss, Kathleen Battle, Wiener Philharmoniker, James Levine
Siegfried - Zweiter Tag des Bühnenfestspiels "Der Ring des Nibelungen" / Zweiter Aufzug: Nun sing, ich lausche dem GesangRichard Wagner, Kathleen Battle, Reiner Goldberg, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61: No. 3 Song with Chorus You spotted snakesFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Judi Dench, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61, MWV M13: Finale: Through this House Give Glimmering LightFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Judi Dench, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver