Dive into the enchanting world of opera with Leontyne Price's timeless collection, "Opera Arias." Released on January 6, 1994, under the Nar Classical label, this album is a testament to Price's extraordinary vocal prowess and her ability to breathe life into some of the most beloved arias in operatic history. Spanning a rich 76 minutes, the album features a diverse range of compositions from renowned operas, showcasing Price's versatility and mastery of the genre.
From the poignant "E Susanna non vien!" from Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" to the powerful "Vissi d'arte" from Puccini's "Tosca," Price's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. Her rendition of "Summertime" from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" offers a soulful departure, highlighting her ability to transcend classical boundaries. The album also includes multiple arias from Handel's "Giulio Cesare in Egitto," where Price's portrayal of Cleopatra is both regal and deeply moving.
Leontyne Price, a legendary figure in the world of opera, brings her unparalleled artistry to each piece, making this album a must-listen for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The careful selection of arias and Price's impeccable delivery make "Opera Arias" a captivating journey through the heights of operatic excellence.
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492, IWM 348, Act III: "E Susanna non vien! - Dove sono i bei momenti! (La Contessa)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Ernani, IGV 8, Act I: "Sorta è la notte... - Ernani! Ernani, involami" (Elvira)Giuseppe Verdi, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
L'Africaine, IGM 2, Act II: "Sur mes genoux" (Selika)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
La Rondine, IGP 12, Act I: "Chi il bel sogno di Doretta" (Magda)Giacomo Puccini, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Suor Angelica, IGP 15, Act I: "Senza mamma" (Suor Angelica)Giacomo Puccini, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Tosca, S. 69, IGP 17, Act II: "Vissi d'arte" (Tosca)Giacomo Puccini, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Adriana Lecouvreur, IFC 1, Act I: "Io son l'umile ancella" (Adriana)Francesco Cilea, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Antony and Cleopatra: Give me my love (Cleopatra)Samuel Barber, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Porgy and Bess, IGG 13, Act I: "Summertime" (Clara)George Gershwin, Orchestre Radio Télévision Française, Nicolas Rizchin, Leontyne Price
Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, IGH 209, Act I: "Tu la mia stella sei" (Cleopatra)George Frideric Handel, American Opera Society Orchestra, Arnold Gamson, Leontyne Price
Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, IGH 209, Act II: "Se pietà di me non senti" (Cleopatra)George Frideric Handel, American Opera Society Orchestra, Arnold Gamson, Leontyne Price
Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, IGH 209, Act III: "Piangerò la sorte mia" (Cleopatra)George Frideric Handel, American Opera Society Orchestra, Arnold Gamson, Leontyne Price
Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, IGH 209, Act III: "Da tempeste il legno infranto" (Cleopatra)George Frideric Handel, American Opera Society Orchestra, Arnold Gamson, Leontyne Price
Il Trovatore, IGV 31, Act I: "Tacea la notte placida" (Leonora)Giuseppe Verdi, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan, Leontyne Price
Il Trovatore, IGV 31, Act I: "D'amor sull'ali rosee" (Leonora)Giuseppe Verdi, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan, Leontyne Price