Rolando Villazón, the acclaimed Mexican tenor, invites you into the enchanting world of opera with his stunning debut recital album, "Opera Recital." Released on February 6, 2006, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Villazón's extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility. Spanning a little over an hour, the album is a captivating journey through some of the most beloved and iconic arias from the operatic repertoire.
From the whimsical tales of Offenbach's "Les contes d'Hoffmann" to the dramatic intensity of Verdi's "Ernani," Villazón's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. His rendition of "Recondita armonia" from Puccini's "Tosca" showcases his ability to convey deep emotion, while his interpretation of "Amor ti vieta" from Giordano's "Fedora" highlights his technical brilliance. The album also features Villazón's exquisite performances of arias from Bizet's "Carmen" and "Les pêcheurs de perles," demonstrating his mastery of both the French and Italian operatic traditions.
Throughout the album, Villazón's rich, velvety voice shines, effortlessly navigating the complex melodies and intricate phrasing of each aria. His nuanced interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces, making this album a must-listen for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. "Opera Recital" is not just a collection of arias; it's a celebration of the human voice and the enduring power of opera.
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Prologue: "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" (Hoffmann, Nathanaël, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Florian Laconi
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act 2: "Allons ! Courage et confiance"Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Puccini: Tosca, Act 1: "Recondita armonia"Giacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana: "Mamma, quel vino"Pietro Mascagni, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Theresa Blank
Giordano: Fedora, Act 2: "Amor ti vieta"Umberto Giordano, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Flotow: Martha, Act 3: "Ach, so fromm, ach, so traut"Friedrich von Flotow, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Flotow: Alessandro Stradella, Act 3: "Jungfrau Maria"Friedrich von Flotow, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Strauss, R: Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Act 1: "Di rigori armato il seno"Richard Strauss, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Verdi: Un ballo in maschera, Act 3: "Ma se m'è forza perderti"Giuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Donizetti: Don Pasquale, Act 3: "Com' è gentil"Gaetano Donizetti, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Donizetti: La favorita, Act 4: "Favorita del re!"Gaetano Donizetti, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Bizet: Carmen, Act 2: "La fleur que tu m'avais jetée"Georges Bizet, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Bizet: Les pêcheurs de perles, WD 13, Act 1: "À cette voix" - Romance. "Je crois entendre encore" (Nadir)Georges Bizet, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Verdi: Ernani, Act 2: "Odi il voto" - "Sprezzo la vita"Giuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus