Dive into the enchanting world of opera with Rolando Villazón's captivating album, "A Portrait." Released on August 21, 2020, under the esteemed Erato/Warner Classics label, this collection is a testament to Villazón's extraordinary vocal prowess and his deep connection with the operatic repertoire. Spanning a little over an hour, the album is a beautifully curated journey through some of the most beloved and iconic pieces from the opera stage.
From Verdi's "Rigoletto" to Puccini's "La Bohème," Villazón masterfully navigates a diverse range of roles and compositions, showcasing his versatility and emotional depth. The album features a mix of arias and ensembles, each one a showcase of Villazón's rich, expressive voice and his ability to bring characters to life. Highlights include the playful "La donna è mobile" from "Rigoletto," the tender "Che gelida manina" from "La Bohème," and the powerful "Kuda, kuda, kuda vy udalilis" from Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin."
Villazón's passion for opera is evident in every note, making this album a must-listen for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The accompanying orchestral performances are equally impressive, providing a lush and supportive backdrop for Villazón's vocals. Whether you're in the mood for something dramatic, romantic, or simply beautiful, "A Portrait" offers a little bit of everything, all delivered with Rolando Villazón's signature artistry and charm.
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act III Scene 2: La donna è mobileGiuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Marcello Viotti, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Gounod: Faust, Act III: Quel trouble inconnu ... Salut, demeure chaste et pureCharles Gounod, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Sorozábal: La tabernera del puerto, Act II No. 9, Romanza: No puede ser!Pablo Sorozábal, Rolando Villazón, Plácido Domingo, Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana: "Mamma, quel vino"Pietro Mascagni, Rolando Villazón, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Michel Plasson, Theresa Blank
Gounod: Polyeucte, Act III: Source délicieuseCharles Gounod, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette, Act II: L'amour! l'amour! ... Ah! Leve-toi soleil!Charles Gounod, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Puccini: La Bohème, Act I: Che gelida maninaGiacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Marcello Viotti, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Puccini: Manon Lescaut, Act I: Donna non vidi maiGiacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Michel Plasson, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Puccini: Tosca, Act 1: "Recondita armonia"Giacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Michel Plasson
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Prologue: "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" (Hoffmann, Nathanaël, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Florian Laconi
Vives: Doña Francisquita, Act II No. 9, Romanza: Por el humo se sabe dónde está el fuegoAmadeo Vives, Rolando Villazón, Plácido Domingo, Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid
Massenet: Le mage, Act 2: "Ah ! Parais, astre de mon ciel" (Zarastra)Jules Massenet, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: VI bis. Chant sacré, H 44bHector Berlioz, Rolando Villazón, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Rombi: Adeste fidelisPhilippe Rombi, Rolando Villazón, Orchestre Symphonique Bel Arte
Gruber / Arr. Rombi: Stille Nacht, heilige NachtFranz Xaver Gruber, Rolando Villazón, Philippe Rombi, Orchestre Symphonique Bel Arte