Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of the legendary Leontyne Price with "The Essential Leontyne Price/Highlights," a captivating compilation of her most iconic opera performances. Released on July 29, 1996, under the RCA Gold Seal label, this album is a testament to Price's unparalleled vocal prowess and her profound ability to breathe life into some of the most celebrated roles in opera history.
Spanning a little over an hour, this collection features a diverse array of arias and scenes from beloved operas, showcasing Price's versatility and emotional depth. From the soaring passion of Verdi's "Il trovatore" to the delicate beauty of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly," each track is a masterclass in vocal technique and dramatic expression. The album also includes memorable selections from Bizet's "Carmen," Mozart's "Così fan tutte," and Wagner's "The Lord's Prayer," highlighting Price's ability to excel in a wide range of musical styles.
In addition to her operatic prowess, Price's renditions of spirituals like "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" demonstrate her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. The inclusion of Richard Strauss's "Vier letzte Lieder" and Berlioz's "Les nuits d'été" further underscores her mastery of the art song repertoire.
"The Essential Leontyne Price/Highlights" is not just a collection of songs; it is a celebration of a voice that has left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the extraordinary talent of one of the most revered singers of our time.
(P) 1996 BMG Entertainment
Tracks
La forza del destino: Pace, pace, mio DioGiuseppe Verdi, Leontyne Price, Thomas Schippers, RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Piangi? Perchè?; Un bel dì vedremoGiacomo Puccini, Leontyne Price, Oliviero de Fabritiis, Rome Opera Orchestra
Il trovatore: Act IV: Siam giuntiGiuseppe Verdi, Arturo Basile, Mario Carlin, Leontyne Price, Rome Opera Orchestra
Carmen, WD 31: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)Georges Bizet, Leontyne Price, Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker, Vienna State Opera Chorus
La rondine: Act I: Ore dolci e divineGiacomo Puccini, Sir Edward Downes, Leontyne Price, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Così fan tutte, K. 588: Act I: Ah, guarda, sorellaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, James Levine, Marilyn Horne, Leontyne Price, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Otello: Act I: Già nella notteGiuseppe Verdi, Nello Santi, Plácido Domingo, Leontyne Price, London Symphony Orchestra
Otello: Act I: Quando narraviGiuseppe Verdi, Nello Santi, Plácido Domingo, Leontyne Price, London Symphony Orchestra
Otello: Act I: Venga la morte!Giuseppe Verdi, Nello Santi, Plácido Domingo, Leontyne Price, London Symphony Orchestra
Les nuits d'été, Op. 7: 4. AbsenceHector Berlioz, Leontyne Price, Fritz Reiner, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Vier letzte Lieder, TrV 296: 3. Beim SchlafengehenRichard Strauss, Leontyne Price, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf
The Lord's PrayerAlbert Hay Malotte, Leontyne Price, George Decker, William Self, Choir of Men and Boys of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, New York City, New York St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys
Porgy and Bess: SummertimeGeorge Gershwin, Leontyne Price, Skitch Henderson, RCA Victor Orchestra
Swing Low, Sweet ChariotTraditional, Leontyne Price, Leonard de Paur
Ride On, King JesusHall Johnson, Leontyne Price, Leonard de Paur