CD-Charts Position 1
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Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
from: Callas Edition

Release Date February 24, 1997
This really is, in my humble opinion, the definitive performance of this comic opera. All the people involved are excellent. I suppose I am a little biased because the Philharmonia is my favourite symphony orchestra and as is proved on this recording, orchestra, chorus and conductor, Galleria, are superb. The supporting singers, Ollendorf, Zaccaria, Curturan and Carlin are also in fine voice and complement the principals so well. In such a high quality career I don't think Callas has sung better than in this performance. Tito Gobbi, is well, Tito Gobbi, and this is really the definiive Figaro even considering the Prey version. To me though, above all, the performance that sets this apart is that of Luigi Alva as Almaviva. His drunken officer, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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O mio babbino caro: Famous Soprano Arias from Italian Opera

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
by: Various Composers

Release Date October 22, 2001
This really is, in my humble opinion, the definitive performance of this comic opera. All the people involved are excellent. I suppose I am a little biased because the Philharmonia is my favourite symphony orchestra and as is proved on this recording, orchestra, chorus and conductor, Galleria, are superb. The supporting singers, Ollendorf, Zaccaria, Curturan and Carlin are also in fine voice and complement the principals so well. In such a high quality career I don't think Callas has sung better than in this performance. Tito Gobbi, is well, Tito Gobbi, and this is really the definiive Figaro even considering the Prey version. To me though, above all, the performance that sets this apart is that of Luigi Alva as Almaviva. His drunken officer, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

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Great Singers - Jennie Tourel

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
from: Naxos Historical

Release Date March 03, 2003
I am grateful to Naxos for letting this major singer hit my eardrums and my shelves for the first time. The voice is strong in all its range; technique is assured; enunciation is clear whether the language is French, Russian, Italian or English; and breath control and phrasing are exemplary.

When Tourel’s Rachmaninov recordings were first issued, the authors of “The Record Guide” wrote, “She sings these songs with complete authority, great feeling and a beautiful tone”. Comparing her Rossini arias with those recorded by Conchita Supervia, they wrote, “Jennie Tourel’s recordings give much less trouble to reproduce; they are also much less fun”.

Thanks to Ward Marston, the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

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Diva - 30 Great Prima Donnas

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
by: Various Artists

Release Date October 23, 2000
The top of western classic singing culture brought to you by real prima donnas. I would be very greatful to a friend of mine if he/she would have made the effort to put together so much jewels in one recording. For one time 'the best of' here would not be a irritating commonplace but a thing of truth, even with respect to the huge collection of opera music which history has brought to us. Even my 6 and 8-year daughters got fond of these two records, hypnotised by the power of the music and the performers.

CD-Charts Position 5
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Maria Callas: Popular Music from TV, Film and Opera

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
by: Maria Callas

Release Date October 30, 2000
I received this C.D as a gift with great excitment and was not let down. The clarity of recording enhances Callas's exceptional voice. The double C.D encapsulates her ability to portray her repertoir to unlimited hights. A perfect homage to a women who possessed great character and talent.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Maria Callas: Popular Music from TV, Film and Opera

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
by: Milan La Scala Orchestra

Release Date October 30, 2000
I'm a rock and blues fan by nature, but when I first heard Maria Callas a few years back I new there was something more to life than the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and the Beatles. This woman has the voice of an Angel. Her voice is so strong, full of clarity, depth, soul and emotion. I defy anyone with at least a tiny piece of emotion in their soul not to be moved (possibly to tears) by this wonderful voice, the likes of which, I will probably never hear again in my lifetime.
I don't know anything about classical music or opera but I urge anyone who likes good music to go out and buy this CD and just enjoy it for what it is - absolute perfection!

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

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Casta Diva

Search: Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Rossini
by: London Symphony Orchestra, Evelino Pido

Release Date June 04, 2001
After growing up on a diet of some of the best coloratura sopranos this planet has ever seen, case in point, Sutherland,Caballe, Sills and recordings of Lily pons, i am at a loss to understand why Gheorghiu's management would allow her to venture into this repetoire. Her voice does not have the agility and the technique to do this repetoire justice.

I was given a present of this CD. Just in case if you have any friends that are "into opera" please do not buy this CD for them for christmas. Mine is at this moment under a table leg providing a bit of balance!

This CD was a badly advised route for Angela and she is just not up to the challenge.