Experience the timeless elegance of opera through the lens of legendary conductor Eugene Ormandy with "Opera Highlights from The Columbia Stereo Collection 1964-1983." This meticulously remastered collection, released on March 15, 2025, by Sony Classical, offers a comprehensive journey through some of the most beloved operatic works, performed with unparalleled precision and passion.
Spanning over two hours and twenty minutes, this album features a stunning array of pieces from iconic operas, each remastered to 2025 standards to ensure the highest audio quality. From the enchanting "Dance of the Hours" from Amilcare Ponchielli's "La gioconda" to the triumphant "Anvil Chorus" from Giuseppe Verdi's "Il Trovatore," every track showcases Ormandy's mastery of orchestral direction and his deep understanding of operatic drama.
The collection includes highlights from works by Giacomo Puccini, such as the haunting "Humming Chorus" from "Madama Butterfly" and the stirring "Nessun Dorma" from "Turandot." Additionally, it features excerpts from operas by Charles Gounod, Richard Wagner, and other masters, providing a rich tapestry of operatic tradition.
Eugene Ormandy, renowned for his tenure as the music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, brings his distinctive style and technical prowess to this collection. His ability to evoke the full range of human experience through music is evident in every performance, making this album a treasure trove for both opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike.
Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Opera Highlights from The Columbia Stereo Collection 1964-1983" offers a captivating exploration of the operatic repertoire. Immerse yourself in the rich harmonies, powerful choruses, and soaring arias that have captivated audiences for generations. This album is a testament to the enduring appeal of opera and the genius of Eugene Ormandy.
(P) 2025 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
La gioconda, Op. 9, Act III: Dance of the Hours - 2025 RemasteredAmilcare Ponchielli, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
The Bartered Bride: Dance of the Comedians - 2025 RemasteredBedřich Smetana, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Guillaume Tell: No. 5, Pas de six - 2025 RemasteredGioachino Rossini, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Polka from "Schwanda" - 2025 RemasteredJaromír Weinberger, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Carmen: "Les voici!" - 2025 RemasteredGeorges Bizet, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Cavalleria rusticana: "The Lord Now Victorious" - 2025 RemasteredPietro Mascagni, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Tannhäuser, WWV 70: "Hail, Bright Abode" - 2025 RemasteredRichard Wagner, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - 2025 RemasteredGiacomo Puccini, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus - 2025 RemasteredGiuseppe Verdi, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Tannhäuser, WWV 70: Pilgrims' Chorus - 2025 RemasteredRichard Wagner, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Pagliacci: Bell Chorus - 2025 RemasteredRuggero Leoncavallo, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Lohengrin, WWV 75: Bridal Chorus - 2025 RemasteredWagner, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Der Freischütz: The Huntsmen's Chorus - 2025 RemasteredCarl Maria von Weber, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Aida: Marcia trionfale - 2025 RemasteredGiuseppe Verdi, Eugene Ormandy, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: I. Allegretto. Tempo di valse - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: II. Adagio - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: III. Allegretto - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: IV. Moderato maestoso - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: V. Moderato con moto - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: VI. Allegretto - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Faust, Act V, Ballet Music: VII. Allegro vivo - 2025 RemasteredCharles Gounod, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Mignon: Gavotte - 2025 RemasteredAmbroise Thomas, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Les contes d'Hoffmann. Prelude to Act II: Minuet - 2025 RemasteredJacques Offenbach, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
I gioielli della Madonna: Intermezzo from Act III - 2025 RemasteredErmanno Wolf-Ferrari, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Aïda, Act II, Gran marcia trionfale - 2025 RemasteredGiuseppe Verdi, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
La Traviata: Overture - 2025 RemasteredGiuseppe Verdi, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra