Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Slavonic opera with Lucia Popp's captivating album, "Lucia Popp sings Slavonic Opera Arias." This exquisite collection, released on January 1, 1988, under Warner Classics, showcases the extraordinary vocal prowess of Lucia Popp, one of the most celebrated sopranos of her generation. The album spans a mere 51 minutes, yet it encapsulates a rich tapestry of arias from renowned composers such as Dvořák, Smetana, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky.
Lucia Popp's crystalline voice and impeccable technique shine through in each performance, offering a glimpse into the depth and versatility of her artistry. The album features iconic arias from beloved operas like "Rusalka," "Jenufa," and "The Bartered Bride" by Dvořák, as well as masterpieces from Smetana's "Dalibor" and Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" and "Eugene Onegin." Prokofiev's "War and Peace" also makes a notable appearance, adding a unique dimension to the collection.
Each aria is a testament to Lucia Popp's ability to convey the essence of the characters she portrays, from the ethereal Rusalka to the tormented Lisa in "The Queen of Spades." The album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of Slavonic opera repertoire. Lucia Popp's renditions are not just performances; they are profound interpretations that bring the music to life with unparalleled beauty and emotional resonance.
Dvořák: Armida, Op. 115, B. 206, Act 1: "Za stihlou gazelou" (Armida)Antonín Dvořák, Lucia Popp, Munich Radio Orchestra, Stefan Soltesz
Dvořák: Rusalka, Op. 114, B. 203, Act 1: "Mesicku na nebi hlubokém" (Rusalka)Antonín Dvořák, Lucia Popp, Stefan Soltesz, Munich Radio Orchestra
Rusalka: Mladosti své pozbavena (Uprooted and banished) (Act III)Antonín Dvořák, Lucia Popp, Stefan Soltesz, Muenchner Rundfunkorchester, Munich Radio Orchestra
Jenufa: To je manincina jizba (This is my mother's room) (Act 2)Leoš Janáček, Lucia Popp, Munich Radio Orchestra, Stefan Soltesz, Muenchner Rundfunkorchester
Prodaná Nevesta (The Bartered Bride): Kdybych se co takového (Should I ever happen to learn) (Act 1)Bedřich Smetana, Lucia Popp, Munich Radio Orchestra, Stefan Soltesz, Muenchner Rundfunkorchester
Prodaná Nevesta (The Bartered Bride): O, jaký, xal! Jaký to zal (That dream of love) (Act 3)Bedřich Smetana, Lucia Popp, Munich Radio Orchestra, Stefan Soltesz, Muenchner Rundfunkorchester
Smetana: Dalibor, Act 2: "Jak je mi?" (Milada)Bedřich Smetana, Lucia Popp, Munich Radio Orchestra, Stefan Soltesz
Prokofiev: War and Peace, Op. 91: "Kakoje prava ani imejut" (Natasha, Princess Marya)Sergei Prokofiev, Lucia Popp, Stefan Soltesz, Munich Radio Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: The Queen of Spades, Op. 68, Act III, Scene 6: Scene."Utzh polnoch blizitsya" - Arioso. "Akh, istomilas ya gorem" (Lisa)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Lucia Popp, Munich Radio Orchestra, Stefan Soltesz
Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin, Op. 24, Act 1: Tatiana's Letter Scene. "Puskay pogibnu ya, no prezhde" (Tatiana)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Lucia Popp, Stefan Soltesz, Munich Radio Orchestra