Dive into the enchanting world of opera with Rolando Villazón's captivating "Opera Recital," released on February 6, 2006, under the prestigious Warner Classics label. This exquisite collection spans a little over an hour, featuring some of the most beloved arias from the operatic canon, performed by one of the most celebrated tenors of our time.
The album opens with Jacques Offenbach's whimsical "Les contes d'Hoffmann" and takes you on a journey through the works of opera's greatest composers. Villazón's powerful and nuanced voice shines in arias from Puccini's "Tosca," Mascagni's "Cavalleria rusticana," and Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera," among others. Each track showcases Villazón's remarkable vocal range and his ability to bring depth and passion to every role.
"Opera Recital" is not just a collection of arias; it's a testament to Rolando Villazón's artistry and his deep connection to the operatic tradition. The album includes a bonus DVD, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the recording session in Munich, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the making of this extraordinary album. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Prologue: "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" (Hoffmann, Nathanaël, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Florian Laconi
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act 2: "Allons ! Courage et confiance"Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Puccini: Tosca, Act 1: "Recondita armonia"Giacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana: "Mamma, quel vino"Pietro Mascagni, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Theresa Blank
Giordano: Fedora, Act 2: "Amor ti vieta"Umberto Giordano, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Flotow: Martha, Act 3: "Ach, so fromm, ach, so traut"Friedrich von Flotow, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Flotow: Alessandro Stradella, Act 3: "Jungfrau Maria"Friedrich von Flotow, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Strauss, R: Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Act 1: "Di rigori armato il seno"Richard Strauss, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Verdi: Un ballo in maschera, Act 3: "Ma se m'è forza perderti"Giuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Donizetti: Don Pasquale, Act 3: "Com' è gentil"Gaetano Donizetti, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Donizetti: La favorita, Act 4: "Favorita del re!"Gaetano Donizetti, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Bizet: Carmen, Act 2: "La fleur que tu m'avais jetée"Georges Bizet, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Bizet: Les pêcheurs de perles, WD 13, Act 1: "À cette voix" - Romance. "Je crois entendre encore" (Nadir)Georges Bizet, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Verdi: Ernani, Act 2: "Odi il voto" - "Sprezzo la vita"Giuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus