Experience the captivating artistry of Rolando Villazón in his 2020 album, "A Portrait," a stunning collection of operatic arias that showcase his remarkable vocal range and interpretive depth. Released on Erato/Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Villazón's versatility and mastery of the operatic repertoire.
"Rolando Villazón: A Portrait" features a diverse selection of arias from some of the most beloved operas in the classical canon. From Verdi's "Rigoletto" to Puccini's "La Bohème," and from Gounod's "Faust" to Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin," each track is a masterclass in vocal technique and dramatic storytelling. Villazón's powerful and expressive tenor voice brings a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces, making this album a delight for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The album also includes lesser-known works, such as pieces by Sorozábal, Mascagni, and Berlioz, providing a rich and varied listening experience. Accompanied by the exquisite playing of French harpist Xavier de Maistre, the performances are both technically impressive and deeply moving.
With a duration of just over an hour, "A Portrait" is a concise yet comprehensive showcase of Rolando Villazón's artistic prowess. Whether you're a fan of opera or simply appreciate beautiful music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The album was released on 21 August 2020.
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act III Scene 2: La donna è mobileGiuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Marcello Viotti, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Gounod: Faust, Act III: Quel trouble inconnu ... Salut, demeure chaste et pureCharles Gounod, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Sorozábal: La tabernera del puerto, Act II No. 9, Romanza: No puede ser!Pablo Sorozábal, Rolando Villazón, Plácido Domingo, Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana: "Mamma, quel vino"Pietro Mascagni, Rolando Villazón, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Michel Plasson, Theresa Blank
Gounod: Polyeucte, Act III: Source délicieuseCharles Gounod, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette, Act II: L'amour! l'amour! ... Ah! Leve-toi soleil!Charles Gounod, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Puccini: La Bohème, Act I: Che gelida maninaGiacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Marcello Viotti, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Puccini: Manon Lescaut, Act I: Donna non vidi maiGiacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Michel Plasson, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Puccini: Tosca, Act 1: "Recondita armonia"Giacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Michel Plasson
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Prologue: "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" (Hoffmann, Nathanaël, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Das Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Florian Laconi
Vives: Doña Francisquita, Act II No. 9, Romanza: Por el humo se sabe dónde está el fuegoAmadeo Vives, Rolando Villazón, Plácido Domingo, Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid
Massenet: Le mage, Act 2: "Ah ! Parais, astre de mon ciel" (Zarastra)Jules Massenet, Rolando Villazón, Evelino Pidò, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: VI bis. Chant sacré, H 44bHector Berlioz, Rolando Villazón, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Rombi: Adeste fidelisPhilippe Rombi, Rolando Villazón, Orchestre Symphonique Bel Arte
Gruber / Arr. Rombi: Stille Nacht, heilige NachtFranz Xaver Gruber, Rolando Villazón, Philippe Rombi, Orchestre Symphonique Bel Arte