Experience the golden age of opera through the extraordinary talent of Nicolai Gedda, one of the 20th century's most celebrated tenors, with "Singers of the Century: Opera Recital." This captivating collection, released by Jube Classic, showcases Gedda's remarkable vocal prowess and versatility, spanning a rich tapestry of operatic repertoire.
Spanning just over an hour, this album is a testament to Gedda's enduring legacy, featuring arias from both beloved and lesser-known operas. From the enchanting melodies of Mozart's "Così fan tutte" and "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" to the dramatic intensity of Verdi's "Werther" and Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette," Gedda's performances are marked by their technical brilliance and profound musicality.
Gedda's Italianate spinto tenor voice is perfectly suited to the Bel-canto, Romantic, and Verismo styles, making this album a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts. Highlights include exquisite renditions of arias from "L'arlesiana," "La clemenza di Tito," and "Orfeo ed Euridice," as well as rare gems like "Benvenuto Cellini" and "Les pêcheurs de perles."
The album also features arias sung in different languages, showcasing Gedda's linguistic versatility. "Le postillon de Lonjumeau" is sung in Swedish, while "Prince Igor" and "A Life for the Czar" are performed in Russian, adding a unique dimension to the collection.
"Singers of the Century: Opera Recital" is not just a compilation of arias but a celebration of Nicolai Gedda's artistry and his significant contributions to the world of opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey through the timeless beauty of operatic music.
Così fan tutte, K. 588: Un aura amorosaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
La clemenza di Tito, K. 621: Se all'imperoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K. 384: Im Mohrenland gefangen warWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30 (Excerpts): J'ai perdu mon EurydiceChristoph Willibald Gluck, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Louis de Froment
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30 (Excerpts): Quel nouveau cielChristoph Willibald Gluck, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Louis de Froment
La muette de Portici: Du pauvre seulDaniel Auber, Nicolai Gedda, Philharmonia Orchestra, Alceo Galliera
Benvenuto Cellini, H. 76 (Excerpts): Seul pour lutterHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National De France, Georges Prêtre
Benvenuto Cellini, H. 76 (Excerpts): Un heure encoreHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National De France, Georges Prêtre
Les pêcheurs de perles, WD 13: Je crois entendre encoreGeorges Bizet, Nicolai Gedda, Philharmonia Orchestra, Alceo Galliera
Mireille; CG 8: Anges du paradisCharles Gounod, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, André Cluytens
Manon (Excerpts): Je suis seule - Ah vouyez douce imageJules Massenet, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National De France, Georges Prêtre
Manon (Excerpts): Instant charmant - En ferment les yeuxJules Massenet, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National De France, Georges Prêtre
Werther (Excerpts): Un autre est son epouxJules Massenet, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National De France, Georges Prêtre
Werther (Excerpts): Pourquoi me reveiller ?Jules Massenet, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National De France, Georges Prêtre
Le postillon de Lonjumeau: Mes amis ecoutez ! (Sung in Swedish)Adolphe Adam, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Stig Rybrandt
Prince Igor: Speak, Where Are You? (Sung in Russian)Alexander Borodin, Nicolai Gedda, Kungliga Hovkapellet, Nils Grevillus
A Life for the Czar; Act 4: Brothers, in the darkness (Sung in Russian)Mikhail Glinka, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre de l'Association des Concerts Lamoureux, Igor Markevitch