Search - Luis Mariano, Yvan Cassar, Paris Symphony Orchestra :: C'est Magnifique - Roberto Alagna Sings Luis Mariano

Alagna lets his hair down!

G P Padillo | Portland, ME United States | 01/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While not entirely out of "opera singer mode" tenor Roberto Alagna nevertheless knows what these songs are about and has an obvious blast singing them. This approach is far-better suited to this gorgeous material than the standard operatic "slumming" one taken by far too many singers who want to bring the room "down a little." It is clear Alagna is a fan of Luis Mariano - as the album is pretty much a tribute to the Basque star singer from the 40's and 50's.



Alagna let's loose pretty freely and those who enjoy that open sound quality of his voice (as I do) will have plenty to revel in with his singing of this material. Sometimes a climatic or final high note will have a bit of a "lunged at" quality that ends the song with a bit more operatic "oomph" than is completely necessary, but neither is it entirely out of place in this sort of music, especially, when being sung by an opera singer.



With so many people taking Bobby A. to task of late for being so serious or too difficult, this album is like a breath of fresh spring air and it's nice to hear a singer having a grand old time letting down his hair.



The arrangements tend towards the big and brassy (especially a mariachi version of Le Chanteur de Mexico that ends this album where Alagna milks his register break to the point one thinks they're hearing country "legend" Slim Whitman. So, pour yourself a nice glass of Sangria, kick back and enjoy!

"

A worthy tribute to a great singer

Robert Petersen | Durban, South Africa | 04/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alagna scores big time with this fantastic tribute album to a great French tenor Luis Mariano. I was unfamiliar with Mariano's music until I listened to this album. Alagna's voice is in great shape, showing us that he can pull off French operetta just as well as the great Mariano himself!"