Search - Elina Garanca :: Bel Canto

Beautiful Bel canto singing

R. J. Brand | Eindhoven Netherlands | 05/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I disagree with another reviewer who remarked on the lack of drama in this material. The Bel canto style had its peak of popularity in the Rossini, Bellini and Donzinetti era, where singing is less about drama and content, and all about the art of beautiful singing, vocal control and floral agility, which is exactly what we get from Elina Garanca. There is all the emotional content in her voice to make the songs touching and will invite repeated listening. If you appreciate beautiful singing you can't go wrong with this. If the reviewer wants drama I suggest to buy something from Verdi or Wagner, but that is not the point and purpose of Bel canto."

Beautiful but yawn inspiring

wolfgang731 | 04/28/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I just read Robert Levine's review of this album on the Classics Today website and glad to know that I am not alone in my lack of general enthusiasm for the material contained therein. For a far more educated and articulate review I suggest you read the aforementioned's. I just wanted to add my two cents, if I may. There is no doubt that Garanca's voice is a lovely an instrument as you could possibly want. It's warm, evenly produced throughout its range and multi-hued. There is no strain (at least not evident) and it's used intelligently, so no qualms there; however, this collection of many lesser known bel canto arias for mezzo soprano comes across like a studied and amazingly restrained exercise in singing. It's not that either I or the pieces themselves demand vocal fireworks but in my opinion they do require drama and commitment to communicating text and we get absolutely none of that here. And though, thankfully, there are no annoying mannerisms here, there is such a reserved approach to the music that it would seem Ms. Garanca were marking rather than offering a full blown performance. This is very pretty singing, indeed, and Roberto Abbado's deft knowledge of this repertoire proves very beneficial but it's also, sadly, a dull affair; seriously lacking in intensity and overall drama. It's a shame, really, because with a voice such as this and such a great selection of repertoire, this could have been 2009's vocal recital to beat. Instead what we have is an all together forgettable product that will be heard once and soon be collecting dust on CD shelves everywhere."

Elina GRanca

Natalie McGregor | Melbourne, Australia | 06/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm neither a professional reviewer, nor a music critic. However, I know quality when I hear it.

Elina Granca, to me, has a magnificent mezzo-soprano voice,so well-produced and a pleasure to listen to.

I have listened to this CD, 'Bel Canto', time and time again, and keep hearing new and wonderful things, even though the music is not familiar to me. It is becoming a very good friend , as is Elina Granca."