Search - Kiri Te Kanawa, Giacomo Puccini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart :: Kiri

A Great Tribute to a Great Singer

M. Ramos | 12/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kiri Te Kanawa is one of the best lyric sopranos of all time, with luscious sound and a great technique. This album present this beautiful singer in some of her best recordings. The range of her career is presented in full display here, from her brilliant version of Handel's Let the Bright Seraphim through the pop song World in Union. There is a glimpse of her wonderful Mozart in a masterful rendition of Dove Sono from LE NOZZE DI FIGARO and Laudate Dominum from Vesperae solennes de Confessore K339. Other highlights of the recording are the two Puccini arias that she sang as part of the soundtrack of the Merchant Ivory movie A Room with a View. These arias (O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi and Chi bel sogno di Doretta from LA RONDINE) are as beautiful as I remembered from watching the film, the voice is fresh and clear, full of expression. The lighter numbers showcase Dame Kiri's capacity to change musical styles while maintaining an excellent technical skill. All this musical pleasure is enhanced by a booklet with magnificent photographs of the singer, showing how her personal beauty is in perfect harmony with the beauty of her singing voice. The only regret I have is that there is nothing of Richard Strauss here, a composer that has been very important for the soprano's career. Anyway, this CD is a great souvenir of Kiri Te Kanawa's career and a great way to introduce people to an artist who is still today giving much pleasure to people all around the world."

Brava Kiri! Brava!

pastre | edinburgh,UK | 04/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Earlier this evening, I had a unique privilege in seeing Dame Kiri Te Kanawa live here in Edinburgh at Usher Hall and truly it was a captivating experience, I booked the ticket six months ealier for I know it would be sold out. Dame Kiri has always been my favourite soprano (and of course Renee Fleming), and the moment she sang her first note, it was electrifying. Even the moment she walked on stage with pianist Julian Reynolds, her beauty took my breath away. She has beauty, stage presence and a captivating voice. I admire Dame Kiri that she has chosen songs/arias which is suitable to her voice which has darkened (but still beautiful) because of age. She's 59 but can still hold an audience with her special brand of kiri magic. i just love her.This cd is a good introduction to non-opera connoseurs and even to opera purist this will have a wide appeal. From her Handel's Let the Bright Seraphim which catapulted her to legendary status, Puccini's Vissi d' Arte and of course, her hugely successful song from Chants d' Auvergne, Canteloub's Bailero.This cd is worth having.Her Puccini's O mio babbino caro is something she made her own that when she sang it earlier as the final encore the audience stood up in rapturous applause (I am actually the first one who had the courage to stand up!)Dame Kiri is perhaps one of the top three greatest female voices that ever lived and I hope she continues to ignite her magical voice to audiences world wide. Rarely would we see a performer who has grace, class, serenity and vocal beauty like Dame Kiri.Brava Dame Kiri, Brava!!!"

LOVELY SINGING IN ALL TYPES OF MUSIC

Armindo | Greece | 03/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kiri Te Kanawa has one of the most beautiful lyric voices and a solid technique to support her charming instrument. Furthermore she is a gorgeous woman and it is always a pleasure to see her performing on stage. This CD is not the most representative of her career but everything heard here is truly enjoyable. The Dove Sono stands out as one of the most beautiful readings of this aria. Speaking of Mozart, they should have included arias from operas like Don Giovanni or Cosi fan Tutte as well. Her Strauss heroines are also not here,pity. Kiri is at her best in Mozart and Strauss. She admits that her voice lacks the power Puccini operas require and that she had to push her voice during stage performances to become audible. Indeed, one has to listen to a spinto soprano like Renata Tebaldi to feel the glory of Puccini in arias like Vissi D'arte or In quelle trine. Not that Kiri doesn't sing these well but they sound more like Mozart than verisimo. Her Violetta is acceptable but even better is her portrait of Amelia (Simon Boccanegra) unfortunately not on this CD. I loved all the modern songs. She proves that opera singers can sing modern music superbly if they want to. Many pop stars could learn a thing or two from opera singers about breathing and sound production!Although I would have wanted more Mozart and a bit Strauss on this CD, it is nevertheless highly recommendable. Bravo Kiri!"