Search - Marc Hervieux :: Tenor Arias

Almost the real thing

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 05/19/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Knowing nothing about Quebec-born tenor Marc Hervieus, this program duplicates a dozen classic recitals recorded to show off the glories of an Italian voice. Hervieux hasn't stepped into the shoes of Corelli or Del Monaco, however. His timbre is very appealing, and there is good steadiness. But he's not naturally a noble tenor. This is a medium-sized voice pushing itself to sound grand. It was not a good idea to open with the two Turandot arias, "Non piangere, Liu," and "Nessun dorma," imprinted as we are with the glorious voices of Bjorling, di Stefano, and of course, the Three Tenors. Hervieux sounds like a good regional tenor by comparison.



Having less than a powerful voice is no sin, of course, but Hervieux can't sustain a long line. Unable to soar, he stitches each aria together form smaller segments -- one notices this immediately inTuriddu's great final aria from Cavalleria. the singer isn't helped by the lagging, dragging tempos chosen by Nezet-Seguin. why this conductor is rising so rapidly in the ranks is baffling to me. In short, this is a fine CD to show off a favorite Canadian tenor to his local fans, but wider appeal is doubtful."

Surprisingly fine voice

Larry G | NJ | 07/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album to hear the work of the new Phila Orchestra Music Director. I found skillful conducting with rich, sometimes original interpretations. But to my surprise, I also found an expressive tenor voice of beautiful tone, rich with color and phrasing. Nezet-Seguin and Hervieux collaborate perfectly here, displaying in each aria and orchestral selection their genuine understanding and appreciation of the music. This album is amongst the very finest tenor aria and orchestral accompaniment collections of my experience. Additionally, the selection of music is well balanced yet substantial, making the album comfortable for frequent listening and pleasing to general listeners. Seasoned collectors of opera music, meanwhile, will recognize the expert handling of elements that combine here to create a masterpiece."