Search - Mariusz Kwiecien, Vincenzo Bellini, Georges Bizet :: A Night At The Opera

Thoroughly entertaining sample of five fine young artists

D. H Patterson | Houston, TX United States | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have only a few quibbles about this release, but it really is enjoyable, and repeated listenings have only increased my admiration. The repertoire ranges across much of the operatic spectrum - okay, there's no Wagner, but perhaps that's too much to expect at this point in their careers. Since most of these selections have been recorded by other, established artists, individual comparisons are pointless. The overall impression given by these singers is that of vibrant youth and spontaneous joy in singing. Matthew Polenzani is perhaps the best known of these, and certainly justifies one's attention with some fine tenorizing. If he can't quite pull off the SCHICCHI aria (who has, lately?) he sings a splendid Faust, and there are darn few good ones these days. He's a real pleasure to hear. Since I've heard Indra Thomas live on numerous occasions, I'm thrilled to have her on CDs at last. She possesses a soaring, juicy lyric soprano (unfortunately not all that well captured here - the voice has a gorgeous spin to it, reminiscent of the young Leontyne Price, and that emerges from the recording only occasionally). Ms. Thomas sang the most beautiful and one of the most exciting performances of the TROVATORE Leonora I have ever heard (and I've heard some great Leonoras), and I'm glad to have a memento of it here. Valerian Ruminski, whose bass is exceptionally beautiful and well-focused, is one of the most fluent male exponents of coloratura that I've heard in 50 years of live performances, so I'm delighted to have the Purcell and Handel selections. In addition, he possesses what Walter Legge called "an immediately recognizable timbre" - the voice sticks in the memory. Kristine Jepson and Mariusz Kwiecien also acquit themselves well. My single real reservation about the individual selections is Ms. Jepson's track of the Composer's outburst from ARIADNE ("Sein wir wieder gut!"). In common with many mezzos, she sounds overparted by its high, soaring lines, though she throws herself into with gusto. To my mind, this role really is best sung by a soprano. Nevertheless, Ms. Jepson proves herself adept enough for Sesto and Zerlina. Mr. Kwiecien's robust baritone is a treat to hear in Verdi, and he and Mr. Ruminski sing a wonderful PURITANI duet. The orchestra plays well and while one might wish the conductor was a bit more "accommodating" to the singers, things move along nicely. This really is, on the whole, an invigorating and tuneful evening's worth of entertainment and a promise of fine things to come."