Search - Alessandro Scarlatti, Vincenzo Bellini, Ruggero Leoncavallo :: Ramon Vargas - Canzoni (Neapolitan Songs and other Italian Classical songs)

A good news for the opera

tenor_in_training | 12/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Ramon Vargas as Cassio in Domingo's latest "Otello" under the baton of Maestro Chung. That was a very memorable performance, probably the best on record. I remember thinking "what a fantastic Cassio, he sounds like a smaller prettier version of Otello himself. No wonder the Moor would be jealous." Luckily we now have a few more recordings of Ramon Vargas to enjoy. The thing I immediately noticed was this man's musical intelligence. The second - his obvious love for the music. In a time when so many young tenors rush into spotlight created by The Three without the sufficient preparation, he is like a breath of fresh air. He is thoroughly trained and his voice shows no signs of swagger and narcissism that several of his counterparts like to display. Aside from this disc, I can highly recommend "L'Amour, l'amour" that I recently got to enjoy. As always, I have already heard the critics drop the same meaningless words "big voice vs. small voice." I can assure you, Ramon Vargas' voice is powerful enough. He is not Corelli, granted, but he is able to project much more beauty of sound and colour, not to mention attention to phrasing and legato. This CD stands out as one of the best recorded live recitals: the sound is clear (even though the piano came out a bit too heavy at times), and the audience's noises are hardly noticeable. Interestingly, he did not sing any arias during this recital, although his operatic singing is exemplary, as we know from his recent "Werther" or his appearance as Edgardo in Met's "Lucia." I think he would be just delightful as Nemorino, Rodolfo, or Duca. However, given today's abundance of recordings of these operas and the efforts of the media to promote other young tenors, we might have to wait 'till Mr. Vargas gets the credit he deserves. Overall, a very pleasing intelligent new star on operatic horizon and a career to watch."

Finally, a tenor with enough!!

tenor_in_training | 05/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Disregard the first review on the list... the person doesn't know what he's talking about! This live recital caught Vargas at the beginning of his international career. He sings with total control over his velvety instrument, and at no time is overpowered by the pianist (who is unusually good, by the way). His singing of "Cor' ingrato" alone would justify the price of this disk. His tone reminds one of the young Giusseppe di Stefano, but he never pushes and always sings with immaculate control. How the first reviewer on the list came up with his comment that he seemed to tire near the end of this recital is beyond me, because he goes from strength to strenth. Indeed, in his 3rd encore, he vaults to an effortless mixed voice high note that would not be accessible to him if he had strained the instrument in any way. One of the brightest lights on the current performing stage, this tenor really has all the qualities needed for a long and important career. I would not want to be without this inexpensive, excellent recital recording."

Simply the Best

tenor_in_training | 07/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many Tenors in the past have recorded Neopolitan songs, though none of them compare to the new young tenor on the scene Ramon Vargas. This recording, taped live in 1995, shows Vargas at his best. He has a powerful voice, and it is even from bottom to top. He has a legato line that reminds me of the great Placido Domingo. In ideale, Vargas hits the final note in a full tone piano that is simply wonderful. This cd is outstanding, and Vargas is the tenor of the future. Snyonr who loves good singing should get this cd."