Search - Gioachino Rossini, Giuliano Carella, Jennifer Larmore :: Rossini: Arias

Larmore at her best!

M. Ramos | 02/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jennifer Larmore is the epitome of what a mezzo coloratura must be: dark, luscious sound, extraordinary range and perfect technique. This is absolutely the best solo recital of this beautiful singer up to date. Rossini is definitely HER COMPOSER. She sings the eight very difficult arias of this album with energy, lots of expression and a sense of fun. Her use of ornamentation is really an asset (Special mention to Philip Gosset, who provided ornamentation oh his own making). But Larmore's delivery is not mere vocal display: she provides great depth to what she is singing, specially in "Canzone del salice" from "Otello". It is also refreshing to find musical rarities that are first-rate music. The English Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Giuliano Carella, provides great support to the singer. This is a must have for fans of Larmore, Rossini and the great tradition of bel canto singing."

A fine recital by a wonderful artist

V. Chau | San Diego, CA | 12/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this CD, Jennifer Larmore sings two true female soprano arias, two true female mezzo-soprano arias, and four mezzo-soprano en travesti arias. She has a distinctive, dusky mezzo-soprano voice. Larmore's voice has a wonderful middle register and a strong lower register. On this CD of Rossini arias, she sings cleanly and with emotion. Her singing is not just empty display. She really commits her dramatic intelligence to these wonderful arias. Her coloratura is very good. Some of the florid work she executes is worthy of Marilyn Horne and can be compared with the coloratura of sopranos such as Joan Sutherland and Beverly Sills. I would like to point out some highlights of the disc. Pamyra's Prayer from "Le Siège de Corinthe", sung in French, is a beautiful aria that Larmore executes superbly. In Falliero's cavatina from "Bianca e Falliero", the last section has a march-like melody that rouses Larmore to sing with great passion and spirit. This march-like tune is quite melodious, too. Larmore sounds just like a brave, young warrior who would do anything for his country. The Willow Song from Rossini's "Otello" has a ravishingly beautiful harp introduction. The aria requires some agility, which Larmore has in abundance. Her two trills in this aria, on the word "ruscelletti", as well as her trills in a couple of the other arias, are very good. In "D'amor al dolce impero", she executes the tricky runs very well. However, she slows down the tempo in order to sing the triplet passages accurately. Her high C's in this aria are quite thin. Near the end of the aria, she tries to do a diminuendo on one of her high notes, but the result is not very effective. If you have ever heard Montserrat Caballé's studio recording of this aria, you will be amazed by the diminuendo she does on one of her high notes. She hits the high note forte and then immediately scales back her voice to a tiny pianissimo. The effect is stunning. My only complaint about Larmore's singing is that her Italian diction is not always clear. I am referring to her diction in legato passages, not in florid passages. Throughout, she is supported by the excellent English Chamber Orchestra. The London Voices chorus contributes nicely to the recording. Teldec's sound is very good, definitely demonstration-quality. The booklet supplies useful notes, texts, and translations.This disc comes with my highest recommendation."

Larmore is superb...

Nancy Eckert | Bellefontaine, OH USA | 02/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jennifer Larmore is almost a bridge between Marilyn Horne and Cecilia Bartoli -- Von Stade is simply unique. Larmore's voice is enormously pleasing -- almost the mezzo version of Renee Fleming; and, like Fleming, Larmore gives us a just plain beautiful sound. Add to that considerable technique and musicianship and I have to wonder why she doesn't have a LOT more recordings."