Dive into the enchanting world of opera with Michael Spyres' debut recital album, "A Fool for Love," released in 2011 under the Delos label. This captivating collection features thirteen beloved tenor arias, each a testament to the enduring power of love in opera. Spyres, an emerging American tenor, has meticulously curated a selection of arias that span from the classical elegance of Mozart to the innovative compositions of Stravinsky. The album showcases Spyres' remarkable vocal range and interpretive depth, accompanied by the Moscow Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Constantine Orbelian.
"A Fool for Love" opens with a vibrant aria from Donizetti's "La fille du régiment" and closes with a heartfelt rendition from Lehár's "Das Land des Lachelns." In between, Spyres navigates a diverse array of operatic masterpieces, including arias from "The Rake's Progress," "Il barbiere di Siviglia," "L'elisir d'amore," and "Don Giovanni," among others. Each aria is a gem in its own right, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human emotion and dramatic storytelling that defines the opera genre.
The album's duration of approximately one hour and three minutes provides a comprehensive yet concise exploration of Spyres' artistry. His performances are marked by a delicate balance of technical prowess and expressive nuance, making "A Fool for Love" a standout debut in the world of classical vocal recordings. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful introduction to the timeless allure of tenor arias.
2011 Delos2011 Delos
Tracks
La fille du regiment, Act II: Cavatine: Ah! mes amis, quel jour defete … Pour mon ameGaetano Donizetti, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
The Rake's Progress, Act I: Recitative: Here I stand …Igor Stravinsky, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), Act II: Aria: Cessa di piu resistereGioachino Rossini, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love), Act II: Una furtiva lagrimaGaetano Donizetti, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Don Giovanni, K. 527, Act II: Aria: Il mio tesoro intantoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Les pecheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers), Act I: Je crois entendre encore, cache sous les palmiersGeorges Bizet, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Werther, Act III: Pourquoi me reveillerJules Massenet, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, TrV 227, Act I: Di rigori armato il senoRichard Strauss, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
La boheme, Act I: Che gelida maninaGiacomo Puccini, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Rigoletto, Act III: La donna e mobileGiuseppe Verdi, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Lucia di Lammermoor, Act II: Lucia fra poco a te verraGaetano Donizetti, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Eugene Onegin, Op. 24, Act II: Kuda, kuda, kuda vi udalilisPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
L'arlesiana, Act II: E la solita storiaFrancesco Cilea, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian
Das Land des Lachelns (The Land of Smiles), Act II: Dein ist mein ganzes Herz!Franz Lehár, Michael Spyres, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Constantine Orbelian