Angela Gheorghiu, the renowned Romanian soprano, captivates audiences with her extraordinary vocal prowess and emotive performances in "The Essential Collection." Released in 2003 under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a compendium of some of the most celebrated arias from the operatic repertoire, showcasing Gheorghiu's versatility and artistry.
Spanning a little over an hour and seventeen minutes, the album features iconic pieces from beloved operas such as "La Bohème," "La Traviata," and "La Wally." Gheorghiu's renditions of these arias are nothing short of breathtaking, each one a testament to her ability to convey deep emotion and technical brilliance. Highlights include the poignant "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" from "La Bohème," the dramatic "Ah, fors'è lui" from "La Traviata," and the powerful "Pace, pace, mio Dio" from "La forza del destino."
This collection also includes live performances from London in 1994, offering a glimpse into Gheorghiu's electrifying stage presence. The inclusion of pieces from lesser-known operas like "Hérodiade" and "Simon Boccanegra" further underscores Gheorghiu's commitment to exploring a wide range of roles and musical styles.
Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Angela Gheorghiu's "The Essential Collection" is a treasure trove of timeless performances that highlight the beauty and power of the human voice.
La Wally / Act 1: "Ebben? Ne andrò lontana"Alfredo Catalani, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra del Teatro Regio di Torino, John Mauceri
La Bohème / Act 1: "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì"Giacomo Puccini, Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano, Riccardo Chailly
La Bohème / Act 1: "O soave fanciulla"Giacomo Puccini, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Simon Keenlyside, Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano, Riccardo Chailly
La traviata, Act I: Ah, fors'è lui – Sempre libera - Live at London, 1994Giuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Georg Solti
La forza del destino / Act 4: "Pace, pace, mio Dio"Giuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Riccardo Chailly
Faust, CG 4 / Act 3: "O Dieu! que de bijoux! Ah! Je ris de me voir"Charles Gounod, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra del Teatro Regio di Torino, John Mauceri
Hérodiade / Act 1: "Il est doux, il est bon"Jules Massenet, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra del Teatro Regio di Torino, John Mauceri
Chérubin / Act 3: Aubade: "Vive amour qui rêve"Jules Massenet, Angela Gheorghiu, Coro del Teatro Regio di Torino, Orchestra del Teatro Regio di Torino, John Mauceri
L'elisir d'amore / Act 1: "Chiedi all'aura lusinghiera" - ExcerptGaetano Donizetti, Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Choeur de l'Opera de Lyon, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon, Evelino Pidò
La Bohème / Act 3: "Donde lieta uscì al tuo grido"Giacomo Puccini, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano, Riccardo Chailly
I vespri siciliani / Act 5: "Mercè, dilette amiche"Giuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Riccardo Chailly
Simon Boccanegra / Act 1: "Come in quest'ora bruna"Giuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Riccardo Chailly
La traviata, Act III: Addio del passato - Live at London, 1994Giuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Georg Solti
Il Trovatore / Act 1: Tacea la notte placida...di tale amorGiuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Tiziana Tramonti, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi, Riccardo Chailly
Valurile Dunarii: MuzicaGeorge Grigoriu, Angela Gheorghiu, Orchestra del Teatro Regio di Torino, John Mauceri