Experience the breathtaking vocal prowess of Vivica Genaux in her 2003 album "Bel Canto Arias," a stunning collection of arias by Rossini and Donizetti. This album showcases Genaux's extraordinary talent as a mezzo-soprano, offering a captivating journey through the bel canto repertoire. With a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album features 10 meticulously selected tracks that highlight Genaux's technical brilliance and expressive depth.
From the heart-wrenching "Nacqui all'affanno" from Rossini's "La Cenerentola" to the fiery "Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno!" from "L'Italiana in Algeri," each aria is performed with a level of artistry that sets Genaux apart. Her rendition of "Una voce poco fa" from Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to convey both charm and virtuosity. The album also includes lesser-known but equally compelling pieces, such as "Nella fatal di Rimini" from Donizetti's "Lucrezia Borgia" and "Popolo, amici, sanguinosi allori" from "Alahor in Granata."
Accompanied by the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris under the direction of John Nelson, Genaux's performances are richly supported by a orchestra that brings out the full drama and beauty of the bel canto style. The album was released on Warner Classics and has garnered critical acclaim for its technical precision and emotional resonance. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Bel Canto Arias" offers a compelling introduction to the world of bel canto, showcasing the timeless appeal of these arias through the extraordinary voice of Vivica Genaux.
Rossini: La Cenerentola, Act 2 Scene 10: "Nacqui all'affanno, al pianto" (Cenerentola, Chorus)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri, Act 1 Scene 4: No. 4, Cavatina, "Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno! … Qua ci vuol disinvoltura" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri, Act 2 Scene 11: No. 16, Recitativo e Rondo, "Amici, in ogni evento … Pensa alla patria" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia, Prologue Scene 1: "Nella fatal di Rimini e memorabil guerra" (Orsini)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia, Act 1 Scene 5: "Il Segreto per esser felici" (Orsini)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Alahor in Granata, Act 1: "Popolo, amici, sanguinosi allori" - "Ah, sì, da tanti affanni" (Hassem)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Anna Bolena, Act 1 Scene 9: "È sgombro il loco … Questa da me rapita" (Smeton)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: La donna del lago, Act 1 Scene 7: No. 3, Recitativo e Cavatina, "Mura felici … Elena! oh tu, ch'io chiamo!" (Elena)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Rossini: Semiramide, Act 2 Scene 4: No. 2, Recitativo e Cavatina, "Eccomi alfine in Babilonia … Ah! quel giorno ognor rammento" (Arsace)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act 1 Scene 5: No. 9, Cavatina, "Una voce poco fa" (Rosina)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
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