Experience the enchanting artistry of Kathleen Battle in her captivating album "French Opera Arias," a collection of timeless operatic gems that showcase her unparalleled vocal prowess. Released on January 1, 2013, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to Battle's exquisite tone, precise intonation, and impeccable phrasing.
Spanning a rich tapestry of French opera highlights from the 19th century, "French Opera Arias" features arias from renowned composers such as Berlioz, Donizetti, Massenet, Gounod, Thomas, Offenbach, and Charpentier. The album opens with a stirring rendition of "La fille du régiment" by Donizetti and includes beloved arias from operas like "Manon," "Roméo et Juliette," and "Hamlet," among others. Each piece is performed with Kathleen Battle's signature brilliance and depth, accompanied by the Orchestre et Chœurs de l'Opéra Bastille under the baton of Myung-Whun Chung.
With a duration of one hour and two minutes, this album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike. Kathleen Battle's performance is nothing short of exquisite, delivering a bright and fresh tone that brings each aria to life with sparkling clarity and meaningful expression. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "French Opera Arias" promises an unforgettable listening experience that celebrates the beauty and elegance of French opera.
La fille du régiment, Act II: C'en est donc fait - Salut à la FranceGaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Choeurs de l'Opera Bastille, Denis Dubois, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Manon, Act II: Allons, il le faut - Adieu, notre petite tableJules Massenet, Kathleen Battle, Choeurs de l'Opera Bastille, Denis Dubois, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Roméo et Juliette, Act II: Ah, je veux vivre dans ce reveCharles Gounod, Kathleen Battle, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Roméo et Juliette, Act IV: Dieu! quel frisson - Amour, ranime mon courageCharles Gounod, Kathleen Battle, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Béatrice et Bénédict, Act I: Je vais le voirHector Berlioz, Kathleen Battle, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Mignon, Act II: Oui! pour ce soir. Je suis TitaniaAmbroise Thomas, Kathleen Battle, Choeurs de l'Opera Bastille, Denis Dubois, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
La Belle Lurette: On s'amuse, on applauditJacques Offenbach, Kathleen Battle, Myung-Whun Chung, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris
Manon, Act III: Suis-je gentille ainsi? - Obéissons, quand leur voix appelleJules Massenet, Kathleen Battle, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Hamlet: Act IVAmbroise Thomas, Kathleen Battle, Choeurs de l'Opera Bastille, Denis Dubois, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Louise, Act III: Depuis le jourGustave Charpentier, Kathleen Battle, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung