Dive into the enchanting world of French opera with Roberto Alagna's "French Opera Arias," a captivating collection released on January 1, 2006, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This album is a testament to Alagna's extraordinary vocal prowess and his deep connection to his French operatic roots, despite his Italian lineage. With a career spanning decades, Alagna brings a unique perspective to these timeless arias, each one a masterclass in tenor vocals.
Spanning a little over an hour, this album features a diverse range of arias from some of the most beloved French operas. From the romantic "Je pense à vous" from "Maître Pathelin" to the dramatic "Rachel, quand du Seigneur la grâce tutélaire" from "La Juive," Alagna's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. The album also includes renowned pieces like "Ah! tout est bien fini! Ô souverain, ô juge" from "Le Cid" and "Voici ma misère, hélas" from "Samson et Dalila," showcasing Alagna's versatility and mastery over his craft.
Accompanied by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, under the baton of Bertrand de Billy, the orchestration is as compelling as Alagna's vocals. The album is a beautiful blend of familiar and lesser-known arias, making it a delightful experience for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a fan of Roberto Alagna or new to his work, "French Opera Arias" is an album that will leave you spellbound.
Maître Pathelin - Je pense à vousFrançois Bazin, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Bertrand de Billy
Le Cid - Ah! tout est bien fini! Ô souverain, ô jugeJules Massenet, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Les Abencérages: Suspendez à ces murs… J’ai vu disparaîtreLuigi Cherubini, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Mireille / Act V: Mon coeur est plein d'un noir souci Anges du ParadisCharles Gounod, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Bertrand de Billy
L'amant jaloux: Tandis que tout sommeilleAndré-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
La Juive / Act IV: Rachel, quand du Seigneur la grâce tutélaireFromental Halévy, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Bertrand de Billy
Mignon - Elle ne croyait pas, dans sa candeur naïveAmbroise Thomas, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
L'Africaine / Act IV: Pays merveilleuxGiacomo Meyerbeer, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
La Damnation de Faust - Invocation à la natureHector Berlioz, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Iphigénie en Tauride / Act II: Quel langage accablant Unis dès la plus tendre enfanceChristoph Willibald Gluck, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Les pêcheurs de perles, WD 13 / Act I: À cette voix... Je crois entendre encoreGeorges Bizet, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Le Roi d'Ys / Act III: Puisqu'on ne peut fléchir ces jalouses gardiennes - Vainement ma bien-aiméeÉdouard Lalo, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Joseph - Vainement Pharaon dans sa reconnaissance Champs paternelsÉtienne Nicolas Méhul, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Samson et Dalila - Vois ma misère, hélasCamille Saint-Saëns, Roberto Alagna, Bertrand de Billy, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
L'attaque du moulin - Drame lyrique en 4 actes: Le jour tombeAlfred Bruneau, Roberto Alagna, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Bertrand de Billy