Angela Gheorghiu, one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time, pays tribute to the legendary Maria Callas with her 2011 album "Homage to Maria Callas." This captivating collection of 14 iconic opera arias showcases Gheorghiu's extraordinary vocal prowess and her deep respect for Callas' enduring legacy. Released on Warner Classics, the album spans a duration of approximately one hour, offering a rich and immersive journey through some of the most beloved and dramatic moments in opera history.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Mimì's Farewell" from Puccini's "La Bohème" to the fiery passion of "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen," Gheorghiu masterfully interprets these timeless pieces, drawing comparisons to Callas' own legendary performances. The album also features arias from Gounod's "Faust," Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila," and Verdi's "La Traviata," among others, each delivered with Gheorghiu's signature elegance and emotional depth.
The album's hardback booklet, featuring a thoughtful photo layout pairing Gheorghiu with images of Callas, adds a visual dimension to this musical homage. Whether you are an opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Homage to Maria Callas" offers a compelling exploration of the art form, highlighting the enduring influence of one of its greatest stars and the remarkable talents of Angela Gheorghiu.
La Bohème, Act III: Donde lieta uscì (Mimì's Farewell)Giacomo Puccini, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Gounod: Faust, Act 3: "O Dieu! Que de bijoux" - Air des bijoux. "Ah, je ris de me voir si belle" (Marguerite)Charles Gounod, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Il Pirata, Act II, Scene 3: Col sorriso d'innocenzaVincenzo Bellini, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I Pagliacci: Qual fiamma avea nel guardo!...Stridono lassuRuggero Leoncavallo, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 2: Air. "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Dalila)Camille Saint-Saëns, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
La Wally: Ebben?...Ne andrò lontanaAlfredo Catalani, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 1: Habanera. "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Carmen)Georges Bizet, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Andrea Chénier, Act III: La mamma mortaUmberto Giordano, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Cherubini: Medea, Act I: "Dei tuoi figli la madre" (Medea)Luigi Cherubini, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Massenet: Le Cid, Act 3: "De cet affreux combat" - "Pleurez, pleurez mes yeux" (Chimène)Jules Massenet, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Adriana Lecouvreur: Poveri fioriFrancesco Cilea, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
La Traviata: È strano! È strano!...Ah, fors` è luiGiuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
La Traviata: Follie! Follie!...Sempre liberaGiuseppe Verdi, Angela Gheorghiu, Marco Armiliato, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra