José Carreras, the renowned Spanish operatic tenor, bids farewell to the operatic stage with this exquisite collection of Puccini arias, released in 2009. This album, "José Carreras Performs Puccini," is a testament to Carreras' enduring legacy and his profound connection with the works of the great Italian composer. The album features nine beautifully rendered arias, each showcasing Carreras' signature rich, velvety voice and impeccable technique.
The album opens with "Dovunque Al Mondo" from Madama Butterfly, a poignant aria that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Carreras' performance is both powerful and nuanced, drawing the listener in with his expressive phrasing and dynamic range. Other highlights include the iconic "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot, a showstopper that Carreras delivers with his characteristic passion and intensity, and "Che Gelida Manina" from La Bohème, where his tender, lyrical singing brings out the romance and longing of the text.
This album is a fitting swan song for Carreras, who retired from opera in 2009 but continued to perform occasional recitals. It's a chance to hear him in some of his most beloved roles, from the doomed Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly to the conflicted Cavaradossi in Tosca. The album's brevity, clocking in at just over 34 minutes, makes it an ideal introduction to Carreras' artistry and Puccini's music for new listeners, while longtime fans will appreciate the opportunity to hear these arias in Carreras' distinctive style. Recorded under the Vanilla OMP label, this album is a treasure trove of operatic gems, performed by one of the most celebrated tenors of our time.
Vinylscout