"Joseph Calleja - The Maltese Tenor" is a captivating collection of operatic arias that showcases the remarkable talent of Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja. Released in 2011 under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a testament to Calleja's mature and carefully nurtured voice, which has been honed to perfection over the years. At the time of its release, Calleja was 33 years old, and this album marks his third solo venture into the world of operatic arias, demonstrating his growing mastery of the genre.
The album features a diverse selection of 15 tracks, spanning a duration of 65 minutes and 49 seconds. It includes iconic pieces from renowned operas such as "La Bohème," "Tosca," "Manon Lescaut," and "Les Contes d'Hoffmann," among others. Calleja's performance is accompanied by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by Marco Armiliato, adding a rich and dynamic backdrop to his powerful vocals.
Critics have praised Calleja's ability to shine in both Italian and French arias, highlighting his exceptional rendition of works by composers like Massenet and Offenbach. The album is a blend of romantic and operatic styles, offering a comprehensive showcase of Calleja's versatility and artistry. Whether you are an opera enthusiast or a casual listener, "Joseph Calleja - The Maltese Tenor" promises an enchanting journey through the world of classical music, featuring some of the most beloved arias in the operatic repertoire.
La Bohème / Act 1: "Che gelida manina"Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
La Bohème / Act 1: "O soave fanciulla"Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Calleja, Aleksandra Kurzak, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Simon Boccanegra / Act 2: "Oh inferno...Sento avvampar"Giuseppe Verdi, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Les Contes d'Hoffmann / Act 1: "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" (La légende de Kleinzach)Jacques Offenbach, Joseph Calleja, Choeur Du Grand Theatre De Geneve, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Tosca / Act 1: "Recondita armonia"Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Tosca / Act 3: "E lucevan le stelle"Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Mefistofele / Act 1: "Dai campi, dai prati"Arrigo Boito, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Mefistofele / Act 4: "Giunto sul passo estremo"Arrigo Boito, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Faust / Act 3: "Quel trouble inconnu...Salut! Demeure chaste et pure"Charles Gounod, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Manon Lescaut / Act 1: "Ma se vi talenta...Tra voi, belle, brune e bionde"Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Manon Lescaut / Act 1: "Donna non vidi mai"Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Manon / Act 3: "Je suis seul!...Ah! fuyez, douce image"Jules Massenet, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Luisa Miller / Act 2: "Oh! fede negar potessi...Quando le sere al placido"Giuseppe Verdi, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Un ballo in maschera / Act 3: "Forse la soglia attinse...Ma se m'è forza perderti"Giuseppe Verdi, Joseph Calleja, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato
Les pêcheurs de perles / Act 2: "De mon amie, fleur endormie...Léila! Léila!...Ton coeur n'a pas compris le mien!"Georges Bizet, Joseph Calleja, Aleksandra Kurzak, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marco Armiliato