Experience the enchanting vocal prowess of Kathleen Battle in her latest album, "Kathleen Battle sings Opera & Concert Arias." This exquisite collection showcases the renowned soprano's extraordinary range and technical mastery, featuring a selection of beloved arias and concert pieces that highlight her distinctive voice.
The album spans a variety of operatic and choral works, including iconic pieces from Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia" and "L'elisir d'amore," Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera," and Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos." Kathleen Battle's pure, lyric soprano shines in these performances, accompanied by esteemed orchestras and conductors such as the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Claudio Abbado.
In addition to her operatic repertoire, the album includes a live performance of Johann Strauss II's "Voices of Spring," recorded at the prestigious Musikverein in Vienna. This diverse selection of pieces demonstrates Kathleen Battle's versatility and artistry, making it a captivating listen for both opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike.
Kathleen Battle, born in Portsmouth, Ohio, has established herself as one of the most celebrated sopranos of her generation. Her career has spanned over four decades, during which she has performed with major orchestras and opera houses worldwide. This album is a testament to her enduring talent and her ability to captivate audiences with her beautiful voice and impeccable technique.
Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act I: No. 5, Cavatina. Una voce poco fa - Cabaletta. Io sono docileGioachino Rossini, Kathleen Battle, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act II: No. 14a, Ma forse, ahimè, Lindoro - Ah se è ver (1819 Interpolated Scena ed Aria)Gioachino Rossini, Kathleen Battle, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Il Signor Bruschino, Act I: N.5 Recit et Aria: Ah! voi condur volete - Ah! donate il caro sposoGioachino Rossini, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, Ion Marin, John Constable
L'elisir d'amore, Act I: Benedette queste carte!Gaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Dawn Upshaw, Luciano Pavarotti, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, David Stivender, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
L'elisir d'amore, Act II: Prendi; per me sei liberoGaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Luciano Pavarotti, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
Un ballo in maschera, Act III: Saper vorresteGiuseppe Verdi, Kathleen Battle, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Un ballo in maschera, Act I: Volta la terrea...Signori: oggi d'UlricaGiuseppe Verdi, Kathleen Battle, Luciano Pavarotti, Alexander Oliver, Renato Bruson, Robert Lloyd, Malcolm King, The London Opera Chorus, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Voices of Spring, Op. 410 - Live at Musikverein, Vienna, 1987Johann Strauss II, Kathleen Battle, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60 / Opera: Großmächtige PrinzessinRichard Strauss, Kathleen Battle, Wiener Philharmoniker, James Levine
Siegfried - Zweiter Tag des Bühnenfestspiels "Der Ring des Nibelungen" / Zweiter Aufzug: Nun sing, ich lausche dem GesangRichard Wagner, Kathleen Battle, Reiner Goldberg, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61: No. 3 Song with Chorus You spotted snakesFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Judi Dench, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61, MWV M13: Finale: Through this House Give Glimmering LightFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Judi Dench, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver