Experience the magic of Kathleen Battle's extraordinary vocal prowess with "Live in Tokyo 1988," a captivating live recording that showcases the soprano's distinctive range and tone. This album, released by Deutsche Grammophon in 2011, features Battle performing alongside the renowned Plácido Domingo, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and conducted by the esteemed James Levine. The concert, originally held in 1988, has been meticulously preserved to offer listeners an authentic taste of Battle's live performance.
The album spans a diverse repertoire of opera arias and duets, highlighting Battle's versatility and mastery of the genre. From the dramatic overture of Verdi's "La forza del destino" to the lyrical beauty of "L'elisir d'amore," each track demonstrates Battle's ability to convey depth and nuance. Notable performances include her rendition of "Signore, che t'accadde" from "La traviata" and the duets "Va! Je t'ai pardonné" from "Roméo et Juliette" and "Duet. Love unspoken, love unbroken" from "Die lustige Witwe."
"Live in Tokyo 1988" is a testament to Kathleen Battle's artistry, capturing a pivotal moment in her career. The album's nine tracks, lasting just under an hour, provide a comprehensive overview of her vocal capabilities and stage presence. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a casual listener, this recording offers a rich and rewarding experience.
La forza del destino: Overture (Sinfonia)Giuseppe Verdi, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
La traviata, Act III: Signore - Che t'accadde - Parigi, o caraGiuseppe Verdi, Kathleen Battle, Margaret Jane Wray, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
Don Pasquale, Act III: Quel guardo il cavaliereGaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
Lucia di Lammermoor, Act II: Tombe degl'avi miei - Fra poco a me ricoveroGaetano Donizetti, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
L'elisir d'amore, Act I: Caro elisir - Trallarallara - Esulti pur la CaroGaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
L'italiana in Algeri: OvertureGioachino Rossini, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
Roméo et Juliette, Act IV: Va! Je t'ai pardonné - Nuit d'hyménéeCharles Gounod, Kathleen Battle, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
Don Giovanni, ossia Il dissoluto punito, K.527 - Arr. Lorenzo da Ponte after Tirso de Molina / Act 1: Là ci darem la manoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kathleen Battle, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
Die lustige Witwe, Act II: Duet. Love unspoken, love unbrokenFranz Lehár, Kathleen Battle, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein