Experience the timeless masterpieces of Italian opera with Jessye Norman's stunning rendition of "Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana / Leoncavallo: Pagliacci." This captivating album, released on January 1, 2011, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, showcases the extraordinary vocal prowess of Jessye Norman, one of the most celebrated opera singers of our time.
The album features two iconic operas that have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. "Cavalleria Rusticana," composed by Pietro Mascagni, is a powerful and dramatic work that tells the tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy in a small Sicilian village. Norman's powerful and expressive voice brings depth and nuance to the characters, making each note resonate with authenticity and passion.
Following "Cavalleria Rusticana" is "Pagliacci," a masterpiece by Ruggero Leoncavallo. This opera delves into the complex world of a traveling theater troupe, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. Norman's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, as she navigates the intricate emotions and dramatic twists with remarkable skill and artistry.
The album spans a total of 2 hours and 28 minutes, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience of these beloved operas. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. Jessye Norman's extraordinary talent and the rich, dramatic narratives of "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci" make this a standout addition to any classical music collection.
Cavalleria rusticana: PreludioPietro Mascagni, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "O lola ch'ai di latti la cammisa" (Siciliana)Pietro Mascagni, Giuseppe Giacomini, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: IntroduzionePietro Mascagni, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Gli aranci olezzano sui verdi margini"Pietro Mascagni, Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Dite, mama Lucia"Pietro Mascagni, Jessye Norman, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Il cavallo scalpita"Pietro Mascagni, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Beato voi, compar Alfio"Pietro Mascagni, Rosa Laghezza, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Jessye Norman, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Regina coeli laetare...Innegiamo, il Signor non è morto" (Preghiera)Pietro Mascagni, Jessye Norman, Rosa Laghezza, Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Voi lo sapete, o mama" (Romanza)Pietro Mascagni, Rosa Laghezza, Jessye Norman, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Tu qui, Santuzza?" (Duetto) - "Fior la giaggolo"Pietro Mascagni, Giuseppe Giacomini, Jessye Norman, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Fior di giaggiolo"Pietro Mascagni, Marta Senn, Giuseppe Giacomini, Jessye Norman, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Ah! lo vedi" (Duetto)Pietro Mascagni, Jessye Norman, Giuseppe Giacomini, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Oh! Il Signore vi manda" (Duetto)Pietro Mascagni, Jessye Norman, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: Intermezzo sinfonicoPietro Mascagni, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "A casa, amici" - "Comare Lola"Pietro Mascagni, Giuseppe Giacomini, Marta Senn, Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Viva il vino spumeggiante" (Brindisi)Pietro Mascagni, Giuseppe Giacomini, Marta Senn, Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "A voi tutti salute"Pietro Mascagni, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Marta Senn, Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Cavalleria rusticana: "Mama, quel vino è generoso" - "Turiddu?! Che vuoi dire?"Pietro Mascagni, Giuseppe Giacomini, Rosa Laghezza, Jessye Norman, Orchestre de Paris, Semyon Bychkov
Pagliacci - Prologue: PreludeRuggero Leoncavallo, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Prologue: "Si può? Signore! Signori!"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Carlos Álvarez, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Son qua! Ritornano"Ruggero Leoncavallo, José Cura, Charles Castronovo, Netherlands Radio Chorus, National Kinderkoor, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Un grande spettacolo!"Ruggero Leoncavallo, José Cura, Carlos Álvarez, Adrian Folea, Charles Castronovo, Netherlands Radio Chorus, National Kinderkoor, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Un tal gioco, credetemi"Ruggero Leoncavallo, José Cura, Barbara Frittoli, Netherlands Radio Chorus, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "I zampognari!"Ruggero Leoncavallo, José Cura, Netherlands Radio Chorus, National Kinderkoor, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: Qual fiamma avea nel guardo..Stridono lassùRuggero Leoncavallo, Barbara Frittoli, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Sei là" - "So ben che difforme" - "Oh! lasciami"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Barbara Frittoli, Carlos Álvarez, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Nedda! Silvio, a quest'ora"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Simon Keenlyside, Barbara Frittoli, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Decidi il mio destin"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Simon Keenlyside, Barbara Frittoli, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: Non mi...tentarRuggero Leoncavallo, Barbara Frittoli, Simon Keenlyside, Carlos Álvarez, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "E allor perché, di', tu m'hai stregato"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Simon Keenlyside, Barbara Frittoli, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Cammina adagio" - "Derisione e scherno!" - "Padron! che fate!"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Carlos Álvarez, José Cura, Simon Keenlyside, Barbara Frittoli, Charles Castronovo, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 1: "Recitar!" - "Vesti la giubba"Ruggero Leoncavallo, José Cura, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 2: "Presto, affrettiamoci"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Carlos Álvarez, Charles Castronovo, Simon Keenlyside, Barbara Frittoli, Netherlands Radio Chorus, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 2: "Pagliaccio, mio marito"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Barbara Frittoli, Charles Castronovo, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 2: Di fare il segno convenutoRuggero Leoncavallo, Barbara Frittoli, Carlos Álvarez, Charles Castronovo, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 2: "Arlecchin! Colombina!" - "Prendi questo narcotico"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Barbara Frittoli, Charles Castronovo, Carlos Álvarez, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 2: "Versa il filtro ne la tazza sua!"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Charles Castronovo, Barbara Frittoli, José Cura, Carlos Álvarez, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Pagliacci - Act 2: "No, Pagliaccio non son" - "Suvvia, cosi terribile"Ruggero Leoncavallo, José Cura, Simon Keenlyside, Barbara Frittoli, Charles Castronovo, Carlos Álvarez, Netherlands Radio Chorus, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Jessye Norman, the acclaimed American opera singer, captivated global audiences with her powerful and dramatic soprano voice. Renowned for her commanding stage presence, Norman's repertoire spanned iconic roles such as Beethoven's Leonore, Wagner's Sieglinde and Kundry, and Berlioz's Cassandre and Didon. Her voice, often described as a "grand mansion of sound," boasted immense range and depth, filling concert halls with its rich, resonant tones. Norman's illustrious career, which spanned over five decades, earned her four Grammy Awards and the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal. Her performances were not just musical; they were transformative experiences that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of hearing her sing.