Dive into the enchanting world of opera with Sir John Pritchard's "OPERA ARIAS," a timeless collection released on January 6, 1994, under the Nar Classical label. This album is a testament to Pritchard's mastery as a conductor, featuring a stunning array of arias that span iconic works from Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" to Verdi's "Ernani," and Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." Each track showcases Pritchard's fluid and responsive direction, accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and other esteemed ensembles, delivering a rich, immersive experience that highlights the depth and range of operatic artistry.
With a duration of 74 minutes, the album includes 14 captivating performances, such as "Martern aller Arten" from "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" and "Il dolce suono mi colpì di sua voce!" from "Lucia di Lammermoor." Pritchard's collaboration with legendary soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on tracks like "Ombre légère qui suis mes pas" from "Le pardon de Ploërmel" adds a layer of brilliance, making this album a must-listen for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're exploring the dramatic intensity of "Sorta è la notte... - Ernani! Ernani, involami" or the tender beauty of "Je veux vivre dans le rêve," this collection is a celebration of the timeless power of opera.
Zaide, K. 344, IWM 682, Act I: "Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben" (Zaide)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K. 384, IWM 176, Act I: "Martern aller Arten" (Konstanze)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
Linda di Chamounix, IGD 44, Act I: "Ah! Tardai troppo - O luce di quest'anima" (Linda)Gaetano Donizetti, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
Lucia di Lammermoor, IGD 45, Act II: "Il dolce suono mi colpì di sua voce!" (Lucia)Gaetano Donizetti, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
Lucia di Lammermoor, IGD 45, Act II: "Ardon gl'incensi" (Lucia)Gaetano Donizetti, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
Lucia di Lammermoor, IGD 45, Act III: "Spargi d'amaro pianto" (Lucia)Gaetano Donizetti, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
Louise, IGC 13, Act III "Depuis le jour où je me suis donnée" (Louise)Gustave Charpentier, Beverly Sills, Orchestre National De France, Sir John Pritchard, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Köln Open Chor
I Capuleti e i Montecchi, IVB 7, Act I "Eccomi in lieta vesta" (Giulietta)Vincenzo Bellini, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
I Capuleti e i Montecchi, IVB 7, Act I "Oh! quante volte, oh! Quante ti chiedo al ciel piangendo!" (Giulietta)Vincenzo Bellini, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
L'elisir d'amore, A 36, IGD 24, Act II: "Prendi; per me sei libero" (Adina)Gaetano Donizetti, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
Le pardon de Ploërmel, IGM 47, Act II: "Ombre légère qui suis mes pas" (Dinorah)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
Ernani, IGV 8, Act I: "Sorta è la notte... - Ernani! Ernani, involami" (Elvira)Giuseppe Verdi, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
Ernani, IGV 8, Act I: "Tutto sprezzo, che d'Ernani" (Elvira)Giuseppe Verdi, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
Roméo et Juliette, CG 9, ICG 156, Act I "Je veux vivre dans la rêve" (Juliette)Charles Gounod, Köln Radio Sinfonie Orchester, Ernst Marzendorfer, Beverly Sills
Sir John Pritchard, a distinguished English conductor, captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional interpretations of Mozart operas and his championing of contemporary music. Born in London in 1921, Pritchard's musical journey began under the tutelage of his violinist father and continued in Italy, where he honed his skills in violin, piano, and conducting. His illustrious career spanned nearly five decades, marked by prestigious appointments at renowned opera houses and orchestras, including Glyndebourne, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Pritchard's dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with musicians earned him widespread respect and admiration. Knighted in 1983, this maestro left an indelible mark on the world of opera and classical music, passing away in 1989.
Vinylscout
Sir John Pritchard
