Experience the captivating artistry of Rolando Villazón in his 2006 opera recital, a stunning collection of arias that showcase his remarkable vocal range and interpretive depth. This album, released on Warner Classics, features Villazón accompanied by the Münchner Rundfunkorchester, conducted by the esteemed Michel Plasson. Spanning a diverse repertoire from the likes of Offenbach, Puccini, Verdi, and Bizet, this recital is a testament to Villazón's versatility and mastery of the operatic form.
The album opens with a powerful rendition of "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" from Offenbach's "Les contes d'Hoffmann," setting the stage for a journey through some of the most beloved and challenging arias in the operatic canon. Villazón's performance of "Recondita armonia" from Puccini's "Tosca" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to convey deep, nuanced emotions through his voice. The recital also includes standout performances of "Mamma, quel vino" from Mascagni's "Cavalleria rusticana" and "La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Bizet's "Carmen," each demonstrating Villazón's technical prowess and dramatic flair.
With a duration of just over an hour, this recital is a concise yet comprehensive showcase of Rolando Villazón's talents. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The high-quality recordings and expert accompaniment by the Münchner Rundfunkorchester ensure that every note is clear and resonant, allowing Villazón's voice to shine. This album is a celebration of the operatic tradition and a testament to the enduring power of vocal artistry.
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Prologue: "Il était une fois à la cour d'Eisenach" (Hoffmann, Nathanaël, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Florian Laconi
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act 2: "Allons ! Courage et confiance"Jacques Offenbach, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Puccini: Tosca, Act 1: "Recondita armonia"Giacomo Puccini, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana: "Mamma, quel vino"Pietro Mascagni, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Theresa Blank
Giordano: Fedora, Act 2: "Amor ti vieta"Umberto Giordano, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Flotow: Martha, Act 3: "Ach, so fromm, ach, so traut"Friedrich von Flotow, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Flotow: Alessandro Stradella, Act 3: "Jungfrau Maria"Friedrich von Flotow, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Strauss, R: Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Act 1: "Di rigori armato il seno"Richard Strauss, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Verdi: Un ballo in maschera, Act 3: "Ma se m'è forza perderti"Giuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Donizetti: Don Pasquale, Act 3: "Com' è gentil"Gaetano Donizetti, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Donizetti: La favorita, Act 4: "Favorita del re!"Gaetano Donizetti, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Bizet: Carmen, Act 2: "La fleur que tu m'avais jetée"Georges Bizet, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Bizet: Les pêcheurs de perles, WD 13, Act 1: "À cette voix" - Romance. "Je crois entendre encore" (Nadir)Georges Bizet, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson
Verdi: Ernani, Act 2: "Odi il voto" - "Sprezzo la vita"Giuseppe Verdi, Rolando Villazón, Munich Radio Orchestra, Michel Plasson, Bavarian Radio Chorus