Dive into the enchanting world of opera with Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Request Programme," a captivating collection of operatic arias and orchestral pieces that showcase the brilliance of this renowned Italian composer. Released in 2000, this album features performances by the London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra and the National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Charles Craig and Michael Freedman, ensuring a rich and immersive listening experience.
Ruggero Leoncavallo, born in Naples in 1857, is celebrated for his contributions to the opera world, with his most enduring work being the verismo masterpiece "Pagliacci." This album offers a diverse selection of pieces, including the famous aria "Vesti la Giubba" from "Pagliacci," as well as other beloved works like "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life" from "Naughty Marietta" and "One Fine Day" from "Madame Butterfly." The album also includes instrumental pieces such as the "Prelude in C-sharp minor" and the lively "Tritsch Tratsch Polka."
With a duration of just 38 minutes, "Request Programme" is a concise yet powerful exploration of Leoncavallo's musical genius. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides a delightful introduction to the timeless beauty of operatic music. The performances are meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of each piece and transporting you to the heart of the opera house.
2000 Maestoso2000 Maestoso
Tracks
I Pagliacci, Act I: "Vesta La Giubba"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Charles Craig, Michael Freedman
Schwanengesang, D.957: IV. "Ständchen"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Michael Freedman
Naughty Marietta, Act II: "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, William Davis, Michael Freedman
Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Michael Freedman, Ronald Smith
SouvenirJohann Strauss II, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Robin Wood, Tessa Robbins, Michael Freedman
Gräfin Mariza: "Play Gypsy Play"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Michael Freedman
The Merry Widow, Act I: "I Love You So"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Michael Freedman, John Hanson
Cavalleria Rusticana: IntermezzoEmmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Michael Freedman
Madame Butterfly, Act II: "One Fine Day"Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Margot Barry, Michael Freedman
Escape to Happiness: IntermezzoVictor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Tessa Robbins, Michael Freedman
Liebesträume, S.541Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Ronald Smith, Michael Freedman
Tritsch Tratsch Polka, Op. 214Ruggero Leoncavallo, Franz Schubert, Victor Herbert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Unknown, Emmerich Kálmán, Franz Lehár, Pietro Mascagni, Giacomo Puccini, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss II, London Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Michael Freedman
Ruggero Leoncavallo, born in Naples in 1857, was an Italian opera composer and librettist whose name is forever linked with his masterpiece, "Pagliacci." This verismo opera, completed in 1892, remains one of the most performed works in the opera repertoire worldwide, captivating audiences with its intense drama and memorable music. Leoncavallo's journey to fame was not an easy one; he faced financial struggles early in his career, working as a café pianist and teacher in various cities before achieving success. His prolific output includes 11 operas, 10 operettas, and symphonic poems, but it is "Pagliacci" that stands as his enduring legacy. Leoncavallo's work challenged the romanticism of his contemporaries, offering a raw and realistic portrayal of human emotions that continues to resonate with audiences today. His contributions to the opera world are a testament to his enduring talent and influence.
Vinylscout
Ruggero Leoncavallo
