Dive into the enchanting world of Rossini's operatic masterpieces with Marie-Nicole Lemieux's captivating album, "Rossini: Opera Arias & Duets." Released in 2017 under the Erato/Warner Classics label, this live recording showcases Lemieux's extraordinary vocal prowess and her deep affinity for Rossini's music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, the album features a carefully curated selection of arias and duets from some of Rossini's most beloved operas, including "L'Italiana in Algeri," "Tancredi," and "Il barbiere di Siviglia."
Marie-Nicole Lemieux, renowned for her rich, velvety voice and impeccable technique, brings a fresh and vibrant interpretation to these timeless pieces. The album opens with the powerful aria "Cruda sorte!" from "L'Italiana in Algeri," setting the stage for a journey through Rossini's operatic landscape. Each track is a testament to Lemieux's artistry, from the soaring melodies of "Oh patria!... Tu che accendi questo core" to the dramatic intensity of "Fiero incontro!... Lasciami - non t'ascolto."
The album also features the delightful "Duetto buffo di due gatti" (Cat Duet), a playful and humorous piece that showcases Lemieux's versatility and comedic timing. Accompanied by the Orchestre National de Lyon under the direction of Maurizio Benini, Lemieux's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of Rossini's genius and her own unique musicality.
"Rossini: Opera Arias & Duets" is not just a collection of arias and duets; it is a celebration of Rossini's enduring legacy and Marie-Nicole Lemieux's extraordinary talent. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri, Act 1: "Cruda sorte!" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: Tancredi, Act 1: "Oh patria!... Tu che accendi questo core... Di tanti palpiti" (Tancredi)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: Tancredi, Act 2: "Fiero incontro!... Lasciami - non t'ascolto" (Tancredi, Amenaïde)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Patrizia Ciofi, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: La Pietra del Paragone, Act 1: "Quel dirmi, oh Dio!" (Clarice, Echo)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Julien Véronèse, Pascal Scheuir, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: Semiramide, Act 2: "In sì barbara sciagura" (Arsace)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri, Act 2: "Amici, in ogni evento... Pensa alla patria" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: Matilde di Shabran, Act 2: "Sazia tu fossi alfine... Ah! Perché, perché la morte" (Edoardo, Raimondo)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Julien Véronèse, Sylvain Carboni, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: La gazza ladra, Act 2: "Deh, pensa che domani... E ben, per mia memoria " (Pippo, Ninetta)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Patrizia Ciofi, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act 1: "Una voce poco fa" (Rosina)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie
Rossini: Duetto buffo di due gatti (Cat Duet)Gioachino Rossini, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Patrizia Ciofi, Enrique Mazzola, Orchestre national de Montpellier Occitanie