Experience the enchanting voice of Mirella Freni in "Songs My Mother Taught Me," a timeless collection of beloved songs and arias that showcase her extraordinary artistry. Released in 1980 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album features Freni's exquisite soprano, accompanied by the Coro and Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, conducted by Leone Magiera.
The album spans a duration of 42 minutes and includes 11 tracks, each meticulously orchestrated by various composers, including Sciascia and Pratella. Highlights include the serene "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse," the soothing "Ave Maria" by Schubert, and the evocative "Gypsy Songs" by Dvořák, sung in German. The selection also features several lullabies, offering a gentle and comforting atmosphere throughout the album.
Mirella Freni, renowned for her powerful and expressive voice, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. Her interpretation of these classic pieces is a testament to her mastery of the operatic and classical genres, making "Songs My Mother Taught Me" a cherished addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Freni's work or a newcomer to her artistry, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Serse, HWV 40, Act I: Ombra mai fu "Largo" (Orch. Sciascia)George Frideric Handel, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Wiegenlied (Orch. Sciascia)Bernhard Flies, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Ave Maria, D. 839 (Orch. Sciascia)Franz Schubert, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Wiegenlied, D. 498 (Orch. Sciascia)Franz Schubert, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Mariä Wiegenlied, Op. 76 No. 52 (Orch. Sciascia)Max Reger, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4: Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4 (Orch. Sciascia)Johannes Brahms, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Ave Maria, CG 89a (After J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846) [Orch. Sciascia]Charles Gounod, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Gypsy Songs, Op. 55, B. 104: No. 4, Als die alte Mutter (Orchestral Version) [Sung in German]Antonín Dvořák, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
3 Choeurs religieux: No. 3, La carita (Orch. Sciascia)Gioachino Rossini, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Ninnananna di Modigliana (Orch. Pratella, Ed. Bongiovanni)Anonymous, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Ninnananna di Romagnola (Orch. Pratella, Ed. Bongiovanni)Anonymous, Mirella Freni, Orchestra Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Coro Ente Autonomo Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Leone Magiera
Mirella Freni, born in Modena in 1935, was an acclaimed Italian operatic soprano whose illustrious career spanned over five decades. Renowned for her lyrical voice and captivating stage presence, Freni captivated audiences at prestigious opera houses worldwide. Her breakthrough came at the Glyndebourne Festival, where she shone as Zerlina in Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' and Susanna in 'Le nozze di Figaro', as well as Adina in Donizetti's 'L'elisir d'amore'. Freni's repertoire spanned the works of Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, earning her a place among the great lyric sopranos of her era. She passed away in her hometown of Modena in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary performances and a deep impact on the world of opera.
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Mirella Freni
