Joseph Calleja, the acclaimed Maltese tenor, presents "The Golden Voice," a captivating collection of operatic arias that showcases his extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility. Recorded in 2005 under Decca Classics, this album is a testament to Calleja's ability to bring depth and passion to each performance, making it a standout in the world of classical music.
"The Golden Voice" features 14 tracks, each a masterpiece from renowned operas, including works by Verdi, Donizetti, Gounod, Offenbach, and Massenet. The album opens with "I Lombardi" and continues with beloved pieces such as "La Favorita," "L'elisir d'amore," and "La Sonnambula," culminating in the bonus track "Di Pescatore Ignobile" from "Lucrezia Borgia." Each aria is meticulously crafted, demonstrating Calleja's technical skill and emotional range.
Under the skilled direction of conductor Carlo Rizzi and accompanied by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Calleja's voice shines brightly, delivering a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. The album spans a variety of styles and moods, from the tender and romantic to the dramatic and intense, offering a comprehensive showcase of Calleja's artistry.
With a career that began at the age of 16 and an operatic debut at 19, Calleja has established himself as one of the most celebrated tenors of his generation. "The Golden Voice" is a must-listen for fans of opera and classical music, providing a glimpse into the extraordinary talent of Joseph Calleja. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
I Lombardi / Act 2: "La mia letizia infondere"Giuseppe Verdi, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
La Favorita - Italian version / Act 4: Spirto gentilGaetano Donizetti, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
L'elisir d'amore / Act 2: "Una furtiva lagrima"Gaetano Donizetti, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
La Sonnambula / Act 1: "Elvino! E me tu lasci...Son geloso del zefiro errante"Vincenzo Bellini, Joseph Calleja, Anna Netrebko, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Roméo et Juliet / Act 2: "L'amour, l'amour...Ah! Lève-toi, soleil"Charles Gounod, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Manon / Act 2: Instant charmant...En fermant les yeuxJules Massenet, Joseph Calleja, Tatiana Lisnic, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
La belle Hélène / Act 1: Au mont Ida...Le jugement de ParisJacques Offenbach, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Werther / Act 3: "Pourquoi me réveiller, ô souffle du printemps?"Jules Massenet, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Les pêcheurs de perles / Act I: Je crois entendre encoreGeorges Bizet, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Si j'étais roi: Elle est princesseAdolphe Adam, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Il Duca d'Alba / Act 4: "Inosservato" - "Angelo casto e bel"Gaetano Donizetti, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Don Sebastiano, Re del Portogallo / Act 2: "Deserto in terra"Gaetano Donizetti, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
I Puritani / Act 3: Son già lontaniVincenzo Bellini, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Maristella: "Io conosco un giardino"Giuseppe Pietri, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi
Lucrezia Borgia / Act 1: Di Pescatore Ignobile (Bonus Track)Gaetano Donizetti, Joseph Calleja, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Carlo Rizzi