[squash54]

Went to see a new Opera Australia production of Verdi's masterpiece, Il Trovatore at the Sydney Opera House last night. Some of the staging didn't work for me - set in the Spanish Civil war, no anvils in the anvil chorus - but the music more than made up for any of the minor gripes I had. Anyway, I was motivated to dust off my old Decca LP set of the opera with Sutherland, Pavarotti and Horne under the baton of Richard Bonynge. The records are showing their age and I discovered this recording is available for download through Alltunes. I commend this work to anyone who wants to hear a great opera performed by gifted singers at the peak of their careers. Sublime solos and duets, captivating ensembles and absolutley stunning choral pieces.
I would be interested to hear from anyone else if they have a favorite recording of an Italian or French 19th century opera (or any other opera, for that matter) that is available from the online stores.
Cheers,

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by squash54

Went to see a new Opera Australia production of Verdi's masterpiece, Il Trovatore at the Sydney Opera House last night. Some of the staging didn't work for me - set in the Spanish Civil war, no anvils in the anvil chorus - but the music more than made up for any of the minor gripes I had. Anyway, I was motivated to dust off my old Decca LP set of the opera with Sutherland, Pavarotti and Horne under the baton of Richard Bonynge. The records are showing their age and I discovered this recording is available for download through Alltunes. I commend this work to anyone who wants to hear a great opera performed by gifted singers at the peak of their careers. Sublime solos and duets, captivating ensembles and absolutley stunning choral pieces.
I would be interested to hear from anyone else if they have a favorite recording of an Italian or French 19th century opera (or any other opera, for that matter) that is available from the online stores.
Cheers,

Wow..Thank you..for that great review direct from the Sydney Opera House..
Though I am a great classical Fan...I have been negelectful of Opera
listening over the years.. and have stayed to long with my Bach contatas and Barouque Opera's by Purcell...But of course I have heard this Opera before many times on Vinyl ..my version featuring Pavorati..from the 70's... I'm not sure if this is the same cast as your record mentioned above..It's been many years...But thanks fot the recommend I will defintely download this
and give this a fresh listen..I know this one has the Anvils...lol..
Once again thanks for that wonderful review...I wish I were there...honestly..

Thank you,

Nightfly

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Wow..Thank you..for that great review direct from the Sydney Opera House..
Though I am a great classical Fan...I have been negelectful of Opera
listening over the years.. and have stayed to long with my Bach contatas and Barouque Opera's by Purcell...But of course I have heard this Opera before many times on Vinyl ..my version featuring Pavorati..from the 70's... I'm not sure if this is the same cast as your record mentioned above..It's been many years...But thanks fot the recommend I will defintely download this
and give this a fresh listen..I know this one has the Anvils...lol..
Once again thanks for that wonderful review...I wish I were there...honestly..

Thank you,

Nightfly

Must admit that living a stone's throw from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center I attend far more concerts/operas live than I listen to in recordings. My collection of classical music pails in comparison to my other music, despite calling myself a classical music lover first. Majority of it has been accumulated from friends.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Must admit that living a stone's throw from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center I attend far more concerts/operas live than I listen to in recordings. My collection of classical music pails in comparison to my other music, despite calling myself a classical music lover first. Majority of it has been accumulated from friends.

Maybe you should relax later this week with some new Classical
downloads from Sparks some fresh Mozart,Bach,Handel,Rachmaninov..
They really do have a wonderful classical selection with great classic
recordings as well as all the new young performers ....
I have found Haydn Quartets lately, do the trick for me..
You are very lucky to live so close to Lincoln Center ..Beautiful.. you are right ...who need cds when you have the real thing..nothing like it..

Nightfly

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

Maybe you should relax later this week with some new Classical
downloads from Sparks some fresh Mozart,Bach,Handel,Rachmaninov..
They really do have a wonderful classical selection with great classic
recordings as well as all the new young performers ....
I have found Haydn Quartets lately, do the trick for me..
You are very lucky to live so close to Lincoln Center ..Beautiful.. you are right ...who need cds when you have the real thing..nothing like it..

Nightfly

I'm afraid if I start downloding classical music, I won't stop!

[squash54]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

.But of course I have heard this Opera before many times on Vinyl ..my version featuring Pavorati..from the 70's... I'm not sure if this is the same cast as your record mentioned above..It's been many years...But thanks fot the recommend I will defintely download this
and give this a fresh listen..I know this one has the Anvils...lol..
Nightfly

The recording was made in London in 1976 and came out in 1977. Apparently when Decca re-released this on CD they cut out the ballet music so it would fit on 2 CD's. As the case holds 4 CD's this was just a cheap money grubbing exercise by the record company. Profit trumps art every time with these guys.

I would dearly love to emulate Vikulenka and experience most of my classical music listening as live performances - lucky girl

However, for most of us, most of the time, it is recorded music in one form or another that is on the daily menu. Surely, one of the greatest inventions of mankind was the phonograph.Think of all of the technology for recording, storing and reproducing sound that has developed from that sratchy little box and its wax coated cylinders. As a result we now have this extrordinary permanent, growing and accessable collection of music that will endure for the pleasure of future generations.

Cheers,