Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Great Sills Collection, Jun 28 2004
Deutsche Grammophon has done more for Beverly Sills' Westminster/ABC recordings in this age of the CD than EMI (Angel) ever did with their CD versions of her later recordings. And I hope they continue their track record by releasing her "Norma". While some felt that Sills was not right for the role of Norma and others have critisized Levine's conducting, the recording is far from a disaster. It's actually quite good when held up to what's being released today - and it holds its own on any level if one loosens up on their preconceived notions of "how" Norma should be sung. And furthermore it features the great (and underated)Shirley Verrett as Adalgisa. Please Deutsche Grammophon, I'm waiting!Regarding this collection, well, its some of Sills' best work for Westminster/ABC. Here her voice was still primarily in top form and the coloratura is not to be matched. And of course there's "the first time on CD" aria "Mira, o Norma". Buy it for this alone! Sills and Verret always sounded great together - be it the "Anna Bolena", "The Siege of Corinth" or this tantalizing bit from the complete "Norma". And while I would love to see the Capuleti recording see the light of day on CD, it was an EMI recording and their non- promotion of their Sills' recordings means we'll probably never see it. It even featured fine performances from Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda! Now I wish that Deutsche Grammophon would release the Westminster/ABC solo discs that Sills recorded, especially the French disc - complete, without truncating the Meyerbeer.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Sills still thrills!!!, Jun 15 2004
I became an opera lover in 1986. Not until 1990 was I made aware of Beverly Sills. A friend loaned me one of her cd's
and I was hooked. This newest release is just one more example
of the amazing artistry this woman possessed. Her dead accurate
coloratura cannot be matched. Just listen to her recording of
Donizetti's "L'Assedio di Corinto" (The Seige of Corinth), especially the first four tracks of Disc 2. I was especially
thrilled when her "Lucia" was re-released on cd. (I also have
a vinyl recording in mint condition!) I purchase everything of hers I can get my hands on. I really wish there was a biographical documentary about her life!!! If you read this Beverly, PLEASE!!!!The new recording is not at all disappointing. What can I say except that one must purchase this recording for one's self to
discover or re-discover this remarkable, exciting singer. There will always be those who look for faults and flaws in the voice. I don't listen to those people. Purchase this cd and you will see why Beverly Sills still thrills with her magnificent instrument. Beverly, you are loved and remembered
with the utmost adoration and respect. I also recommend purchasing her recording of Moore's "The Ballad of Baby Doe". Her voice is absolutely exquisite and gives testimony that even back then, she possessed a voice that reaches far beyond the expectations of the listener. "Manon" is another must for any Beverly Sills fan!!!!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful disc!, Jun 7 2004
This compilation of opera arias is awesome. Beverly Sills is one of the greatest singers of all time. I disagree that her voice is small and shrill. I remember reading an article on New York City Opera's amplification controversy. It was noted that so many singers that sing there could not be heard. It also said that nobody had trouble hearing Beverly Sills.
If you can get ahold of her singing the Samson, her earlier una voce poco fa, silliana, ach ich liebe, the Ariadne are (the best there is), Je veux vivre, O luce di quest'anima, her early Oh! quante volte, Santa di Patria, Corsara aria, Sombre Foret (to name but a few) you will melt!
I agree, please release her Norma and also her Capuleti recordings! Oh, and she became really famous for her Cleopatra in 66, not 64.
Cheers
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