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5.0 out of 5 stars
SILLS MANON RULES! AND DG CD REISSUE SUPERB!, May 30 2004
(I wrote these words in a review of the Angel/EMI CD reissue that is now out of print) On my select list of favorite complete opera recordings sits Beverly Sills' Manon. I wore out three copies of the vinyl version and the EMI CD reissue was more than welcome in my collection! Bubbles once said this recording came closest to what she did in the theatre, and there simply hasn't been a more vivid and complete a performance, musically, dramatically or otherwise. Vocally everything is top-notch, the supporting cast is superior to anything else on recording and Rudel's pacing is without peer. Brava Manon, Brava Beverly Sills!I am also happy to report that the DGG reissue surpasses the EMI/Angel of a few years back in terms of overall sound quality. Collectors, your search has ended!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Beverly Sills Triumphs As Manon, May 23 2004
The French opera Manon, by Jules Massenet, is an opera that is rarely performed in the opera stage today. It's an exquisite and divine work of vocal music and drama, with the most definative French sound ever. The lyrical flow and continuity of the arias, as well as the dramatic touches that are reminiscient of Verdi's La Traviata, are incredible. This recording has been made many times before, originally on LP and then on cd. This newest release has digitally remastered the whole production. Beverly Sills and Nicolai Gedda star as tragic lovers Manon and Des Grieux. Set in France in the 1700's, the romantic story follows the career of Manon, a flirty, vivacious material girl who gives up true love but regrets it only to die in the arms of her true love. Beverly Sills raised the bar for all sopranos as Manon. Along with her Queen Elizabeth in Roberto Devereux, which is her best in the Italian repertoire, this is her best in the French.Beverly's natural French voice, which seems to be in her soul, makes for a fantastic Manon. She's got the right type of lyric voice, which is touching and admirable to hear. All fans of the diva are not going to be without this new recording. Nicolai Gedda, a Swedish tenor, is right up there with the more famous tenors Pavoratti and Placido Domingo. Nicolai Gedda has the great inflection and romanticism needed for Des Grieux. The music of Jules Massenet is orchestral magic and appropriate for this La Traviata in French sort to speak. It's good opera and the price is high right now because it's still a new album.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally on Cd!, May 19 2004
Finally this absolutely sublime "Manon" has been released on CD. The moment I saw it, I ordered it. I always loved Sills in French music, her "Les jeunes filles de Cadix" is ravishingly beautiful. The live Thais from the MET (Not available in the USA) is one of the most moving performances of this sensuos opera. This Manon is one of Sills' crowning achievements, along with her Pamira, Elisabetta (Devereux), early Lucia, Anna Bolena and (YES) her sublime Norma. There is a triple crown of Manons, de los Angeles and Sills in the past and young Fleming today. Cotrubas' performance is beautiful too but not as glorious. Sills' feminine, fragile sound is made for the young Manon, as she develops her character her voice grows darker but never lacks the vocal splendour above the passagio. Her "Adieu notre petite table" is as haunting as Callas' recording and certainly more steady, I treasure both of them highly. Listen how she spins those endless phrases without gaps and flawless legato! What a gorgeous Pianissimo she had, it's lovely! The gambling scene in all its intensity has never been recorded with such a thrill. Sills shows that she was willing to give it all, to surpass every limit. The final scene, IMHO preferable to Puccini's version shows Sills at her best. The agony, love and heavenly passion is absolutely stunning. Being partnered by one of the greatest tenors ever to sing Des Grieux, we have an operatic dream-couple par excellence. (Their live-Lucia is a treasure too!) Gedda sings elegantly, passionately and with a French equalling the great George Thill. Souzay is equally splendid, as is the stupendous, always underrated Baquier. (The most ravishing Athanael and a great Scarpia) Rudel conducts perfectly, him and Sills created so much magic together! (Buy the Devereux video!) This release has been awaited EAGERLY! Now please, PLEASE release Sills' Norma on CD. I have the live-recording with Woolf and I'm totally floored, she even surpasses Sutherland in the vocal department. RUN to buy this recording and beg, blackmail or steal for Sills' Norma! You won't be sorry!
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~ Giuseppe Verdi
