Netrebko "Opera" CD Review
Howard B. Haimes | Natick, MA | 10/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anna Netrebko sings Opera arias [United Kingdom]
Anna Netrebko's new CD entitled "Opera" is an example of both existing and new selections. This soprano with a rich lower register quality to her voice has all of the attributes that would lend to growth as a modern day DIVA. In this CD she sings with Rolando Villazon from La Traviata and Joseph Calleja from La Sonambula (Elvino! E Me Tu Lasci) . Her ability to meld with a tenor is extraordinary and comes off with great passion. There are new works here which give us a glance into her future efforts such as Bellini's Montague and Capulets (Romeo & Juliet)(Oh! Quante Volte ) and Ave Maria, Piena Di Grazia from Otello - both real treats.
One critique of her phrasing style or perhaps in part due to the recording technique is the impression that Ms. Netrebko is gasping for air which leads to some audible breath sounds. While others may critique her pronunciation of French or Italian, one must appreciate to enunciate her words with explicit diction; a trait not usually endorsed by most sopranos. She is not afraid to seek and hold notes high in her register while taking us to the depths of a mezzo-like rich bottom range. This lower register is simply glorius.
What one lacks in these beautiful studio recordings is her ability to convey passion with alluring class and great looks. Having had the wonderful ability to see her in several live performances, one can only hope that DVD's will be soon available. What she lacks in Bel Canto technique such as Joan Sutherland is compensated for by her ability to act and to challenge to art of opera to new heights of drama."
SPECTACULAR
Maria Paez Pumar | CARACAS,VENEZUELA | 12/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There no one like her, her voice, her charm she really is a singer that knows that she belong to her public and knows that her work it is important and she doit perfectly. I hate compere her with Callas but she is as wounderfull as Callas was and still been. That is what she shows in this CD"