Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jacques Offenbach :: The Art of Sena Jurinac

Sena Jurinac A Great Soprano Of The 20th Century

12/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Sena Jurinac singing the Composer in a film version of Ariadne of Naxos staged at the Salzburg Festival which is now available on DVD. She was phenomenal, with a radiant, soaring and emotionally charged voice. She was a versatile soprano as this showcase album, which is undoubtedly her best album, demonstrates. She was considered a reigning Mozartian soprano in her time- the 50's and 60's so the first tracks are arias from Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro. Jurinac was the only soprano I know who sang all three Figaro heroines- Susanna, Cherubino and the Countess. Her Cherubino is pretty well known from the popular recording with Karl Bohm, however it is her Countess that has always shone brightly. As the Countess, she is the epitome of grace, beauty and sorrow. She was an outstanding Leonore in Beethoven's Fidelio, and it's a pity she was constantly under the shadow of Christa Ludwig's portrayal. The aria "Abscheulicher!" is the best account I've ever heard, as is the "O Namenlose Freude". Her voice is feminine but strong, triumphant and passionate. Because Jurinac grew up in Europe, it was typical for her to sing German versions of Italian or Russian operas. She sings Tatiana's Letter Scene from Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin in German, though it sounds breathtakingly beautiful. She sings Antonia's Aria from Offenbach's Tales of Hoffman in German as well. Her Amelia from Verdi's Un Balo is beautiful, and she luxuriates in the melodic lines while still being dramatic (Ecco L'orrido Campo and "Morro La Prima in Grazia). Her Verdi was usually terrific. She sang Queen Elisabeth Di Valois from Don Carlos quite well and she can be heard on another recording. Her Leonora from Forza Del Destino is at paar with even Leontyne Price's rendition. Jurinac has such lovely pianissimi and lyrical capabilities that make her "La Virgine" and "Pace Pace Mio Dio" sound truly incredible. While her voice was primarily lyric, like Mirella Freni after her, she would step up to the roles of Aida and Tosca, heavier roles. While not exactly a lyrico-spinto, she could knock them dead with her Aidas and Toscas. Her "O Patria Mia" is so heart-felt and moving. As Madame Butterfly, she was at her best. She could master the role of Ciao Ciao San with bravura, strikingly dramatic in the Finale scene which is heard here. If you're a fan of Jurinac, you'll want to own this fabulous recording.



















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