Thomas F. Dillingham | Columbia, Missouri USA | 02/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having been thrilled by Joyce DiDonato's performance in La Cenerentola in Kansas City, I have been eager to find any recorded performance by her; thankfully, her Cenerentola is now available (not the KC production, but a good one), and her earlier recording of Handel duets is an absolute must. Now comes this wonderful collection of American art songs, few of them well known even to a fan of this art form. DiDonato shows the same acting ability and musicianship in these varied songs as she demonstrates on stage. She is not afraid to stretch her voice for dramatic effect, but never (to my mind) oversteps or overacts the texts. Copland's Twelve Songs of Emily Dickinson have been performed and are more familiar than either the Bernstein or the Heggie songs on this disc, but I would urge anyone who loves the modern art song (and is willing to add another voice to such treasures as Dawn Upshaw, Jan De Gaetani, or Cathy Berberian in this kind of repertoire) to acquire this outstanding disc; nothing on it will disappoint."
Huzzah for this incredible American mezzo-soprano!
M. D. Oakley Jr. | Woodford, Virginia United States | 01/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having just listened to the NPR interview with Mlle DiDonato, I immediately made a hard right in my aged 327,000 mile Toyota pick-up to visit a Tower Records store to see if anything by her was available. I discovered that "The Deepest Desire" had been released just a week previous, and purchased it immediately [sorry Amazon, I couldn't wait three weeks or so to receive it from your good offices]. This signature effort is a must for all who have eagerly awaited a passionate American mezzo-soprano who can dominate Europe!"
A Major Mezzo Voice AND Mind
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those who have not have the distinct pleasure of hearing Joyce DiDonato on the concert stage, this very fine recital is an excellent introduction to a gifted artist, a Mezzo Soprano whose reputation in European opera houses is well established but whose exposure in the US is far too small.
As an indication that she is more than just a beautiful voice, DiDonato has elected to make her first solo CD a recital of songs and arias by American composers (think Susan Graham, Dawn Upshaw, the much missed Jan DeGaetani and Lorraine Hunt Lieberson and others) and be entirely successful on every front. Included on this CD are Copland's 'Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson', Jake Heggie's 'The Deepest Desire - Four Dramatic Songs of Praise', and Leonard Bernstein's haunting settings of Rilke poems as well as excerpts from his 'Songfest'. In each her diction is flawless, her intonation perfect, and the quality of every portion of her range is lusciously beautiful.
Joyce DiDonato is a communicator and we can only hope that as her operatic career blossoms in this country that she will continue to grace the recital stage with singing of the sublime intelligence with which she imbues these works. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, July 06"
Beyond Rossini
Bruce Varner | Chicago area, USA | 01/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In this wonderful CD, Joyce DiDonato shows more facets of her extraordinary musicianship and considerable interpretative talents. Every review so far gives this CD 5 stars, and who am I to argue? If you are hungry for some mezzo fare, but are looking for something other than the usual "Una voce poco fa" and "Non piu mesta", this CD is for you. This is a very nice collection of American art songs, sung by brilliant American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.
I would like to build on the previous reviews, and add what this CD showed me. Joyce is an incredible musician in complete control of her instrument. She has all the dynamics; strong double fortes to floating pianissimos. Her vowels are beautifully forward, her diction impeccable. Her registers match, and the transitions between head and chest voice are seamless. All of her notes are well supported to the end. She can sing straight tone, and uses vibrato properly and intelligently as an effect. She's got technique to burn. When you combine this with dead-on artistic instinct and faithfulness to the text, you have something very special indeed. You will appreciate subtle changes in the coloration of her voice, always motivated by the text.
Her use of pianissimo straight tone is particularly effective in the last words (...silence everywhere) in the Copland song "Nature, the gentlest mother". Her vocal shadings were also very effective in the "I felt a funeral in my brain", also by Copland. It truly sounded like a nightmare verging on madness. Great stuff. I enjoyed the Copland "Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson" the most.
The Bernstein songs are also very well done, and they show off Joyce's dynamic control and her ability to find absolutely any note interval, no matter how obscure. The Jake Heggie songs are very cool compositions. These are very much ensemble pieces, and Joyce has great partners in Frances Shelly, flute, and David Zobet, piano. I found the opening of "Prelude" a bit disquieting, with the piercing (at times) flute solo. I can tell you that our cat, Pablo, didn't care at all for that opening passage. He was trying to sleep, and it made him flicker his right ear rapidly and give me a look of disdain. But, Joyce isn't the only musician on this CD who can change the coloration of their instrument. Frances Shelly shows us that as well. Beyond the opening passage, you'll note that the sonorities of Shelly's flute and Joyce's voice are very well matched. The ensemble work throughout the Heggie songs is superb.
Sit back and enjoy the career of this great mezzo-soprano, who is finally coming to Lyric Opera of Chicago. The best is yet to come for Joyce DiDonato.