Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gioachino Rossini, Franz Joseph Haydn :: Frederica von Stade - Haydn, Mozart, Rossini

Devoted Von Stade fans will rate it higher...

Barbara Miller | Bellevue, WA United States | 08/17/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Whether or not you like this CD will likely depend upon whether or not you like the sound of Frederica von Stade's voice from the mid-1970's, which is when these arias were recorded. She has always had a wonderful rapport with audiences; I treasure the memories of a live recital and a master class I attended a few years ago. But earlier in her career, it was the opinion of many (including my voice teachers) that she lacked the technique to produce a full, satisfying sound. Others have always loved her voice (perhaps because her style of production does give her singing an endearingly vulnerable quality), and they will almost certainly love this CD. It does seem to me, though, that her sound could be better. I find it frustrating that, after a ringing recitative on "Ecco il punto", the fluidity of her phrasing in the beginning of the aria "Non piu di fiore" is almost lost in the orchestra. This could be a problem of recording balance, but in listening to her more exposed singing in arias from the Haydn operas and Le Nozze di Figaro, I think it really is the fact that the core of the sound is missing in her production.The repertoire itself has a lot of interest. The segments from Haydn's "La fedelta premiata" are taken from the first recording of this opera, following a revival in 1970. Haydn's operas in general provide a surprisingly satisfying followup when you have heard and heard all the wonderful Mozart operas and want more in the same style. "Dell'amor mio fedele" is very beautiful music indeed. I was also impressed with the beauty of the aria from Rossini's "Otello", an opera which is not often heard (evidently the libretto is disappointing). Those who are not enamored of Von Stade's voice will probably feel that the more famous repertoire, such as Rossini's "Una voce poco fa" and "Non piu mesta" and the Mozart arias, is in better hands on other recordings, but I haven't heard enough of the more recently available recordings of these to be able to make recommendations. An obvious alternative would be Bartoli, another specialist in this repertoire who is adored by many and decried by others, and I'm sure it would be worth checking out other artists too."

Flicka is wonderful!

11/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the debut recording for Frederica von Stade, I think. Since I have watched the wonderful "La Cenerentola" with Abbado from DG, I searched for Flicka's Cenerentola. At last I found it! Now I'm very happy to hear it. Her Rossini is very elegant and beautiful. When you hear her Angelina's aria, you may think she is scolded to by her stepfather and stepsister, but she hopes someday she will be happy. She is the Cinderella many people think. Her Cherbino is wonderful and charming, too.Flicka's voice is mellow and charming, beautiful. You will love it. The former reviewer said she lacked the technique to produce a full, satisfying sound. I agreed with it. But when I listen to this album, I always found myself to love it and know I'll hear this album again.Also recommend: French Opera Arias from Sony Classical"

Frederica = Fantastic!

Liesha | 07/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, Frederica von Stade is one of my favorite singers. The first time I saw her was in the 1973 production of Le Nozze di Figaro with Kiri te Kanawa and Ileana Cotrubas. She played Cherubino, and was incredible. The first time I listened to her, "Voi che sapete," I was sobbing, the music was so beautiful. Well, I wanted to get her cd a LOT. This one had "Voi che sapete" so I chose it, knowing that I'd hear at least one thing that I liked. Instead, I liked - or loved - everything. Her Haydn is so great to listen to- I love her teasing, "Una donna come me." Her two arias from Mozart's Figaro are great, and her, "Vedrai, carino" from Don Giovanni is the best ever for sure. The arias from, "La Clemenza di Tito" are nice but lack certain emotion. The Rossini pieces are sung swoopingly and happily, especially "Una voce poco fa." Frederica von Stade is one-of-a-kind. Don't miss this cd."