Here's a yummy CD platter, filled to the brim with prime examples of the irrepressible Giuseppe Di Stefano, singing what he was born to sing. The tenor is in close to pristine voice throughout these 1953-7 sessions, with... more » none of the frayed edges and crooning that seeped into his work in the 1960s. More to the point, Di Stefano approaches familiar favorites like "O Solo Mio" and "Santa Lucia" with a kind of seriousness of purpose and elegant restraint that will be revelations to listeners weaned on showboating by the Three Tenors. You may, however, wish to investigate Testament's companion stereo volume, which has better sound and a wider variety of material. But Di Stefano fans will gladly dig in. --Jed Distler« less
Here's a yummy CD platter, filled to the brim with prime examples of the irrepressible Giuseppe Di Stefano, singing what he was born to sing. The tenor is in close to pristine voice throughout these 1953-7 sessions, with none of the frayed edges and crooning that seeped into his work in the 1960s. More to the point, Di Stefano approaches familiar favorites like "O Solo Mio" and "Santa Lucia" with a kind of seriousness of purpose and elegant restraint that will be revelations to listeners weaned on showboating by the Three Tenors. You may, however, wish to investigate Testament's companion stereo volume, which has better sound and a wider variety of material. But Di Stefano fans will gladly dig in. --Jed Distler
J. Luis Juarez Echenique | Mexico City | 05/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some tenors you admire, others you like, but Giuseppe DiStefano you simply have to adore. Here is the most golden of tenor voices tied with the warmest of personalities, God was certainly in a very good mood when He created Pippo. So buy these cd's and enjoy some of Italy's sunshine in your livingroom."
A must have for DiStefano fans - for anybody
J. Luis Juarez Echenique | 03/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mr. Distler of Amazon does not do justice to this album. It is prime DiStefano doing some of the more beautiful "art songs" - as well as popular - in this very Italian genre. Vol. 2 is great also, but this volume should not be overlooked. I have given both to people who know nothing about him or opera and they love it. This is not Italian wedding music out of "The Godfather" nor is it a vehicle for the Three Tenors style of "hamming it up." Some of these beautiful songs were written for the Royal Court at Naples - whoever happened to be in power at the time - and are not easy for amateur singers. Peter Hutchinson's liner notes should be reproduced here as he makes clear the artistry and interpretation required to bring them to life, as DiStefano does. DiStefano was the model for all singers in this genre today.And if you think these are songs for fishermen in the Bay of Naples - well, the Met better get over there and hold auditions if they all sing like this. Forget Bocelli. And be assured of some beautiful, enjoyable and evocative music and singing as only DiStefano can do it."
Crazy about Pippo
Gerardo Cabrera Munoz | México | 07/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of course Di Stefano fans are legion, what other tenor ever sang with such passion, generosity, musicianship and a voice to die for? Pippo makes every little song a jewel, something important never to be forgotten. I have no idea why EMI licensed these ever best sellers to Testament, but they have made a top notch job. Buy them!"
They broke the mold for Neapolitan singers after Di Stefano.
Gerardo Cabrera Munoz | 03/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heartily agree with the other review (March 20). This Neapolitan album is the "how to" of Neapolitan singing. Di Stefano was the master of Neapolitan singing (just ask Pavarotti). Listen to "Core N Grato" (his signature Neapoltian song) for one of the most wonderful moments in singing. All these songs require the full range of tenor singing ability, range, phrasing,emotion etc. Di Stefano caresses lyrics when needed, and belts it out when needed, without "hamming it up" as so many others do. Buying this album, or it its stereo follow-up, would be a most worthwile purchase for any fan of Neapolitan singing."
The Biggest Giuseppe di Stefano Fan
Gerardo Cabrera Munoz | 06/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First,I must say that Pippo is my all time favorite singer who I've had the pleasure of seeing when he was in his prime as well as the end on tour with Callas.The reason that I purchased the Vol # 1 CD is because I had to replace the two records that this CD was made from due to being worn out.I would heartily recommend the Vol. # 1 & 2 CDs to anybody even remotely interested in singing.There will never be another Pippo. Pippo's biggest fan from New Jersey"
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1
