Search - Carreras, Varady, di Almeida :: Halevy: La Juive

Halevy: La Juive
Carreras, Varady, di Almeida
Halevy: La Juive
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (19) - Disc #2
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #3


     

CD Details

All Artists: Carreras, Varady, di Almeida, Gonzalez, Anderson, Furlanetto
Title: Halevy: La Juive
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Philips
Release Date: 10/19/1989
Album Type: Box set, Original recording reissued
Genre: Classical
Style: Opera & Classical Vocal
Number of Discs: 3
SwapaCD Credits: 3
UPC: 028942019027

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

A Great But Largely Unknown Opera
Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 12/13/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first became interested in opera, I read a few things about LA JUIVE. It was a once popular opera that faded from the repertoire of most opera companies. For many years the opera was the Metropolitan Opera's equivalent to the Boston Red Sox's "Curse of the Bambino" since it was the last role sung by legendary tenor Enrico Caruso. More than likely the opera's few recent performances are due to its length, the need for five major performers to stage the work, including two top notch tenors, and the complexity of staging a work that was the nineteenth century's equivalent of today's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA or LES MISERABLES. The plot is complicated, which is characteristic of many French Grand Operas. It deals with Eleazar, a Jewish man who adopts a young girl he names Rachel. The two are outcasts due to their Jewish heritage. A young man falls in love with Rachel. His name is Leopold but he calls himself Samuel. He is Christian, married, and a prince, but he keeps all these things to himself. His wife, Princess Eudoxie wants to buy him a special gift and approaches Eleazar about buying a piece of jewelry that once belonged to the Emperor Constantine. In the meantime Rachel begins to work as a maid for the princess, not knowing Leopold's true identity. When Eudoxie presents the gift to Leopold, Rachel exposes her relationship with Leopold. Cardinal Brogni, the local religious leader condemns Leopold to death for cheating and Eleazar and Rachel to death for being Jewish. As Rachel dies, Eleazar informs Brogni that Rachel is his child. Brogni only became a priest after he believed his wife and child had tragically died, but Eleazar's adopted child is Brogni's long lost daughter.

I first came across this recording in 1990. After listening to it, I wondered why an opera with such wonderful music could remain virtually unknown to modern listeners. There are powerful moments for the chorus, great ensemble pieces, magnificent solos and duets, all which flow rather well. Since this is the only studio recording of the work, it is the best by default, but it is worthwhile. Jose Carreras is cast as Eleazar. People may notice some vocal inconsistencies on Carreras' part, but this is easily excused when one takes into account that it was while recording this opera he was diagnosed with the cancer that almost claimed his life. He is able to manage some great vocal feats in the recording; especially his rendition of the opera's showpiece aria "Rachel Grand du Seigneur" Soprano June Anderson is magnificent in the role of Rachel as is Dalmacio Gonzalez in the role of Leopold. Julia Varady sings Eudoxie and Ferruccio Furlanetto sings the role of Brogni. Though this recording has some cuts, most notably the overture, it is quite enjoyable. It is also worth reviving since the themes that run through this work: hate, revenge, anti-Semitism, and the like, are still relevant today."
Gorgeous La Juive
Scott Jelsey | Houston, TX United States | 12/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This, the only studio recording of Halevy's greatest opera, has much to offer. Varady and Anderson are both in exquisite voice, pouring forth vocal gold to spare. Anderson in the difficult coloratura role of Eudoxie never did anything better on disc, and Varady perfectly captures the conflicted character of Rachel , sort of a female version of Verdi's Manrico in Trovatore. Carreras synched in his role in its entirety after the rest of the opera had been recorded, due to illness. It would be impossible to tell if one did not know this in advance. There is some strain on high from time to time, but this is still an excellent performance overall. If anything, the strain sometimes deepens the characterization of the tormented father. This is one of the best sounding opera recordings I've ever heard - demonstration quality. Highly recommended for fans of French grand opera."
Glorious Music and Performance
H. L Melamed | Minnesota Land of 10 Zillion Mosquitos | 07/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I also heard this opera on the Met Broadcast and was immediately entthralled with the music. I'm no "Opera Expert", but just a dedicated listener, and La Juive has moved to the top of my list of Operas. This recording is wonderful with a superb orchestra and the performers are top notch in my book.



I have not been able to listen to the other recordings ot La Juive, but you will not make a mistake by purchasing this wonderful CD.



"