Search - José Carreras :: Hollywood Golden Classics

Uplifting

Janice Sherwood MD | Delray Beach, FL USA | 09/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am new to hearing and appreciating music. The Three Tenors was my first CD and I thrilled to all the tenors. Although I have heard that jose Carreras's voice has changed as he has aged and recovered from a near-fatal illness, his voice evokes emotion and seems to have a little "sob" in it. This CD gives me an opportunity to hear him sing the familiar, somewhat splendid songs of Hollywood. The purists who are adverse to opera singers singing popular songs will miss something if they dont hear this collection."

Very good, but not in his comfort zone

tenor fanatic | Florida | 04/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Surely, no one will question Jose Carreras' beautiful voice! Although he is sometimes considered the least of "The Three Tenors," this is far from accurate. Carreras can stand with Pavarotti and Domingo any day.

While the wonderful singing is evident on this recording, he does not seem totally comfortable with his repertoire. Perhaps it is because he is out of his customary genre; perhaps it is because much of the music lies in his lower register; perhaps it is because English is not his native language. The best track on the disk is "Manha de Carnaval," which, significantly?, is not sung in English.

I also felt that some of the numbers were "over-arranged." For example, the orchestra overpowers the voice on "For Your Eyes Only" and "I'll Never Stop Loving You" does not finish, it just ends. On the positive side, listen to the tremendous head tones at the end of "Mona Lisa."

All reservations aside, this is still a recording worth owning.

April 29, 2008, addendum to this review: I have just listened to another recording, "Jose Carreras Sings 'Memory' from 'Cats'," which has a repertoire similar to this and is also sung mainly in English. The difference is in the vocal range. "Memory" is more in the tenor register, and is beautifully sung. I would conclude that range is the reason for discomfort on "Hollywood Golden Classics.""

Uplifting

Janice Sherwood MD | Delray Beach, FL USA | 09/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone you loves Jose Carreras's rich voice will love this CD. It combines the power of his voice with the splendor of Hollywood. THe selections are excellent. It evocks memories and tears."