Search - Franz Liszt, Richard [1] Strauss, Alban Berg :: Lieder: Franz Liszt, Richard Strauss, Alban Berg

A Voice in Transition

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Violeta Urmana has made her mark in the mezzo-soprano repertoire: her recent past performance of Kundry opposite Placido Domingo's Parsifal in a concert version of Act II of PARSIFAL when Pierre Boulez guest conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic brought audiences to their feet (no mean feat for a Kundry performance!). But as with some of our finest mezzo-sopranos such as Jessye Norman and Frederica Von Stade the temptation to enter the soprano repertoire is too tempting to pass. The question as to whether a mezzo can sustain the change in range is a matter of coaching and Urmana seems to be well directed.



On this very fine recital Urmana is accompanied by pianist Jan Philip Schulze who proves to be a sensitive collaborator. The selections include three songs by Franz Liszt, eleven songs by Richard Strauss from well-known favorites such as 'Cäcilie', 'Morgen', and 'Befreit' along with some lesser known beauties, and ends with Alban Berg's 'Seven Early Songs'. The vocal quality required for these pieces is that soaring Straussian tone and Urmana has that in abundance. Her voice is rich and creamy and she demonstrates a high degree of musicality and intelligence. She is known as a singing actress and that quality shines through in the solo recital format.



This is a beautifully selected program beautifully sung. It will be interesting to follow Violeta Urmana as she surveys the lyrico-dramatic soprano repertoire. Recommended. Grady Harp, December 05"

A Thrilling New Mezzo Soprano Turned Soprano

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 11/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album marks Violeta Urmana's first solo album. It is a collection of Lieder by Franz Liszt and Richard Strauss, in German accompanied by an orchestra that is full of subtleties and grandeur. Also on this album are 20th century Lieder by the atonal composer Alban Berg. Urmana sings mostly in the soprano range in this album, and shows off what she could not show us in her mezzo soprano roles- breathtaking pianissimi, lyric legato, smoothness of tone and beautiful angelic textures. Lithuanian opera singer Violeta Urmana started off her career singing mezzo soprano repertoire such as Azucena in Trovatore which is featured in a live recording under Ricardo Muti opposite Salvatore Licitra, Barbara Frittoli and Leo Nucci. Her voice has been likened to Christa Ludwig, another sublime Lieder singer and it is very likely that Urman will follow in that diva's footsteps. Singing in the mezzo range, she is able to sing lyric-dramatically, with rich, dark, chocolaty textures. But she has also sung soprano roles. Her earliest recording is the studio recording of La Gioconda, made in the 90's, starring Placido Domingo as Enzo. As Gioconda, she sings with thrilling passion and has lazer-sharp musicianship. Her "Suicidio!" is nearly like that of Tbaldi or Callas. She has sung Kundry in Wagner's Parsfial to great acclaim (some regard this role as her best work) she has sung Brunhilde and she has sung Tosca. I was enchanted by her stunning Tosca at the Los Angeles Opera a performance she sang opposite Salvatore Licitra's Cavaradossi. Her soprano range is expressive and dramatic, and she is able to sing bel canto Italian in a way that is never boring. This album is a gem and Urmana's voice is breathtakingly beautiful."