An important album for Mina
Victor Vail | Rockville, MD USA | 05/29/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"From all the articles I've read (translated), it appears that this is THE album that Mina has always dreamed of making. For that reason alone, it becomes an intriguing album - definitely a "must-have" for her fans (and there are legions of us, out there).
Consistantly throught the first listen, I was struck by how good she still sounds. Mina was never one to shy away from using her voice hard... She has always pushed her voice to the max, giving us one incredible dramatic song after another - and for decades, too! I always thought that by the time she reached her 60's, her voice would be gone. Not so. Her voice remains magnificent. It is still a brilliant, breathtaking instrument.
That said, the album is a curious one. There are some wonderful tracks here (the outstanding ones, for me: Mi Parlavi Adagio, Oblivion, Ideale, and Nessun Dorma), and a couple of tracks I wish she hadn't recorded (the 2 recorded in English). With her vast musical legacy (the lady has recorded every style of music imaginable!), it's interesting that she dreamed of making an album of Opera/Art songs. Brava, to her, too, for following her dream.
I'd read online (on some Opera forum) where people were ripping Mina apart for singing Nessun Dorma - that she had no business singing it... that it's terrible what she's done to the song. My response to them is that THEY don't get it... They just don't get what Mina is doing. She's not singing Opera songs in an Opera voice (she's not an Opera singer!) - she's taking classical songs and giving them totally new, sometimes offbeat interpretations, with arrangements that are lush, beautifully done - bordering on jazz at times. The songs Oblivion & Ideale are PURE Mina - sung straight from the heart, and is Mina at her finest. These recordings will stand up to the best in her discography.
It's a very, very special album. It's not an album I'll play a lot (I prefer other Mina albums), but it's an album I am definitely glad to have - one that is imperative to any Mina collection.
"
Mina's opera and classical fantasy
Leo Della Rocca | Italy | 05/29/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with what the first reviewer wrote. Personally, I don't like her interpretation of "Mi chiamano Mimì". It's too slow, bordering on boredom, and sometimes crossing the border. This aria loses all of its intended meaning in Mina's interpretation and becomes mostly monotonous, or as the Italians say: una lagna.
Yes, she does still have a lot of voice to offer, and if you're a Mina fan you'll certainly enjoy this CD. The girl can still BELT them out! If you're looking for an operatic sound, FORGET IT!!!!Mina does it HER way!!!It is amazing how her voice has endured through time, though!
"I have a love" is a little too slow for my taste, but it's better than the "La Bohème" excerpt, although the arrangement is lacking instrumentally. "Oblivion" and "Mi parlavi adagio" are lovely and perhaps her best on this CD. I also enjoyed the Manon Lescaut intermezzo à la Mina (I've always loved this music, and her interpretation doesn't disturb me as I thought it would). Her Porgy and Bess excerpts are better than her West Side Story selection. Although, again, sometimes I find she is too slow.
For an opera lover or "intenditore", it may seem strange that Mina is singing arias written for the tenor voice. One must not analyze. This is just Mina singing what she wants without any consideration for performance practice or classical singing. Consequently, I like "È la solita storia". "Nessun dorma" has a new introduction and arrangement, as does the Tosca aria. You'd never expect to hear these arias unless you've read the liner notes. And of course, all of these arias have been transposed.
Consequently, you'll want this CD if you're a fan of Mina's. If you love opera and appreciate only the finest singers, I don't recommend this CD."
Except Cielito Lindo...
Leandro J. Seoane | North Miami Beach, FL United States | 09/12/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Mina sounds like a cat that someone has step on its tail. I love, adore Mina, but it is about time she starts singing more jazz and piano. She screams trying to hit high notes and sounds worst than Gloria Estefan when compiting with a choir of black singers. Sorry to be so honest, but what a waist of energy creating an album like this when this Goddess could create something dignifying and up to her quality as singer, interpreter and the Diva she is. I love you Mina... Love, Leandro [...]Can I still go cook for you?"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1