Out of this world
Y. Pandjaitan | Illinois, USA | 12/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know how they managed to pick the best of performers and performances for this selection. First of all, "Porgi, amor" (from Figaro) by Lucia Popp, "Ach, ich fuhl" (Magic Flute)by Margaret Price and "Et incarnatus est" (Mass in C minor) by Sylvia McNair are generally considered the best in their respective pieces, compared to their counterparts. Angela Maria Blasi is beautifully expressive in "L'amero, Saro Costante" from Il Re Pastore. Sylvia McNair is equally amazing in "Tu virginum corona" from Exsultate Jubilate. The duet "Sull'aria" is sung by Lucia Popp and Barbara Hendricks under Marriner's conducting.. the names alone would guarantee a satisfactory performance and indeed it is heavenly, even though some people can find its tempo too fast compared to the one conducted by Giulini, but it's just a matter of taste. One of my favorite in this recording is Mitsuko Shirai singing the less well-known but equally sublime "Panis Vivus" from the Litaniae de venerabili altaris sacramento. It's just gorgeous ! Mozart's faithful fans would usually collect his complete work per recording, not a "various-artists" kind like this one. But if you sometime want to listen only to his soothing music with vocals, this is the perfect choice. It would also make a great collection for new enthusiasts of classical music."
One word: sublime
Y. Pandjaitan | 12/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is sublime to listen to. Filled with celestial sopranos. If you're looking for something dark, passionate and angst-ridden this CD is not for you. But if you want 70 minutes of lofty serenity, get this CD now!"