Mixed Work
Dr. Christopher Coleman | HONG KONG | 12/21/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Of the great living tenors, Placido Domingo commands the most respect among musicians for his voice, musicality, breadth of repertoire, and professionalism. The CD purchasing public, however are more excited by Andrea Bocelli and Luigi Pavarotti. Sacred Songs is an attempt to win over some of their market share. 16 songs are contained on the disc that would admittedly be better but less alliteratively titled Inspirational Songs; Richard Rogers's Climb Every Mountain, one of the highlights, is hardly church music. Along with a healthy supply of beautifully sung classics by Franck, Gounod and the like are a handful of curiosities. The inclusion of an Ave Maria by Domingo's middle son Placido Domingo Jr, with Luisa Domingo on harp is an enjoyable bit of musical nepotism. Schubert's well-known Lullaby is merged with his ballet music from Rosemunde and the whole given a new text and backing by women's choir; likewise Mascagani's instrumental Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana becomes a duet between Domingo and the pop soprano Sissel. Domingo's sheer musicality saves the former, but the latter is less fortunate, as Sissel's thin singing and pious recitation spoil an otherwise gorgeous composition. (Admittedly, Sissel fares much better in her second duet on the CD.) Also somewhat aesthetically questionable is Paolo Rustichelli's Kyrie, with the composer accompanying on piano, guitar, and synthesizers. The real low point on the disc occurs in Gounod's Sanctus, where a lovely climax is destroyed by the sloppy ensemble of the Coro Sinfonicao di Milano Giuseppe Verdi. Whether Sacred Songs will convert the unbelievers is questionable, and it may even alienate some of Domingo's more dogmatic followers with its hint of crossover. Curiously, the previous reviewer mentions the inclusion of Schubert's Ave Maria, which Domingo sung for the victims of the September 11 attack. This is actually NOT included in my CD, nor is it mentioned in the amazon.com list above; the CD notes do refer to Domingo's performance of the work, but the only Ave Maria's on the disc are by Mascagani, Gounod, and Domingo's son."
Bravo for "Sacred Songs" by Placido Domingo
Rosalie R. Wilson | Arlington, VA United States | 12/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Placido Domingo presents a beautiful new collection of sacred songs which includes old favorites like "Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Franck, and wonderful new additions like the melodious "Ave Maria" composed by his son, Placido Domingo, Jr., featuring Luisa Domingo on the harp. The recording, from the Auditorium Milano in Milano in February, 2002, is clear and vibrant. Program notes by Harvey Sachs are outstanding and indicate that the songs included cover a period of 300 years. They are sung easily by Mr. Domingo in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Latin. Sensitive and moving orchestral accompaniment is under the direction of conductor Marcello Viotti, who says, "Musicians must communicate everything they have in their souls, and what makes Placido so special is his very, very rich soul: he gives so much, gives of his fullness." My favorite compositions on the recording are the robust "Domine Deus" by Rossini, and the humble "Repentir" by Gounod, which drives you to your knees. Full text of all the songs with English translation is presented, along with color pictures of Mr. Domingo at work on the two duets with his collaborating Norwegian soprano, Sissel. Also included is the inspiring "Ave Maria" by Schubert, sung by Mr. Domingo at the New York memorial service for the September 11 disaster victims. The songs are summarized best by Mr. Domingo: "Over the years, sacred music has always been close to me...every piece of music we hear [on the recording] is a miracle, therefore sacred." I recently heard Mr. Domingo in person at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (singing the lead in Mozart's "Idomeneo"), and can assure you this "world's greatest tenor" is still in wonderful and wondrous form. The new "Sacred Songs" is a must for those who love classical sacred music, a recording which to me makes the soul soar."
Expected More
Maria Olivares Camus | Chile | 02/20/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I like very much Placido Domingo, and the album is good, however not as good as I expected. I felt some enthusiasm is missing."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1