Heroines not heroic
07/16/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"O mio babbino caro was forced, like someone trying to sing to an audience instead of her father. Ms. Kanawa must have had some travel issues while making this album, her heart was not with her the day she recorded O mio babbino caro. The words were clear, but not heartfelt. I recommend this project to anyone doing a vocal comparison.
Senza mamma, o bimbo is more heartfelt, or more convincing. There are some really good performances on this project. The edge is missing, the dynamic range is suppressed. I cannot blame Mr. Puccini so someone must be at the bottom.
I was enjoying Si, mi chiamano Mimi and then noticed that Ms. Kanawa was taking a break from the singing.
Richard Leech does a fine job of Rodolfo in O soave fanciulla, Ms. Kanawa's edge hasn't recovered here either. Perhaps they should have had Cristina Gallardo-Domas be Mimi from track 5 as well as she did track 6. I did like the quietness of Ms. Kanawa's parts but the feeling is not there.
I have come to enjoy this CD more as I listened to it after the fifth time. I still notice the flaws, but I guess I have just become more sympathetic.
It seems I have run out of space to continue further...you'll hear from me again when my luck of the draw makes me do a review."