Search - Vincenzo Bellini, George Frideric Handel, Alessandro Scarlatti :: Sumi Jo - La Promessa / Vincenzo Scalera

For teaching young singers, or just beautiful singing

Andre | Twin Cities, MN | 12/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sumi Jo has fast become one of my favorite sopranos. She has great control throughout her range, smooth legato, precise coloratura... technique just abounds. And the voice... the voice is gorgeous in my opinion. Pure, sweet yet not girlish, and all of this is carried throughout her extensive range. And is there nothing she can do? As her CD releases suggest, she can do virtuosic coloratura, traditional bel canto opera, songs from musicals, and here, beautiful art songs(this is to correct some of the reviewers before me... these songs aren't from opera except the "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's Rinaldo). So these are called art songs, and Sumi performs them artfully. I'm not surprised that the aforementioned reviewers are so won over by this CD... it's excellently done. What I find great about this recording is that some of these songs can be found in what many budding young singers know as the "24 Italian" book. It's considered standard repertoire. But the other side to the coin is that this CD doesn't have to be used as a teaching tool. It is perfect also just for a peaceful evening at home. A CD that has multiple uses, is good for different audiences, and is just plain "beautiful singing"... What more could one ask for?Well, in hopes that Sumi Jo has whet your appetite for more, she has many other recordings out there. If you like what you hear, and aren't quite ready for opera, try "Only Love." A recording devoted to some songs from musicals. This has become quite a popular CD, and her English is quite good. However, if you're ready for an introduction to opera try Sumi Jo's "Live at Carnegie Hall" where she sings some opera arias and some surprisingly European-sounding Korean songs that are exquisite. And if you're really gung-ho to try some virtuosity... of the coloratura soprano kind... I can recommend noneother than "The Art of Sumi Jo." Wow. It'll take your breath away. There's also "Sumi Jo Sings Mozart," "Bel Canto," and "Virtuoso Arias" that I highly recommend.All in all folks, I hope that this CD leads you to all of the wonders of the human voice that Sumi Jo can show you. Enjoy."

Aesthetically pleasing

Mathew Calewarts | VA | 01/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sumi Jo's artistry really shines through on this CD. Each phrase of each song is delicately shaped. My Italian grandmother, who can be very critcal, commented on how precise her command of the Italian language is. "She seems to be fluent in every language. How does she do it?" she replied after I played her a selection from the CD. Although I have to mention that she thought the paino and voice setting was a bit "dull", I believe it provides for a more "intimate" setting. If you are not particularly fond of opera and opera arias in general, this is the CD for you. While this is not my all time favorite album Sumi has done, it does in fact rank high on the list of CDs she has released. If you would like to hear more of Sumi Jo, I would recommend the "Sumi Jo Sings Live at Carnegie Hall" CD, it is my favorite by the way."

A promise fulfilled

Ramona | 10/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of famous Italian arias is in my opinion one of the greatest recordings of the decade. Jo finds a new style and colour for each song, be it hauntingly romantic or elegant, poised baroque. One of the most beautiful voices today. Do not miss this at all costs!"