Search - George Frideric Handel, Jacques Offenbach, Jules Massenet :: Together

Ten Stars!!!

maggiecmg@hotmail.com | 07/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BothItzhak Perlman and Placido Domingo are two of the most sophisticated and gifted musicians that ever graced our sad world with their presence. For whatever they do we should be eternally grateful. Both artists often ventured in the world of popular music, which goes to show just how diverse and open-minded they are. Every time they had something new to say as to the music, and attracted new legions of fans. Perlman's excursions into jazz and Domingo's explorations of modern Latin music are widely known and appreciated and loved by many. Here they combine their extraordinary forces to bring to us a relatively "conservative" repertoire, yet they do with such skill and class, the familiar selections sound fresh and enchanting. Don't underestimate the level of difficulty, though. Notice the two Rachmaninov songs, arranged splendidly for tenor and violin. (Btw, the song "O Cease thy singing, maiden fair" is usually performed by bass (baritone) and piano.) They include a Richard Strauss lieder "Morgen", a feat, not even attempted by other Italian opera-trained tenors, a nice surprise that attests to Placido Domingo's infinite talents. Massenet's "Elegie" is full of passion and melancholy, and Kalman's "Kome, Zigane" sparkles with gypsy rhythm and intensity. Among the other gems are Handel's "Ombra mai fu" and Tosselli's "Serenade" on which Placido and Itzhak display their flawless virtuosity and sincere love for the music. This is the most wonderful and unusual album, a true revelation. Thank you, Placido and Itzhak, the world is a better place thanks to you."

Two masters of music

Rebecca Parker | Regensburg, Germany | 01/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! What can I say? It is so obvious who rules the stage when it comes to violin virtuosos. Itzhak Perlman takes my breath away every time I hear his bow touch a violin and to be playing with one of the world's best vocalists alone shows some accomplishment. Of course... it goes without saying that Domingo is probably THE BEST tenor of this lifetime. My personal favorite on this CD is the "Offenbach". I've heard this piece sung and played by many artists, but none of them come close to this recording and it truly touches your heart and soul. This CD has definitely become a favorite of mine and I cannot seem to put it back in its CD case! This album is definitely worth getting for one's self and I would even say it is also a very nice gift idea, that even non-classic listeners would appreciate."

Together is exactly right

maggiecmg@hotmail.com | St. Louis area, Midwest United States | 07/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Together is the most stirring, evocative album anyone could ever wish to hear. Itzhak Perlman's renditons of Estrellita, Danny Boy, actually each of the selections draws the listener along the strings of his bow and sends them soaring. Placido's voice blends magically with the notes of the violin in such a way that you realise both 'instruments' are being played by a master musician."