Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra :: Verdi without Words: Grand Opera for Orchestra

An Exquisite CD

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 11/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Verdi is the finest opera has to offer. His tunes in the opera, his ensemble songs, brindisis and arias are unforgettable. The orchestral music is just as delightful and will delight the listener. Listen to the excellent rendition of the Triumphal March from Aida, the Brindisi from La Traviata and the Anvil Chorus from Il Trobadore. Excellent works. Puccini withour words does the same thing. A must have for opera fans and fans of classical or instrumental music of the opera. What more is there left to be said ? Viva Verdi the master of Italian opera. Encore!"

The Music Behind The Grand Opera: Verdi Spectacular

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 10/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is a delight for fans of classical music. In opera, the singing/words/text is married to the music, but it is the music above all that must create moods and evoke sentiment- whether it is pity, romance, jealousy, rage, pomp, melancholy, heartbreak, ecstasy, passion, mystery, etc. Eric Kunzel and his Pops Orchestra performs a wonderful array of Verdi music scores from his most famous grand operas. This album opens with Aida and there is much to admire here. The Triumphal March is a spectacle-scene which features parades of dancing girls and wild animals as Radames returns victorious. This music is famous for its prominent use of trumpet and chorus. Its orchestral version is equally bombastic. The Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore is another smash Verdi hit, a chorus piece but on orchestra, it is very catchy as well. Further to these fine works, the album features music from Verdi's Otello and La Traviata. This is a fine intro to opera for those who wish to begin by listening to the orchestral music first."