Search - Frederic Vassar, Sherrill Milnes, Daniel-Francois-Esprit Auber :: The Very Best of Alfredo Kraus

Good survey of Alfred Kraus' work

Steven A. Peterson | Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL) | 08/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alfredo Kraus was one of the finer tenors of the latter part of the 20th Century. He was born in 1927. His formal debut was in 1956 and he actually sang into the 1990s, before his death in 1999. This double CD set shows him in a repertoire that runs from Mozart, Bellini, Donizetti to Verdi, Puccini, and Massenet.



A few examples of his singing:



"Verrano a te" (Lucia di Lammermoor): A well rendered duet with the soprano Edita Gruberova. The voices work well off of one another. He sings smoothly, with a distinctive voice. This is a wonderful duet, well sung.



"Un di felice" (La Traviata): His stylish voice works well with this piece. This is an affecting version, as he couples with Renata Scotto (as Violetta). She contributes mightily to the success of this duet--but Kraus also shines.



"Questa o quella" (Rigoletto): Well sung. There are a few unwelcome affectations in this aria (and these recur here and there elsewhere), but it is not so much as to detract from his obvious talents. He captures, vocally, the attitude of the wretched Duke.



"La donna e mobile" (Rigoletto): Another testament to the Duke's wretchedness--and testimony to Kraus' art. This is well done, sung stylishly. The piece ends well with the high note.



"Bella figlia dell'amore" (Rigoletto): One of the great ensemble pieces in opera (along with the sextet from "Lucia," the Bohemians from "La Boheme," the Norns in "Gotterdammerung," etc.). The participants: Kraus, Beverly Sills, Mignon Dunn, and Sherrill Milnes. An exciting performance, well sung by the four.



"Che gelida manina" (La Boheme): A very nice version. Kraus sings this sensitively. His culminating high note is done well.



"O soave fanciulla" (La Boheme): Once more, Kraus partners with Scotto. And the result is splendid indeed. Their voices intertwine nicely. This is a very well done version.



So, where does one end up with this CD? Kraus obviously qualifies as one of the better tenors of his era. This is a terrific introduction to his artistry.

"

What a beautiful voice

Film watcher | Dallas, Texas United States | 04/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not have formal schooling in music but I do know a great voice when I hear it..what a wonderful voice. Great recording."