Search - Bellini, Verdi, Puccini :: Virginia Zeani

Long Overdue CD Release!

S. Smith | Canada | 09/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, this magnificent solo recital (originally recorded for Decca) featuring the great soprano Virginia Zeani has been released on CD. It is one of only two studio recordings that Madame Zeani made for Decca - the other, a selection of Puccini arias was released on CD on the Belart label some years ago coupled with an album by Graziella Sciutti. This Preiser release contains all the arias released on the original Decca recording along with additional items featuring the soprano with her husband, the famous bass Nicola Rossi-Lemini. Preiser, as always, has done a splendid job in remastering the recording and it highlights Madame Zeani at the beginning of her long and successful career. Hers was a voice of tremendous beauty and clarity, rich in emotional colour. The arias from her signature role in "La Traviata" demonstrate why she was and continues to be considered by many to be the definitive Violetta. Although her artistry is well captured on many live recordings, she was unfortunately overlooked by the major recording studios so this release is all the more important to those already familiar with Madame Zeani's talent and those who have not yet had the pleasure of hearing her."