The Very Best of Alfredo Kraus | Frederic Vassar, Sherrill Milnes, ...

The Very Best of Alfredo Kraus | Frederic Vassar, Sherrill Milnes, ... | Among the very best

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The Very Best of A...

	The Very Best of Alfredo Kraus Frederic Vassar, Sherrill Milnes, ... EMI Classics, 2005 average customer review:based on 4 reviews view larger image
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Good survey of Alfred Kraus' work

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.

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Among the very best

Reviewer Steven A. Peterson wrote "Alfredo Kraus was one of the finer tenors of the latter part of the 20th Century." Let me embellish his evaluation: Alfredo Kraus was one of the FINEST tenors of the LAST HALF of the 20th Century." He did not have the press agent Pavarotti had, and he did not draw so much hype. But musically, he can stand beside any of them.
This collection certainly exhibits the beautiful voice and the sensitive interpretation of this great tenor. I would point out, especially, the "Che gelida manina" and the "La donna mobile." And the repeated high C's from "La Fille du Regiment" should make Pavarotti want to come back and try again.
I was expecting, and would have preferred, more solo work and less ensemble. However, the quartet from "Rigoletto" and the introductory section of "O Mimi" from "La Boheme" are definitely rewarding.
Put all this together with a bargain price--$16.98 for nearly two and a half hours of excellent music--and every opera fan should want to own this recording.

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What a beautiful voice

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.

GREAT TENOR!

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