Mozart: The Magic Flute | Simon Keenlyside, Christopher Purves, ...

Mozart: The Magic Flute | Simon Keenlyside, Christopher Purves, ... | best english mozart

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Mozart: The Magic ...

	Mozart: The Magic Flute Simon Keenlyside, Christopher Purves, ... Chandos, 2005 average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

This 2-CD set soars!

Mozart's Magic Flute has stood on its own merit through the ages and needs no comment from this or any other reviewer. It is an opera written of and in a period where what was expressed made sense to the librettist and the intended audience, and independent of the libretto, where musical expression was practiced as an art form that took into account both beautiful fully developed melody and the affect that melody would have on the listening audience. In this regard Chandos delivers a faithful two-CD set with Sir Charles Mackerrars conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by a strong English-singing cast that gives this Magic Flute verve and a sense of excitement that is a joy to listen to in every respect. While it is Opera in English, the listener should be aware that the soprano voice has difficulty making the English translation any easier to understand than had it been sung in German. A good example of this can be found in the aria of soprano Elizabeth Vidal, in "The wrath of hell is burning . . .". Does it detract from the delight of the aria? Not in the least. Ms. Vidal's aria is delivered with stunning beauty, accompanied by a rich and sensitive orchestra throughout. To the extent it's worth mentioning, it is only to point out that the accompanying booklet, which does contain the libretto, is a handy guide to keep nearby if understanding all the words is important. The male baritone and bass voices, on the other hand, seem to be perfectly suited for translation, and listening to baritone Simon Keenlyside, singing the role of Papageno, the bird catcher, and bass John Tomlinson, singing the role of Sarastro, Priest of the Sun, are good examples of how the lower register just seems to come across better in English.
As with all the Chandos Opera in English recordings I have listened to, the hallmark of this series is crisp and flawless delivery, due probably as much to the fact that it is a digital recording as to the fact that the emphasis on perfection is so obvious from all involved. An effort is clearly being made to make opera understandable; care is being taken to fit the libretto in English to the score so that it fits seamlessly; and the performers - singers and orchestra -- are clearly taking that mandate seriously. Technically, this is a strong offering with much to commend it above all others. As noted, it is a wonderfully produced set that is a treat to listen to in stereo. I played this set on both my home stereo, and on my computer, with enhanced speakers and sub-woofer, and found the experience being closer to the speakers, listening on my computer, a far more enjoyable experience. It is easy to see why this set received the "Editor's Choice" from Gramophone. It is a delight in every sense, and a technically superb rendering of a classic opera that is of such high quality that it is really the only one to own.

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best english mozart

Lives up to the big wrap in BBC music.of course Mckerras is an aussie!

Masonic Opera

If you are a member of the Brotherhood, then this CD is for you.
Buy it, it's a great work of art by our brother Mozart.

New recording of Magic Flute in English

One of the most beautiful opera recordings I have heard in a long time, the choral work and quality is outstanding.Mozart: The Magic Flute

Excellent!

This English production of Mozart's The Magic Flute is part of Chandos' "Operas in English" series. It was a shock when after years of searching I had finally found a production of The Magic Flute in English. The orchestra and the conductor (Sir Charles Mackerras) are brilliant. The singers are also great. Barry Banks Tamino is splendid (as was his Ottavio in Chandos' Don Giovanni.) Rebecca Evans is also very good. Elisabeth Vidals' queen is very good but lacked the sympathy and maliciousness to play the part. Simon Keenlyside's Papagano is wonderful. The three ladies (Majellah Cullagh, Sarah Fox, and Diana Montague) are very good and very believable. Sarastro (John Tomlinson) is excellent. John Graham-Hill's Monostatos is very good/conniving. My verdict: buy this set if you like to see operas translated- and perfectly at that.

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