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Reviews (2)
Inspired by Bach: The Cello Suites (CD, Feb-1998, 2 Discs, Sony Classical)
30 Sep, 2017
Yo-Yo Ma plays Bach superbly
This is a very well-recorded CD of one of our generation's best cellists, Yo-Yo Ma. I must mention that I find the cello an amazing instrument, as its low register complements the higher strings. It can produce the most lovely tones, especially in a somber piece.
I have found this recording to be a bit like having Yo-Yo Ma in my living room, playing a recital for me alone. The selections make one feel contemplative and relaxed. This is a bit like meditation. The recording is well-miked, and this makes it all the more delicious.
The interpretations are thoughtful and sensitive. I think that a classical buff who likes Bach would find this a fine addition to his/her collection. If you like Bach cello solo work, you will be delighted with this CD.
31 Oct, 2017
Anna Moffo - One of the greatest soprano voices ever recorded
1 of 1 found this helpful I first heard a famous aria (Caro Nome?) sung by some woman named Anna Moffo, several years ago. Honestly, I was totally unfamiliar with before that time! Well, I totally fell in love with her, and her fabulous voice.
It was not just her striking beauty - I was already a fan of Natalie Dessay, Renee Fleming, and Monserrat Caballe (just to name-drop a few sopranos) -- but I was immediately impressed with the sound of her particularly sexy, pretty voice, along with her luscious phrasing, and her skilled interpretations. I REALLY believe that she has one ot the most lovely voices that I have ever heard. Other sopranos can only dream they have her vocal chords!
As time passed, I listened to more and more of her, and grew even more appreciative. I read about how sadly short her career was (so we should ignore her !!!??). I observed that she was an excellent Opera-Actress in several film clips (decades before the Met Live phenomenon). I began to read that many other contemporary sopranos were actually *jealous* of her, simply because she was such a beautiful woman! -- That is so sad!
After surfing many of her arias online, I decided to take a plunge and buy this HUGE compilation box of 10 CDs - The Beauty and the Voice. Here is my take on it:
* I HAVE NOT HEARD ONE ARIA IN THIS SET THAT I DID NOT LIKE! *
Every selection is at least decently-recorded, and MANY are actually very well-mastered, even by 21st Century digital standards. I can pick any of the 10 CDs at random, pop it in and enjoy the nearly-incomparable Beauty of her Voice! This is now my favorite box set, and I recommend it to anyone that appreciates Anna Moffo's songbird voice and her meticulously-sung work.
I believe she would be the Anna Netrebko of today, if she had been born 40 or 50 years later!
* Buy this set and ENJOY a truly rare and lovely voice. *
She is a bit like Pavarotti - once a generation we are blessed with such a great talent.