Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi, Luigi Denza, Gaetano Donizetti, Stefano Donaudy, Pietro Adolfo Tirindelli, Gioachino Rossini, Pietro Mascagni, Francesco Paolo Tosti, Arturo Buzzi-Peccia, Ernesto de Curtis, Giacomo Puccini, Opera Orchestra of New York, Carlo Bergonzi, Eve Queler, John Wustman - Carlo Bergonzi - Italian Songs ~ Bellini A· Verdi A· Danza A· Tosti A· Donizetti A· Rossini A· Mascagni A· Puccini

Another dazzled listener

All the other reviewers love this disc because it is, quite simply, dazzling. Twenty five years ago the voice of Carlo Bergonzi on a record borrowed from the library (along with those of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau) made me realize that opera was something worth listening to.... Things haven't changed. Bergonzi was among the handful of true greats and this recording does justice to his intelligent and passionate voice. December 12, 2006

Exquisite Music

This CD is a favorite of mine for two reasons, Bergonzi is magnificent and the Italian songs are gorgeous. Moreover, these wonderfully crafted Italian songs are arranged in a straightforward manner--the tenor sings with a piano accompaniment--which allows the listener to focus directly on the beauty of the music. Bergonzi is simply extraordinary, he has such subtle vocal control combined with real warmth. The result is refined, but lush music. November 15, 2005

Carlo Bergonzi - the tenor's tenor

This CD is for lovers of Italian "classical" Ballads, and is highly recommended. Most of the songs are sung by Carlo with a piano accompaniment, so don't expect to hear grand opera.

A very lovely CD July 28, 2005

Sheer Perfection!

This album is quite simply put, exquisite! Bergonzi shows in this collection that even late in his career he could still produce that wonderful lyric beauty he was so famous for. My favorite song on this abum Donaudy's "Vaghissima sembianza" is so perfect, so shimmering, just so very beautiful. This song is worth the price of the album itself. Bergonzi's stylings on de Curtis' "Non ti scordar di me" will send one back to the recording of Beniamino Gigli, and favorably so. Begonzi also demonstrates a musicianship on this album that is second to none. Bergonzi was truly a "class act". This is one of the most beautiful, most perfect Neapolitan collections ever. This CD is a must have for lovers of Bergonzi, for lovers of Neapolitan songs, or just lovers of perfect singing!! September 24, 2002

glad i came across this one!

I love this CD and recommend it to anyone who loves opera and clear, beautiful singing. The variety of songs ranges from meltingly romantic to playful and flippant. My Italian is not very good but his diction is so perfect I feel like I understand every word. Bergonzi's big, athletic voice gives the illusion of being barely under control. But of course it is under complete contol, never bellowing. John Wustman's supple, slender accompaniment is perfect, each introduction whets the listener's appetite for the song, which he then gently frames and supports. He does get to shine on "La Daza". This would be a great CD for those new to opera and is worth it for "Vaga luna" alone! January 17, 2002

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