JosA© Carreras: The Golden Years

A fine tenor

Jose Carreras is one of the finer tenors of his era, without much question. This 2 CD set illustrates why one can say that. The first CD displays his operatic skills; the second focuses on more popular tunes, such as "O sole mio," "Funiculi funicula," and "Tonight." He shows a rich lyric tenor voice.

First, some operatic works. From "La Boheme," we hear the wonderful romantic aria, "Che gelida manina." His lyric voice fits this work nicely. He hits the high note (at "la speranza") well, if not quite perfectly.

Then, "Recondita armonia" from Tosca. This dramatic aria is another well sung piece by Carreras. He does not display the "big voice" of a Franco Corelli or Richard Tucker, but his own voice serves well with this aria (and he is not small voiced by any stretch). Every so often here and on other arias, there are some very minor affectations (such as mini-catches or cries), but not a problem. His fine vocal quality more than compensates.

The companion piece from "Tosca" for tenors is "E lucevan le stelle." I always enjoy listening to the end, where a tenor's "la vita" can be quite a dramatic sound. Just so, Carreras sings this nicely.

Then, one of the challenging pieces from one part of the tenor repertoire, "Di quella pira" from Verdi's "Il Trovatore." Tenors are supposed to sing what I call "shakes" (something like trills, but most tenors aren't close to that). Overall, these are okay, but a few are inelegant. Nonetheless, a nice piece of work by Carreras. The repeat is better than the first pass at this. What about the final high note as he calls for his troops to go into action? Does the voice soar about voices and orchestra? Not really--but it's still a pretty good effort. All in all, another nice effort.

The second CD, as noted, features more popular songs. I was especially intrigued to listen to his version of "Granada." In the 1960s, one of the (I think) big-voiced tenors recorded this, and I recall hearing it played several times on WGN radio's Wally Phillips Show. The voice way overpowered the song, but what a listen! Carreras does NOT overpower this tune. He sounds awfully good with this bon bon.

"La Danza" frustrated the great Enrico Caruso. I once had the old LP (vinyl!) with him in the clown outfit (presumably, from "I Pagliacci"). Caruso lost his breath in the middle of one of the lines of this song, so it can be tough. Carreras takes it at the quick pace and does not falter. Lots of fun to listen to.

Finally, "Be My Love." Again, Carreras does not overpower this (I recall Richard Tucker taking a trifle, "What Now My Love," and singing it in his full voice--the song could not compete with Tucker's voice and it was a delightful mess to listen to!). Bravo Carreras.

All in all, a good survey of the body of work of Jose Carreras, one of the finest tenors of his time. For those enjoying the tenor repertoire, this is worth a listen.
April 5, 2008

The Golden Years--A Golden Recording

I can do no more than echo the raves of previous reviewers about this wonderful recording. But, I wanted to add another solid five start rating to the record. December 5, 2007

Beautiful and Classic Carreras

This is my favorite Carreras album. Many of the operatic songs were recorded in the late 1970's. They include many favorites, such as "E lucevan le stelle" and "Recondita harmonia." Others, such as "Core 'ngrato" and "Torna a Surriento" were from the 1980's, but are just as lovely. Carreras also includes some songs in English, such as "Be My love" and "Memory" (from "Cats"). I find his accented English to be very romantic and appealing. He sings with great feeling, making the songs seem special and meaningful. This is a very romantic album, a wonderful compilation of many "operatic" favorites sung with prowess and passion. October 10, 2007

Unique from a Golden Voice!

Since I first heard him in 1986, José Carreras has been my favourite tenor. His lyrical voice has captured my heart completely. No other voice moves me as Carreras' does. He moves me to tears, to laughter, to love, to beauty - to remembrance, to peace - and to HOPE!

As for this recording, my favourites are "Una furtiva lagrima" (Donizetti), "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" (Das Land des Lächelns), "Che gelida manina" (La Bohème) and yes, "Nessun Dorma" (Turandot) - and no, it's not always about the strongest voice.

I have lots of other recordings with Carreras. Spanish songs, German songs, love songs, mixture of opera arias and popular songs and of course, opera. I have reviewed "Carmen" conducted by von Karajan in Berlin in 1982 where Carreras sings "the flower aria" as it has never been sung before, with a pianissimo ending. (I also refer to and recommend another review of this version of "Carmen" here on Amazon, written by a much more knowledgeable reviewer than me, but sharing the same opinions.) Any admirer of José Carreras who has not heard his interpretation of this famous aria in this recording, has missed something. Amazon has it, hurry and buy! (Carmen 1982 - Agnes Baltsa, José Carreras, Katia Ricciarelli, Herbert von Karajan).

I love Carreras' "singing from the soul" (the title of his biography). He has something very special which affects me as no other singer does. No matter how high Pavarotti goes, or how complete and full and "having it all" Domingo's voice is said by so many to be - Carreras has something entirely unique. A Swedish journalist who was writing a review of one of his concerts, pondered about the difference between the three and why the seemingly less significant of them still moved him so deeply. And he finally concluded: "What is it with this little Spanyard. He does not reach as high as Pavarotti, or has the fullness and strength of Domingo, and yet, he sings as if every little tone were the last..."

This album is probably the best collection with Carreras, although many of these arias/songs are also to be found on other recordings. However, this selection is both large and varied and does indeed show Carreras at his best. It's also recorded before his illness. Many reviewers say that Carreras' voice HAS suffered from this, even if not very noticeable. I personally have not noticed any decline and I do listen a lot. Anyway, this recording is a perfect choice for people who want to be introduced to or hear more of José Carreras.

Finally, I would like to include in this review the first concert José Carreras held in Oslo Konserthus (Norway) after his illness - in April 1990. This was no large performance in a huge hall used also by rock bands etc. The kind of performance with lights in various colours, very stashed up in every way. As the newspapers wrote afterwards; it was not the regular first night audience who met in Oslo Concert Hall that night. It was the real music lovers who sat in silence and enjoyed and contemplated the sublime art they were listening to. No one got their favourite aria, this was an evening for less known material, but oh, so exquisite.

I have heard Carreras afterwards in more glamourous settings but shall never forget that evening in April 1990. A man, his voice and a piano.

I would like to recommend this recording warmly, and everything else José Carreras has sung for that matter. And for those who are not so keen on opera, there are lots to choose from, not the least film music and plenty of varied love songs. Carreras has not restricted himself to singing and recording only opera. Few tenors have made more recordings of popular non-opera music and so called crossovers. His voice is perfect for almost all kinds of popular love songs (As time goes by, You belong to my heart, The shadow of your smile, Memory) and I see this as a perfect way of inviting an even wider public to enjoy his wonderful voice. September 15, 2007

A Collector's Item

This is a different voice than you hear on recordings of "The Three Tenors." Of course, it's his earlier years, but the light, lyrical quality of his voice is amazing. Thank goodness for recordings, and digital remastering. I love this CD. March 9, 2007

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