Search - Giordano, Domingo, Scotto :: Andrea Chenier

No Recording will surpass this!!!!!

09/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is the epitome of quality. While I respect Placido Domingo, I take exception to Sherrill Milnes, whose role as Carlo Gerard makes you think he really is Gerard of the French Revolution. CD 2, track 6 begins Gerard's spelling bounding aria as he pens the execution edict for the poet and French Revolutionary defector, Andrea Chenier, who also has the attention of Maddalena di Coigny, the woman Gerard loves so passionately.Milnes' bold and colorful baritone will make you feel the anger, pain, yet understanding of Coigny's love for Chenier. Play it until you can feel it. This opera is for the romantic. As a 30 year old generation X'er, I appeal to my peers--explore your romantic side--feel--not listen--to this opera. Too bad this opera does not get the attention of many opera company's. But that's the beauty-I make a special effort to stay on the mailing lists of all majors, and at times small, opera companies to see this very special operatic treat."

Finest recording of Andrea Chenier ever! Definitely 5 stars

01/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The finest recording of Andrea Chenier ever made. Levine maintains the excitement of a live recording throughout this entire recording (although this is definitely a studio recording with excellent sound quality). Domingo is in his absolute richest voice, pouring out one high note after another with more ease than I have ever heard out of this great tenor. Domingo is the one of the greatest Cheniers of all time (along with Gigli). His sound is almost reminiscent of Caruso on this recording and much preferrable to Pavarotti in this role (although, in general, I prefer Pavarotti's voice). Milnes is in very fine voice here and is a a very convincing Gerrard. His "Nemico della Patria" is excellent. Renata Scotto was still in pretty good voice here. Scotto is very reminiscent of Maria Callas in this role and since Madame Callas never recorded Andrea Chenier, this is not a bad consolation. If you wish to own a copy of this very fine opera, by all means buy this one. Believe me, you will not be sorry. A must have recording."

Most Moving

Gapare Pacchierrotti | Canada | 01/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit, this is my favourite version of this opera. It is not one often performed, and the reasons are clear, it just isn't easy to perform. It requires very deeply felt commitment to the characters, the music, and the historical time of this opera. It is one of those actual historical operas where the characters were real people.For north Americans ( who are usually "lady audiences" ), there is no big moment, save "la mamma morte" in the whole work for the soprano. This is a man's opera, and it deals with the trials of standing up for ones beliefs, at all costs. And that heroic attitude is well felt throughout this recording. Levine is wonderous with just the correct emotional support for the singers, and his reading of this score is clean. Domingo is by far the best Chenier I have heard, and Milnes is spine-tingling with his portrail of the jealous and bitter Germand, who eventually out of love reveals his noble character. Scotto is heart breaking, especially at the end of the trial scene where Chenier is ordered to die. It amazes me what she brings out of this role. Only one singer brought as much, and that I know only from a pirated recording, and that was Magda Olivero.Oh, buy this recording and let yourself be swept away in the world of the french revolution, and let your heart weep with the unhappy lives of the characters -- no recording will do it better."