Search - Charles Gounod, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Modest Mussorgsky :: Evening with Nicolai Ghiaurov

The greatest Bass in the world ever!!

Carlos Fuentes y Espinosa | Mexico´s city, Mexico | 12/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I already knew that Nicolai Ghiaurov ( Sofia, Bulgary, 1929-) was one of the best opera singers in the history. However, when I heard this Cd, I get astonished. He is a god. In spite He is basso, he is able to sing beatifully charming as he did in fin ch'han dal vino, and in lá ci darem la mano. He changes his colour voice into a dramatic one in Godunov's arias. He also sings Mossé by Rossini in such a merciful way, you cry because of the emotion. All the arias were recorded from the public performances, but the noises are acceptable. He plays egregiosly correct every note from the highest to the lowest one. He sings in three languages, but this fact only convince us he is the best of all. Yes. I am his admirer. However, when you hear this cd, you'll become his, too. Highly recommended."

The only one currently available

tenor_in_training | 04/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While this CD is a compilation of selection from live recordings, this is the only all-Ghiaurov CD that's currently available. Search UK web sites for Decca's Grandi Voci release (it's simply astonishing) and Forlane's "The Art Of Nicolai Ghiaurov" CD recorded with Bulgarian conductors. But this one is very good, if you are willing to forego some usual noises associated with live recordings. Some selections are very clean (Boris Godunov) and some need to be cleaned-up (Nabucco). But the singing on all of the selections is of the highest caliber. The voice, with its size and beauty, and inspired unique interpretations are marvelous. The performances took place between 1966 and 1969 when the bass was entering his prime and give us a glimpse of his extensive repertoire. Of particular interests are his Philip II (Verdi's "Don Carlos") and title role in Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov. These are his signature roles and I would venture to say that absolutely no one, the great Chaliapin included, sang it better or with more feeling. Every time I listen, I find new nuances and it the characters really come to life. Opera d'Oro offers this CD at a bargain price, much less than you would expect for such a collection. I highly recommend it with 'live' sound being my only reservation."

A classic bass

Richard E. Mendales | Harrisburg, PA USA | 04/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is hard to believe that Nicolai Ghiaurov is no longer with us, but this CD is a fitting memorial, containing some of his best work. The quality of his bass is one of the best on record, and this CD displays it to its greatest advantage, running through his immense operatic repertoire from Mozart to the 19th century Romantics. There are some things that I would have like included on the album, such as his unmatched rendition of the Song of the Viking Guest from Sadko and other Russian classics, but this CD still shows his range and fluency to its greatest advantage. The sound quality is quite good, and in general this is a fine addition to the collection of any opera lover."