Metropolitan Opera soprano Heidi Grant Murphy and her husband, the pianist and conductor Kevin Murphy (also of the Met), conceived the concept for this recording with guidance from their friend and Met colleague, Ken Noda.... more » The intent was to convey a feeling of infinite tranquillity, reverie, dreaminess, and tenderness. Though the disk's packaging--including its title--may strike some as slightly drippy, the recording deserves high praise on musical grounds. The selection of repertoire is excellent, and as a result, the disk's overall feeling is one of serene continuity. As interpreter, Heidi Grant Murphy brings out the many subtly-shaded moods in this music, and her voice is stunning without calling undue attention to itself. It is by turns quiet, close, tender, and yielding. It's a special disk to have. --Gwendolyn Freed« less
Metropolitan Opera soprano Heidi Grant Murphy and her husband, the pianist and conductor Kevin Murphy (also of the Met), conceived the concept for this recording with guidance from their friend and Met colleague, Ken Noda. The intent was to convey a feeling of infinite tranquillity, reverie, dreaminess, and tenderness. Though the disk's packaging--including its title--may strike some as slightly drippy, the recording deserves high praise on musical grounds. The selection of repertoire is excellent, and as a result, the disk's overall feeling is one of serene continuity. As interpreter, Heidi Grant Murphy brings out the many subtly-shaded moods in this music, and her voice is stunning without calling undue attention to itself. It is by turns quiet, close, tender, and yielding. It's a special disk to have. --Gwendolyn Freed
"Heidi Garant Murphy is an exceptional singer. The magical tone of her voice is matched by intelligent musicianship. I recently (Feb 10) saw her as Sophie in Der Rosenkvalier at the Met. A wonderful performance, in which she was clearly the interpreter closest to what I think Strauss had in mind. She also had the most beautiful voice (although Fleming was also in excellent voice) This disc is another wonderful example or her singing. Kevin Murphy, who is her husband, provides a sensitive piano accompaniment. This disk is not background music. The sensitive interpretations require your complete attention to be appreciated."
Buy!
coo428@aol.com | 02/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Judging from most reviews in the classical genre, I am not qualified to evaluate Twilight & Innocence for its technical merits, but let me say that Heidi Grant Murphy has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. The selections, and lovely piano accompaniment are a perfect showcase for her talent. I've worn out my repeat button on V'adoro, pupille...heidi and kevin, encore!"
An Easy Choice!
jeffnlin@gte.net | Bellingham, Washington | 11/05/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Heidi's performance on this CD is very intimate and engaging. Her natural virtuosity has been keenly captured. This is not background music, she draws your full attention and holds it from beginning to end."
Captivating music interpreted by a unique, beautiful voice
coo428@aol.com | New York | 10/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Heidi Grant Murphy should be considered one of the rising stars of the Opera world. She lends to the music on Twilight & Innocence the art of intimate singing. Each word is sung from the heart. The feelings conveyed are present without sacraficing any vocal range, the notes are just hit with a more subtle beauty than most other singers. The tone of Mrs. Grant-Murphy's voice is her ultimatley her most valuable asset. Dedicated to the victims of TWA's flight 800, this record is a thoughful, tastefully presented document."
Incredible talent!
coo428@aol.com | 10/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In no way do I consider myself an opera expert, but this cd is by far the most enjoyable, and well-done classical performance that I have ever heard. Heidi's voice is both polished and comforting, and the piano accompaniment by her husband Kevin makes this album a must-have for anyone that can appreciate pure talent."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
