Search - Jules Massenet, Julius Rudel, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Massenet: Cendrillon

Wonderful recording but terrible packaging

Sheila Bloom | Alexandria, VA United States | 05/23/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is a glorious recording of a charming opera, Massenet's best music, in my opinion, with exception of Thais.



However, the cover art is trashy (the original one had lovely Von Stade in a blue dress runing (presumably at twelve midnight). This disc has no information whatever, no libretto, no pictures, no summary. Opera d'oro, much less expensive, has plot summaries and information in its cds. Too bad I don't still have my box set.



But Von Stade and Welting are in wonderful voice as is Gedda and the whole opera and recording is a delight from beginning to end."

An amazing performance by all

Rach | Scottsdale, AZ, USA | 02/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an extremely hard to find CD, but performed beautifully by all involved. Flicka is in amazing voice and just sings flawlessly. Ruth Welting is also at the height of her vocal powers and is wonderful to hear. The entire recording of this rarely heard opera is one that is greatly appealing. It is a slightly different take on the standard "Cinderella" story. A great example is the beginnning of Act III, where Cinderella tells of her travels back to the house from the steps of the palace. Flicka's high D (as a MEZZO!) during this scene is awe-inspiring, as is her vocal acting. You really understand the journey she has taken, even if you don't understand French. Unfortunately, there is no libretto packaged with this re-release, but it can be found on-line. This is a great recording and it's wonderful to see it available again."

Never mind the book cover

N. Freidin | Huntington, WV | 04/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One should not judge a book by its cover. Here, the book cover is 'trashy' as one reviewer put it, quite right, and inappropriate and ridiculous really. And inside there is no libretto, only numbered queues to the first sung lines. Not helpful if you are not familiar with the opera. However, the Cinderella fable is known by most.



For about a third of the price of the original package (1979), you have the identical recording, with Julius Rudel conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, of Massenet's Cendrillion, with the magical interpretation of Frederica von Stade. She is supported by a superb cast of some of the modern greats of the French repertory, as Nicolai Gedda, Ruth Welting, Jules Bastin and Jane Berbie. Other notable singers include Teresa Cahill and Elizabeth Bainbridge. This is a cast of stars, even in the minor roles.



Cendrillon exhibits Massenet's musical wit, his mastery of orchestral writing, and his sensitivity to the text and the vocal line. This recording is a fitting tribute.



This reissue is part of the 'great operas from Sony classical' series, distributed from Germany, in 2003. The series was cheaper when purchased directly from an Amazon branch in Europe. Of course, with the weakening USD, it may no longer be a bargain for Americans.



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