Almost spectacular...
Kyle E. Lockhart | Texas USA | 05/15/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I think this recording has some very nice moments. However, there are just as many not so great moments in here as well. Cabell's voice is a very beautiful instrument. Few posses that beautiful tone. However, there just seems to be a lack of polish to the sound. I realize she is young and that she has the potential to grow into some things. For example, the dynamic level throughout the disk seems to be stagnant. She does a few things here and there but overall, she seems to sing at the same level through many of the arias. Sadly, at times, that volume seems push or uncomfortable. The program she selected for this disk is varied. I applaud the inclusion of the lesser known works like the Menotti and Tippett. She also includes the standard soprano fare such as "O mio babbino." These standard numbers come off less interesting as their lesser recorded counterparts. Overall, this is a voice worth hearing. I hope this is just the beginning for her and that she continues to improve and record."
4 for performance, 5 for promise--but I can't give a 4 1/2
Steven A. Peterson | Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL) | 10/14/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nicole Cabell is an emerging soprano. This is her debut CD. She recently won the main prize in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition. My own sense is that she shows great promise, and this debut disc demonstrates that. However, she is not yet a polished performer. But one would expect that to come with time and experience.
Some examples of her work:
"Quando me n'vo," from Puccini's "La Boheme": Cabell demonstrates a rich voice, no question about it. She sings the notes well, but not much characterization of Musetta emerges. Given that she's early in her career, this is hardly surprising. It would be interesting to hear her version of this five years from now.
"Ah! Je veux vivre" from Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette": An infectious aria. She provides a spirited version. Although this is a bit raw at places, this is an animated presentation.
"Les filles de Cadix" by Leo Delibes: Another up tempo and infectious piece. Again, Cabell shows off a rich voice. This is enjoyable to listen to and assess her promise for the future.
"Quel guard il cavaliere. . . So anch'io la virtu magica": The cantabile is sung nicely. She demonstrates no vocal affectations that can often mar a singer's work. The cabaletta? She shows vocal agility, and she takes this at a spirited pace. There is not a great deal of ornamentation in the cabaletta. However, she produces one decent trill. Her final note is rather tamely sung.
This CD shows a young soprano of considerable promise. The challenge is for this promise to turn into the ultimate polished performance that is inherent in this disc. A singer whose career will be well worth following.
"
A nice selection will satisfy most tastes.
OperaOnline.us | Boston, MA | 07/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Last month we had the opportunity to hear a singer we had never heard before, soprano Nicole Cabell, performing the role of Clara, in Gershwin's "Porgy & Bess," and we were impressed with her sound. Now comes a new, pricey ($32.99) recording under the DECCA label featuring Ms. Cabell in a debut album (due in May, 07) under her own name. The price of this CD is high, but the singer comes highly recommended, having won the BBCs Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 2005, listing credits and reviews worthy of a talent in clear ascendancy - which she obviously is. For this debut CD she chooses some of what she likes best. "I wanted to sing not simply pieces that I love," she is quoted in her acknowledgement, "but the music that I believe fits my voice." A lyric soprano with punch, Ms. Cabell, glides effortlessly through a series of well known arias in English, French and Italian, culling some of the best from composers such as Puccini, Gounard, Gershwin, Bellini, Donizetti. With superb accompaniment from Maestro Davis and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms. Cabell gives a strong accounting of herself and leaves no doubt that no matter how many times one hears "O mio babbino caro," (Gianni Schicchi) or "Quando m'en vo," (La boheme) which she will be performing in concert this month with Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon, there's still room for hearing and enjoying it anew from a different voice with a slightly different interpretation. Everything one reads about this voice is true: smooth legato, florid passages and delightful coloratura - and we might add with this debut CD, a nice selection of music that will satisfy most tastes with its even thematic presentation. Our personal favorite? Charpentier's soulful "Depuis le jour où je me suis donnée (Louise), but then, there are many favorites on this CD. This review appeared at OperaOnline.us."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1