Watch the copyrights
Arthur Leonard | New York, NY USA | 05/07/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having seen the promotional announcements, I ran to my local store this week to pick up a copy. When some of the contents sounded familiar, I glanced down to the copyright date - (c) 2006, (c) 2010. The 2006 cautioned me not to buy, since I've got every Jaroussky Virgin Classics release, so I decided to check my catalogue at home. It appears that they have reissued the 2006 release, Beata Vergine, with a different cover (nice photo of Jaroussky), and perhaps a different order of the compositions on the disc. I suppose the 2010 copyright date relates solely to the packaging, since you can't copyright the same musical performances twice. Released at full-price, unlike some other Virgin Classics recycling of relatively recent releases. Perhaps they figured out it would sell much better with a nice photo of Philippe on the cover rather than the rather bizarre artwork of the original release. I don't think the title change does anything for it commercially.
This was a sensationally good recording on original release, and anybody who doesn't have it should order it right away. But I question the ethics of Virgin Classics in not stating prominently on the back that the release consists of previously issued material."
Doubtful Virginity!
Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 05/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Virgin Classics" has just slipped one past me! Torqued my wrench for me! Thumped my tires and given me a flat! This is exactly the same performance by Philippe Jaroussky that was released with different cover art and A DIFFERENT TITLE! And I bought it just because Jaroussky is the most accomplished male soprano of our era! The other release is titled "Beata Vergine". If I remember correctly, I've already reviewed it. I won't send this one back, however; I'll hold onto it and give it to someone for a birthday. It's not Philippe's fault, and hey, the other cover was uuugly!"
Repackaging of a previous release
Blake&Mortimer | Canada | 05/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Be advised that this CD is a reissue, under a totally different title, of a previous recording by Jaroussky. Issued in 2006, it was called "Beata Vergine" and is still available on Amazon.com, albeit at a higher price.
The program has no been changed at all and the contents are exactly identical, but under a different cover picture. Don't fall for it if you already own the first one.
On the other hand, if you don't already have it, there is absolutely no reason to let this reissue go by since this is an excellent recording.
Jaroussky uses his voice in its angelic, almost unearthly, mode for these works, a choice that is perfect for pieces in the Marial repertory. He is joined by Canadian Marie-Nicole Lemieux on 2 of them. Accompaniement by his Astarserse Ensemble is excellent, with the formation kept at a small size (strings and organ), in keeping with the devotional tone."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1