Search - Various :: Puccini In Love

Opera's ability to heighten emotional experience is part of the irresistible appeal of this art, above all when it comes to the emotions associated with love (and with its opposite as well). And Giacomo Puccini was especially adept at using the power of opera to convey those emotions, with such success that his enormous popularity shows no signs of declining--if anything, it is increasing. This compilation exhibits the wide spectrum of Puccini's artistic range, from the tenderness of down-and-out lovers discovering their feelings in La Bohème to the despairing idealism of Cavaradossi in Tosca and the triumphant confidence of Calaf in Turandot. The composer's toolbox included an unforgettable gift for melodic invention, resonant, complex harmonic language, and a mastery of orchestral color. All of these come to life here with fervent passion through some of Puccini's greatest interpreters, culled from the riches of Deutsche Grammophon's archives: Placido Domingo, Mirella Freni, Luciano Pavarotti, Herbert von Karajan, and José Carreras. This disc makes a great entrée into the world of opera as well. --Sarah Chin