Search - Gioachino Rossini, Lauro Rossi, Saverio Mercadante :: Jennifer Larmore - Bravura Diva

Brava, Bravura Diva

Dr. Fred E. Koerner | New Haven, Ct | 03/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jennifer Larmore's meltingly beautiful yet powerful voice, aided by her rich coloring and emotional resonance, make her among the very best mezzo-sopranos of our day, or, in fact, of any day. There are more than a few critics and fans who compare her to the great Marilyn Horne. She is a consummate artist, and this magnificent collection of her vocal charisma and fireworks is long overdue. Anyone who has seen her in performance, in opera or recital, can attest that she is a pro in every respect. Having met her backstage several times, I can also tell you that she is lovely, charming, appreciative of her fans, and a "diva" in the "good" sense of the word. She takes time to talk to people and thanks them for their support.

Even after Giulio Cesare at the Met or Carmen at the Washington Opera. Or a Master Class at the Yale Music School.



More than perhaps any other mezzo today, Larmore brings her unique vocal artistry and dramatic verve to a range of well- known, as well as less well-known opera works, and brings them to vivid life.



One can only look forward to a similar collection of Larmore's

magnificent talents in the Baroque repertory. There is good reason to hope for Bravura Diva, Part II.

"

A New Queen Reigns in Bel Canto Singing

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 11/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jennifer Larmore is one of those rare artists whose career seems more pointed toward solid, strong development of the voice and the repertoire than to the glamour that the opera world seduces artists to define. Larmore is a consummate vocalist whose technique and musicality are so solid that she doubtless will be on the performing stages for many years. And here is a sparkling CD of bel canto arias and ensembles that shows her strengths and musical intelligence.



Arias by such composers as Sir Michael Costa, Luigi Arditi, Lauro Rossi, and Giovanni Pacini don't exactly ring familiar bells with the general public, but here Larmore gives this fine music the communication it needs to acquaint us with some splendid operas. Larmore is well known for her Rossini roles of the known works of the composer so it is with a bow to her musicality that she offers here arias from the lesser known operas 'Bianca e Falliero' and 'Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra'. She also gives us portions of Mercadante ('Andronico') not readily available on the stage, and while these arias are somewhat obscure Larmore delivers them with a rich, robust vocal color and facile technique that make them important. These arias were the territory of the infamous Pauline Viardot and Maria Malibran who in many ways 'created' bel canto, and like her predecessors Joan Sutherland and Marilyn Horne, she is up there with the best of them.



Various conductors and orchestras are represented on this collection (some from previous recordings of entire operas) and the support from the conductors and other singers with whom she sings ensembles is consistently fine. Jennifer Larmore's time has come and this album is titled appropriately! Grady Harp, November 05"

Like Fine Chocolate!

Paul Evans | Los Angeles | 11/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend and I were talking about Jennifer Larmore's spectacular new CD and all he said was "It's like fine chocolate, addictive and you can easily eat the whole box!"...I agree, and I say, go ahead, eat the whole box...Fine chocolate is a perfect description for Ms. Larmore's unique mezzo voice. In top form, the new queen of Bel Canto shows us a thing or two about how this music must be sung. Now, I am quite partial to her voice, but this Opera Rara treat is a MUST for Bel Canto fans. The Pacini selections made me love this neglected composer. Buy the full length recording of Carlo di Borgogna and I guarentee you will not put it down. Also featured are Opera Rara favorites Majella Cullagh and the great Bruce Ford. What's more, the packaging features stunning shots of Larmore as Giulietta from Tales of Hoffman. Be still my heart.



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