Search - Richard [Classical] Wagner, Antonin Dvorak, Giuseppe Verdi :: Karita Mattila Live in Helsinki

Karita Mattila Live in Helsinki
Richard [Classical] Wagner, Antonin Dvorak, Giuseppe Verdi
Karita Mattila Live in Helsinki
Genres: Pop, Soundtracks, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (15) - Disc #1

Any doubts that Finnish singer Karita Mattila--fresh from her triumph in the Met's new production of Fidelio in the 2000-2001 season--has moved from the top ranks of today's sopranos into the rarefied aura of full-fledged ...  more »

     
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Synopsis

Amazon.com
Any doubts that Finnish singer Karita Mattila--fresh from her triumph in the Met's new production of Fidelio in the 2000-2001 season--has moved from the top ranks of today's sopranos into the rarefied aura of full-fledged diva status are dispelled by this remarkable disc capturing her in full flight at a concert in Helsinki. She opens with an ecstatic "Dich teure Halle" from Tannhäuser, follows with a sinuous Dvorák "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka, moves on to satisfying Verdi and Puccini arias, then launches into three delectable arias from Strauss's Die Fledermaus, in which she perfectly portrays three characters of wildly different voice types: Orlofsky, Adele, and Rosalinde. As if that wasn't enough, Mattila then lavishes her gorgeous soprano on a group of Finnish songs, does a convincing version of a Marlene Dietrich classic, and finishes with an idiomatic "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" and a bluesy "Summertime." It's hard to think of another soprano who could tackle a program this varied or sing it as well. Throughout, Mattila beautifully characterizes each piece and sounds as if she's having a great time. So are we. --Dan Davis
 

CD Reviews

Interesting Recital
Peter Nyman | 11/27/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"The CD is a live recording from a concert Karita Mattila gave here in Helsinki. I did not get a ticket, but listened the concert on the radio (Mattila is accompanied by Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra). She was almost tireless, singing for over three hours (no guest artists).The programme was interesting. I would love to hear Mattila as Elisabeth, Leonora or Aida, because she sings their arias beautifully. Her lyric but strong voice suits Verdi and "lighter Wagner" very well, I think. Vissi d'arte was also very good; Tosca would be a perfect role for a diva like Mattila. She sang Musetta's waltz in the concert, but it has not found it's way on the recording. The Fledermaus arias show the artist's versatility and make it clear that Mattila likes to sing operetta.Mattila is generally better suited to opera than lied, but in Finnish music she is excellent - my personal favorite is "Flickan kom ifrån sing älsklings möte" by Sibelius. The "lighter" music is not that successfull, and I wonder why trained opera singers are so enthusiastic in performing and recording music that obviously does not fit their voices. Mattila imitated Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn in the concert, which was quite fun, but not to my liking. In addition, Mattila's encore was "Summertime" (included in the recording), a song she obviously likes very much, but sings less successfully. I think she should stick to classical music.In summary, I recommend this recital for the opera arias and the finnish songs."
Live wire
Akimon Azuki | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karita Mattila has more vocal brilliance & stamina and dramatic spunk than just about any other soprano singing today and I first became aware of that when listening to this collection.

Her technique is perfect, and she has lungs of steel- not that she cannot drop the opera hat in a second and adopt a cabaret persona, as aptly demonstrated here.

That she is drop dead gorgeous, and a great actress, doesn't hurt either, but this is an audio CD and opera recital first, and she has the goods, in spades, when it comes to hardcore opera repertoire.

And what a selection it is- soaring Wagner, full blooded Verdi, fantastic Tosca, a beautiful, lyrical Song to the Moon, the three heroines from Fliedermaus- each different and absolutely spot on- plus Finnish songs and some old fashion diva selections- Marilyn Monroe's and Marlene Dietrich's songs, and for finish, Summertime. This list is as crazy as it gets, and yet somehow everything works- and how! The word sparkling is often to use to describe singing of fluffy coloratura sopranos, but that would apply- there's a sort of electrical buzz that Mattila creates: every song is exciting, utterly absorbing. This is a recording of one fully-fledged diva in a great live performance."
Contemplative performances from Karita Mattila
gobirds2 | New England | 11/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love live recordings. I first became aware of this music several months ago. I listen to this CD quite a bit at home and in the car. I really relish her performances. And then there is Wagner's music!"