Search - Licinio Refice, Alfredo Catalani, Franco Alfano :: Rare Verismo Arias

ENTERPRISING

Operaman! | Chicago, IL United States | 06/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Opera recitals on CD are in trouble. Just take a look at the current offerings! Most titles consist of newer (majority european) or established (past their prime) singers rehashing the traditional bread-and-butter repertoire. That's one of the reasons why Ms. Follman's CD is so appreciated! True, some of the selections (from Lodoletta, L'amico Fritz and Cecilia) have been recorded by the likes of Tebaldi, Freni and Scotto, but not by anyone recently, and it's good to hear them again. What's even more surprising is realizing how beautiful the music is! Ms. Follman (who realizes that verismo must be sung well, attention paid to musical values, and avoiding superfluous italianate effects such as exaggerated chest tones) and Maestro Abel have found the right combination to make this work, and I hope there will be another CD forthcoming. I agree that Ms. Follman is a spinto soprano (re "pushed" lyric) who has agility, a nice plus (i.e., a spinto who can trill!) I hope there will be an opportunity to hear Ms. Follman in person soon."

WOW!!! INCREDIBLE!!!

J. Jackson | 09/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has it all. A new an upcoming singer and star, soprano Robin Follman sings beautiful arias form the long lost Verismo period. I enjoyed the duet with Philip Webb and the "Amor, celeste ebbrezza'" from Catalani's LORELEY was amazing... I can't wait for the second CD of this new artist..."

Reviewer above doesn't know Opera

Jeff Waxman | New York, Manhattan | 09/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First off. Ms Follman is a Spinto and sings controlled throughout all 11 cuts. The music is soothing and she would make Puccini proud. If you followed her career, you would no that Ms. Follman sings Tosca's, Butterfly's and Boheme's all over the world. Have you sung on any stage lately? Yves Abel conducts beautifully and brings alive the 88 piece English Chamber Orchestra. What a treat to have so many rare pieces on one CD. The CD insert is written in Italian and English. This CD is a great collection of wonderful Opera that has been lost and Ms. Follman had the ability to bring it back."