Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ivor Bolton, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment :: Véronique Gens - Mozart Opera and Concert Arias

Wonderful singing, fully characterized

Michael K. Halloran | 05/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"French soprano Veronique Gens has made something of a specialty of singing 18th century opera, including the works of Mozart. But don't think that Gens is one in the line of asexual, vibrato-less, "period" sopranos. Her voice is warm, creamy, womanly, and full. Her techincal accomplishment is excellent, and while her coloratura never dazzles, it is always propelled by dramatic impetus.In fact, it is Gens' sense of drama and attention to character, situation, and text, which sets this disc on a higher level than that of other fine Mozart aria recitals. Gens inhabits each character, so that her Vitellia is mature, weary, and resigned, while her Sesto is noble, impetuous, and highly earnest. She differentiates Cherubino from the Countess, Zerlina from Donna Elvira, while sounding vocally "right" for each. Listen to Sesto's "Deh, per queste istante" and then the following "Batti, batti," and see if you don't for a moment wonder if two different singers recorded the arias.For those already familiar with the work of Mme. Gens, this recital is self-recommending. For those who have yet to discover her artistry, I urge you to purchase this recording and succumb to the considerable charms of one of the finest Mozart sopranos singing today."

Beautiful singing

Michael K. Halloran | 04/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Veronique Gens is an unusual singer in that in addition to her beautiful voice and excellent sense of musicality, she pays particular attention to the diction and the meaning of the words. She is one of the best. Here she sings some of Mozart's extraordinary music. Although she is usually billed as a soprano, some of the pieces are normally sung by mezzo's. This does not seem to bother her at all."