Dive into the enchanting world of opera and classical music with "A Portrait of Kiri Te Kanawa," a captivating album released in 1990 under the Sony Classical label. This exquisite collection showcases the extraordinary talent of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a New Zealand opera singer renowned for her mellow yet vibrant lyric soprano voice. Spanning a concise yet impactful 52 minutes, the album features 14 tracks that highlight her remarkable range and versatility.
The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca, followed by the beloved "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi. Fans of Verdi will delight in the inclusion of "È strano! È strano! - Ah, fors'è lui" from La traviata. The album also includes a selection of arias from Don Giovanni, showcasing Te Kanawa's ability to convey both passion and vulnerability.
In addition to her operatic prowess, Te Kanawa's interpretation of lieder and art songs is equally compelling. The album features works by composers such as Richard Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Gabriel Fauré, demonstrating her mastery of both German and French repertoire. Notable tracks include "Morgen" and "Ruhe, meine Seele" from Strauss's Op. 27, as well as the poignant "Gretchen am Spinnrade" by Schubert.
The album is a testament to Te Kanawa's significant contributions to the world of classical music, offering a glimpse into her rise to fame and her enduring legacy. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "A Portrait of Kiri Te Kanawa" is a must-listen, showcasing the power, elegance, and artistry of one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time.
Tracks
Tosca: Vissi d'arteGiacomo Puccini, Kiri Te Kanawa, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir John Pritchard
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caroGiacomo Puccini, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
La traviata: È strano! È strano! - Ah, fors'è luiGiuseppe Verdi, Kiri Te Kanawa, Laurence Dale, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir John Pritchard
Hänsel und Gretel: Der kleine SandmannEngelbert Humperdinck, Kiri Te Kanawa, Frederica von Stade, Ileana Cotrubas, Sir John Pritchard, Gürzenich Orchester Köln
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Ah! fuggi il traditor!Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kiri Te Kanawa, Paris National Opera Orchestra, Sir John Pritchard
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Mi tradi quell'alma ingrataWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kiri Te Kanawa, Paris National Opera Orchestra, Sir John Pritchard
4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4, Morgen (Version for Soprano & Orchestra)Richard Strauss, Kiri Te Kanawa, Andrew Davis, London Symphony Orchestra
4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 1, Ruhe, meine Seele (Version for Soprano & Orchestra)Richard Strauss, Kiri Te Kanawa, Andrew Davis, London Symphony Orchestra
Gretchen am Spinnrade, Op. 2, D. 118Franz Schubert, Kiri Te Kanawa, Richard Amner
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 24, Du bist wie eine BlumeFranz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Heinrich Heine, Kiri Te Kanawa, Richard Amner
3 Songs, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêveGabriel Fauré, Kiri Te Kanawa, Richard Amner
3 Façade Settings: No. 3, Old Sir FaulkWalton, William Walton, Kiri Te Kanawa, Richard Amner
3 Façade Settings: No. 1, Daphneanon., William Walton, Kiri Te Kanawa, Richard Amner
3 Façade Settings: No. 2, Through Gilded TrellisesWalton, William Walton, Kiri Te Kanawa, Richard Amner
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