Natalie Dessay - Mad Scenes (LP)

Natalie Dessay, the renowned French soprano, presents an exquisite collection of operatic masterpieces with her album "Mad Scenes," released on October 19, 2009, under Warner Classics. This captivating album spans a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, featuring six enchanting tracks that showcase Dessay's extraordinary vocal prowess and emotional depth.

The album is a journey through some of the most iconic and technically demanding mad scenes in opera history. It opens with Donizetti's "Lucie de Lammermoor," followed by Bellini's "I puritani," and Thomas' "Hamlet," each piece demonstrating Dessay's ability to convey the intricate emotions and complexities of her characters. The album also includes a delightful rendition of Bernstein's "Glitter and Be Gay" from "Candide," showcasing Dessay's versatility and charm.

Dessay's interpretation of Meyerbeer's "Le pardon de Ploërmel" and the concluding track, Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," are particularly noteworthy. Her crystalline soprano voice soars through these arias, delivering a performance that is both technically flawless and deeply moving. Each track is a testament to Dessay's artistry, making "Mad Scenes" a must-listen for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.