Karita Mattila's "Opera Arias," released in 1988 under Decca Music Group Ltd., is a captivating collection of eight operatic masterpieces that showcase the Finnish soprano's extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth. Accompanied by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the direction of John Pritchard, this album spans a variety of genres, including classical, opera, and choral, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
The album opens with a powerful rendition of "Martern aller Arten" from Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail," followed by a tender performance of "Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben" from "Zaide." Mattila's interpretation of "In quali eccessi" from "Don Giovanni" is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating her ability to convey both passion and vulnerability. The album also features a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Ach, ich fühl's" from "Die Zauberflöte" and a dramatic performance of "Wie nahte mir der Schlummer" from Weber's "Der Freischütz."
In addition to these well-known arias, the album includes lesser-known but equally stunning pieces, such as "Ils s'éloignent enfin" from Rossini's "William Tell" and "Chanson du roi de Thule" from Gounod's "Faust." The album concludes with a mesmerizing performance of "Mesicku na nebi hlubokém" from Dvořák's "Rusalka," showcasing Mattila's ability to sing in a variety of languages and styles.
Karita Mattila's "Opera Arias" is a testament to her exceptional talent and versatility as a singer. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
