SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 77:00 Min.
In 2016, Sony Classical released this album showcasing South African operatic soprano Pretty Yende. Backing Yende is the RAI National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marco Armiliato. The eight selections are:
- II Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), Act 1, No. 5
Composer: Gioachino Rossini Running Time: 6:08
2. Lakmé, Act 1, No. 2
Composer: Leó Delibes Running Time: 6:13
3. Lakmé, Act 2, No. 10
Composer: Leó Delibes Running Time: 8:08
4. Beatrice di Tenda, Act 1, Scene 6
Composer: Vincenzo Bellini Running Time: 12:36
5. Le Comte Ory, Act 1, Scene 8, No. 4
Composer: Gioachino Rossini Running Time: 9:46
6. Lucia di Lammermoor, Act 1, No. 3
Composer: Gaetano Donzetti Running Time: 12:59
7. I Puritani (The Puritans), Act 2
Composer: Vincenzo Bellini Running Time: 15:2
8. Roméo et Juliette (Romeo and Juliet), Act 4, No. 17
Composer: Charles Gonoud Running Time: 5:57
REVIEW:
A Journey is a treat channeling old-school Italian opera through Pretty Yende’s youthful and undeniably vibrant sound. Reminiscent of Cecilia Bartoli, Yende excels as a vocal storyteller, as far as shifting from one dramatic emotion to another, let alone playing light-hearted comedy. Hence, this album offers a wonderful chance to inspire a new generation of aspiring opera buffs. The same applies attracting experienced listeners in need of a fresh jolt of energy.
Showing off Yende’s creative versatility without going overboard, Sony Classical effectively blends familiar opera tracks with some of the more obscure. Ultimately, Yende’s Journey proves a musical gem for any age.
PACKAGING:
Unsurprisingly, Sony Classical’s quality control is first-class.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
