Alda Noni - Arias

Advantages: Easy on the ear. Very professional performance
Disadvantages: Already released in a different form on 2 separate CD's

...This album of two cd's is really a compilation of two other previously released albums by Bryn Terfel. If you have already got "Handel Arias" and "Operatic Arias" then do not waste money on this. They are more or less identical.Terfel is in top form in all the arias. His voice was at it's peak when the Handel parts were recorded. I bought it because I happen to like bass and bass-baritone singers.I was not disappointed because Terfels voice, although not truly bass, has the deep and warm quality that I know from the American Bass Samuel Ramey. If you get this CD and expect to hear something like his ghastly performance in the Proms in recent years where he looked like a rugby supporter, then you will be surprised. Here we have a master at work . His diction is good and the range and sheer beauty of his craft is fully evident... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A great buy for a lover of the film
Disadvantages: after listening to it, the film somehow loses it's edge

...Some of the songs on this CD really bring back memories of some of the more moving section in the film, most notably "Duettino - Sull'Aria". This would be a great CD for anyone who enjoyed the film to any sort of extensive degree. The CD contains both original music composed for the film and famous songs by the Inkspots, Hank Williams and the aformentioned Sull'aria (from "The Marriage of Figaro") stung together in order they are heard throughout the film. I think this really adds to the feeling of the CD, when you listen to it all the way through it really is reminicent of the first time you watched The Shawshank Redemption, and this (presumably for anyone wanting to buy it) is a very good thing :D... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great voice!
Disadvantages: None!

...Andrea Bocelli is a great new talent when it comes to tenor voices, and this is another excellent album. He does more than justice to the three versions of 'Ave Maria' here (including one which wasn't familiar to me), and altogether this is a very appealing choice of arias to listen to during a quiet evening by the fire or - my choice - at full volume in the car! The inclusion of a couple of Christmas carols is no doubt because of its original release just before Christmas, but that still doesn't stop me enjoying it in July. If you're not already a fan of classical choral music, this might not appeal as much as Romanza would; but if you want something choral to listen to in the car, this is it!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic