Chimene - Rene Joly

Advantages: Virtuosic operatic vocalism, unusual repertoire, mad scenes...
Disadvantages: Fleming's voice is maybe not best suited for this...

...voice is such a personal thing that I think it is only to be expected that one man's meat is another man's poison. So what exactly IS "Bel Canto" - which is the title of this particular CD featuring renowned American soprano Renée Fleming? Simply put: Bel canto is the Italian term for "beautiful singing", but it is specifically applied towards a vocal technique which first developed in the 17th century in Italy and continued to develop towards a peak in the 19th century with many bel canto operas by composers such as Bellini, Rossini and Donizetti - all of whom feature on this CD. It is a very technically based way of singing, where the singer was ideally supposed to have a perfect evenness throughout their range of notes, but most importantly, the ability to use extensive ornamentation (or decoration) as part of and in addition... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great music, catchy and a lovely trip down memory lane
Disadvantages: Repetitive, cheesy pop

...Back in the 90's when we were all that bit younger and wilder, when most of the music scene was becoming a little dull and definetly getting repitive along came a wonder band from Denmark. They brightened up our lives and taught us to see the funny side of music again. At the time they seemed annoying but n hynesight they were a fantastic band, they called themselves' AQUA. Consisting of band members Lene, Rene, Soren and Claus the band released their debut single Barbie Girl which nobody took seriously but still managed to climb to number one. Which was the main selling point of this, their debut, album. The album starts with Happy Boy and Girls which is a carchy tune sung by Lene and Rene about how they want to be happy forever and not 'waste time on simple little things'. There are references to going and getting... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great songs to sing-a-long to!
Disadvantages: Pointless bonus tracks

...This CD is great for all those who enjoyed the musical Chicago or those who enjoy jazzy musicals. I think that this CD is great value for money. It is for sale on Amazon UK for £4.97. For this price you get 18 tracks. 16 of the tracks are fantastic but the two bonus tracks I find unnecessary. Track listings 1. Overture / And All That Jazz - Catherine Zeta-Jones, Female Chorus, Male Chorus 2. Funny Honey - Renee Zellweger, John C. Reilly, Colm Feore 3. When You're Good To Mama - Queen Latifah, Taye Diggs 4. Cell Block Tango - Catherine Zeta-Jones, Susan Misner, Deidre Goodwin 5. All I Care About - Richard Gere, Female Chorus & Cell Block Girls 6. We Both Reached For The Gun - Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger 7. Roxie - Renee Zellweger, Male Chorus 8. I Can't Do It Alone - Catherine Zeta-Jones, Taye... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful