Mozart: (The) Marriage of Figaro

Advantages: Great singing and lively performances
Disadvantages: Live recording noises! Quite expensive

...If anyone had told me 4 years ago that I would become a huge opera buff I probably would have laughed in their face! But here I am, spending my money on buying operatic recordings, going to see operas, and singing opera. If you’re looking for an introduction to the world of opera, you won’t find a more perfect introduction than Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro - filled with wonderfully drawn characters and ‘hummable’ Mozart melodies, this was the first opera that really caught my interest and is still my favourite. ---Synopsis--- The opera is set in Spain (but is sung in Italian!) and the action takes place over the course of one day - the wedding day of Figaro and Susanna, both servants to the Count and Countess Almaviva. Unfortunately for the couple, the Count fancies Susanna and, as well as stalling... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: The instruments actually manage to sing to each other!
Disadvantages: If there is any I'd like to know.

...viewing. ---Le Nozze di Figaro--- 'Le Nozze di Figaro' or more popularly known as 'The Marriage of Figaro' is a monument of western art and is one of Mozart's most widely recognised songs. Although an opera I've here tried to describe the music, as unless you buy a DVD video of the opera you would not neccessarily understand the plot (and anywhay I'd prefer to conjour up my own thoughts for the music). It starts simply with just one instrument playing a few notes gradually picking up in speed and complexity and then quickly infuses many parts of the orchestra to bring its powerful effect up to full strength for the listener. It then calms to a more gentle pace as if one section of the orchestra were talking to the other and in turn replying. Later in the middle of the piece the conversation between the instruments gradually intensifies... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Bonney's gorgeous voice; intelligent singing; great selection of songs
Disadvantages: No translations included

...‘Deh vieni non tardar’ from The Marriage of Figaro and ‘Ach ich fuhls’ from The Magic Flute are both sublime, full of lyricism and emotional vulnerability, making it easy to see why her Mozart roles have been so celebrated. The Donezetti ‘Chiedi all’aura lusingiera’ marks a move away from Bonney’s traditional Mozart roles, but the result is a stunning duet with the tenor Gosta Winbergh, which makes a fascinating contrast to the Mozart arias and shows Bonney’s versatility. But Bonney has always described herself as ‘a lieder singer who happens to do opera’ and this is reflected in her superb rendition of Schumann’s ‘Mondnacht’. Her lightness of tone ensures that her voice seems to float effortlessly above the gorgeous piano (played by Vladimir Ashkenazy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful