OPERA
CREATORS
In
these four volumes, Crest has developed an extraordinary collection of
recordings of CREATORS OF OPERA AND operetta – these premiere
performances, usually under the direct control of the composer, are an
incomparable guide to the composer’s intentions and how they wanted their
roles performed. Usually, the best
voices and actors of the day were chosen for such honors and from these rare
performances we can hear for ourselves
the caliber of the artists, and the authenticity of the performances.
OPERA CREATORS,
VOLUME I
CC1/CD1
In
this first volume of OPERA CREATORS, Crest presents Zenatello in an aria from
FIGLIA DI JORIO, Schiavazzi in an aria from AMICA,
Paoli
sings a rare aria from MADAMOISELLE DE BELLE ISLE; Maurel: OTELLO, Sammarco: ZAZA,
Ferrani: MANON LESCAUT.
Girardi performs
“The Buffo Lied” from
ZIGEUNERBARON, and Battistini sings “Bella Italia” from PER LA PATRIA, while
Heige Roswaenege sings from two of his
premiere performances: DIE GROSSE
SUENDERIN and BALKANLIEBE. Luisa
Bertana and Carlo Galeffi present arias from NERONE,
Lepold DeMuth sings “O Menschengluck” from WINTERMAERCHEN by Goldmark, and
Tamgno sings three arias from OTELLO.
(These are from the 12” versions, which were never released in the
U.S.)
OPERA CREATORS,
VOLUME II
CC2
The
second volume of OPERA CREATORS features Mascagni conducting the “Preludio”
and “Siciliano” from CAVALERIA RUSTICANA with
Jose Riavez. The legendary Victor
Capoul sings the “Berceuse” from JOCELYN which he created in 1888.
Sammarco’s MOSE, Pertile’s
NERONE, Goritz’ KOENIGSKINDER, Todd Duncan’s PORGY, Bellincioni’s CAVALERA
RUSTICANA, Storchio’s SIBERIA, and Florence
Easton’s poignant “O Mio Babbino Caro” from GIANNI SCHICHI, Ferrani’s LA
BOHEME, Tauber’s LAND OF SMILES, Lehar conducting;
De Lucia sings a duet from L’AMICO FRITZ and Mei-Figner sings “Lisa’s
Air” from PIQUE DAME
OPERA CREATORS,
VOLUME III
CC3
In
this third volume of OPERA CREATORS, Crest offers the premiere artistry of
Zenatello in BUTTERFLY, Melba in ELAINE, Alda as
MADELAINE – The Victor Herbert Opera, two scenes from Refice’s CECILIA as a
performed by Claudia Muzio, the composer conduction…
Arias by martinelli from MADAME SANS-GENE, Gigli’s LODOLETTA, Garbin’s ZAZA,
mary Garden’s PELLEAS, Delna’s VIVANDIERE,
Fitziu’s GOYESCAS, and Tauber;s OLD CHELSEA.