Una Furtiva Lagrima

Read About This Recording

With the death of Luciano Pavarotti and the end for The Three Tenors phenomenon (yes, the first concert was almost 20 years ago), are we observing the sunset of a golden age of singing? Or is it the dawn of a new era? The spotlight that shone on those tenors has moved, and surprise, in the limelight, there are some new singers on the stage — and Juan Diego Flórez is front and center.

You can forgive the overheated liner notes — the author does make Flórez sound as if he is a slightly mythological figure. But Flórez delivers the goods on every track. This very enjoyable disc is right in Flórez' sweet spot — Bellini and Donizetti arias are light of voice but demanding of any artist. And he conveys the full range of emotion required — his dexterity will be his enduring trademark. And he has the oh wow quality he can reveal in the most difficult moments.

It's been a while since a tenor of this age with these kinds of talents graced the recording studios. So, can you actually hear a new age beginning? Yes, you can.

—Ronald Gregory

Quotes

"9/10" —Classics Today

"This is a major CD by a major artist — a must for lovers of great tenorizing." —Classics Today

"The grace and accomplishment with which he uses his clear, resonant voice are beyond praise." —Gramophone

"A splendid second solo recital from this stylish young Peruvian tenor." —Gramophone

"It's a sheer delight and you'll want to hear it again the moment it's over." —Classics Today

Contents

Donizetti: Rita: Allegro io son; L'elisir d'amore: Una furtiva lagrima; Don Pasquale: Com'è gentil; Elisabetta: Ah non sogno! ... Disperato amante afflitto; La Fille du régiment: Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête! ... Pour mon âme quel destin!; Bellini: I Capuleti e i Montecchi: O, di Capellio generosi amici ... È serbato a questo acciaro ... L'amo tanto, e m'è sì cara; Povero Ernesto! ... Cercherò lontana terra; La sonnambula: Vedi, o madre ... Tutto è sciolto ... Pasci il guardo ... Ah! perché non posso odiarti; I puritani: A te, o cara.

Juan Diego Florez, Tenor; Nikola Mijailovic, Lorenzo (I Capuleti), Valton (I puritani), Caporal (La Fille du régiment); Nicola Ulivieri, Capellio (I Capuleti), Giorgio (I puritani); Ermonela Jaho, Amina (La sonnambula), Elvira (I puritani); Gianluigi Petrarulo, Trumpet; Giulio Patara, Tambourine; Andrea Menafra, Rossella Perrone, Guitars; Coro di Milano Giuseppe Verdi; Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi; Riccardo Frizza, Conductor.