Lorraine Hunt Lieberson - Handel Arias
Product Details
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Theodora or the cantata La Lucrezia, ends with "Ombra mai fu," and as sung by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, it is so tender, so beautiful, so impeccably shaded, that you'll think you're hearing it for the first time. But that's only four of this disc's 67 minutes---a follow-up to Hunt Lieberson's extraordinarily successful CD of Bach cantatas. There's not a dull or disinterested moment to be heard anywhere. As the violated Lucrezia, Hunt Lieberson alternately rages against the man who raped her and turns her grief inward; the former is terrifying in its intensity, the latter makes us almost feel as if we're eavesdropping. The five arias for Irene, Theodora's friend, confidante, and the upholder of Christian beliefs are all magical prayers or statements of faith, and from Hunt Lieberson, they become real, with each word honestly conveyed and colored. The voice itself is unfailingly beautiful---warm, lush, never forced, agile when necessary---and her breath control is stunning. She is backed ideally by Harry Bicket and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the string soloists in the ensemble---the viola da gamba player, lutenist, etc.---are as gifted as she is. If you want proof that Handel was a great dramatist with a special gift for communicating emotion, all while listening to sublime sounds, this CD is a must. --Robert Levine
Customer Reviews
A wonderful voice, too soon taken from us
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson was a wonderfully talented mezzo soprano, who dies far too soon. To begin, I can only quote from another reviewer: "And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago [in 2006]. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist. She will be missed." Such circumstances leave one with two separate emotions--sorrow for a passing so early and gratitude for having been able to experience her talent.
On this CD, she is ably supported by Henry Bicket and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Three of Handel's works are represented here, "Theodora," "La Lucrezia," and "Serse."
From "Theodora," "Ah! Whither should we fly or fly from. . .As with rosy steps in the morning." The recitative begins slowly, but Lieberson's rich voice adds a majestic element. She displays a lush voice and sings a smooth line. Estimable!
"La Lucrezia." "O numi eterni! O stelle, stelle!. . .Gia superbo, del mio affanno." Again, what a rich, lush voice. Subtle singing and no annoying vocal affectations. She handles the music well.
From "Serse," "Ombre mai fu." Does my memory play tricks on me, or did Enrico Caruso record this early in the 20th century? This is a warm piece, with a lugubrious undertone. Lieberson's rich mezzo voice injects a powerful element into this aria. What a fitting close to this CD.
Thus, we glimpse the talent of Lieberson and can only lament her too early death.
Drinking in her voices
I agree most of reviewers comments and am appreciated in her performance, I just add my personal comment on it for reference. Althought Hunt was famous of Irene role in Theodora, but in fact, signing the cantata of La Luvrezia is really her the most outstanding in this set, that's why I recommand this album more.
She fully express this canatata lyric, moving sentiment toward me, and catch up my attention on music essence automatically, enjoying its beauty.
I regret that Hunt wouldn't give us her Angel sound.
Irresistible voice
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of 2 singers who are apt to bring tears to my eyes. The other is Kathleen Ferrier. The present recording I find very satisfying on all counts.
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