VERDI King of Italian Opera

Started by marvinbrown, April 20, 2007, 12:50:59 PM

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Tsaraslondon

Quote from: Franco on May 12, 2010, 05:50:50 AM
This will definitely be something I keep my eye on for availablity in the US - I have always wanted to get all the Verdi operas but have bogged down with the early ones that are hard to find, plus to have all the libretti in one book would be a nice addition.

I did not realize that the Phillips, Gardelli operas were part of the Decca catalog, that is another plus, IMO.  I have two or three of those and consider them a good value.

I've just checked the full contents, and there are unfortunately a few bummers. Take note that Philips never recorded Giovanna d'Arco, so we get a live recording from 1951, with all the problems that usually means (though it does have Tebaldi as Giovanna). There are certainly better recordings around of many of the operas, many of them in Universal's own catalogue, and some of the choices do seem a bit bizarre. I could have made up a much better set than this from Universal's back catalogue. On the other hand, it is very cheap, and might make a good start, but, personally, I'd be inclined to buy one at a time, arguably a better way of getting to know the operas anyway.

\"A beautiful voice is not enough.\" Maria Callas

Franco

Quote from: Tsaraslondon on May 13, 2010, 01:46:37 AM
I've just checked the full contents, and there are unfortunately a few bummers. Take note that Philips never recorded Giovanna d'Arco, so we get a live recording from 1951, with all the problems that usually means (though it does have Tebaldi as Giovanna). There are certainly better recordings around of many of the operas, many of them in Universal's own catalogue, and some of the choices do seem a bit bizarre. I could have made up a much better set than this from Universal's back catalogue. On the other hand, it is very cheap, and might make a good start, but, personally, I'd be inclined to buy one at a time, arguably a better way of getting to know the operas anyway.

I agree with you, and have already have all of the major works, most with alternate casts, and even some of the early operas, but do not have many of the lesser known works except for a couple of the Phillips/Gardelli recordings.  Before I would buy it I would of course check the contents more thoroughly - still, it is a rather inexpensive way to have all the operas in one handy source.  I've got all the piano-vocal scores and would love to go through them chronologically.

jlaurson

Quote from: Franco on May 13, 2010, 03:58:13 AM
  I've got all the piano-vocal scores...

you are a sick puppy.  ;D

Franco

Quote from: jlaurson on May 13, 2010, 05:24:05 AM
you are a sick puppy.  ;D

LOL - well, they are on CD-ROM.  I also have all the Mozart and Puccini operas.  These CD-ROMs are very reasonably priced at $29.00 I think - and suit my purpose, although not as preferably as a print copy.

DarkAngel




Bargain alert!
Don't need another La Traviata but Amazon sellers USA has new Blu Ray for $7.........the full opera!
I placed my order and I already have the older 1994 DVD Gheorghiu performance with Solti, a very good version so I will give her another shot



DarkAngel

Quote from: DarkAngel on May 16, 2010, 04:49:55 PM



Bargain alert!
Don't need another La Traviata but Amazon sellers USA has new Blu Ray for $7.........the full opera!
I placed my order and I already have the older 1994 DVD Gheorghiu performance with Solti, a very good version so I will give her another shot




The deal is real.......brand new full length La Traviata Blu Ray for only $7, beautiful picture quality especially the gypsy fortune tellers party scences......but

The 1994 DVD with Solti is better, 16 year younger Gheorghiu is in fresher voice, don't really like Ramon Vargas as Voiletta's lover so another reason to go with older DVD

sospiro

I want to get Un ball in maschera box set CD with a full libretto and I can't find one. I've tried contacting sellers on Amazon Marketplace & haven't had any luck.

Does anyone know of a box set which has the little book included?

Thanks
Annie

knight66

I think that this set is likely to have the libretto. I have the original issue, it has it. Although this is a reissue the cost makes it look like there should be a libretto. It is a great performance. Perhaps one of those who reviewed it on Amazon can be contacted via the site and answer your question.

The Amazon Marketplace people have the set at a much more reasonable price.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Verdi-Un-Ballo-Maschera-Giuseppe/dp/B0000041P1/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1282417123&sr=1-6

Mike
DavidW: Yeah Mike doesn't get angry, he gets even.
I wasted time: and time wasted me.

Tsaraslondon

Quote from: sospiro on August 21, 2010, 10:28:58 AM
I want to get Un ball in maschera box set CD with a full libretto and I can't find one. I've tried contacting sellers on Amazon Marketplace & haven't had any luck.

Does anyone know of a box set which has the little book included?

Thanks

Surely most full price issues come with a booklet. I know the Callas Edition sets do, both the studio version at full price (though you can usually pick it up quite cheaply somewhere) and the live La Scala version  of 1957 (generally more lively than its studio counterpart due to the presence of Gianandrea Gavazzeni as conductor). I'm sure these aren't the only sets to include libretti though.

Just checked the Amazon website, and I'm amazed at how few sets seem to be still readily available. Ebay looks like a better bet to me. Both Callas sets are excellent, by the way, but a good stereo alternative would be the Muti with Arroyo, Domingo and Cappucicilli.

Mike is also probably right about the Solti/Pavarotti set having a libretto. Unfortunately, (one of the few areas Mike and I disagree) I can't bear Solti in Verdi. I even prefer the somewhat routine conducting of Votto on the Callas studio set. At least he doesn't impede the natural flow of the music.


\"A beautiful voice is not enough.\" Maria Callas

DarkAngel

#309
Quote from: Tsaraslondon on August 21, 2010, 11:18:26 AM
Surely most full price issues come with a booklet. I know the Callas Edition sets do, both the studio version at full price (though you can usually pick it up quite cheaply somewhere) and the live La Scala version  of 1957 (generally more lively than its studio counterpart due to the presence of Gianandrea Gavazzeni as conductor). I'm sure these aren't the only sets to include libretti though.

When buying used opera CD sets from large vendors not specializing in classical.......beware

I can't tell you how common it is to buy used opera CD set at Amazon listed as like new or very good and get shipped a set with no slip cover or booklet......many large sellers do not realize that those items are missing and you have the hassle of trying to return for a refund of your purchase.

I look for adds that specifically mention that booklet & slipcover are included before buying.......

knight66

I bought the opera 'King Roger' and it arrived with no libretto. I wrote to the vendor; he had no idea what a libretto was and once I explained it, he still had no idea. But that was the exception.

Mike
DavidW: Yeah Mike doesn't get angry, he gets even.
I wasted time: and time wasted me.

Tsaraslondon

I've never had Mike's unfortunate experience, but I usually do ask first if it has a libretto. On ebay, people who know about these things will usually state whether a set comes with or without booklet.

Another good place for specialist second hand classical  CDs is http://www.classicalcdexchange.co.uk/ This is a British site, and I don't know if they post overseas. Not particularly cheap though.



\"A beautiful voice is not enough.\" Maria Callas

sospiro

Quote from: knight on August 21, 2010, 11:04:41 AM
I think that this set is likely to have the libretto. I have the original issue, it has it. Although this is a reissue the cost makes it look like there should be a libretto. It is a great performance. Perhaps one of those who reviewed it on Amazon can be contacted via the site and answer your question.

The Amazon Marketplace people have the set at a much more reasonable price.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Verdi-Un-Ballo-Maschera-Giuseppe/dp/B0000041P1/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1282417123&sr=1-6

Mike

Thanks for your help Mike.

I would have liked that one but the Marketplace seller I contacted said it doesn't come with libretto.



Annie

knight66

The Callas set is terrific. As well as the Solti, I like this set, but no libretto. So perhaps it would be utterly ruled out, which would be a shame as the music making is so good.



Mike
DavidW: Yeah Mike doesn't get angry, he gets even.
I wasted time: and time wasted me.

Tsaraslondon

Quote from: knight on August 21, 2010, 11:49:56 AM
The Callas set is terrific.

And I note the Callas studio set still seems to be readily available. It comes with full notes and libretto.
\"A beautiful voice is not enough.\" Maria Callas

sospiro

I'm very grateful for everyone's help & suggestions.

I do like my Carreras/Caballé/Wixell version & am only really looking for a libretto so don't mind which version as long as it isn't too expensive.


Annie

sospiro

Quote from: Tsaraslondon on August 21, 2010, 11:44:48 AM
I've never had Mike's unfortunate experience, but I usually do ask first if it has a libretto. On ebay, people who know about these things will usually state whether a set comes with or without booklet.

Another good place for specialist second hand classical  CDs is http://www.classicalcdexchange.co.uk/ This is a British site, and I don't know if they post overseas. Not particularly cheap though.

Thanks Tsaraslondon. Not seen this site before.  :)
Annie

mc ukrneal

Quote from: knight on August 21, 2010, 11:49:56 AM
The Callas set is terrific. As well as the Solti, I like this set, but no libretto. So perhaps it would be utterly ruled out, which would be a shame as the music making is so good.



Mike
The Solti set did used to sell with a libretto, but I don't know whether they have changed that (i have it, so I am sure that when I bought it 15-20 or so years ago it did). It's not a set I've ever loved myself (though one could do worse).

That said, here is a link to the Italian libretto: http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/Ball0.html. If you are looking for an English translation, I suppose you could use google translator. If this is good enough, you could just focus on getting the best version you want.
Be kind to your fellow posters!!

sospiro

Quote from: Tsaraslondon on August 21, 2010, 11:55:58 AM
And I note the Callas studio set still seems to be readily available. It comes with full notes and libretto.

Please could you post a link?
Annie

sospiro

Quote from: ukrneal on August 21, 2010, 12:04:37 PM
The Solti set did used to sell with a libretto, but I don't know whether they have changed that (i have it, so I am sure that when I bought it 15-20 or so years ago it did). It's not a set I've ever loved myself (though one could do worse).

That said, here is a link to the Italian libretto: http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/Ball0.html. If you are looking for an English translation, I suppose you could use google translator. If this is good enough, you could just focus on getting the best version you want.

Thanks Mike. I really want the little book though. I'm flying to Italy soon & listening to an opera & reading the libretto makes the waiting around bearable, not to mention deterring people who want to tell you their life story.
Annie