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Review
Rolando Villazon’s new album coincides with the Mexican tenor’s appearances as a judge and mentor on the TV reality show, Popstar to Operastar. It’s no surprise, then, that this selection of newly and previously recorded tracks is designed to appeal to the broadest possible section of the CD-buying public. The greater surprise is that, with the new recordings, Villazon has allowed himself to be drawn so far away from his usual musical comfort zone.
Look down Villazon’s discography and you’ll see that it largely consists of the 19th century repertoire with which he made his name, spiced up with a couple of recent Baroque adventures. Here, for the first time, he indulges in some lighter musical fare, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Music of the Night and Mitch Leigh’s The Impossible Dream. These songs are the disc’s undoing. Show tunes are a toughie for any opera singer, and Villazon, like many before him, has fallen into the trap of not sufficiently toning down his operatic delivery. The effect is exacerbated by the fact that singing in English is not his forte; he knows this, which is why he stuck to Italian-language arias for his Handel album. One has to wonder, listening to his thickly accented, operatic rendition of The Impossible Dream, why he and his marketing men didn’t think to apply the same logic here.
It isn’t all bad, though. The newly recorded arias by Donizetti, Verdi and Tosti show the extent to which Villazon has vocally and dramatically owned this repertoire in recent years, even if they’re perhaps not as effortlessly sung as the disc’s older tracks. Of the earlier recordings, the Handel is a particular pleasure; Villazon’s interpretations are a far cry from the coolly elegant poise of Ian Bostridge and won’t be to the taste of die-hard early performance enthusiasts, but that is also their appeal. They can and should be enjoyed for the way in which he injects these stylised Baroque masterpieces with Romantic warmth and fruitiness of tone, carried out with a thorough mastery of the repertoire’s technical demands.
Villazon is a great singer and performer. He and his label should have believed in his ability to pull in the masses with what he is good at. Namely, opera. --Charlotte Gardner
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CD Description
On Tenor, world-renowned tenor Rolando Villazón showcases some of the leading arias, as popularised by operatic legends including The Three Tenors: Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras. The great arias on this album vary from sophisticated Handel, emotional operatic greats by Verdi and Puccini, through to 20th Century classics from Bernstein’s West Side Story and Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Mexican born (1972) Rolando Villazon's career has been simmering since 1999 after his award winning performance at the Operalia International competition in Puerto Rico. Since then he has established himself in the opera world as a leading tenor having performed in numerous performances worldwide.
But it was not until the 2010 ITV1 television show Popstar to Operastar that he has found widespread recognition, helped in no small way by his slightly flamboyant and eccentric antics as one of the judges on the show.
Viewers of the show will wonder what this album content is, and although to non opera fans the track list may be unfamiliar, much of the music will be instantly recognisable. It's a mixture of familiar favourites with a few lesser known works thrown in. I think it works very well, particularly the duets with Russian soprano Anna Netrebko.
Of the 15 tracks, 8 have been previously available and the other 7 were recorded in December 2009 after his surgery for throat problems. A little repetition for existing fans maybe, but that's offset by a chance to hear that the post op voice still works. But the real intention of this album, released at the half way stage of the TV show, is to capture a wider audience from outside the traditional opera fan base.
I'm all for broadening one's appreciation of music, and while I agree with Villazon's claim that `anyone can sing opera', I think I'd be polite in saying that the TV show reveals some can sing it a little better than others.
A great album which serves as a perfect introduction to Villazon and should not disappoint viewers (myself included) of the TV show
But it was not until the 2010 ITV1 television show Popstar to Operastar that he has found widespread recognition, helped in no small way by his slightly flamboyant and eccentric antics as one of the judges on the show.
Viewers of the show will wonder what this album content is, and although to non opera fans the track list may be unfamiliar, much of the music will be instantly recognisable. It's a mixture of familiar favourites with a few lesser known works thrown in. I think it works very well, particularly the duets with Russian soprano Anna Netrebko.
Of the 15 tracks, 8 have been previously available and the other 7 were recorded in December 2009 after his surgery for throat problems. A little repetition for existing fans maybe, but that's offset by a chance to hear that the post op voice still works. But the real intention of this album, released at the half way stage of the TV show, is to capture a wider audience from outside the traditional opera fan base.
I'm all for broadening one's appreciation of music, and while I agree with Villazon's claim that `anyone can sing opera', I think I'd be polite in saying that the TV show reveals some can sing it a little better than others.
A great album which serves as a perfect introduction to Villazon and should not disappoint viewers (myself included) of the TV show
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have everything Rolando Villazon has recorded on CD and DVD except for a Spanish CD of the opera 'Romeo and Juliet' which I have yet to track down! I am delighted with Rolando Villazon's new CD 'Tenor', what a relief to hear him singing again live on TV and on this CD. Of all male voices the tenor commands the most respect and is the most in demand for it's special ability to maintain high notes and immediate charm. Lots of Rolando's charm is in evidence here in this showcase compilation. It is a treat to hear him singing Musical Theatre in English as he often does in concert (such as in the 'Berlin Concert' available on DVD). The 'Impossible Dream' holds great meaning for him, in a recent article he said he has seen the film and stage show countless times and hopes to play the role one day. One of my favourite arias is that of the young man in love, Nemorino, from 'L'Elisir D'Amore' Una Furtiva Lagrima "What more do I need? She loves me, yes I see she loves me". This aria requires sincerity and the inner fire of an inspired singer which Rolando undoubtedly is.
(The explanatory notes on each piece are good but previous DG recordings have provided translations to the arias and I always appreciate this very much.)
(The explanatory notes on each piece are good but previous DG recordings have provided translations to the arias and I always appreciate this very much.)
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have almost all of Rolando's Cds and DVDS and I have been waiting for this Cd ever since I knew of it's inception and I am delighted with it. Firstly of course to know that Rolando is singing as beautifully as ever and secondly because he has included three songs from musicals sung in English as well as the well loved classics. This is an album for everyone who loves beautiful music whether a died in the wool opera lover or someone who just enjoys beautiful singing, and who better than Rolando to demonstrate the varied colours and emotions required by the diversity of choice on this album. It has been played repeatedly since I received it, and each time I hear something I have missed before....buy it! You will definitely enjoy it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
rolando villazon
very good. brilliant tenor well worth the purchase. would reccomend this to anyone who loves tenors. good choice of tracks as well.
Published 4 months ago by A. Shoesmith
Brilliant
We first saw him on Pop Star to Opera Star, and thought he was wonderful, we now know he was brilliant, what a voice, lovely.
Published 8 months ago by Mrs. Peggy Milner
chucka chucka performance
Absolutly fantastic I love the sound of Ronaldo's voice it is very relaxing.
Great service from seller very pleased.
Great service from seller very pleased.
Published 10 months ago by Ms. E. Colley
Brilliant Rolando!
Tenor
I've just received the 'Tenor ' CD by Ronaldo Villazon today and I can't stop playing it!! It's absolutely brilliant! Read more
I've just received the 'Tenor ' CD by Ronaldo Villazon today and I can't stop playing it!! It's absolutely brilliant! Read more
Published 10 months ago by flintpender
A basically excellent rercording needlessly spoilt
Rolando Villazon is a very fine tenor, - no question at all, - but in this recording I was expecting a delight of classic Italian opera. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Dr English (just that!)
cd
Hi i would just like to say what an excellantalbum and the first class service i got from the company that sent this itam it was here exactly when they said it would be many thanks
Published on 24 April 2010 by John O. Brien
Rolando Villazon
I very much enjoyed the CD, but I would have liked to have heard more arias. I would certainly recommend it.
Published on 6 April 2010 by Book Worm
Great Vocals
First one of his I've bought - saw him as a judge on TV programme, 'From Pop Star to Opera Star'- good CD with good song selection - easy listening, nothing heavy. Very enjoyable.
Published on 31 Mar 2010 by Beebi Gee
Disappointing
The delivery was was very good. The Music was very disappointing hense the the 1 star, although as with all CDs it is personal taste.
Published on 31 Mar 2010 by Keith Hancock
Good, Good, Good.
Very good, easy to listen too, any time, any where. Especially good to do the ironing too.
Published on 25 Mar 2010 by Mrs. V. Mcglade
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