Russian Album

How intoxicating is Anna Netrebko's dark chocolaty, velvet voice! And what more delicious way to experience it than to hear her sing in her native tongue. This recital is a beautiful collection of arias by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninav, Glinka, Prokofiev and Rimsky-Korsakov. A very pastoral libretto and lyrical piece is Glinka's "A life for the Tsar," (a new treat for us Americans) written, as they say, "in the bel canto style of Donizetti and Belini"-melodic and colorful, albeit heartbreaking. Another piece, "Oh do not sing to me," wherein Iolanta cries of foeboding grief, is breath-takingly passionate and lovely. This is by far Ms Netrebko's finest recording, and Vallery Gergiev does amazing work to facilitate her performance-really bringing out the voice of each composer and his melody and passion. Russian seems to be the magic key to Anna's heart, pouring out what we love to hear when she sings Violetta. This collection is a wonderful treat, and I would recommend it to anyone as drunk as I am for Anna's timbre and coloratura.

This Pig does not know a lot about Sopranos, but if she is , why did they not record her voice more forward in the recording. The recording gives her little more presence than a back up singer. I thought all great singers sing from the diaphragm. She seems to be very throaty. I love many of the Russian arts, particularly literature (tolstoy et al ) and Shostakovich (my favorite 20th century classical composer , get the 5th and 7th ) but i will not fall for this Empress as I am not sure she has clothes. Perhaps i should.
I do like the album very much.

This is a terrific recital, combinig well known and rare arias from the Russian literature. All lovers of Russian opera and song should buy this.

She is now one of the most popular soprano opera singer. If you can't buy the Met ticket, this CD would be a good substitute.

Anna Netrebko has a marvelous voice. This album contains some very interesting repertoire, ending with a fine rendition of the letter song from Eugene Onegin. If you want a good selection of Russian opera to listen to this is as good as any.