Russian Album

I am no Russian fan, but enjoys music no matter from what nation.
Ms. Netrebko's new album is a decent one. Two stars for the accompaniment and the conducting.With Gegiev at hem, what would go wrong?
However, I would not hesitate to point out that the followings of this singer shows just how tremendously over-rated she is.
There is no distinctive song in this album. Lyrical, yes. But the voice is dark - unless you happen to love darker voices for such lyrical tunes.
Apart from the overall lyricism, nothing manages to strike the heart in depth.

It would do heavens for a cross-over album, beautifully bound by first rate accompaniment with a real maestro conducting. But definitely NOT for serious listening.

To make myself clearer, my impression of Ms. Netrebko's voice is (1) dark; (2) cool and (3) monochromatic. If that suits Russian repertoire, then I would not have any thing further to comment. But I do find other Russian singers to have much more shades in their voices, more 'spheric' so to speak, and with much more ardour.

I'm a big fan of Russian music (especially Prokofiev), and I first heard Netrebko in San Francisco when she sang Betrothal in a Monastery. Wow, she has come a long way since then. This recording is to die for. Not just for her singing which is luscious, generous, and soulful throughout, but also because here she and Gerghiev bring together many beautiful Russian arias that one rarely hears in the West. They are all gorgeous! It is a "document" of Russian soprano operatic literature, a recording whose time has come, it makes a huge contribution to the recorded literature.

All Netrebko's CDs give something unique to the ear and something special to the heart. There is no need to mention any specific aria or song from this CD, because the singing is extraordinary from the beginning to the end. "Experts" question the tessitura of her voice in bel canto singing because of its darkness. Have no fear, for Netrebko's God-given darkness makes her voice so different from all the others. To compare Netrebko to the great sopranos of the past and present is futile. She is not better but different, and that makes her unique. This CD shows her voice at its best and has nothing to do with singing in her native lunguage. The expressiveness of her voice has expanded in all directions with a heart-throbbing legato and a meteoric pianissimo, and with a phenomenal breath control. This is Netrebko's best CD and highly recommended. Once you listened to this CD, you may want to play it over and over. And each time it sounds better. And it should never be forgotten: a soprano's voice reaches its peak in mid 40s. The best has yet to come, provided that Netrebko uses her talent with patience and intelligence. Gergiev and his orchestra-sometimes a little too loud, but Netrebko cuts through victoriously- provide her with the support and nuances necessary to sustain her stellar singing.

Constantine A. Papas
El Paso, Texas

I can only echo what other reviewers have said about this CD. It is a sure winner for many an award - Netrebko will earn more loyal fans indeed!

I've found fault with Anna Netrebko's singing before... not because of her voice (which is extremely beautiful), but because of the repertoire, her lack of accurate coloratura (and no trill), and a feeling that she was not conveying the heart and soul of the character. But the difference between her singing of Italian repertoire and Russian repertorie is almost unbelievable.

This CD was a delight from the very first note. Not only are these Russian soprano roles perfect for her voice type, but Ms Netrebko conveyed superbly the inner personalities of the characters. Everything was there - the vulnerability of Natasha, the ecstatic innocence of the Snow Maiden, the joyous amazement and goodness of the young blind princess who is made to see for the first time through the power of love... everything.

I was enthralled by this superb recording from beginning to end. The Rachmaninov songs, too, were heavenly to listen to - I kept thinking, "Yes! This is how Zdes hauraushau should be sung! Yes!".

The colour of Anna Netrebko's voice is perfect for Russian repertoire. Her emotional connection with these roles is undeniable, and she conveys every nuance to the listener. I can scarcely wait to hear a recording of War and Peace with her in the pivotal soprano role, and what of a new recording of Eugene Onegin with Ms Netrebko as Tatyana? The Queen of Spades with Ms Netrebko as Lisa? I am convinced, after hearing this superb CD, that she would be the ideal exponent for the soprano roles of these operas.

Let me not forget the outstanding and magnificent conducting of Gergiev, and as for the orchestra! Oh! The colours of this absolutely wonderful orchestra bring so much to each and every track. The partnership between Netrebko and Gergiev is an artistic miracle.

I purchased this CD in the hopes that it would be better than Ms Netrebko's previous albums, as I thought the Russian repertoire would suit her better than bel canto. I frankly admit I didn't expect the magnificent achievement of this recording - it is far, far, far better than I'd hoped for. More of this, please! I would love to hear Ms Netrebko release more Russian repertoire, be it with orchestra or piano.

Unequivocally recommended.