Cecilia & Bryn at Glyndebourne

Amazon.com

No second names are needed in the title to tell music lovers who is singing in this gala recital. The original, audio-only Cecilia & Bryn: Duets, issued in 1999, had opera-lovers around the world echoing one Amazon.com customer's remark: "After listening to this album, all I could say was 'I want more.'" Here it is: a live performance with the same conductor, an even better orchestra, and a video dimension that brings out the singers' considerable acting skills. There is some duplication of the CD's contents: "La ci darem," "Dunque io son," and the "Pa-pa-pa-papagena" duet from The Magic Flute, as well as the opening numbers of The Marriage of Figaro. But the video cameras, the singers' gestures, and their facial expressions make the duplication worthwhile.

Cecilia Bartoli is most at home in mezzo-soprano material, where her tone is particularly rich and natural, her style exactly what the music requires. But she also slips easily into the soprano roles of Zerlina, Papagena, and Susanna. She takes a tantalizing step into promising, relatively unfamiliar territory with an aria from Haydn's L'anima del filosofo. Bryn Terfel shows a significant comic flair in the "catalog aria" from Don Giovanni and a heroic dimension in an aria from Judas Maccabeus--in either style, displaying a voice that is pure gold.

Still, vocal material is relatively scanty in this 90-minute production compared to the CD. Two overtures are included and are well played, but are not likely to appease fans who will continue to call for more singing. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous!!.......2007-08-14

I have been a fan of both Bryn and Cecilia for a while now, and was ecstatic when I found they'd done a concert together. And it certainly didn't disappoint! Cecilia is, as always, in a class all by herself. Amazing coloratura fireworks, and an incredible amount of energy. And Bryn's rich golden voice is splendid! I was also enchanted by his acting ability. These two have an amazing chemistry together, and they also seem to be having the time of their lives singing some really beautiful music. Anyone who loves opera, especially those who are studying it themselves, will want to see this concert!

A Recital Showcase.......2007-04-17

The Glyndebourne audience were obviously enjoying this recital tremendously, and so would viewers of this DVD.
The two singers were in their absolute prime and they sang with such prowess and committment that are at once moving and entertaining.
It is much better watching the singers sing than just listening to them - both of them possess such marvellous pyrotechniques that it really explains why 'seeing is believing'.
Ms. Bartoli has for long been one of my favourite singers. Her mezzo voice is rich and glorious. In this DVD, she lets us know how she manoeuvres her coloraturas. The trills and tremolos are all breathtaking, if only one cavil - she seldom, if ever, sustains the top notes in pianissimo, but instead with her stupendous breath jerks them out in bravura passages, with the result of shrillness that would not be at all pleasing to the ears.
Bryn demonstrates once more what an intelligent performer he is in recitals. His bubbling sense of humour plus his stage presence complements his vocal fireworks to near perfection. Here is evident again that his voice 'opens' up more fully in the later stages of his performance. It may well be a matter of habitual breath control - late warming up. No big deal in an opera performance. In this duet recital, the problem is only marginally discernible.
Oh, yes, I fully agree that the Donizetti duet is the cream of this exciting performance.

Magic and Chemistry and Fun, Fun, Fun!.......2006-05-03

I wish I could give this DVD ten stars! Although I've enjoyed Bartoli and Terfel's work on CD, I'd never seen their stagework, and what a revelation this concert is. The flirtatious chemistry between both artists - and the fact that they are clearly having the time of their lives in performance - only serves to compliment the astonishing vocal command these singers have over their material. Bartoli is just a staggering little firecracker - she barely comes up to Terfel's shoulder and yet her voice is huge, supple, lithe and impressive. A mezzo-soprano, she here takes on music meant for a full soprano and she completely owns it.

Terfel on the other hand is a revelation. Who knew the big man could move with such grace? His expressive voice is matched with a natural acting ability that completely captivates and enhances everything he sings. My teenager came in during "Madamina" and, thanks to Bryn's wonderful acting, was thoroughly amused and quick to pick up on the "story." When a teenager hangs around 'til the end of an operatic performance, you know it is something special. The conductor, Myung-Whun Chung is not merely in the background, either - he seems to be having as much fun as Bartoli and Terfel. What a performance! Something you'll not see often in a lifetime.

This is a must-have, must-own with exquisite production values. Now I am sad because I realize I will probably never get to see these two magnificent artists performing live. If you won't either, then you need to own this.

Magic, just magic.......2004-04-04

I'd first seen this performance on CBC TV(Canada) in 2001 and immediately knew I was watching something special.

On this DVD one gets to see and hear not only two great virtuosos in what must be their absolute singing prime, but also two incredible actors who obvious absolutely love what they are doing: And if that wasn't enough you get to listen to a magnificent orchestra who has a conductor (Myung-Whun Chung)with impeccable timing. Also the camera work and film editing is wonderfully done (Brian Large): just the right facial expression, just the right cut to the next camera for the most appropriate view: just the right angle to see the cello player come in on a certain note to accompanying the vocalist.

I would like to add that this has, without a doubt, become my favorite opera DVD: and Donizetti's "Quanto amore" from the Elixer of Love is my favorite piece. Although there are several others that are truly wonderful ("madamina", "La ci darem la mano" and "Pa-pa-pa" just to mention a few)
It is the definitive mix of Singer-Conductor-Orchestra blending together to become an indivisible, single entity.

This performance is magic, just magic! What a thrill it must have been to have witnessed live; Too bad there wasn't more.

Byrn and Bartoli having FUN together!.......2003-06-27

I'm not a fan of Bartoli and bought this based on the review here by other fans and because I love Terfel. Enjoyed the CD and the DVD of course is better as the interaction is very entertaining and makes the concert much more meaningful. I did enjoy this very much and feel Terfel is a master performer bringing Bartoli up a notch. I agree with the other reviewers. A must have in any collection! It wasn't long enough is my only complaint.

Cecilia & Bryn at Glyndebourne (Arias & Duets)

Average customer rating:

Marvelous!!
A Recital Showcase
Magic and Chemistry and Fun, Fun, Fun!
Magic, just magic
Byrn and Bartoli having FUN together!

Cecilia & Bryn at Glyndebourne (Arias & Duets)
Starring: Cecilia Bartoli , Bryn Terfel , and Myung-Whun Chung
Director: Brian Large
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B00005ABWB
Release Date: 2001-04-10