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Lorraine Hunt Lieberson - Handel Arias
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0822252003024
Format: Hybrid SACD, Import
Label: Avie
Manufacturer: Avie
MPN: 30
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Avie
Release Date: August 10, 2004
Studio: Avie
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Editorial Review:
If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Theodora or the cantata La Lucrezia, ends with "Ombra mai fu," and as sung by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, it is so tender, so beautiful, so impeccably shaded, that you'll think you're hearing it for the first time. But that's only four of this disc's 67 minutes---a follow-up to Hunt Lieberson's extraordinarily successful CD of Bach cantatas. There's not a dull or disinterested moment to be heard anywhere. As the violated Lucrezia, Hunt Lieberson alternately rages against the man who raped her and turns her grief inward; the former is terrifying in its intensity, the latter makes us almost feel as if we're eavesdropping. The five arias for Irene, Theodora's friend, confidante, and the upholder of Christian beliefs are all magical prayers or statements of faith, and from Hunt Lieberson, they become real, with each word honestly conveyed and colored. The voice itself is unfailingly beautiful---warm, lush, never forced, agile when necessary---and her breath control is stunning. She is backed ideally by Harry Bicket and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the string soloists in the ensemble---the viola da gamba player, lutenist, etc.---are as gifted as she is. If you want proof that Handel was a great dramatist with a special gift for communicating emotion, all while listening to sublime sounds, this CD is a must. --Robert Levine
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - A wonderful voice, too soon taken from us
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson was a wonderfully talented mezzo soprano, who dies far too soon. To begin, I can only quote from another reviewer: "And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago [in 2006]. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament ... Read More
Rating: - Drinking in her voices
I agree most of reviewers comments and am appreciated in her performance, I just add my personal comment on it for reference. Althought Hunt was famous of Irene role in Theodora, but in fact, signing the cantata of La Luvrezia is really her the most outstanding in this set, that's why I recommand this album more.
She fully express this canatata lyric, moving sentiment toward me, and catch up my attention on music essence automatically, enjoying its beauty.
I regret that Hunt wouldn't ... Read More
Rating: - Irresistible voice
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of 2 singers who are apt to bring tears to my eyes. The other is Kathleen Ferrier. The present recording I find very satisfying on all counts.
Rating: - A Legendary Singer.
I simply don't have the heart to review Mrs. Lieberson's works.
If we call Ms. Bartoli a 'great' singer, then the description of 'legendary' more aptly depicts Mrs. Lieberson.
If ever a truly good artist lived, Mrs. Lieberson is one such.
The only singer that could be recalled singing in such style is Teresa Berganza; but still, they are different.
This is one of my favourite interpretators of Haendel. Having been 'treated' by those coloraturas of arias of Haendel's period ... Read More
Rating: - Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!
These deeply felt performances of two of Bach's most moving cantatas show this transcendent singer's combination of emotional honesty and profound musicality, all combined to reveal the very mind of God through divine redemption from suffering. The disc is to be treasured even more in light of the Ms. Lieberson's recent untimely death from cancer. I'm an agnostic, but this music makes me envious of those who can believe. Roy in Pope Valley, California
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