Bizet

Les Pêcheurs de perles

Eda-Pierre, Gedda, Bruson, West; Queler
1974

Regular price $17.95
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Les Pêcheurs de perles

If you love Pearl Fishers, or even if you are curious about this opera, I highly recommend this recording. The cast is superb. Nicolai Gedda's legendary vocal control and style make him the perfect Nadir. His use of voix mixte during his aria is astonishing, creating the perfect atmosphere without sounding feminine or overly concerned by the insane tessitura. Christiane Eda-Pierre is sublime as Leïla. Despite some interesting French pronunciation, Renato Bruson uses his virile baritone with elegance. Those who have seen Eve Queler conduct have often called her technique into question, but hearing this recording there can be no question that her sensibility for opera is just about unparalleled. She manages the very fine balance between the ethereal and the savage sides of Bizet's score with an understanding that can only be innate. It is also worth noting that there are no cuts in this performance, so even if you think you know this opera well by now, you may be treated to some new music.

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4.8 Based on 5 reviews
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

White Hot Performance in Very Good Sound!

Everyone was in great shape for this performance, recorded in-house by some intrepid opera fan back in 1974. Gedda may no longer be in the first flush of youth, but his singing is exquisite. He easily floats his high notes in head voice, but also has the vocal strength to bring the finale to a rousing conclusion. Eda-Pierre is superb. She handles all of her music with skill and virtuosity, singing with that lustrous tone that made her so popular. Bruson may seem like the odd-man out, but that voice! He and Gedda are vociferously applauded for the big duet. And Queler not only gives us an uncut text, but a dynamic, exciting performance. The voices are a little recessed, but very audible and there are some annoying coughs here and there. All of that pales into insignificance though next to the music-making. This is a must for those who love this opera or these singers.
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John Q.✓ Top Reviewer

United Kingdom

Overall rating

John Querns

Ann opera I have always enjoyed. In this performance Nicolai Gedda floats effortlessly through the aria. Christianne Eda-Pierre is terrific as Leila with fluent coloratura as well as dealing with the heftier moments. Bruson seems a strange choice with those two but of course he has that voice and completes a fine line-up in these three principal roles. Enjoy this lovely piece, there's more to it than one duet!
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János K.✓ Top Reviewer

Hungary

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JÁNOS KÁDÁR

very good performance with excellent singers
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Matthieu D.✓ Verified Buyer

France

Overall rating

Matthieu DEGOTT

Excellente interprétation. Gedda et Eda-Pierre sont sensationnels. Elle trille comme personne ne l'a fait, et tout son chant illumine la soirée. Bruson ne maîtrise pas le français, mais quelle voix!
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Michele C.✓ Verified Buyer

France

Overall rating

michele clavel

l bought this record for my prefered baryton : Renato BRUSONI discovered him all'arena di verona in 1975 nelle lucia di lamermoor con deutekom et PavarottiWould have you this record ???
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