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Turandot
This performance of Turandot earns the title of the most unexpected gem of the year. Liane Synek delivers an astonishingly powerful and pure interpretation of the title role. Her "In questa reggia" is both thrilling and chilling, a masterclass in vocal drama.
While James King is well-known as a great singer, what surprised me was how effortlessly he transitioned into Puccini's world, singing with the kind of Italianate musicality you'd expect from a seasoned specialist. And the interpolated high C he unleashes in Act II is simply breathtaking.
The standout for me, however, is the Liù of Lotte Rysanek—yes, Leonie's younger sister. Though her career was mostly centered in Vienna, Lotte demonstrates that the ability to produce a beautiful tone and spin sublime pianissimi must run in the family. This is most evident in her Act III aria, "Tanto amor segreto," which is nothing short of magical.
If you're a fan of this opera, these remarkable performances might just transform your perspective on Puccini's final masterpiece.
Track List
Act I
1. Popolo di Pekino!
2. Gira la cote, gira, gira!
3. O giovinetto! Grazia, grazia!
4. Figlio, che fai
5. Fa ch'ella parli!
6. Signore, ascolta!
7. Non piangere, Liù!
2. Gira la cote, gira, gira!
3. O giovinetto! Grazia, grazia!
4. Figlio, che fai
5. Fa ch'ella parli!
6. Signore, ascolta!
7. Non piangere, Liù!
Act II
8. Olà, Pang! Olà, Pong!
9. Ho una casa nell'Honan
10. Gravi, enormi ed impotenti
11. Un giuramento atroce mi costringe
12. In questa reggia
13. Straniero, ascolta!
14. Gelo che ti da fuoco
15. Figlio del Cielo! Padre augusto!
16. Tre enigmi m'hai proposto
17. Ai tuoi piedi ci prostriam
9. Ho una casa nell'Honan
10. Gravi, enormi ed impotenti
11. Un giuramento atroce mi costringe
12. In questa reggia
13. Straniero, ascolta!
14. Gelo che ti da fuoco
15. Figlio del Cielo! Padre augusto!
16. Tre enigmi m'hai proposto
17. Ai tuoi piedi ci prostriam
Act III
18. Così comanda Turandot
19. Nessun dorma!
20. Tu, che vuoi?
21. Principessa divina, il nome del ignoto
22. Tanto amore segreto
23. Tu, che di gel sei cinta
24. Ombra dolente non farci del male
25. Principessa di morte
26. Padre augusto, Conosco il nome dello stranier
19. Nessun dorma!
20. Tu, che vuoi?
21. Principessa divina, il nome del ignoto
22. Tanto amore segreto
23. Tu, che di gel sei cinta
24. Ombra dolente non farci del male
25. Principessa di morte
26. Padre augusto, Conosco il nome dello stranier
Customer Reviews
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3.5
Based on 4 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Exciting Turandot in Mediocre Sound!
Liane Synek would be a superstar today; we just don't have this kind of voice with us currently. The thrilling top, steady, steely middle and imperious delivery are most impressive. She is one of those divas discovered and kept alive through "pirate" recordings.King's ringing, impassioned Calaf will surprise anyone who thinks he could only sing Strauss and Wagner. The other reviewers are correct: his top C's are thrilling. His performance makes one glad pirates exist; otherwise we'd have a very incomplete picture of his abilities. Lotte Rysanek is a lovely Liu whose arias are sung and acted extremely well. The three ministers, all taken by Vienna State Opera regulars, are equally good as is the Timur. Klobucar leads an exciting performance recorded in mediocre sound. The voices can be heard, but are recessed. Again the tapist doesn't seem to be able to sit still, but at least the performance was recorded. The ear adjusts and this performance is worth the aural effort.
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✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Synek rules as Turandot
Liane Synek is a too-little-documented soprano and this "Turandot" gives a glimpse of what we've been missing. Her tireless voice is perfect for the princess of ice and sometimes you could swear you were hearing Birgit Nilsson. She's offset by the melting femininity of Lotte Rysanek's Liu, while James King presents his Italianate-tenor credentials, which include a blazing high C. The supporting cast is strong, as is Berislav Klobucar's conducting. While this isn't a brand-name "Turandot" the Staatsoper definitely wasn't having an off night.
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✓ Top Reviewer
Germany
Karl Heinz Konrad
Auf Grund der schlechten Aufnahmequalität kommen die Sänger nicht zur Geltung.
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✓ Verified Buyer
Peter Richards
King is great. I saw him in this role at C.G. with Nilsson.Liane Synek (1922-1982) is a real find.Check her out on the Web.Sound is O.K.
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