Classical
Leontyne Price
b. 1927. American soprano.
Legendary American soprano celebrated for Verdi and Puccini roles; barrier-breaking African American opera star who performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Marketing tags corrected: African Diaspora, Women, Historical.
7 products
Poulenc, Barber, Sauguet & Others: Vocal Music
Bridge Records
Available as
CD
$18.99
Oct 05, 2004
Classical Music
Verdi: Requiem / Price, Baker, Luchetti, van Dam, Solti, Chicago Symphony
Sony Masterworks
Available as
CD
$11.99
Aug 28, 2015
Of Georg Solti’s two recordings of the Verdi Requiem, I slightly prefer this later one, though I realize that this isn’t received wisdom. The Decca recording, after all, features Sutherland, Horne, Pavarotti, and Talvela as soloists, and while Sutherland arguably is not the right voice for the part, everyone else is very good indeed. On the other hand, Leontyne Price, even toward the end of her career, certainly does have the right voice, as does Veriano Luchetti, while Baker and Van Dam are very intelligent singers by any measure, and they do a good job here. Besides, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at the generic complaint that “singer X lacks a true Italianate timbre” when the words being sung are in Latin and the drama (such as it is) occurs entirely within a devotional framework. The music certainly can take many different approaches, particularly when there’s so little actual agreement on what a “true Italianate timbre” is.
Also compared to the Decca recording, Solti here has the finer chorus, a better orchestra (for this work at least), and strangely enough, better (meaning less gimmicky) sound. Solti’s interpretation remains consistent, exciting, and direct, with a particularly thrilling account of the brief Sanctus and a Dies Irae chorus that is as violent as anyone could want without ever turning merely brutal or hysterical. A work as rich as this one always excites a wide range of opinions, and personal preferences tend to vary substantially. My personal favorite, all things considered, is the first Muti on EMI, with Scotto, Baltsa, Luchetti, Nesterenko, and the Philharmonia Orchestra; but either of Solti’s recordings are definitely among the select few. [12/17/2004]
– Classics Today (David Hurwitz)
Also compared to the Decca recording, Solti here has the finer chorus, a better orchestra (for this work at least), and strangely enough, better (meaning less gimmicky) sound. Solti’s interpretation remains consistent, exciting, and direct, with a particularly thrilling account of the brief Sanctus and a Dies Irae chorus that is as violent as anyone could want without ever turning merely brutal or hysterical. A work as rich as this one always excites a wide range of opinions, and personal preferences tend to vary substantially. My personal favorite, all things considered, is the first Muti on EMI, with Scotto, Baltsa, Luchetti, Nesterenko, and the Philharmonia Orchestra; but either of Solti’s recordings are definitely among the select few. [12/17/2004]
– Classics Today (David Hurwitz)
Aida - Told by Leontyne Price with Selections from the Opera
Sony Masterworks
Available as
CD
$11.98
Feb 08, 2000
This selection features Leontyne Price reading the story of 'Aida' along with highlights from the opera.
REVIEWS:
Opera News (5/00, p.82) - "...The narrative itself is completely successful. The plot has been reduced for clarity, but the characters maintain individuality....Most importantly, the directness, warmth and drama of Price's storytelling involve the listener irresistibly..."
REVIEWS:
Opera News (5/00, p.82) - "...The narrative itself is completely successful. The plot has been reduced for clarity, but the characters maintain individuality....Most importantly, the directness, warmth and drama of Price's storytelling involve the listener irresistibly..."
God Bless America / Leontyne Price, Et Al
Sony Masterworks
Available as
CD
$11.98
Nov 20, 2001
God Bless America
The Essential Leontyne Price - Highlights
Sony Masterworks
Available as
CD
$11.98
Mar 11, 1997
ESSENTIAL: PRICE
Classic Library - Verdi Heroines / Leontyne Price
Sony Masterworks
Available as
CD
$11.99
Mar 28, 2006
This is a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording
Strauss: Four Last Songs; Die Frau ohne Schatten, Also Sprach Zarathustra
Sony Masterworks
Available as
CD
STRAUSS: FOUR LAST SONGS DIE
