Rusalka (complete opera in English)
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DVORAK
Rusalka (complete opera in English)
Cheryl Barker (soprano) / Rosario La Spina (tenor) / Bruce Martin (baritone) / Elizabeth Whitehouse (soprano) / Opera Australia / Richard Hickox
[ Chandos Opera in English / 3 CD Box Set ]
Release Date: Thursday 28 February 2008
This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.
"Cheryl Barker's voice opens up excitingly on the top notes, but in the medium-high range her timbre has no especial qualities. She gives a committed performance"
(MusicWeb March 2008)
"Mackerras unseated? This magical version from Australia comes close. Chandos certainly has guts, going toe-to-toe with Mackerras's Gramophone Award-winning set. Hickox's Australian forces need not fear the comparison. Cheryl Barker may not have the refulgent tones of Renée Fleming on Decca (who has?) but she is even more moving in conveying Rusalka's desperation. Mackerras is still my must-own, but this runs it close."
Editor's Choice Gramophone Magazine March 2008
"Cheryl Barker's voice opens up excitingly on the top notes, but in the medium-high range her timbre has no especial qualities. She gives a committed performance"
(MusicWeb March 2008)
This set was recorded live at performances of Opera Australia's production of Rusalka at the Sydney Opera House in March 2007, with Richard Hickox conducting and Cheryl Barker in the title role. Dvorák's last opera, Rusalka is based in part on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Little Mermaid. The Australian's reviewer commented: 'Hickox and the orchestra capture its sudden changeability and dramatic force, elegantly shaping the luscious, sweeping melodies while inflecting the intoxicating, folk music-inspired rhythms with grace and bite.' Cheryl Barker is joined by Rosario La Spina, Elizabeth Whitehouse, Bruce Martin and Anne-Marie Owens.
