[ Decca / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 9 February 2018
This album is reflective of Joseph's flourishing career as one of the leading tenors. A regular performer at the world's greatest opera houses, this is a significant step into the Verdi repertoire for Calleja and includes duets with Angela Gheorghiu and Vittorio Vitelli.
"Any doubts about the most winning lyric "Italian" tenor since Pavarotti tackling this heavy Verdi repertoire are largely dispelled by the vitality of his sunny sound and the clarity of his diction." Sunday Times
"Joseph Calleja with his 'Verdi' album is in outstanding form aptly displaying his progress as one of the finest tenors on the stage today. Ramón Tebar conducts the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana with care for tempi and dynamics whilst ensuing the music flows without dragging. Despite being used only once, the chorus Apollo Voices excel with a lusty and characterful performance of the stirring aria 'Di quella pira' from Il trovatore. Recorded at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Valencia the sound engineers have provided clarity, presence and a satisfying balance between voices, chorus and orchestra." MusicWeb
"For me, the Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja has the finest lyric tenor voice around. This Verdi album will hit the spot for anyone who loves Italian opera." Daily Mail
1. "Se quel guerrier io fossi!...Celeste Aida" from Aida, Act I
2. "Ah! Si, ben mio ..." from Il Trovatore, Act III, Scene II
3. "Di quella pira" from Il Trovatore, Act III, Scene II
4. Featuring: Angela Gheorghiu (soprano)
5. "La Vita è inferno all'infelice! ...Oh, tu che in seno agli angeli" from La Forza del Destino, Act III
6. Featuring: Vittorio Vitelli (baritone)
7. "Invano, Alvaro" from La Forza del Destino, Act IV
8. "Dio, che nell'alma infondere" from Don Carlo, Act II
9. Featuring: Vittorio Vitelli (baritone, Rodrigo)
10. "Già nella notte densa" from Otello, Act I
11. Featuring: Angela Gheorghiu (soprano)
12. "Oh' mostruosa colpa! Si, per ciel marmoreo giuro!" from Otello, Act II
13. Featuring: Vittorio Vitelli (baritone)
14. "Dio! mi potevi scagliar" from Otello, Act III
15. "Niun mi tema" from Otello (Act IV)