[ Delos / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 14 December 2018
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American tenor Stephen Costello's meteoric career has taken him to the stages of the world's top opera houses. In this, his first recording for Delos, he performs a glittering assortment of arias that will appeal strongly to any opera lover, but that will be a particular treat for fans of the bel canto repertoire. While it mainly showcases classic arias by Gaetano Donizetti, we also hear single selections by Vicenzo Bellini and Giuseppe Verdi. Polished and sensitive orchestral collaboration comes courtesy of Maestro Constantine Orbelian and his vaunted Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra.
"Costello is not quite 40 and is already going far in the operatic world. This recital should certainly give him even more of a boost. One hopes that more emphasis is given to characterization, as some numbers here are just a smidgen on the bland side. However, Percy's aria from Anna Bolena and "Fra poco a me" from Lucia are absolutely splendid. The sound is fine and unpretentious as is the accompaniment. There are good notes placing each aria in context and gratefully, texts and translations." Fanfare
"Costello's voice readily contours itself to the French of arias from La fille du régiment. High notes are healthier and more full-bodied than before…One happily returns to Costello's warmth of tone and the wonderfully scaled vibrato that never disturbs the long-term vocal line…He nails the multiple high Cs in 'Ah mes amis', though what handily puts him across the finish line is the overall characterisation and larger sense of musical intent behind the vocal athleticism" Gramophone
"This will complement any opera collection." MusicWeb
Donizetti: La Fille du Régiment:
Ah! Mes amis
Pour me rapprocher de Marie
Bellini: I Puritani:
A te, o cara
Donizetti: Dom Sébastien, Roi de Portugal:
Deserto in terra
Donizetti: L'elisir d'amore;
Quanto e bella, quanto e cara!
Una furtiva lagrima
Donizetti: Don Pasquale:
Sogno soave e casto
Donizetti: La Favorita:
Favorita del re! - Spirto gentil
Donizetti: Anna Bolena:
Vivi tu te ne scongiuro
 Verdi: Rigoletto:
Ella mi fu rapita! - Parmi veder le lagrime
Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor:
Tombe degli avi miei - Fra poco a me ricovero