Frederica von Stade - French Opera Arias
Recorded at the beginning of her career in 1976, this shows Frederica Von Stade as a bright, accomplished singer with a distinctive sound, a bit softer, smaller, and fresher than her voice is now. With a selection of arias including all the best mezzo-soprano moments from Berlioz'sBeatrice et Benedict, Massenet'sWerther and Cendrillon, Berlioz'sDamnation of Faust, and what became her great party piece, the drunk aria from Offenbach'sLa Perichole, everything is utterly lovely. However, this is her first try at most of this music and it shows: performances are all about voice and not about words or characterization. For those who love the voice alone.--David Patrick Stearns