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Having received much praise after the original release of this album in 2004, Natalie Dessay has made a name for herself on stage in Richard Strauss’ opera, Ariadne auf Naxos, as the reigning Zerbinetta of our time. In a program worthy of the greatest Strauss sopranos, Virgin Classics offers Ms. Dessay in performances of four Brentano Lieder and scenes from Arabella, Ariadne auf Naxos, and Der Rosenkavalier.
“This disc proves that the French soprano Natalie Dessay is as much at home in Richard Strauss’ coloratura repertoire as she is in Mozart or her native opera and operetta. It opens with Zerbinetta’s set-piece aria from Ariadne auf Naxos, a wonderful demonstration of her vocal artistry: pure, open tone, agility, and the knowing characterisation of one who has sung the role many times on stage…” — The Daily Telegraph
Also featured on this album are several other dazzling singers of our day, including Felicity Lott, Angelika Kirchschlager, Sophie Koch, and Thomas Allen. Under the direction of EMI Classics conductor Antonio Pappano, this fabulous cast is supported by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. This sensational album was certainly among the most important opera/vocal releases of 2004, the year of its original release.
The program is distributed as follows: Natalie Dessay sings the Brentano Lieder and the roles of Zerbinetta (Ariadne auf Naxos), Zdenka (in Arabella) and Sophie (Die Rosenkavalier); Felicity Lott is the Marschallin (Die Rosenkavalier) and Arabella (Arabella); Angelika Kirschlager is Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier; Sophie Koch is the Composer (Ariadne auf Naxos) and Thomas Allen sings the roles of the Music Master (Ariadne auf Naxos) as well as Faminal (Der Rosenkavalier).
