Amor: Richard Strauss Opera Scenes & Lieder (2004)

performed by Angelika Kirchschlager (mezzo-soprano), Felicity Lott (soprano), Natalie Dessay (soprano), Sophie Koch (mezzo-soprano), Thomas Allen (baritone), Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra, Antonio Pappano (conductor)
composed by Richard Strauss

Natalie Dessay's Amor, a collection of operatic scenes and lieder of Richard Strauss, is anchored by her all-star turn in the role of Zerbinetta. It is one of her calling cards, and for good reason: her blend of attitude, sparkle, and vocal agility are perfectly matched to the part. Every phrase she utters effuses the manipulative charm at the heart of Zerbinetta's character, and her sparkling outbursts of coloratura are impressively clean and bell-like. Sophie Koch's opulent turn as the Composer makes her duet with ... Read More

Natalie Dessay's Amor, a collection of operatic scenes and lieder of Richard Strauss, is anchored by her all-star turn in the role of Zerbinetta. It is one of her calling cards, and for good reason: her blend of attitude, sparkle, and vocal agility are perfectly matched to the part. Every phrase she utters effuses the manipulative charm at the heart of Zerbinetta's character, and her sparkling outbursts of coloratura are impressively clean and bell-like. Sophie Koch's opulent turn as the Composer makes her duet with Zerbinetta sizzle with tension, and lends the character's petulant idealism emotional credibility. And Thomas Allen and Felicity Lott turn in predictably solid turns as the Primadonna and the Music Master; Lott sounds much younger than her years, and Allen infuses his singing with just the right amount of character without sacrificing the natural beauty of his voice. The Brentano Lieder are a good choice for Dessay, since they showcase her easy facility with coloratura and rarely sound too... Read Less