Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
2. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
3. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
4. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
5. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
6. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
7. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
8. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
9. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
10. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
11. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
12. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
13. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
14. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
15. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
16. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
17. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
18. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
19. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
20. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
21. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
22. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera

Disc 2:

1. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
2. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
3. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
4. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
5. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
6. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
7. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
8. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
9. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera
10. I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opera

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #329399 in Music
• Released on: 2000-02-15
• Number of discs: 2

Amazon.com
Bellini couldn't set pen to music paper without creating wondrous melodies, and I Capuleti e i Montecchi is full of them. His take on the Romeo and Juliet story focuses on the lovers, whose extended Act I scene is challenged only by the moving Tomb Scene as an example of bel canto's marriage of glorious vocalism with depth of feeling. Jennifer Larmore and Hei-Kyung Hong make an excellent pair of star-crossed lovers. Larmore's Romeo is gripping, while Hong sings with marvelous beauty of tone and dramatic feeling. Paul Groves is an impressive Tebaldo, and Robert Lloyd a moving Friar. After a Gilbert-and-Sullivanish overture, Donald Runnicles conducts well. You can't go wrong with this fine Capuleti, though my heart still belongs to its chief competitor currently on disc, the 1998 version on RCA Victor. There, Vesselina Kasarova's remarkable voice and passionate portrayal of Romeo, Eva Mei's Giulietta (even more poignant than Hong's), and conductor Roberto Abbado's command of Bellini's distinctive style together tip the scales. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

A New Standard for I Capuletti e i Montecchi
This recording sets a new standard forthis opera, and should emerge as the best recorded accounting of this opera. While the recent RCA recording is lovely, I found myself wanting to hear slightly more dramatic voices in the roles of Romeo, and Giulietta. In this recording I find I have everything I've waited to hear. Hong and Larmore are accomplised artists as are Mei and her Romeo, however I find that Hong and Larmore's voices are more appropriate and excitiing! Hong and Larmore have been singing together regularly in concert as well as in a collection of duets, and have perfected a wonderful blend to their sounds. Not only is their coluratura beautiful, but the dramatic esclamations are not lost, but fully realized. I hope this set is just the begining of their collaborations! Hong's silky beatifull Giuletta is unmatched, and Larmore's Romeo is heroric, and agile! This is the Bellini Romeo and Juliette to buy!

I Capuleti e it Metechhi/Larmore
Jennifer Larmore's magnificent, dusky mezzo-soprano voice is an instrument of perfection, as always, and Hei Kyung Hong, with whom Larmore often collaborates, is excellent. A real treat!!

Great bel canto opera, beautifully sung.
I readily acknowledge a passion for Bellini's wonderfully melodious music. But I Capuleti e i Montecchi is beautifully melodious even by Bellini's high standards. Furthermore, despite its beauty, it is not at all lacking in drama. This outstanding opera deserves a place in the standard repertoire. Perhaps this fine recording will help it gain the recognition which it so amply deserves.