New Classical Tracks: A treasure trove of forgotten arias

Rolando Villazon considered the priesthood, psychology, and acting before settling on singing as a career.

In 1999, the Mexican tenor won three prizes at Placido Domingo's Operalia Competition.  Opera houses all over the world quickly signed on this new talent who could act and sing.

For opera lovers, he's a dream come true with his ringing top notes, and baritone-like lower register. 

On his latest release, he's realizing one of his dreams -- to be on the "yellow" record label. For his debut recording on Deutsche Grammophon, Villazon has collected a treasure trove of forgotten arias.

"I did lots of research and found lots of pieces," he explained. "If my heart beat faster and my skin prickled, then I chose it."

The spark that ignited the idea behind this new recording was a biography of the Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Gomes. Gomes was a 19th century opera composer who had several major successes at La Scala. He was also greatly admired by Verdi. 

After reading the book, Villazon immediately went in search of music by Gomes. He came across an aria from the opera, "Fosca." Right away his skin prickled.

Fosca is the daughter of the pirate chief who has kidnapped Paolo, the Venetian captain. Fosca has fallen in love with Paolo, who is engaged to Delia. 

In the aria "Intenditi con Dio," Paolo pines for Delia, his one true love. This is a passionate aria that culminates in the last minute with a soaring crescendo.

Saverio Mercadante's most famous opera, "Il Giuramento," or "The Oath," is based on the same Victor Hugo play as the better-known "La Gioconda." It's a drama of passion and revenge set in the 16th century. A prayerful cello solo leads into the aria, "La dea di tutti i cor," which is sung by the two-timing Duke.

Rolando Villazon presents this piece in pure bel canto style.  He sails up and over the high notes.  The emotion is powerful, yet slightly restrained as he sings right at the breaking point between his high and low range.

The title track of this adventurous new release comes from "La Gioconda" by Ponchielli. The aria "Cielo e mar" is sung by Enzo, the nobleman. It's been a tenor favorite since the days of Caruso 100 hundred years ago.

This is the piece that inspired Villazon to dedicate his life to music. His trademark dark, rich tone brightens on the high notes of this passionate love song. Villazon's expressive phrasing makes you believe that this man's angel will indeed appear to him.

Arrigo Boito was an early 20th century poet and composer. He wrote the libretto for "La Gioconda," but completed only one opera of his own, "Mefistofele," based on Goethe's "Faust." "Dai campi, dai prati," is a beautiful aria sung by Faust.

Villazon sets an idyllic mood as he works his way through the heartfelt melody. According to Villazon, this style of 19th century opera is like an impressionistic painting. As long as all the colors blend seamlessly, the music leaves you awestruck.

To make these rare opera gems special, the music has to come from the soul. Villazon achieves that by imagining his audience.

"It's like a writer, writing for readers you may never meet," he explained.

Villazon may never meet his audience, yet his new collection of lost treasures, "Cielo e Mar," will touch their souls.

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