Chérubin (Massenet)

Dynamic CD:CDS508 and DVD:33508
Michelle Breedt (Chérubin), Patrizia Ciofi (L'Ensoleillad), Carmela Remigio (Nina), Giorgio Surjan (Il filosofo); Emmanuel Villaume (conductor), Orchestra e Coro del Teatro Lirico.
Recorded "live" in Cagliari, Jan 2006; released Sept 2006.
REVIEWS:

"In this brilliant performance from Cagliari everything is just right. High quality youthful voices give an ebullient interpretation. Everyone relishes the texts, with clear diction and real dramatic involvement. Breedt is vocal peaches-and-cream, even through the range, with a delicate humanity that is tasteful and charming. Matching Breedt note for note in the vocal beauty department is Remigio. When they join voices for the final duet the result is pure vocal magic. Ciofi's voice is similar in coloring and just as attractive. What a trio in Der Rosenkavalier these three would make! Surian is a concerned, resounding Philosopher. The entire cast, chorus, and orchestra are nothing short of spectacular. The orchestra is quite splendid in tone and precision, and Villaume brings out their warm, romantic tone to its fullest, along with an ebullience that enlivens the show. The recorded sound is spectacular. [...] This is one of the most ear-beguiling operas and performances to grace my ears in quite a while. So indulge your romantic side and give it a listen." American Record Guide review of CD

"La morale de l’histoire est évidente : Chérubin se métamorphose à grands pas en Don Juan. Equipe peu francophone mais qui soigne sa diction, élément essentiel dans une œuvre où Massenet émaille des numéros musicaux brillants de brèves sections parlando. Michelle Bredt respire avec générosité les magnifiques ariosi que lui réserve Massenet, écrits très cantabile. Patrizia Ciofi produit un grand numéro de virtuosité et de charme en Ensoleillad, les comprimari sont époustouflant de vie, les décors délicieusement kitsch, la mise en scène foisonnante : deux heures de plaisir sans mélange." Concert Classic review of DVD

"Michelle Breedt es un Chérubin creíble, que aguanta muy bien el primer plano y que sabe traducir con acierto los sentimientos de su alma perpetuamente enamorada. Patrizia Ciofi –qué gran cantante– es una estupenda L’Ensoleillade –la bailarina del Teatro Real amante del Rey de España– y Carmela Remigio una Nina convincente." Diverdi review of DVD

"An evening of continuous entertainment by a cast of singers, who are also excellent actors, that play their parts to the full. Worthy of mention is the verve of the protagonist Michelle Breedt, Patrizia Ciofi's scintillating Ensoleillad, Carmela Remigio's touching Nina, the wise sarcasm of the Philosopher by Giorgio Surian, and Bruno Lazzaretti's very entertaining Duke. Emmanuel Villaume made a fine show at conducting the choir and orchestra. The performance was a resounding success." Il Giornale della Musica stage review

"Brava anche Patrizia Ciofi nei panni dell’Ensoleillad (Soprano). Voce sempre perfettamente in maschera (e già dalle prime battute si fa sentire) con un timbro delizioso e scintillante. Anche lei bravissima nel suo personaggio: ama, seppur per una sola notte, Chérubin ed il giorno dopo lo ignora senza scrupoli. Più che buona l’esecuzione della magnifica aria “Vive Amour Qui Rêve” - l’amore è un sogno e dopo quella notte, sarà solo un ricordo." Operaclick stage review