This CD is especially interesting because the program, which is otherwise quite incoherent, contains six songs by Alfredo Catalani. Catalani's songs (like those of his other Italian colleagues) are rarely performed, while they are certainly worthwhile. Catalani was one of the most promising Italian opera composers of the late 19th century. Yet even before his untimely death at the age of forty, it
… had become clear that he was not Verdi's successor. Although he possessed the gift of composing beautiful expressive melodies, he lacked the dramatic talent of his contemporaneous Giacomo Puccini. However, this flaw is not missed on a song recital, while the melodic gifts can be fully enjoyed. Catalani's songs are like little opera arias, full of beautifully built exuberant passion. Just listen to the Chanson Groenlandaise (on a text by Jules Verne). No wonder he later used this song for one of his operas. It became his most famous aria: Ebben Ne Andrò Lontana (from La Wally). (CP)more
