Jane Eaglen Is A Force Not To Be Reckoned With
Contrary to the previous review, I find that Jane Eaglen is the very definition of the dramatic soprano. Her voice is a Niagra Falls of vocal artistry- full or rich fullness and soaring upper register, generous mezzo di voce, and soothing pianissimi. Her voice is fine in this studio recording album. Eaglen has sung through the 90's and her voice is in its prime in this album. She comfortably takes on the demanding dramatic roles of Strauss Ariadne, Mozart's Dona Ana, Strauss' Salome, Strauss Arabella, the heroine in Guntram and Die Egytpian Helena and the heroine in Mozart' Idomeneo. She is an apt interpreter of bel canto and Wagner, her voice reminding me of such versatile sopranos as Edda Moser, who could sing both Wagner and Mozart.

Please give this album a chance and ignore any bashers' remarks. Her rendition of the Finale in Salome blew me away. She sends chills down my spine, with a voice that is a hurricane, full of storm and glory. Her Dona Ana is a steely victim, her Arabella a determined woman and her Ariadne very noble. Eaglen has a number of great diva roles under her belt- Tosca, Norma, Brunhilde, Isolde, each a magnificent portrayal. Look for her other albums, which are also available on Amazon.com, which continues to be a great source of opera for me, even rare and hard to find albums. Though that critic before me blindly criticized her Strauss method, I find that she is terrific as a singer of Strauss, finding herself the equal to Leontyne Price and Jessye Norman. In fact it would seem Jane Eaglen has a powerfully lunged black woman inside her!! I love this album and also recommend her Wagner/Bellini album, in which she sings the heck out of Casta Diva from Norma and other bel canto arias, as well as a fine Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde and Brunhilde's Immolation Scene. Also look for Strauss' Four Last Songs sung to perfection by Jane Eaglen. She can also be heard singing Tosca in English under the Chandos label as well as a towering Turandot.

Unidiomatic singing
Eaglen's performances of Mozart and Strauss are generally disappointing, for her singing doesn't have the simplicity for Mozart and the lustrous quality for the Strauss. It's far too over-generalised and the result is insipid.

Jane - A Force of Nature
Listening to Jane Eaglen is being caught in the midst of a wonderful storm of music. Each bell-like note is perfection, nothing strained, nothing overly melodramtic, just marvelous singing. The sweetness in her voice comes through again and again. I will borrow from another reviewer to say "BRAVA JANE! And thank you for reminding us that Wagner,and Strauss don't have to be screamed to be sung well."

Weakness exposing attempt
I'm afraid Jane Eaglen doesn't quite know of her own capabilities and limitations. Opera singing is not just a matter of beautiful sound. There has to be emotion, drama and charisma, none of these Eaglen has. Her Mozart is at least competent, though far from outstanding. But her Strauss definitely doesn't work! Just pull down any (yes, any) recording of Strauss by any (yes, any) soprano and you'll at once note how deficient Eaglen's interpretations are. No, she definitely is not for such repertoire. Besides, her top register isn't glorious at all - a liability in Strauss. This is just an ill-considered attempt which exposes her weakness as an artist.

Than you God for Jane Eaglen!
Words fail me when trying to describe the awe one gets after listening to this singer. Live or on Disc few can match Jane in Talent, musicality, or beauty of tone. What a blessing she is to those who love opera. I Love this CD and all the wonderful excerpt featured here. I would love to hear a complete recording of every opera sung from here. It is so refreshing to hear the Egyptian Helen sung so beautifully, listen to how she soars over the orchestra, and listen to how easily her voice manages the high notes. AHHH! How enchanting, and the excerpt from Guntram WOW! . And then she tops it off with an excerpt from a different type of Strauss opera Arabella. This is how Strauss should be sung. Forget Ljuba, Birgit, or Hildegard Jane is your woman!