The Lost Diva - Kathleen Battle
A review of the CD Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias offers the music viewer a glimpse into the miraculous voice of a truly gifted American Diva. In this CD, the listener is treated to some of Bellini's most cherished selections from the Bel Canto repetoire including: Capuleti Ed I Montecchi, Don Pasquale and La Sonambula. The CD is well produced with extended versions of arias placing the more familar arias in their musical context. Vocal acrobatics and piercing high notes are a gift to behold. Although the top register is clear it at time sounds pushed and somewhat shrill compared to the most colorful lower range. She brings drama and emotion to the arias and this diva should be remembered as one of the great coloratura's along with Sutherland, Freni, Sumi Jo and of course Cecilia Bartoli.

It is a shame that this Diva is now longer heard in most American Opera venues including the MET, but her differences with management and a volatile temper has truncated her career. Any fan of Bellini and the Bel Canto style will surely want to put this treasure in their collection

Beautiful Singing
That's what Bel Canto means, "beautiful singing" -- and that's what Ms. Battle does here. It's a style of operatic singing characterized by full, even tones and a brilliant display of vocal technique.

Kathleen Battle is from my home town of Portsmouth, Ohio, (a fact of which we are all very proud), and I cannot adequately express how astounding her vocal abilities are. You'll hear some of the finest examples of her excellence here.

These are mostly arias from Italian Opera, all composed by three great masters of that art form, including Bellini, Rossini (my favorite), and, Donizetti. The London Philharmonic Orchestra (along with the Ambrosian Opera Chorus) provides the background music and it's all flawlessly performed. This is a DDD recording.

My highest recommendation for those who would like to hear the best of the best in Opera.

Who else is their???
This is one of my MOST cherished performances I have by Miss Battle. I've had the pleasure of seeing her in recital and own almost all her recordings. Hearing her sweet voice soar, leap, and dance is like seeing the face of God. Bel Canto is like a healing tonic. It's just perfect. BUY IT.

This is a beautiful voice
Kathleen Battle has been the best soprano in her repertoire. She is always exquisite singing opera arias, lieder, chansons, spirituals or jazz.

My dream woman
Another great recital by my dream woman. Battle's voice and style is not to everyone's taste, but that's why we can compare and choose which singers we love and adore! This CD has provided me with endless listening pleasure and I love every minute of it.