Cristina Gallardo-Domas

Bel Sogno, Italian arias and scenes

THERE'S still time...

Buy this wonderful CD for a music lover this Christmas.

I can promise a feast of singing that stands comparison with most others in the field.

Cristina Gallardo-Domas, who demonstrates unassailable musicality in these 78 minutes of pure heaven, offers exquisite Italianate tone which makes every track of this recital an experience to treasure.

With good support from the Munich Radio Orchestra, conducted by Maurizio Barbacini, this recording will please even the most fastidious fan of the soprano voice.

Gallardo-Domas offers several pieces by Bellini, Catalani and Cilea but it is undoubtedly her Violetta in La Traviata that has enhanced her status in opera houses the world over.

There is a huge intensity in the way she presents one of the saddest characters in Grand Opera.

Yet while the power and the passion are there for all to hear, there is great care, too, in the phrasing of the music.

Her Puccini readings are also finely delivered.

In Madama Butterfly, her Mimi is intense and lonely.

One might say there is fragility and determination almost in the same breath.

The singer also shows great attention to detail in Inquelle trine morbide from Manon Lescaut and demonstrates, once again, how far up there she is with the greats of her profession.

One not to miss.

Teldec 8573-86440-2

Bruckner

Symphony No 8

IF Bruckner's your scene, try this from the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Gunter Wand.

It was recorded last January and is a fine presentation of this famous work.

Wand teases from the musicians, brass and strings especially, great power and depth.

RCA Red Seal 74321 82866-2