Anna Netrebko - Verismo (2016) [Vinyl]

Soprano Anna Netrebko is a major box-office draw on both sides of the Atlantic, but her catalog has been short on the aria-selections albums that remain the way most buyers listen to recorded opera. This collection of verismo ("realism") Italian arias goes a long way toward filling the hole. It's actually a bit out in front of her repertoire, which has focused on Verdi, and before that Mozart, but as her voice has darkened she has announced plans to add some of the roles represented here to her repertoire. From what's heard on the album, the prospects seem very good for a career phase that will elevate Netrebko's star even higher than it already is. You can sample the aria "In questa reggia" from Turandot to assure yourself of Netrebko's confidence in hitting the high notes, and hear one of several fine duet passages with the singer's tenor husband, Yusif Eyvazov. But also take time to explore the big hits, like "Un bel di vedremo," from Madama Butterfly, where Netrebko seems to approach the music as if for the first time, and also some of the arias by some of the one-hit wonders of the verismo genre. With capable accompaniment from the Coro e orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia under Antonio Pappano, this is a major Netrebko release and a definitive verismo collection. -- James Manheim