Marc Hervieux, Louise-Andree Baril - A Napoli: Italian Popular Songs (2011)

Refusing to pander to the classical pop market, "Quebec's answer to Pavarotti," Marc Hervieux, continues with his quest to bring opera in its purest form back to the charts with his third studio album, A Napoli. Indeed, the follow-up to 2010's Tenor Arias suggests that the Montreal Conservatory of Music graduate still isn't yet concerned with making his craft accessible to the wider public as he confidently tackles 15 of his favorite Neapolitan songs, most of which will be only familiar to opera aficionados. Backed by an impressive array of musicians, including pianist Louise-Andrée Baril, flutist Marie-Andrée Benny, and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy, Hervieux justifies his esteemed reputation on a passionate rendition of Vincenzo de Crescenzo's tale of lost love "Rondine al Nido," and a suitably melancholic take on Antonio Barbieri's nostalgic ode to Napoli, "Munasterio ‘e Santa Chiara," while also showcasing his interpretive skills on the mandolin-led opener, "I' Te Vurria Vasa," and an expressive performance of Gioachino Rossini's humorous "La Danza." There are a few more familiar numbers such as Enrico Cannio's melancholic wartime-inspired "O Surdato ‘Nnammurato," arguably the most famous composition from the Neapolitan repertoire, and Salvatore Gambardella's "O Marenariello," whose English-language version was later made famous by Dean Martin. But while A Napoli may not provide the gateway for those unaccustomed to the operatic world, it's an authentic and charming listen that should appeal to audiences who are.