Part 2 of the Collins label's 'Italian song' series is filled with songs by Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848). Donizetti did not exactly speak in lofty terms about his songs: he once wrote to his brother that he usually wrote them when the rice was boiling. But such derogatory statements are not very indicative, because it is clear from the songs recorded here that Donizetti may have written them quickly,
… but certainly not without due attention. Donizetti usually had his songs appear in small collections with poetic titles such as 'Nuits d'été à Possillipo' or 'Un hiver à Paris' and most of the songs here performed by Dennis O'Neill (tenor) and Ingrid Surgenor (piano) are from that. Unsurprisingly, the opera composer does not betray himself: for instance, "E morta" and "Ah! rammenta, o bella Irena" could come straight from an opera. The Neapolitan tradition resonates in the delighted "Me voglio fà 'na casa". Some songs are very elaborate, such as "La ninna nanna" and "Il pescator", in which the singer, just like in Schubert's "Erlkönig", has to give shape to four characters. Both of these, together with the dramatic "La mère et l'enfant", form the highlight of this beautiful CD from Collins' laudable series. Singer and pianist provide good and atmospheric performances. (JvG) _ Some songs are very elaborate, such as "La ninna nanna" and "Il pescator", in which the singer, just like in Schubert's "Erlkönig", has to give shape to four characters. Both of these, together with the dramatic "La mère et l'enfant", form the highlight of this beautiful CD from Collins' laudable series. Singer and pianist ensure good and atmospheric performances. (JvG) _ Some songs are very elaborate, such as "La ninna nanna" and "Il pescator", in which the singer, just like in Schubert's "Erlkönig", has to give shape to four characters. Both of these together with the dramatic "La mère et l'enfant" form the highlight of this beautiful CD from Collins' laudable series. Singer and pianist provide good and atmospheric performances. (JvG) _more
