Although he is now one of the most appreciated opera singers in the world, the Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón also likes a lighter repertoire whose artistic quality is often wrongly underestimated. With his former idol Plácido Domingo as conductor, he therefore sang arias from zarzuelas, a Spanish form of operetta, on the album Gitanos. And in the year 2010, 200 years after the War of Independence
… and 100 years after the Mexican Revolution, a long-cherished dream of Villazón came true. On the album México! He sings with enthusiasm and passion his most beloved popular Mexican classics such as Besame Mucho, Estrellita and Solamente Una Vez. Instead of the usual 'Hollywood'-like accompaniment of sweet strings, Villazón opted for a more intimate and sparkling chamber orchestra. Thanks to the excellent musicians of the Bolívar Soloists and the perfectionist Villazón, México! has become a high quality album where everything seems to be right. Villazón's beautiful warm voice, his special musical interpretation and the fresh arrangements make for a pleasant listening experience. (SvdP)more
