Music and Vision homepage

 

<<  -- 8 --  Maria Nockin    RIVER SPIRITS

-------------------------------

Mark S Doss is a strong Riolobo with enough mystery in his vocal portrayal to make him a believable river spirit. Ana Maria Martinez [listen -- CD2 track 2, 3:57-5:33] is fast becoming a major star and the reasons behind it are very evident on this recording. Her distinctive voice has gorgeous colors, from the lustrous silver of her high notes to the port wine velvet of her chest tones, and her control is excellent.

A scene from the Houston Grand Opera 2001 production of 'Florencia en el Amazonas'. Photo: George Hixson/Houston Grand Opera
A scene from the Houston Grand Opera 2001 production of 'Florencia en el Amazonas'. Photo: George Hixson/Houston Grand Opera

Chad Shelton is a young tenor on the rise and he, too, shines on these discs. His Arcadio is intense and passionate. You don't wonder why Rosalba falls in love with him. Mezzo-soprano, Suzanna Guzmán, is a dramatic Paula while baritone, Hector Vasquez, creates an elegant Alvaro. Their voices are rich with dark tones and their diction is impeccable. Oren Gradus, is a recent graduate of Houston Grand Opera's young artist program who has won several major vocal contests. He has a well schooled voice with easily reached, burnished low tones.

Continue >>

Copyright © 23 November 2003 Maria Nockin, Arizona USA

-------

 << Music & Vision home      Recent CD reviews       Gold and Lees >>

Download a free realplayer 

For help listening to the sound extracts here,
please refer to our questions & answers page.