Canteloube: Songs of the Auvergne; Rachmaninov: Songs Op34

The Rachmaninov Vocalise and Bachianas Brasilieras No 5 are equally compelling, and Moffo is ably supported by Stokowski in top form. My only regret is that a "blip" has appeared near the end of the Vocalise (which was not there on the original LP), thus giving the misleading impression that the ending was a retake.

This is my desert island soprano album. Now if BMG could just be persuaded to release her sublime One Night of Love album from the early 1960s, then I'll be packing that one as well...


pure magic   June 27, 2001
Michel Marleau (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

The sound of Anna Moffo's voice in this recording is utterly beguiling, a warmth and sensuality that cannot be described. The last number, Vocalise by Rachmaninoff is achigly beautiful. Pure magic.


I Love this Recording   December 27, 2000
cruisewhiz (Hawaii)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Bought it in vinyl years ago and then replaced it when RCA released it on CD. It is truly a gem. Moffo's voice is perfect in the material. I like the few Songs of the Auvergne she has recorded here when I am not listening to the complete set recorded by Netania Davrath on Vanguard, which to me is the ultimate recording of these. The Vocalese brings me to tears. I give this CD very often to friends as gifts...give youself one


This is the one!   February 16, 2000
Michael Newberry (NY)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

There are some pieces of music that I love the composer's concept, but cannot for the life of me find the right recording! Dvorak's Symphony No.9 comes to mind, Rachmaninov's Concerto No.2 is another, and up until I found this recording, Songs of the Auvergne. Wow! Stokowski and Moffo breeze through these pieces like romp through a sparkling lit countryside filled with dewy leaves, a babbling brook, and wafting scents. Her voice is rich, pure, and playful. And Stokowski sets and changes the mood for each piece. My chief complaint for the Te Kanawa and von Stade versions is that all the songs have identical moods. Also included in the Moffo set are the ravishing beautiful Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 and Rachmaninov's Vocalise, wait until you hear that!


Stunningly beautiful   February 13, 2000
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I was happy to see so many Amazonian listeners express pleasure in an album I've enjoyed for years on record, and now on mid-priced CD. Moffo has never been better--the Villa-Lobos "Bachianas Brasileiras" are beautiful and darkly moving, and I don't think I've ever heard a more stunning rendition of the "Vocalise." For a fuller version of the "Songs of the Auvergne" give a listen to the splendid Dawn Upshaw/Kent Nagano version; in the meantime treat yourself to this very lovely Moffo recording.