Caballé

1997 recording from Montserrat Caballe featuring 16 duets with international stars such as Johnny Hallyday and Khadja Nin from France, Carlos Cano from Spain, Marco Masini from Italy, Gotthard from Switzerland, Rene Froger from Holland & others…

Monserratt Caballé's journey to La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera was truly a road of talent, dedication, and will. One of the most beautiful and athletic voices of our generation, declared as Callas' successor, Caballé dominated both the dramatic spinto and bel canto arenas, transcending the realm of the opera world to influence the popular masses.

Seven complete operas starring the magnificent Montserrat Caballé - great live opera recordings at budget price in one space-saving set! Exciting live recordings taped 1965-1975! Along with Maria Callas ("La Divina"), and Joan Sutherland ("La Stupenda"), Montserrat Caballé (b. 1933) took her place as one of the Big Three sopranos of the second half of the 20th century. When Caballé made her New York debut in 1965, she was instantly heralded as "La Superba," a sure sign she had reached the pinnacle of diva fame. Caballé was especially noted for her pure legato, effortless phrasing, and ability to float soft high notes of breathtaking beauty. Her generosity and down-to earth humor have endeared her to her fans. In 1987, she astonished classical and pop fans alike by recording a duet of the song Barcelona with the rock star Freddie Mercury of the rock group Queen.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Opera master, Giuseppe Verdi, and the 80th birthday of opera’s last great diva, Montserrat Caballé, Sony Classical are pleased to release this special x2 CD collection. Caballé was born in Barcelona in 1933; she made her professional debut in 1956 and has performed in Basel, at the Liceu, Carnegie Hall, Glyndebourne, San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House throughout her career. She has performed with great Opera performers including Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, José Carreras, Richard Tucker, Piero Cappuccilli, Franco Corelli, Birgit Nilsson among many others, and Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury. Caballé’s extensive discography includes a host of notable complete opera recordings and recital albums, many of which have appeared on the RCA Red Seal label. This 2 CD collection showcases Caballé performing famous arias & duets by the celebrated Opera composer, Giuseppe Verdi. The collection features famous Opera favourites including ‘Va Pensiero’ from Nabucco, ‘Sempre libera’ from La Traviata, ‘Ave Maria’ from Otello, music from Il Trovatore, Rigoletto, Aida, Macbeth, and much more.

Gemma di Vergy was one of Donizetti's more popular serious operas but has long since disappeared from the active repertoire. The liner notes to this Opera d'Oro release of a live performance reveal why: the title role is fearsome in its vocal demands, requiring mastery of a huge range, power in high notes and flexibility in coloratura. Caballe herself is quoted as saying she found singing one performance of the role more difficult than singing three Normas.