Gramophone

'Alan Opie has been a stalwart of the English opera scene for more than 30 years, most notably at the ENO. I have followed with interest his progress from singing lighter roles through his much-admired Beckmesser, given at Bayreuth and ENO among other houses, through to his recent move into heavy Verdian parts. This issue fairly chronicles his extensive career. Ezio's aria and cabaletto from Attila evince Opie's skills in Verdi parts for a dramatic baritone. As a contrast there is the quiet reflectiveness that he brings to William Tell's 'Sois immobile'... he could sing Trovatore's Luna and Lucia's Enrico with distinction... this recital should delight Opie's many admirers.'
1 Rossini's The Barber of Seville Figaro's Cavatina
'La la la lera, la la la la. Here at your service...'
2 Verdi's Il trovatore (The Troubador)
Count di Luna's Recitative, Aria & Cabaletta
'All is deserted' - 'In the stars that shine above me'
with Clive Bayley, bass (PMF Scholar)
& Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
3 Donizetti's Dom Sebastian, King of Portugal
Camoëns' Recitative & Romance 'On the African shores'
4 Donizetti's Lucia of Lammermoor Aria & Cabaletta
'You seem unhappy' - 'Trembling, I feel the horror'
with Stephen Chaundy, tenor (PMF Scholar),
Peter Rose, bass & Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
5 Verdi's Ernani
Carlo & Elvira's Duet & Trio Carlo, Ernani & Elvira
'Since the day when first I saw you'
- 'You're Ernani! At once I despise you'
with Susan Patterson, soprano & Julian Gavin, tenor
6 Verdi's The Two Foscari The Doge's Scena & Romance
'I am alone, here in private' - 'How my old heart...'
7 Rossini's William Tell William Tell & Arnold Melcthal's duet
with Barry Banks, tenor (PMF Scholar)
8 William Tell's Aria 'Keep very still now: kneel down...'
9 Verdi's Attila Ezio's Scena, Aria & Cabaletta
'Peace is concluded' - 'From everlasting mountains'
- 'So my fate...'
with Dennis O'Neill, tenor & Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
10 Verdi's Ernani Part III Finale 'Charlemagne inspire me'
with Peter Rose, bass, Susan Patterson, soprano,
Helen Williams, soprano, Julian Gavin, tenor,
Peter Wedd, tenor (PMF Scholar), Paul Hodges, bass
& English National Opera Chorus
11 Leoncavallo's Pagliacci Prologue
'Hello... Hello... Dear Ladies and gentlemen...'

London Philharmonic Orchestra - tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 11;
English National Opera Orchestra - tracks 1, 5 & 10;
Philharmonia Orchestra - track 4
Conductors - Gabriele Bellini - track 1
& David Parry - tracks 2-11

Recorded in Goldsmith's College, New Cross, London 9-14 August 1994 - track 1;
Blackheath Halls, London 16-20 December 1999 - track 2; 24-27 September 2001 - tracks 3, 6 & 7;
2-6 September 2001 - track 4; 12-16 July 2000 - tracks 5 & 10; 3-7 March 2003 - tracks 8 & 9;
7-10 August 1997 - track 11
Producer - Brian Couzens, Sound engineers - Ralph Couzens - tracks 1-4, 6 & 7;
Jonathan Cooper - tracks 5, 8, 9 & 10; Ben Connellan - track 11


Fanfare USA

‘What I hear on this disc is a rich, warm lyric baritone with sufficient heft for the big moments, smooth and even tonal emission, and a wide range complete with a secure top. He sings with commitment, intensity, and sensitivity... this is major-league singing that brought me considerable pleasure even my third time through. I can think of very few baritones operating today that produce as attractive a tone throughout their range, and through as wide a dynamic palette.'
CHAN 3085
Great Operatic Arias - Alan Opie