"Zinka Milanov as Aida ... turned phrases so eloquently that they became not merely acceptable musical phrases, but heart-storming expressions of emotion." -- Cecil Smith, reporting on Milanov's Chicago debut, 1940
Croatian-born Zinka Milanov was one of the most eminent Verdi sopranos at the Met, where she dominated several roles over a period of twenty-eight years. She was one of those rare artists who kept improving with age; her upper range in particular was stunningly beautiful, and her legato and phrasing were exquisite. Her final appearance was in 1966, after which she taught voice until her death in 1989. For this CD compilation Prima Voce has chosen excerpts from four operas in which she had great success, and which show the various aspects of her vocal prowess to advantage.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
A good sampler:
I am appalled by Steven Paterson's statement (in the previous review) that "hers is not a lush, sweet, beautiful voice--but it is nonetheless a fine instrument indeed." Zinka Milanov has been criticized for many things. Some say she was a poor actress. I cannot comment on that as I have never seen her on stage. She has also been criticized for pitch and other problems. But even her worst enemies acknowledged that she had a beautiful, lush, creamy, silvery, velvety, etc. voice. She was perhaps most famous... more info
Terrific introduction to a fine soprano:
This CD represents a solid introduction to the art of Zinka Milanov, a soprano who sang from the late 1920s to her final performance in 1966. She was born in 1906 and lived until 1989. Her reputation was as a fine stylist, an intelligent singer, someone who brought emotion to her roles, and someone who could create characters on the operatic stage. Some illustrations from an untutored but appreciative fan of opera. From "Aida," "Ritorna Vincitor" (recorded in 1953). She sings well this dramatic... more info
Tracks:
Act 1. Ritorna Vincitor
Act 3. O Patria mia
Act 2. Ecco l'orrido... Ma dall'arido... Tecco io sto
Act 3. Morrò, ma prima in grazia
Act 2. Son giumta! grazie, o Dio... Madre, pietosa Vergine
Act 2. Scene 2. La Vergine degli Angeli
Act 4. Scene 2. Pace, pace, mio dio!
Act 4. Scene 2. Io muoio!... Non imprecare umiliati
