THOMAS: MIGNON (OPERA) 4-LP SET /HORNE /WELTING /VANZO /ZACCARIA /VON STADE/RARE

Here for your delectation is the SPECTACULAR & RARE------------------THOMAS: MIGNON (OPERA) 4-LP SET.Performer: Marilyn Horne, Alain Vanzo, Ruth Welting, Nicola Zaccaria, Frederica von Stade Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus Conductor: Antonio de Almeida Composer: Ambroise Thomas Mignon is an opéra comique (or opera in its second version) in three acts by Ambroise Thomas. The original French libretto was by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, based on Goethe's novel Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre. The Italian version was translated by Giuseppe Zaffira. The opera is mentioned in James Joyce's The Dead, (Dubliners). Thomas's goddaughter Mignon Nevada was named after the main character.This recording, the only complete Mignon is without a doubt, the finest available. Marilyn Horne as Mignon is the astonishing Horne, as she always is. Ruth Welting is always supreme, and in this recording, one of a handful of Welting's recordings available, her voice is magnificent. The high reaches of her range are smooth and effortless. The recording is Ruth's legacy to the opera world, and we will forever miss her beautiful coloratura voice. Vanzo is magnificent as are Zaccaria and von Stade. The recording is a must have for anyone's collection. Opera lovers will receive very good value indeed. There's three and a quarter hours of delight. Arias for the four or five principal characters in the opera are frequently heard in extract; here they can be heard in context. There's a lullaby, a styrienne, a polonaise and - of course - Mignon's "Connais-tu le pays?". Thomas, the composer, somehow managed to express homesickness much more successfully in this aria than Schubert, Hugo Wolf, or any other composer who attempted settings of Goethe's text. Opera lovers are unlikely nowadays to see a production mounted of this once popular opera. Be enchanted by its melody- and rhythm-driven score.Feel the suspense created when the soprano attempts her five minute "Je suis Titania". Will she get through? Can she provide genuine trills? Will she finish her final cadenza in tune? All members of the starry, international cast are in fine voice; Almeida draws every nuance and colourful detail from the score, and the warm, comfortable acoustic makes for easy listening.If you like melodious romantic operas you willLOVEMignon. And it is unlikely that you will ever encounter a better performance.PLUS----THERE IS A 12"x12" LIBRETTO BOOKLET IN FRENCH AND ENGLISH (a perfect way to learn a foreign language!!)HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! This is theORIGINALCOLUMBIA M4 34590four-record set.The cover shows minimal wear. The records are mint--showing no scratches under visible light. Check my feedback to see that I sell exactly as I describe. So buy now to own this magnificent, impossible-to-findRECORD COLLECTIBLE.**A NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE RECORD BUYERS** Despite my attempt to keep my ads informative, yet as simple and uncomplicated as possible, I have realized that record purchasers are another “breed” entirely. As a result, I am deluged with questions both bizarre, and occasionally frivolous. I have even received a “warning” prior to shipment to a winning buyder telling me exactly what he expected----or else! I therefore find it necessary to include this explanation of what to expect from me should you choose tobuy this or any of my other listed records. To begin, all of these records come from my personal collection. I bought most of them in the 1960’s in new condition—although some came from close-out bins. Almost every one has been played only once or twice (it is a huge collection—how many times could I listen to them?!) Being a collector, I also took extremely good care of them. On the other hand, I was, and am, completely UNKNOWLEDGEABLE about details that “real” collectors have. To begin with, the term “excellent” describes the fact that I looked at the record under a normal lamp light and did not see obvious flaws. If I notice a scratch, I will mention it. I also will say a cover is “perfect” unless I see obvious tears or major stains. I say “original” because most were purchased 50-odd years ago and I want to distinguish them from newer releases---on the other hand, I have no knowledge of dates of pressings. And now, to the most important part---I have noticed other record sellers posting huge disclaimers discussing the scurrilous practices of some buyers, such as “switching” records that they purchase for others of the same title that they already own that are in considerably worse condition. Or, purchasing a record, and trying to negotiate a lower price after receipt of the merchandise with a threat of negative feedback. I am also sure that there are less-than-honest sellers out there. My position is simply this---my positive feedback speaks for itself----I try to sell exactly what I describe---within the parameters of my own knowledge. If my ad does not include information you require, please ask before you buy and I will try to answer promptly and to the best of my ability. If I cannot—don’t buy! Also, always understand that you are purchasing a used record---records are known to have clicks, pops, distortions, even occasional slight warping. They had these flaws when I purchased them. If it did not affect their play, I was not concerned. I was listening to the music. If you are expecting perfect sound----buy the CD! I even stupidly accepted return of a record that I was told was not an original, only to re-sell it to a collector who said it certainly was an original. I presume the original buyer recorded it, since it was not available on CD. Those days are over for me. If youbuy it, you own it. Everything I mail is sent wrapped in bubble pack and special (expensive) record mailers. I aim to please---as my feedback shows---but if you want to see or hear your record before buying, please go to a record store---not eCRATER. I apologize for having to write this----but I thank you for reading it.ALL OF MY LISTINGS ARE BETTER THAN AN product!! IF YOUSEEK OUTINCENTIVES LIKE FREE SHIPPING-------- YOU'VE GOT IT!!! PLUS---CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT TO PAY!!!! IF THE LISTED PRICE IS A BIT OUT OF YOUR PRICE RANGE, CHECK BEST OFFER AND STATE THE REASONABLEPRICEYOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY---CHANCES ARETHE ITEM WILL BE YOURS--IMMEDIATELY!! (Sometimes I even accept unreasonable offers!) DON'T JUST BROWSE!!! THIS IS THE ITEM YOU SEARCHED FOR---AND IT COULD BE YOURS FOR THE PRICE YOU WOULD LIKE!! NO WAITING FOR AN product TO END----AND NO DEAL LIKE THIS ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET!!!! _______________________________________________________________________________________WANT TOSEE MORE LIKE THIS??FOR EXTRA-SPECIAL SAVINGSGO TOBARRYS BARGAIN BIN (CLICK HERE--)forBOOKS THOUSANDS OFUNIQUE TITLES (no duplication) ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FIRST EDITIONS ! +MUSIC IN ALL GENRES AND FORMATS (lps, 45s, 78s, and cassettes)+ASSORTED RARE CURIOSITIESEVERYTHING (except death and taxes) IS NEGOTIABLE! MAKE ME AN OFFER I CAN'T REFUSE!! (NO HORSE'S HEAD IN THE BED, PLEASE!) ALL REASONABLE OFFERS WILL BE ACCEPTED!!!(EVEN THE OCCASIONAL UNREASONABLE OFFER)Be sure to add me to your favorites list 101212 Powered by eCRATER . List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.