José Carreras: The Golden Years

Now a household name by being one of the Three Tenors alongside Pavarotti and Domingo, Carreras' finest recordings were actually done in the 1970s, when his voice had a brilliance and luster that few singers have equaled. Born in Spain in '46, Carreras was a child prodigy, and by his late 20s was a shining star in all the major opera houses. Tragically, in '87, he learned he had leukemia, a disease he battled and won, going on to greater fame than ever before.Though his voice is powerful and full of beauty, those with keen ears will detect his voice losing a tiny bit of its magnificence starting in the early 80s, and one wonders if the stress and exhaustion of stardom contributed to this as well as to the illness, or whether it was because the seeds of leukemia were taking root.CD One is the operatic disc, and the two most sublime cuts are both from '76, Puccini's "E lucevan le stelle" (Tosca), and Verdi's "Forse la scoglia attinse" (Un Ballo in Maschera). Another track I adore is the heavenly Lehar "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" (Das Land des Lachelns), from 1978, and few have performed this popular piece with more loveliness.CD Two is in a lighter vein, and starts with a stupendous rendition of Ariel Ramirez' "Kirie" (Misa Criolla), sung softly and with extraordinary tenderness and artistry.There are lots of heavenly melodic Italian songs, like "O Sole Mio", and a few in English like the song made famous by Lanza (who according to the liner notes, inspired Carreras to be a singer when he saw "The Great Caruso" at the age of six) "Be My Love " (Brodszky/Cahn).The foldout insert has complete track list info and liner notes, and mention must be made of the incredible, sensitive sepia portrait of this handsome singer on the cover. Total playing time for CD One is 75'32, and for CD Two 75'47.A must for Carreras fans, and anyone who appreciates the finest in operatic voices.

This is my favorite Carreras album. Many of the operatic songs were recorded in the late 1970's. They include many favorites, such as "E lucevan le stelle" and "Recondita harmonia." Others, such as "Core 'ngrato" and "Torna a Surriento" were from the 1980's, but are just as lovely. Carreras also includes some songs in English, such as "Be My love" and "Memory" (from "Cats"). I find his accented English to be very romantic and appealing. He sings with great feeling, making the songs seem special and meaningful. This is a very romantic album, a wonderful compilation of many "operatic" favorites sung with prowess and passion.

The trademark Carreras softness was there in the early and mid-career stuff, but not at the end. Most of disc 2 was disappointing to me, and I Like Tosti compositions.

I saw Jose Carreras in 1980 at Carnegie Hall. His voice thundered in all the theater. Every corner was touched by its power and beauty. This CD has the capacity to remind me of the great voice that Carreras had. I enjoyed every aria and song. I recommend it, to young people and to others whose only reference to Carreras is only from the Three Tenors version. To them, go ahead and hear the great voice that this tenor had and then talk about comparisons.

I bought this to give as a gift for my mother-in-law who absolutely loves Jose Carreras. Now after listening to this marvelous CD along with her - now I am also a fan!

what a voice.

This is a different voice than you hear on recordings of "The Three Tenors." Of course, it's his earlier years, but the light, lyrical quality of his voice is amazing. Thank goodness for recordings, and digital remastering. I love this CD.

Since I first heard him in 1986, José Carreras has been my favourite tenor. His lyrical voice has captured my heart completely. No other voice moves me as Carreras' does. He moves me to tears, to laughter, to love, to beauty - to remembrance, to peace - and to HOPE!As for this recording, my favourites are "Una furtiva lagrima" (Donizetti), "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" (Das Land des Lächelns), "Che gelida manina" (La Bohème) and yes, "Nessun Dorma" (Turandot) - and no, it's not always about the strongest voice.I have lots of other recordings with Carreras. Spanish songs, German songs, love songs, mixture of opera arias and popular songs and of course, opera. I have reviewed "Carmen" conducted by von Karajan in Berlin in 1982 where Carreras sings "the flower aria" as it has never been sung before, with a pianissimo ending. (I also refer to and recommend another review of this version of "Carmen" here on Amazon, written by a much more knowledgeable reviewer than me, but sharing the same opinions.) Any admirer of José Carreras who has not heard his interpretation of this famous aria in this recording, has missed something. Amazon has it, hurry and buy! (Carmen 1982 - Agnes Baltsa, José Carreras, Katia Ricciarelli, Herbert von Karajan).I love Carreras' "singing from the soul" (the title of his biography). He has something very special which affects me as no other singer does. No matter how high Pavarotti goes, or how complete and full and "having it all" Domingo's voice is said by so many to be - Carreras has something entirely unique. A Swedish journalist who was writing a review of one of his concerts, pondered about the difference between the three and why the seemingly less significant of them still moved him so deeply. And he finally concluded: "What is it with this little Spanyard. He does not reach as high as Pavarotti, or has the fullness and strength of Domingo, and yet, he sings as if every little tone were the last..."This album is probably the best collection with Carreras, although many of these arias/songs are also to be found on other recordings. However, this selection is both large and varied and does indeed show Carreras at his best. It's also recorded before his illness. Many reviewers say that Carreras' voice HAS suffered from this, even if not very noticeable. I personally have not noticed any decline and I do listen a lot. Anyway, this recording is a perfect choice for people who want to be introduced to or hear more of José Carreras.Finally, I would like to include in this review the first concert José Carreras held in Oslo Konserthus (Norway) after his illness - in April 1990. This was no large performance in a huge hall used also by rock bands etc. The kind of performance with lights in various colours, very stashed up in every way. As the newspapers wrote afterwards; it was not the regular first night audience who met in Oslo Concert Hall that night. It was the real music lovers who sat in silence and enjoyed and contemplated the sublime art they were listening to. No one got their favourite aria, this was an evening for less known material, but oh, so exquisite.I have heard Carreras afterwards in more glamourous settings but shall never forget that evening in April 1990. A man, his voice and a piano.I would like to recommend this recording warmly, and everything else José Carreras has sung for that matter. And for those who are not so keen on opera, there are lots to choose from, not the least film music and plenty of varied love songs. Carreras has not restricted himself to singing and recording only opera. Few tenors have made more recordings of popular non-opera music and so called crossovers. His voice is perfect for almost all kinds of popular love songs (As time goes by, You belong to my heart, The shadow of your smile, Memory) and I see this as a perfect way of inviting an even wider public to enjoy his wonderful voice.

This CD is revelation - so often thought of as "the other guy" or the one in the middle in other words not Domingo or Pavarotti - it showcases Jose Carreras at his brilliant best. The voice is unbelievable with a tone, lustre, timbre, colour however you want to describe which is completely unique. There is something about the way this man interprets the lyrics that sets him not just apart but above any other tenor his generation. I brought through Amazon second hand and it plays perfectly. The bargain of a life time.

This collection from the early years of his career has a good range of recordings - Puccini, Verdi, Handel, etc plus more recent composers like Bernstein and popular songs from Italy, France and the USA. A very enjoyable selection.

one of the great voices a splendid album full of atmosphere

Wonderful selection of this amazing singer at his very best

The great Jose