Chen Reiss, Immortal Beloved Beethoven Arias

Chen Reiss

Chen Reiss, Immortal Beloved: Beethoven Arias – Review

by Thomas E. Davis

Chen RiessIsraeli soprano Chen Reiss achieved prominence as a member of the Bavarian State Opera under the music directorship of Zubin Mehta and has, for several years, been a resident artist at the Vienna State Opera. Reiss has performed leading parts at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Teatro alla Scala, Semperoper Dresden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Netherlands Opera, Wiener Festwochen, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Israeli Opera. She is joined here by conductor Richard Egarr and the Academy of Ancient Music for a recital of Beethoven arias with Oliver Wass on the harp.

 

 “No, non turbarti, WoO92a: I. Recitativo: Non, non turbarti” shows the power and versatility of Reiss’ vocal prowess. The melody flows through her tesiture as she exhibits control, focused pitch, and a sustained vocal color throughout. Beethoven’s writing has powerful sections of active ensemble moments between the vocal phrases. Chen’s diction is excellent, and he playfulness in her rhymic delivery is both authentic and inventive.

 

The energetic reading of “Ah! perfido, Op. 65: I. Scena “Ah! perfido, spergiuro”” is stirring. The aria flows through moments of relaxed ensemble passages and driving moments of intensity. Here Reiss sings multiple impressive high notes with a balanced round sound and authority. Her trills and vibrato and well-executed and controlled. Reiss’s reputation is absolutely spot-on, she is something special. Egarr’ directing of the Academy of Ancient Music is also stellar. 

 

Thoughtful in her approach, the Israeli soprano presents a selection of arias perfect for Beethoven’s 250th Birthday. Reiss effortlessly soars on multiple high notes, expressing each thought with sound and balanced performances. Her rich vibrato and vocal control are cornerstone to Immortal Beloved: Beethoven Arias success. With the inclusion of Egarr directing the Academy of Ancient Music, the proceedings are a tour de force.

Lyrics

No, non turbarti, o Nice; io non ritorno
Language: Italian (Italiano)

 

Recitativo

No, non turbarti, o Nice; io non ritorno
A parlarti d’amor. So che ti spiace;
Basta così. Vedi che il ciel minaccia
Improvvisa tempesta; alle capanne
Se vuoi ridurre il gregge, io vengo solo
A offrir l’opra mia. Che! non paventi?
Osserva che a momenti
Tutto s’oscura il ciel, che il vento in giro
La polve innalza e le cadute foglie.
Al fremer della selva, al volo incerto
Degli augelli smarriti, a queste rare,
Che ci cadon sul volto, umide stille,
Nice io preveggo…Ah! non tel dissi, o Nice,
Ecco il lampo, ecco il tuono. Or che farai?
Vieni, senti; ove vai? non è più tempo
Di pensare alla greggia. In questo speco
Riparati frattanto: io farò teco.


Aria

Ma tu tremi, o mio tesoro!
Ma tu palpiti, cor mio!
Non temer, con te son io,
Né d’amor ti parlerò.
Mentre folgori, e baleni
Sarò teco, amata Nice,
Quando il ciel si rassereni,
Nice ingrata, io partirò.

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