A couple of years ago I reviewed a disc of Rossini arias by Lawrence Brownlee, also with the Kaunas forces under Constantine Orbelian. Now we have the other two major bel canto composers, Bellini and Donizetti. This recording is another fine performance by Mr Brownlee. We hear the same lovely tone in these arias, but these composers do not demand the coloratura agility needed in the Rossini. Instead the singer needs to be able to sing the long legato lines that make up most Bellini and Donizetti show pieces, along with plenty of high notes. Mr Brownlee sings everything beautifully. … He has the beautiful legato line, punctuated by the spectacular high notes that Bellini demands. … All the arias from these works are perfect choices for the tenor, who fits all these characters well. But he includes also some more dramatic arias, such as ‘Ange si pur’ from La Favorite. I hope this is a clue that Mr Brownlee may explore some of these works in the future.” —Richard Sininger, American Record Guide
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