Beauty & The Voice: Complete Early Performances

Moffo is one of my favorite singers and I would happily give this album five stars for the performances, but occasionally the remastering is a little rough. I would be willing to believe that the source recordings they used were in bad shape, but the same recordings were used for the album entitled "La Bellissima" and they sound better there. The Mozart recordings from that disc sound fine here, but the other recordings--in particular "Una voce poco fa," "Qui la voce," and "Ah non credea mirarti" are much worse quality in this collection. There are also a few issues with the sound quality in some of the other discs, but I had not heard them before and I'm willing to give the remaster the benefit of the doubt and say that the sources may be damaged.However, that's not at all to say that this box set isn't worth getting, simply for Moffo's artistry alone if for no other reason. She's magnificent, and her voice is in top form, particularly in the Mozart selections. I would just recommend picking up "La Bellissima" as well, if you can find it (I believe it's out of print), to supplement the iffy quality of the transfers here.

This is a wonderful collection. It's surprising that RCA/Sony hasn't done something like the 10 CD set they did for Jussi Bjoerling, but this more than makes up for it. (Although it's not too late RCA!)The description 'Early Performances' is both accurate and inaccurate. The Colin Davis and Alceo Galliera recordings are there as are highlights from the rare Don Giovanni from the Hans Rosbaud recording with Antonio Campo as Don Giovanni, highlights from La Figlia del Reggimento, excerpts from the Callas Boheme, Respighi's La Fiamma. the Karajan Falstaff, the Sawallisch Capriccio, the Giulini Nozze di Figaro, the Bartoletti Sonnambula, and the complete Galuppi I Filosofo di Campagna. What's missing that I wish were here is the Pergolesi La Serva Padrona which I've copied from the old LP.Also included are later recordings of highlights from the RCA Traviata and Madama Butterfly.I've only listened to the first CD of the Don Giovanni highlights, so I can't comment on the rest of the set, but the sound seems to be very good.

Forget the Moffo voice of the 1970's. From 1955 - 1970 was a top level performer. She was not only a lyric coloratura, Bellini, Donizetti, Mozart, Rossini & Verdi, but also delved into the lighter verismo, Mimi, Musetta, Nanetta & Luisa Miller. Her voice was light,but she still could blast through an orchestra. In my opinion, she was one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th Century. Listening to her work during this period will bear out what I an saying.This Set "ANNA MOFFO - THE BEAUTY AND THE VOICE" is a 10 CD collection of extensive highlights from most of her albums of this period & I paid under $20.00 USD for it. Most of its contents come from the complete opera albums, but there are quite a few nuggets that are not. If you don't wish to purchase the complete operas, this is the way to go. If you love opera, I promise you will not be disappointed

Anna Moffo, an Italo-American soprano, became an international sensation in the mid fifties. Her warm lyric-coloratura voice, extraordinary flexibility, beautiful Italian diction, and fine musicianship shine forth in these early recordings. However, not long after these recordings were made, her voice began to deteriorate--possibly from singing too much or singing roles her voice had not fully grown into. Still, these recordings attest to a major talent. I am especially happy to find her Bellini and Donizetti recordings here which I would put on any short list of outstanding performances of these operas. Also, her Nanetta Ford in Falstaff is arguably the best ever. This is a wonderful historical re-release.

what a fabulous collection!! This is early Moffo and her voice is stunning in its beauty and warmth. There are are excerpts from great operas by Mozart, Verdi, Donizetti and Puccin'i 'to name just a few. There are so many highlights that one can't name them all The arias from La Somnambula', Madame Butterfly, and Falstaff are perfect Other great voices include: DiStefano, Alva, Valleti, Callas, Panerai et al Moffo's tone and vocal control at this early part of her career are amazing! If you love the soprano voice run to get these CD's The price is great and the sound and conductors are too. It is easy to see why she took Italy by storm.

Of the 10 CDs in this collection, I already have the recordings on a least 7 of them, as they are taken from previous RCA/BMG/EMI CD releases that are, or at least were, widely available in the USA at one time, and in some cases, still are. Despite the repetition, I am still delighted with this set, as it has also offers recordings with which I was not familiar, and which appear to be rare in the USA. These include a generous set of highlights from La Figlia del Reggimento and La Sonnambula, and a complete short opera by the Italian composer Galuppi, all recorded at the height of Moffo's vocal career, in the early 1960s. All of the transfers offer excellent sound quality.

Moffo is a proven wonder and she does not disappoint,herMozart singing is nothing short of a miracle.I don't want to go through every Aria,believe me the cd is worth buying,outside a few shrill high notes she is perfect and a delight

This is an incredible deal. So much music at a very reasonable price. Remember it's just her part of the performance, makes me want to hear the entire opera !!!

This is a marvellous collection proving the extraordinary and rare beauty of Anna Moffo's voice in the early years of her singing career. The recordings are superb and are arranged in categories on 10 CDs. A true delight!

I've only just discovered Anna Mossa. What a voice. Exquisite.

Perhaps the most seductive voice ever to hit the opera scene. A pity she wrecked it- and was encouraged to do so. "Lead us not into temptation". Although quite a lot of this is taken from operas only featuring Anna Moffo it is still a bargain.

I loved this set of cd's by the great Anna Moffo. Covering the early five years if her career, it shows her in great voice, covering various role. It will continue to give pleasure for a long time to come.

Only recently become aware of Anna Moffo following a trip to Italy. This 10 CD compilation is simply superb and is highly recommended.