Notes and Editorial Reviews
Viñas possessed a powerful, heroic-tenor voice that was beautifully focused with great warmth, which made him well suited for a wide range of roles including Wagner in Italian. Viñas (1863–1933) began his studies at the Conservatory in Barcelona, where he made his debut in 1888. He quickly rose to great success in Italy and soon was engaged at opera houses around the world. He was especially loved at La Scala and was a popular member of the Metropolitan Opera from 1893–1897. This three CD set is the first complete Viñas edition ever assembled including some extremely rare Fonotipia titles. This set reveals a beautiful voice and consummate musician who was often referred to as the successor to the great Spanish tenor
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Julien Gayarré.
REVIEW
The Catalan tenor Francisco Viñas (1863-1933) was a major presence on the international opera circuit in the years before World War I. (Collectors may be more familiar with the Italian version of his name, Francesco Vignas). This set includes his entire known recorded legacy--68 opera arias and art songs made between 1903 and 1912--on three CDs, the shortest of which runs to 78 minutes. The dates will tell you that the sound ranges from primitive to just acceptable, but Marston's expert transfers manage to capture Viñas' timbre and to convey the brilliance of his high notes while avoiding the pitch fluctuations that so often make recordings of the period something of a listening trial.
Viñas was trained in the Italian bel canto school already giving way to the more muscular verismo style of singing. So we hear a bright, open timbre, clear diction, little vibrato, masterful legato, and an abundance of portamento, among other stylistic aspects that include what modern ears may interpret as emotional understatement and a lack of detail. We also hear extended vowels that aid in projecting his trumpet-like top range, and phrases taken in long spans indicating his excellent breath control.
An eminent Wagnerian, Viñas sings the 26 tracks devoted to the composer in Italian; the combination of bel canto style and the substitution of liquid Italian text for the gutteral consonants of German produces a softer, gentler Wagnerian style, though never lacking in emotional punch. Viñas' noble "Rome Narrative" from Tannhäuser is a case in point, the opening affecting in his darkened tone, the account of the confrontation with the Pope thrilling. Arias from Lohengrin feature plangent timbre, long phrases, and upward and downward portamentos that helped make this his signature role.
His technical mastery is obvious in a 1905 "Celeste Aida", with its spectacular graded diminuendo on a soft F, while the brilliance of his ringing top is apparent in such items as the arias from Un Ballo in Maschera and in Mascagni's song, "Serenata". Other highlights include his declamatory delivery in an aria from Mascheroni's Lorenza, the mastery of line and the warmth of his "Allmächt'ger Vater" from Wagner's Rienzi, and the radiance of one of his most popular recordings, "Pour Berta" from Meyerbeer's Le Prophète. The arias, many of them duplicated in different recording sessions, are leavened with Spanish and Italian songs sung with polished finesse, rhythmic bounce, and evident enjoyment. This important set is available from marstonrecords.com. Vocalistas won't need further urging.
--Dan Davis, ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording
1.
Germania: Studenti! Udite! by Alberto Franchetti
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1902; Italy
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
2.
Aida: Celeste Aida by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1871; Italy
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
3.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Morgenlich leuchtend by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1867; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
4.
Die Walküre: Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1856; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
5.
Lohengrin: Höchstes Vertrau'n by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
6.
Lohengrin: In fernem Land by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1846-1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
7.
Lohengrin: Mein lieber Schwan "Lohengrin's Farewell" by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
8.
L'Africaine: O paradis sorti de l'onde by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1865; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1903
Venue: Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
9.
Aida: Celeste Aida by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1871; Italy
Date of Recording: c2/1905
10.
Donna Clara by Stanislas Gastaldon
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: Italy
Date of Recording: c2/1905
11.
Mi Niña by Garme Guetary
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: c2/1905
12.
La partida by Fermin Maria Alvarez
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: Spain
Date of Recording: c2/1905
13.
L'Africaine: O paradis sorti de l'onde by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1865; Germany
Date of Recording: c2/1905
Language: Italian
14.
Se ti dicessi by Amadei,
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: c2/1905
15.
Lorenza: Ecco mia giovinezza by Edoardo Mascheroni
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1901; Rome, Italy
Date of Recording: c2/1905
16.
Lohengrin: Atmest du nicht mit mir by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 9/28/1906
Language: Italian
17.
Lohengrin: In fernem Land by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1846-1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 9/29/1906
Language: Italian
18.
Lohengrin: Mein lieber Schwan "Lohengrin's Farewell" by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/2/1906
Language: Italian
19.
Lucrezia Borgia: Di pescatore ignobile by Gaetano Donizetti
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1833; Italy
Date of Recording: 5/13/1907
20.
A Granada by Fermin Maria Alvarez
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: Spain
Date of Recording: 9/27/1906
21.
Un pleito by Joaquin Gaztambide
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 9/28/1906
22.
Maria by Garme Guetary
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 9/29/1906
23.
La partida by Fermin Maria Alvarez
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: Spain
Date of Recording: 10/1/1906
24.
Mi Niña by Garme Guetary
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 10/1/1906
25.
Le Prophète: Pour Berthe, moi de soupire by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1849; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/1/1906
Language: Italian
26.
Lucrezia Borgia: Di pescatore ignobile by Gaetano Donizetti
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1833; Italy
Date of Recording: 5/13/1907
27.
Un ballo in maschera: Ma se m' è forza perderti by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1859; Italy
Date of Recording: 5/13/1907
28.
Otello: Ora e per sempre addio by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1887; Italy
Date of Recording: 5/13/1907
29.
Lily by Garme Guetary
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 5/13/1907
30.
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetée "Flower song" by Georges Bizet
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1873-1874; France
Date of Recording: 5/13/1907
Language: Italian
31.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Am stillen Herd by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1867; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/10/1908
Language: Italian
32.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Morgenlich leuchtend by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1867; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/10/1908
Language: Italy
33.
Lohengrin: Atmest du nicht mit mir by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/11/1908
Language: Italy
34.
Lohengrin: Höchstes Vertrau'n by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
35.
Lohengrin: In fernem Land by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1846-1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/11/1908
Language: Italian
36.
Lohengrin: Mein lieber Schwan "Lohengrin's Farewell" by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/11/1908
Language: Italian
37.
Aida: Celeste Aida by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1871; Italy
Date of Recording: 11/11/1908
38.
L'Africaine: O paradis sorti de l'onde by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1865; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/12/1908
Language: Italian
39.
Die Walküre: Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1856; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/12/1908
Language: Italian
40.
Le Prophète: Pour Berthe, moi de soupire by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1849; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/13/1908
Language: Italian
41.
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Written: 1876
Date of Recording: 11/13/1908
42.
Germania: Studenti! Udite! by Alberto Franchetti
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1902; Italy
Date of Recording: 11/13/1908
43.
Aida: Fuggiam gli ardori inospiti by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1871; Italy
Date of Recording: 11/14/1908
44.
Otello: Ora e per sempre addio by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1887; Italy
Date of Recording: 11/14/1908
45.
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetée "Flower song" by Georges Bizet
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1873-1874; France
Date of Recording: 11/14/1908
Language: Italian
46.
Germania: No, non chiuder gli occhi by Alberto Franchetti
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1902; Italy
Date of Recording: 11/14/1908
47.
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Morgenlich leuchtend by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1867; Germany
Date of Recording: 11/16/1908
Language: Italian
48.
Mefistofele: Dai campi, dai prati by Arrigo Boito
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1868; Italy
Date of Recording: c9/1911
49.
Mefistofele: Giunto sul passo estremo by Arrigo Boito
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1868; Italy
Date of Recording: c9/1911
50.
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar by Amilcare Ponchielli
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Written: 1876
Date of Recording: c9/1911
51.
Tannhäuser: Dir töne Lob! Die Wunder sei'n gepriesen by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1845/1861; Germany
Date of Recording: c9/1911
Language: Italian
52.
Tannhäuser: Inbrunst im Herzen "Rome Narrative" by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1845/1861; Germany
Date of Recording: c9/1911
Language: Italian
53.
In riva al mare by Lorenzo Filiasi
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
54.
O primavera by Pier Adolfo Tirindelli
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: Italy
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
55.
Rienzi: Allmächt'ger Vater, blick herab by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1840-1843; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
56.
Tannhäuser: Den Gott der Liebe sollst du preisen by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor),
Maria Alessandrovitch (Soprano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1845/1861; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
57.
Tannhäuser: Auch ich darf...Zum Heil den Sündigen zu führen by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1845/1861; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
58.
Tristan und Isolde: O sink' hernieder, Nacht der Liebe by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Maria Alessandrovitch (Soprano),
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1859; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
59.
Parsifal: Amfortas! Die Wunde! by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1877-1882; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
60.
Parsifal: Sei heil, entsündigt und entsühnt by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1877-1882; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
61.
L'Africaine: O paradis sorti de l'onde by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1865; Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
62.
El lucero del Alba by Manuel F. Caballero
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
63.
Ensayo de Lios by Cotò,
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
64.
El milagro de la virgen: Excerpt(s) by Ruperto Chapí (y Lorente)
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
65.
Serenata by Pietro Mascagni
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1883; Italy
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
66.
Der Freischütz, J 277: Nein! Länger trag'...Durch die Wälder by Carl Maria von Weber
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1817-1821; Dresden, Germany
Date of Recording: 10/3/1912
Language: Italian
67.
Lohengrin: In fernem Land by Richard Wagner
Performer:
Francisco Viñas (Tenor)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1846-1847; Germany
Date of Recording: 9/29/1906
Language: Italian
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