Gioia! (2011)

Rising star Aleksandra Kurzak is a Polish coloratura soprano who tackles a diverse repertoire of arias on her 2011 Decca debut. Beginning with Rossini, Kurzak's "Una voce poco fa" demonstrates her power, solid technique, and unique dark vocal color. Her sound is clean, and she is clearly a wonderful musician, as she gives careful attention to each phrase and score marking: she is not simply a singer with a good, big sound. Some might question her frequent use of ornaments, but they do not seem to be out of place with ... Read More

Rising star Aleksandra Kurzak is a Polish coloratura soprano who tackles a diverse repertoire of arias on her 2011 Decca debut. Beginning with Rossini, Kurzak's "Una voce poco fa" demonstrates her power, solid technique, and unique dark vocal color. Her sound is clean, and she is clearly a wonderful musician, as she gives careful attention to each phrase and score marking: she is not simply a singer with a good, big sound. Some might question her frequent use of ornaments, but they do not seem to be out of place with Rossini. Also demonstrating her vocal flexibility is "Regnava il silenzio" by Donizetti. She lilts and sways through the aria with excellent vocal control and yet a sense of delicacy, with a strong high C and D. Yet long, lyrical lines are also seemingly effortless to Kurzak, for her "O mio babbino caro" is graceful and moving. One of the undoubted highlights is her Traviata in Verdi's "È strano... Sempre libera," which fits her like a glove: hers is a perfect Verdi voice full of rich... Read Less