Michael Borschel, Paolo Toscano - Play Puccini Clarinet

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Review by Chris Murphy

Album Review: Play Puccini Clarinet by Michael Borschel & Paolo Toscano Alright, buckle up, because this one’s gonna be a ride. If you’re into classical music but also dig when someone messes with the formula just enough to make it fresh, then Play Puccini Clarinet might just tickle your eardrums. This little gem from Ricordi takes some of Puccini’s most iconic opera moments and gives them a clarinet makeover—courtesy of Michael Borschel on clarinet and Paolo Toscano on piano. It’s like taking your grandma’s famous lasagna recipe and swapping out the noodles for zucchini ribbons. Risky? Sure. Delicious? Oh yeah. Now, let me cut to the chase. There are ten tracks here, all dripping with that lush, dramatic flair Puccini is known for, but I’m not about to drone on about every single one (ain’t nobody got time for that). Instead, I’ll zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me like gum under a shoe. First up, we’ve got “Nessun Dorma.” You know this one—it’s basically the unofficial anthem of people yelling their heads off at karaoke bars. But hearing it stripped down to clarinet and piano? Wild. The clarinet has this way of making the melody sound both fragile and powerful at the same time, like a bird singing its heart out while perched on the edge of a cliff. And man, does Borschel nail those high notes without turning it into a screeching mess. Toscano’s piano work is no slouch either; he keeps things grounded, adding depth where needed. Honestly, if you think you’ve heard “Nessun Dorma” too many times before, give this version a spin. It’ll surprise ya. Then there’s “O Mio Babbino Caro,” which is basically the musical equivalent of comfort food. In the original opera, it’s sung as a plea from a daughter to her dad, full of sweetness and desperation. Here, though, the clarinet steps in as the voice, and wow, what a transformation. It’s tender yet playful, like watching a kitten try to catch sunlight beams dancing across the floor. I found myself humming along, only realizing later that I was probably butchering the tune. Whoops. The rest of the album follows suit—each track feels like rediscovering an old friend who suddenly shows up wearing cool new sneakers. Tracks like “Vissi d’Arte” and “E Lucevan Le Stelle” keep the emotional weight intact, while “Quando Men Vo” adds a cheeky bounce that almost makes you forget how tragic the story behind it really is. Almost. So, would I recommend Play Puccini Clarinet? Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard Puccini fan or just someone looking to dip their toes into classical waters, this album offers something refreshing. Plus, it’s proof that even centuries-old tunes can still feel alive when played with passion and creativity. And now, my parting shot: Listening to this record made me realize something profound—clarinets should get more respect. Like, why do violins always hog the spotlight? Give the woody wonders their moment, people!

Download Michael Borschel, Paolo Toscano - Play Puccini Clarinet
Artist: Michael Borschel, Paolo Toscano
Album: Play Puccini Clarinet
Rating: 4.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: michael-borschel-paolo-toscano-play-puccini-clarinet.zip
  • MP3 size: 33 mb
  • FLAC size: 451 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Senza Mamma
Vissi D'arte
O Mio Babbino Caro
In Quelle Trine Morbide
Quando Men Vo
Nessun Dorma
Recondita Armonia
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Ch'eela MI Creda
Un Belle Di. Vedremo

Images

lataa albumi Michael Borschel, Paolo Toscano - Play Puccini Clarinet

Catalog Numbers

HL63005045

Labels

Ricordi

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Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: the album *Play Puccini Clarinet* by Michael Borschel and Paolo Toscano takes Puccini’s famous opera pieces and gives them a fresh twist with the clarinet front and center. Tracks like "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" are classics, but hearing them played on the clarinet brings out a whole new vibe. It’s like rediscovering these iconic melodies in a completely unexpected way. The album was released under the Ricordi label, known for its deep roots in classical music. Definitely worth a listen if you love classical music with a unique twist!