JOSEPH CALLEJA

The Golden Voice
Decca
*****

While titles such as The Golden Voice on recital discs are frequently just rhetoric, for once the hype is supported by the evidence. This young tenor made his debut recital last year to considerable praise, the only caveat being the possibility that Calleja's light voice would confine him to lighter roles. But comparisons with his earlier debut recital on disc show that his voice has gained weight and authority while retaining its lyrical timbre, refined sense of legato and sensitive phrasing. To be specific, on the evidence of this disc Calleja's voice has expanded in depth and colour, is even throughout the register with a ringing and secure top. While he has a light vibrato, it is not intrusive and evokes memories of fine tenors in the past.

Last year's comparisons were drawn with the young Pavarotti, and this recital certainly validates and strengthens them. The arias Calleja sings here are generally from the lighter repertoire of French and Italian, but he sounds as if he could sing heavier roles while retaining the interpretive sensitivity which marked his first recital. His singing of Donizetti's Deserto in Terra is quite memorable and, as in his previous recital, his handling of the French repertoire is impeccable.

A rising star, then; this tenor now sounds like the real thing, and if Calleja's voice continues to develop along the lines apparent from this disc, he could very well claim Pavarotti's crown in the next few years. www.universalclassics.com