Yu Qiang Dai
Opera Arias
(EMI Classics)
Beijing-based Chinese tenor Yu Qiang Dai is a young singer with a big, old-fashioned lyrical voice - listening to him evokes memories of the young Jose Carreras. Opera Arias is a collection of 12 much-loved arias mainly from the standard Italian Romantic repertoire with six by Puccini, including the ubiquitous Nessun Dorma which he sings with compelling commitment, carrying the aria through to a truly thrilling climax.
One of the strengths of Dai's singing is the obvious joy he finds in these great arias. One of Dai's stated ambitions is to nurture a love and understanding of western opera in China and this set is certain to help. His freshness of approach and musical attack brings a vitality to these popular arias that makes them new again. For an audience only just getting to know western opera this collection is a great entry point with Dai's infectious lyricism a brilliant showcase for the power, beauty and emotion of the romantic operatic repertoire.
Dai sang Nessun Dorma in London's Trafalgar Square as part of this Lunar New Year's celebrations and his impact live was every bit as stirring as his rendition here. This collection was recorded live at London's Covent Garden Opera House.
