V1878. ELENA KATULSKAYA: Russian Romances, incl. Songs by Alabieff, Gurliev, Glinka, Dargomyzhsky, Donaurov, Mussorgsky, Cui, Rimsky-Korsakov, etc. (Russia) Aquarius AQVR 355, recorded 1946-52. - 4607123631171

CRITIC REVIEWS:

�gKatulskaya was remarkable in several ways. First, she was the possessor of a beautiful and appealing lyric voice, evenly produced throughout its range from a warm, firm lower register to a bright, easily–produced top voice. Second, she was a compelling artist who unfailingly communicated the essence of the material she was performing�c.The tone is immediately full and attractive, the vibrato firm, the legato exemplary�c.We are listening to a complete artist.�h

- Mel Siegel, THE RECORD COLLECTOR, 2011





�gKatulskaya made her début at the Mariinsky in 1909 and remained there until 1913 when she received a contract to appear at the Bolshoi in Moscow. She was a star performer, singing a wide variety of coloratura rôles in the Russian, French and Italian repertoires until 1945. Levik considered her voice as being superior in warmth and technique to that of Kuznetsova�c.Her singing [offers] a poised control and a beautiful timbre.�h

- Alan Bilgora, Program Notes to Collectors�f Treasures, Vol. II