Album Notes

Ravishing, romantic music inspired by the melodies of the golden age of opera are captured in virtouso performances by Michele Frisch, flute, and Kathy Kienzle, harp.

Michele Antonello Frisch has been principal flute of Minnesota Opera since 1984. She studied with James Pellerite at Indiana University and furthered her studies with Julius Baker, Albert Tipton, Emil Opava and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

Kathy Kienzle was named principal harpist of the Minnesota Orchestra in 1994. Prior to that she appeared frequently as harpist and soloist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. A graduate of Juilliard and the University of Arizona, her teachers include Susann McDonald and Marcel Grandjany.

One of the “Best New Recordings from North America”
– Gramophone Magazine (UK)

“This fine recording…is just dazzling in its clarity, emotional intensity, and singing performances. Frisch’s flute tone emulates the expressive nuances of the human voice with subtle shading, a variety of colors, and soaring vocal lines…she transcends the instrument and communicates the intentions of the composer and the emotion of the song.”
– The Flute Network

Flutist and harpist play as one “beautiful soul”
-- Minnesota Public Radio interview February 2, 2008

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Also available by the Bell' Alma Duo through CD Baby:
“La Belle Vie” French Opera Fantasie

Following the stunning success of their first CD "O Bell’Alma” Music from the Opera, this premier flute and harp duo have now released their second recording!
“La Belle Vie” includes opera arias and fantasies from the French Romantic period, all newly arranged for the Duo. This is flute and harp duo music of great passion
and lyricism, with two original works by the composers Laurent Petitgirard and Daniel Sturm. Also programmed on this enchanting CD are rarely heard arias of Debussy
and Duparc, as well as two fiery fantaisies by Taffanel and Demmerseman.

“...richly imaginative… beautiful and mellifluous. Frisch’s tone is invariably full-bodied”
-- Pan Flute magazine, UK

“The performances are first rate and have the singing quality we have come to expect from this exceptional duo.”
– The Flute Network