Following his recovery from leukaemia in 1988, the great Spanish tenor José Carreras performed a series of comeback concerts, and this recording presents a collection of excerpts from these very special events. It includes not only operatic arias but also art-songs and items from Zarzuela, revealing the broad range of his repertoire.

Spanish tenor José Carreras unquestionably numbers among the most important tenors of the second half of the twentieth century, yet in the consciousness of many people his biography is not only marked by his outstanding artistic achievements. The apparent tragic end of the career of the then 41-year-old singer as a result of a life-threatening illness, his triumph over death, and the entirely unexpected re-commencement of his career as singer have become just as much a part of public memory as the appearances with his tenor colleagues Domingo and Pavarotti who, as ‘The Three Tenors’, delighted an audience of millions throughout the world.

José Carerras went on to establish a foundation that has collected millions of euros used to alleviate the suffering of the sick and provide scientists with financial support for their research into leukaemia.

Contents:
Barcelona, Arc de Triomphe, 21.07.1988
1. Grieg: Ich liebe dich
2. José Carreras welcomes the audience
3. Tosti: Malia
4. Toldrá: Canticel
5. El cant dels ocells (Anònim Català)
6. Mompou: Jo et pressentia com la mar
7. Sorozabal: No puede ser
8. Vives: L’emigrant
9. Puccini: Nessun dorma (Turandot)

Barcelona, Gran Teatro del Liceu, 08.11.1988
10. Bellini: Ecco la tomba … Deh’tu bell’anima
11. Bellini: Vaga lunga, che inargenti
12. A Scarlatti: Già il sole dal gange
13. Bononcini: Per la gloria d’adorarvi
14. Rossini: Oh come il fosco... Quell’alme pupille

Peralda, Jardi del Castell, 13.08.1988
15. Hahn: L’heure exquise
16. Duparc: Le manoir de Rosamunde
17. Mompou: Damunt de tu, nomes les flors
18. Turina: Nunca olvida
19. Obradors: Del Cabello mas sutil

Vienna State Opera, 16.09.1988
20. Lara: Granada