MADAME CATHY BERBERIAN/REVOLUTION - AN OPERATIC FIRST SRF 67564 (-67) US

 As a big fan of Beatles own recordings I also have an interest in different cover versions. This is a whole LP of such and certainly a very odd collection. Cathy Berberian (1925-83) was an American mezzo-soprano that through her life immersed herself in a variety of musical genres. Performing classic opera, but also working together with experimental composers as Igor Stravinsky, John Cage and Darius Milhaud, and interpreting works by Kurt Weill and Villa-Lobos. I didn't know a thing about her when I spotted this in a bin a while ago and by just seeing the sleeve design thought it would be something light weight, something to smile on, like the Mrs. Miller albums. Though this is dead serious. I'm not that familiar with opera, but can at least hear that her performance is very profesional and clean on every label and the classic backing featuring strings, wind instruments and clavicord on the spot. Also the audio on this issue is superb - natural and crystal clear. However I'm having a hard time listening to it all through without resting between songs. Even though I'm usually a sucker for female vocal my ears just can't adapt to sopranos and those strong high pitch voices. I appreciate the effort and the cunning US sleeve design and will keep it for sure, but probably won't listen a lot more. First issued as "Beatles Arias" in France, Germany and UK - all three with differing sleeve design. To my taste this US (also as mono MGF27564) is the best variation - named "Revolution" (after the 45 track?) and with design refering to the "Revolver" sleeve. It came with label as shown here in a gossy cover. (FÄV*)  (YZÄ*)