Arturo Toscanini, Vol 12 - Verdi: Falstaff [Original recording remastered]

Frank Guarrera (Performer), Giuseppe Valdengo (Performer), Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Arturo Toscanini (Conductor), Cloe Elmo (Performer), Nan Merriman (Performer), NBC Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Herva Nelli (Performer), Teresa Stich-Randall (Performer), Antonio Madasi (Performer), Gabor Carelli (Performer), John Carmen Rossi (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Frank Guarrera, Giuseppe Valdengo, Cloe Elmo, Nan Merriman, Herva Nelli, et al.
• Orchestra: NBC Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Arturo Toscanini
• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
• Audio CD (April 18, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00004R8ME
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,016 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nobody does it better, February 6, 2000

By 

[e-mail] "[e-mail]" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Falstaff (Audio CD)

First, let me make it clear that I love this opera from the time I first heard it on LP as a teenager. I have seen it performed several times and have viewed all the available videos. If you are reading this review, chances are you know the opera at least somewhat. Some of the things I love about the opera are the mixture of comic and tragic elements, the continuous flow of music and plot (in contrast to the more episodic style of Verdi's middle period), and the range of vocal textures the opera permits and requires. For my money, no one understood this opera as well as Toscanini. Perhaps only Guiseppe Valdengo and Teresa Stich-Randall were truly world class singers, but the cast blends extremely well. This is an opera performance in which ensemble singing supercedes individual arias. Of course, Robert Shaw's choral forces are first rate, as always. But it is the energy and propulsion of Toscanini that makes this version soar. None of the other versions, admittedly excellent also, capture the thrust and forward movement of this one. The sound transfer is pretty good for a mono opera recording of 1950. While it is not as sonically satisfying as some of the more modern versions, the musical interpretation is without peer.

For those who want a modern stereo version, my preference is for Guilini. Bernstein's version has erratic tempos, Karajan's has great singers but just doesn't jell for me, Solti's is also pretty good, especially his Falstaff, but none matches the depth and understanding of Toscanini.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toscanini triumphs, April 27, 2001

By 

Erik Aleksander Moe "riddion" (Oslo, Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arturo Toscanini, Vol 12 - Verdi: Falstaff (Audio CD)

I inserted the first CD into my player and found myself transformed into the world Verdi's greatest masterpiece of lyrics and music. Certainly the glory must go to Toscanini for making this complex work such a joy to listen to. He produces some of the most beautiful tones from the orchestra that perfectly matches with the glorious singing of Valdengo, Nelli, Merriman, Elmo, Guarrera and the others. I can't think of a single negative thing about this recording.

Giuseppe Valdengo was in such firm tone and his acting is just right on the money. All the women of the piece are also excellent. And some recognition must also go to the chorus.

This recording is for all lovers of Verdi's supreme masterpiece and of Toscanini.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings Back Memories, January 28, 2002

By 

Howard G Brown "brownswan" (Port St. Lucie, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Falstaff (Audio CD)

While not a knee-jerk Toscanini fan, I am a great fan of this recording. It reminds me of my childhood, hearing Met broadcasts on a good radio -- AM, yes; mono, yes; but with a firm tone and just enough warmth to invite one to stick around for the broadcast. This recording is my benchmark for Falstaff.