3.0 out of 5 stars
Nearly chaotic, as Ardoin described it, May 30, 2005
This review is from: Bellini: I Puritani (Audio CD)
Elvira, as heard on the Fonit Cetra and EMI studio recording is one of my favourite Callas roles. She made me sob with her first recording of Qui la voce. In Mexico however apart from some lovely moments, she fails to convince. I've been told that the Mexico performances were under rehearsed and judging from this and her Rigoletto, which is another all-over-the-place performance, I'm sure it's true. Picco in this case is also to blame for his support is far from ideal. Although struggling to lighten the voice throughout the performance, Callas sang many great top notes. The E-flat at the end of an otherwise touching mad scene however turns unruly as if she didn't know what she was doing.
Di Stefano is in fine voice and sings with ardour. His voice in "a te o cara" as on the EMI recording shines. He and Callas however fail to impress in the third act duets, which sound rather routine. The rest of the cast is inadequate and forgettable. Under these circumstances, this is hardly a recommendable Puritani, particularly when the EMI recording with the excellent Serafin has Callas, Di Stefano in better shape with a good supporting cast is available. Sutherland's second studio is still the all-around most recommendable recording for its sound, complete score and outstanding cast while any Devia Elvira will give you probably the most Bellinian singing ever.
The Callas "vedovi" take it on me simply because I point out the flaws but hey, John Ardoin, a quite serious Callas admirer but knowledgeable enough to hear the problems, called this performance chaotic! I just happen to agree. By the way, you'll be happier with one of the other releases of this performance in terms of sound, don't expect miracles though. Melodram is dated now, go for Archipel.
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