Customer Reviews

Claudia Muzio: The Complete HMV (1911) & Edison (1920-25) Recordings

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Edison recordings were made when Claudia Muzio was in her absolute prime. They catches her voice at its freshest. Yet, I find myself hardly prepared for such wonderful artistry and interpretative insights. Muzio's timeless singing has left indelible memories on all who heard her either in person or on records and she had a great influence on Maria Callas, her successor. Indeed, Maria Callas owed a lot to her great predecessor. Ward Marston reproduced the recordings with real affection and Muzio's unique voice rings out with arresting immediacy. This is a set that should find an exalted place in every opera lover's collection.

I am amazed to be able to hear the artistry of Claudia Muzio on CD. For those who have only heard artists from the turn of the century on wind up 78s the loving care with which these treasures have been restored with is truely a revelation. The singers of Muzios era were great storytellers of passion and expression. Muzios voice is delivered with simplicity of tone and accuracy of vowel. Her grace in phrasing must have influenced Tebaldi.