Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto [1956 Philips Recording Reissued on Great Opera Performances] [Richard Tucker, Gianna D'Angelo, Renato Capecchi, Miriam Pirazzini, Ivan Sardi; Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Orchestra and Chorus; Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, Conductor] [Original recording remastered, Import]

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Francesco Molinari-Pradelli (Conductor), Gianna D'Angelo (Performer), Miriam Pirazzini (Performer), Richard Tucker (Performer), Renato Capecchi (Performer), Ivan Sardi (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Original Release Date: 1956
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered, Import
• Label: Great Opera Peformances
• ASIN: B0028IG0IS
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #490,074 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

On Great Opera Performances GOP66390; 2 CD's; Here is the great Richard Tucker's commercial recording of the Duke, long unavailable in any form. He is in fine, powerful voice. Capecchi is a stunning, riveting Rigoletto, and D'Angelo is a sweetly swooning, yet firm voiced, Gilda. Ivan Sardi and Miriam Pirazzini make a solid brother and sister pair as Sparafucile and Maddalena. This is a performance definitely worth adding to any collection.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gianna D'Angelo a Delightful Gilda!, August 24, 2010

By 

S. Smith (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto [1956 Philips Recording Reissued on Great Opera Performances] [Richard Tucker, Gianna D'Angelo, Renato Capecchi, Miriam Pirazzini, Ivan Sardi; Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Orchestra and Chorus; Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, Conductor] (Audio CD)

Although this studio recording was previously issued in CD format by G.O.P, it was a poor transfer which did not do it justice. Thankfully, Walhall either had access to the original masters or did a far superior restoration effort as the finished product is flawless. Why the original recording company (Columbia Masterworks through Philips), did not release it is a mystery but, it is their loss and not the listener's as this release is magnificent.

The lovely Gianna D'Angelo is the definitive Gilda on record - delightful in characterization with a clean and brilliant belcanto line that seems to soar and float effortlessly. "Caro nome", "Tutte le feste", and "V'ho ingannato ..." are breathtaking and are highlights of an all-round superb performance. Renato Capecchi as the title character sings solidly and conveys Rigoletto's emotional state with conviction and Richard Tucker as the Duke is in fine voice for what was one of his last full studio opera recordings.

This is an excellent version of this much-loved opera worth owning for many reasons if not only because it splendidly preserves the artistry of the sadly under recorded Gianna D'Angelo in what was her signature role.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great release of a great recording in terrific sound., November 30, 2011

By 

music buff "superbthingstopurchase" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto [1959 Philips Studio Recording Reissued on Walhall] [Gianna D'Angelo, Richard Tucker, Renato Capecchi, Miriam Pirazzini, Ivan Sardi; Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Orchestra and Chorus; Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, Conductor] (Audio CD)

Walhall must have had had access to the original masters or did a remarkably superior restoration effort as sound on these CD's is flawless. Why Sony has not released it on CD it is a mystery but, it is their loss and not the listener's as this release on Walhall is magnificent.

The charming Gianna D'Angelo is the definitive Gilda on record - delightful in characterization with a clean and brilliant belcanto line that seems to soar and float effortlessly. "Caro nome", "Tutte le feste", and "V'ho ingannato ..." are breathtaking and are highlights of an all-round superb performance. Renato Capecchi as the title character sings solidly and conveys Rigoletto's emotional state with conviction and Richard Tucker as the Duke is in fine voice for what was one of his last full studio opera recordings. His singing, rich, vibrant, and effortless, is worth the price of the set!

This is an excellent version of this much-loved opera worth owning for many reasons if not only because it splendidly preserves the artistry of the sadly under recorded Gianna D'Angelo in what was her signature role, but also because is presents Tucker's ebullient Duke as recording in the studio.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tucker makes it worth buying, April 9, 2010

By 

Joseph Shore (Vancouver) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto [1956 Philips Recording Reissued on Great Opera Performances] [Richard Tucker, Gianna D'Angelo, Renato Capecchi, Miriam Pirazzini, Ivan Sardi; Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Orchestra and Chorus; Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, Conductor] (Audio CD)

The main thing this recording has going for it is the great singing of Richard Tucker. The other singers are at a lower level. Renato Capecchi certainly has a big voice but he does not use it with the handsome legato and tone we have come to expect from great Rigolettos. Capecchi's singing does not bring the listener to a point of empathy for the tragedy of Rigoletto and therefore fails in the most important aspect of the role. I keep hearing a buffo voice trying to sing seriously. Miriam Pirazzini is an adequate Maddalena but Ivan Sardi is an inferior Sparafucile. Giann D'Angelo is a sweet-voiced, innocent Gilda with secure intonation and lovely high notes but she offers nothing distinctive in the role. Conduictor Molinari-Pradelli is competent but that is all. If it were not for the wonderful singing of Tucker--which is worth the price of the set-- I should have buyer's remorse.