Customer Reviews

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]

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Ya gotta love it when a long out of print recording comes back in good sound, as this Rigoletto has on the Walhall label. Tucker was one of the best Dukes in the 1950's while his voice was still flexible and lyrical (remember that he was singing "Fledermaus" and "Cosi" and "Magic Flute" back in those days). And, Capecchi, known to us in the 70's as a character baritone (who can forget his apoplectic Bartolo on Sills's "Barbiere?), is a really first rate Rigoletto, not quite as intense as, say, Bastianini, but right up there with the best of them. A great surprise is Gianna D'Angelo as Gilda. An excellent American soprano from, I think, Hartford, CT, she is right on target, singing with fluency and sweet tone. No Joan Sutherland or Maria Callas she, D'Angelo follows in the coloratura tradition of Lily Pons, but she does it so very well!!! This is a fine recording definitely worth a listen or two.

This is one of those underrated recordings which has been unavailable for far too long. The sound on Walhall's remastering is excellent, and the singing on this performance is terrific. Gianna D'Angelo is a Gilda of a certain sort, and on those terms, she is fabulous. Tucker is superb as the Duke, full of energy and machismo, while Capecchi is a strong Rigoletto, demonstrating how good a leading baritone he was back in the '50's and 60's. Pirazzini and Sardi are solid routine as the brother/sister hit squad, and Molinari-Pradelli brings years of experience and great expertise to leading the performance. This is a real sleeper, and should be snapped up while it's available, as should the other terrific performance, the one with Scotto, Cossotto, Kraus, and Bastianini, which ranks among the best ever recorded (Verdi: Rigoletto [Renata Scotto, Fiorenza Cossotto, Alfredo Kraus, Ettore Bastianini, Ivo Vinco; Gianandrea Gavazzeni; Florence May Festival; Maggio Musicale Fiorentino] [Recorded on July 2-7, 9, and 10 in 1960 for Ricordi and Mercury Living Presence] Actually, don't miss either of these!