Customer Reviews

Gluck: Ifigenia in Tauride (complete opera live 1957) with Maria Callas, Dino Dondi, Nino Sanzogno, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

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Just like with Wagner there was no possibility to perform it in the original language. If the "Amazon Customer" whose only aim in life seems to be showing off and playing God by explaining why he knows so much better than aknowledged experts like Steane, Porter and Kesting KNEW ANYTHING he'd know that too! Tebaldi sang Tatyana in Italian too!
That such a RARITY was performed came about through Callas' personal wish and fight for the revival of forgotten masterpieces. Callas shines as Ifigenia, I'd rather have this by her than nothing. Also, check out her Armida and Alceste... Now if these were uncut, it would be HEAVEN!

Only diehard Callas enthusiasts and those who already know the work well should consider buying this CD. To begin with, the opera is sung in Italian-when Gluck actually made a point of writing it in French! In addition, the male singers are all woefully inadequate, and Sonzogno's Gluck sounds more like bad Puccini. As usual with Callas, there are thrilling moments (for instance, the wonderful opening scene), but they never add up to a complete portrayal, and, although she sings with great elegance and poise, the overall peformance is disappointing. Those who wish to hear what wonders she could accomplish in Gluck should listen to her Alceste, which is another matter altogether.

Only diehard Callas enthusiasts and those who already know the work well should consider buying this CD. To begin with, the opera is sung in Italian-when Gluck actually made a point of writing it in French! In addition, the male singers are all woefully inadequate, and Sonzogno's Gluck sounds more like bad Puccini. As usual with Callas, there are thrilling moments (for instance, the wonderful opening scene), but they never add up to a complete portrayal, and, although she sings with great elegance and poise, the overall peformance is disappointing. Those who wish to hear what wonders she could accomplish in Gluck should listen to her Alceste, which is another matter altogether.