Customer Reviews

Gounod: Faust Highlights

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One of the aspects that made of Alfredo Kraus an exceptional singer was the care with which he chose the roles that resulted most adequate to his voice and temper. Faust was one of these paradigmatic roles, but unfortunatelly he never made a studio recording of this opera. The Tokio live recording of 1973 is thus an exceptional substitute and probably the only chance to enjoy the master's full Faust. By the time of this recording, he was at the highest point of his carreer, and we may appreciate here his precise technique, the delicacy of this style and the adequacy of his voice for the French repertoire. His 'Salut, demeure ... ' is a masterclass of singing. Ghiaurov follows the tradition of the Russian and Bulgarian basses and composes an overacted but vocally splendid Mephistophèles. He was also at the highest point of his carreer. Renata Scotto was an irregular soprano, but her Margheritte is excellent (probably only surpassed on records by Victoria de los Angeles in this role). Ethuin's direction is agile, perhaps too rapid in the choirs. The quality of the sound is good, and the price is astonishingly low. The complete recording of the Tokio version is rare and very difficult to get, so this selection of highlights is an alternative to consider seriously. Given the low price of this CD, it is a must for any opera lover and Kraus fan.

I like much of Scotto's artistry, but this is just not her cup of tea. Her high notes sound like they are plugged into an electric socket! AHHHHH!!!... Even her usual, wonderful word painting is not there. Her Vien's at the end of the garden scene are worse than the most mushy mouthed Sutherland (who could at least produce beautiful sounds). Get the Sony arias disc with Renata Scotto, which, oddly enough, shows her in much better and firmer voice, even though it was recorded later.

Ghiaurov is magnificent, as always and Kraus provides more elegant support than many of his later recordings.
If you want a verismo-like performance, get the recording with Freni (awesome......the largest voiced Margie on record). Domingo is dramatic, beautiful, if without a great high C. The final trio is SO dramatic. Hmmmm, what to buy?