Customer Reviews

Katia Ricciarelli Recital

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I always moan that Ricciarelli should have invested in bel canto early on and this recital is another proof and another punch in the stomach that she didn't as much as we would have liked.

The first 4 tracks of these 2 merged Lugano recitals ('79 and '80) show exactly how ideal she was. Her Gulietta in Capuleti, Anna Bolena and Lucrezia Borgia scenes rank among the top 3 performances I've heard. I especially admire her ability to sing with so much emotion while keeping the sound gorgeous. This is bel canto at its finest and even though she would specialise in it later when the voice was no longer in good shape, she deserves a place next to Caballe, Devia, Gruberova and Gencer who've excelled in some of these roles on stage. Katia's singing is not as technically brilliant as Devia's or Gruberova's nor does she possess Caballe's seamless phrasing but Ricciarelli offers her own uniquely involved phrasing and of course that gorgeous tone of hers! Medora's aria in Corsaro shows why she was so hugely acclaimed in early Verdi in the 70s.

The remaining items are heavier roles that she sings well but by pushing and stretching her voice. Less than on other occasions but still obvious. This habit eventually ruined her gorgeous instrument and it's why I don't enjoy listening to these arias.

On the whole however a stunning recital! Sound is superb and the booklet quite interesting and well informed. Surprising for its budget price but most welcome! The cover could be better though.