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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ULTRA DRAMATIC, February 25, 2001
This review is from: Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana (Audio CD)
"Cavalleria" has always been one of my favorite operas and this is a dream recording, mainly because of its star tenor, Jussi Bjoerling. He is simply one of the greatest singers of the century and 'Turiddu' is a perfect role for him: passionate and masculine, filled with gorgeous melodies. Zinka Milanov's voice is not to my taste (I'd much prefer hearing a more youthful, more purely beautiful tone), but she certainly throws herself into the role of 'Santuzza.' The American baritone, Robert Merrill, was at his peak for this 1953 recording. His 'Alfio' is very, very fine. This is the ultra-melodramatic opera which Francis Ford Coppola used in "Godfather 3" with the actor who played Pacino's "son" performing the role of 'Turiddu.' Crammed into its one act of less than 75 minutes are all the plot devices of good heart-thumping operatic tragedy: betrayal, lust, sex, murder and, naturally, magnificent music.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
refined cavalleria, June 23, 2001
This review is from: Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana (Audio CD)
This is a rather refined reading of Cavalleria rusticana downplaying the vulgarity of the piece and focusing more on its pastoral setting which is not a bad thing. It is nice to hear this opera being sung not shouted, and gloriously sung it is. Bjorling is in radiant voice, breezing his way through the sicilienne. Milanov is dignified in her sorrow and sings beautifully, her famous pianossimo exquisitely controlled. Merrill's golden tones and firm singing are a delight. Chorus and orchestra are good and Cellini's conducting elegant. The recording is surprisingly clear and atmospheric for its age 1953. A fine set with a mellower approach than usual and a lovely memento of three superb singers.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very interesting record., November 18, 2000
This review is from: Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana (Audio CD)
This Cavalleria Rusticana is a very good one to have. Although a 1953 recording it is very clear and the lead singers, Mr. Bjoerling and Mrs. Milanov do a fantastic job. The orchestra is acceptable, and the conducting is conservative. The Mamma, mamma! (Track 21) aria is the best I've heard. Price is very good for the quality. Warmly recommended.
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