Customer Reviews

Mozart: Così fan tutte / Mackerras [Highlights]

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I like the smart cover painting and the lively direction of Mackerras. However, the cast is nothing to brag about. Come Scoglio doesn't sound good, and the rest of the arias are only okay. The chorus, however, is magnificent. Overall, an okay recording and a generous highlights disc, but there are better choices out there.

I do not agree that the cast of this Edinburgh Festival performance 'mediocre', or 'for want of better singers'. Granted the cast is not the most even, however there are still gems to be spotted. Notably, the role of Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte calls for a lyrical tenor of the highest calibre. Rarely will a recording of the opera contain ALL the arias of Ferrando, some being fiendishly difficult to master.
Mackerras did include Ferrando's arias in full, and this highlight version wisely captured them.
Jerry Hadley was an outstanding Mozartian, and his Ferrando had qualities that many top tenors yearn for but could not possess. His performance here could justly be termed impeccable and beautiful.
There are three solo tenor arias in this collection, and even if the Fiordiligi of Felicity Lott wasn't the best of Fiordiligis, others in their roles are more than competent.
For those who miss Hadley, this disc is invaluable.