Customer Reviews

Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro (Highlights) / Kleiber

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you do not have an opera CD collector's budget, and you are trying to determine which recording of Figaro to invest in, you would do well to purchase this recording of highlights. Kleiber's conducting is perfectly delightful, and represents the best extant recorded conducting of Figaro by far, leaving Giulini sounding almost pedestrian and just about everyone else plodding. And Siepi is completely engaged, incredibly fun to listen to, and certainly among the best Figaros. If the historic recording quality and comparatively weaker supporting singers do not bother you, then you may rest assured that the full opera, which costs three times as much as this disc, is worth the investment.

If you buy this CD, do it because of Cesare Siepi. His gorgeous basso voice is perfect for the role of Figaro. He is clear and emotive at all times--and besides what the person above me said: Figaro is a bass role; he doesn't sing "thickly". That being said, the rest of the recording is weak, with no one even coming close to Siepi, or any other stars for that matter. A great buy for fans of Cesare Siepi!

I've already reviewed the full set of this wonderful opera recording by Erich Kleiber.

I am purchasing this High Light set for my friend who is beginning to feel interested in opera.

Siepi - Gueden - Della Casa - Danco, even Poell. All great in their respective roles. The conducting couldn't be bettered. Even Carlos Kleiber admitted that his dad's version of Le Nozze is unsurpassable.

All opera lovers should play this recording to their children and friends. Mozart's brilliance is not burdened here by a succession of divas over-singing their parts, but is brought to life by an ensemble of wonderful voices singing in harmony and with restraint. Cesare Siepi's supple bass is most memorable. Far from being thick or heavy, it is the lightest, clearest bass I have ever heard. Hilde Guiden and Lisa della Casa are also marvellous as Suzanna and the Countess, especially in the duet Sull'aria ... Che soave zefiretto. The Vienna Philharmonic is equally part of the ensemble, knowing well its supporting role.

So, in sum, a great way to introduce someone to the fact that opera is not really about ridiculous women in viking helmets screaming, but is full of warmth, humor, beauty and joy.

I was very unhappy with this performance. Let me explain why. Though Cesare Siepi can be enjoyable at times as Figaro, he sings far too thickly for the part. Hilde Gueden sounded a bit mechanical at times as Susanna, with little emotion, and Alfred Poell as the Count sounded rather weak, always either ahead or behind the orchestra. Lisa della Casa was the only really good thing about this performance, who gave a very sweet Countess. Suzanne Danco's voice shook as Cherubino, and the tempos were a bit too fast. I would not suggest this cd.