Orfeo Ed Euridice [Original recording remastered]

Gluck (Artist), Stevens (Artist), Della Casa (Artist), Ropo (Artist), Monteux (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 8, 2000)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00004RC8O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,736 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sparkling Performance, August 19, 2004

By 

D. A Wend (Arlington Heights, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orfeo Ed Euridice (Audio CD)

I first learned about this recording while reading "Everyone Is Someone" by Fifi Monteux. Gluck was a favorite composer of Pierre Monteux and it shows in this recording. In these days when period instrument performances of Orfeo ed Euridice abound it may be unseemly to go back to a recording with modern instruments. However, this recording perfectly captures the spirit of the opera and the singers take a backseat to nobody.

The soloists in this recording were favorites of Pierre Monteux: Rise Stevens (Orfeo), Lisa Della Casa (Euridice) and a very young Roberta Peters (Amour). The casting is superb and it is evident that each is singing at their best for the old maestro. Of particular interest is Orfeo's famous aria Che faro senza Euridice? Which is beautifully sung by Rise Stevens. The chorus is splendid but once or twice their singing was too much for the recording equipment and there is some slight distortion. Otherwise, this is a remarkable clear recording. The Dance of the Furies is played with real passion and drive, while the Dance of the Blessed Spirits is performed with just enough feeling so it does not become sugary sweet.

The recording dates to June 1957, and was performed at the Rome Opera House by the Rome Opera Orchestra and Chorus. In short, this is a recording that was lovingly made and should not be missed. The booklet has an interesting article about the history of the opera and the recording in English, German and French. The libretto is included in Italian and English with cues noted and there is a synopsis of the story.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN UNDULY NEGLECTED COMPOSER, April 29, 2001

By 

MOVIE MAVEN (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Orfeo Ed Euridice (Audio CD)

As with other composers, Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-87) seems to be out of favor at the moment. Well, music like everything else, is cyclical and I have no doubt that opera-lovers who have recently discovered Handel, will soon move on to Gluck.

Based on the myth of Orpheus (sung by a mezzo soprano) and his beloved wife, Euridice, who has died before the curtain rises on Act 1. Orpheus makes a trip to Hades and is allowed to bring his wife back to Earth alive, as long as they do not look at each other during the long, difficult trip home and as long as Orpheus does not explain why to his wife. They make it back to Earth and their loving marriage is blessed by the goddess Amore. It's a simple story, with, granted, not much action. But the music: The music is magnificent.

Recorded in 1957, this set stars one of America's finest singers who is not nearly as well known as she should be. Rise Stevens was the finest 'Octavian' ("Der Rosenkavalier") and 'Carmen' and 'Orpheus' of her time. She was also very beautiful and even co-starred in a few movies, including the popular "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby. Her voice is near-perfect on these CD's and her dramatic ability obvious. Lisa Della Casa and Roberta Peters sing the two "female" roles wonderfully and the conductor is Pierre Monteux.

True, the sound could be more pristine but it is just fine, remastered in 2000. (The CD set starring a more recent 'Orpheus,' Marilyn Horne, who is brilliant in the role, with the redoubtable Sir Georg Solti as her conductor, were remastered with even worse results.) BMG should be commended for re-releasing this opera, which is obviously not a sure bet for platinum status. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine Orfeo, June 19, 2001

By 

Michel (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Orfeo Ed Euridice (Audio CD)

This set of Orfeo ed Euridice offers a lovely memento of Rise
Stevens even if she is a trifle past her best - she has a warm
and velvety voice but is a little unsteady at times - however
her undeniable artistry is still in evidence and she portrays
a vibrant Orfeo. Lisa della Casa is a radiant Euridice - her
crystalline voice at its most attractive. The very young Rober-
ta Peters is a delighful Amore singing with precision and musi-
cality. Chorus and orchestra are a bit rough for Gluck and Maes-
tro Monteux is occasionally sluggish in his tempos. Good early
stereo sound and including all the ballet music. A fine set.