Customer Reviews

Rossini - Il Turco in Italia / Bartoli, Corbelli, Pertusi, Vargas, Teatro alla Scala, Chailly

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

 

 

Gioacchino Rossini wrote two kinds of comic opera. First there was the manic, almost farcial "opera buffa" (eg. THE BARBER OF SEVILLE). Then there was a kind of serio-comedy akin to the "dramma giocoso" of Mozart. IL TURCO IN ITALIA (1816) definitely falls in the latter category (as does LA CENERENTOLA). This little-known opera is a real gem. It is about a Muslim prince (Selim, sung by Michele Pertusi in fine voice) from Turkey and the comedy and conflict that ensue when he visits Italy. A clash of cultures ensues as the polygamous Selim tries to steal Don Geronio's young wife, Fiorilla (mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, singing a role written for soprano). While the opera does not have as many memorable melodies or outstanding individual numbers as THE BARBER or CENERENTOLA, it is still a funny, compassionate comedy with some of Rossini's best music. The opera is surprisingly contemporary in feel, especially in the character of the Poet, who "writes" the opera as it unfolds. Bartoli, Pertusi, and Vargas are all excellent, but for me the stand-out is Alessandro Corbelli, who portrays the henpecked husband Geronio with musicality and sympathy. Just about any opera set with Corbelli on it is worth getting, as he is an extremely fine singing-actor in the Mozart/Rossini repertoire.

This recording of "Il Turco in Italia" is an absolute delight. From start to finish it enthralls, enchants, and engulfs the listener in its delicious crisp sound. Of course, in any Il Turco, the main concern is the character of Fiorilla - this is a typical Rossini knock-out role, requiring a voice of fiendish agility and an ability to sound demure, mocking, sensuous, infuriated, and everything in between. The voice type must be that of either a soprano with a good middle voice or a mezzo-soprano with a good top voice. Callas both performed and recorded this role, and did it extremely well - but Bartoli is something else. The dark honey of her voice - so typically mezzo - and the absolute ease of her top notes - unfortunately for other mezzos, not so typical! - make the colour of her voice ideal. Not to mention the by-now famous acrobatics of which her voice is capable, and the no-less famous acting ability she possesses (both vocally and physically)! The rest of the cast does an excellent job, and Chailly conducts with verve and precision. IF YOU LOVE ROSSINI'S OPERAS, THIS IS A MUST-HAVE! IF YOU DON'T, WHAT A SUPERB INTRODUCTION THIS WOULD BE!

The big names generally deliver on this recording, with the newcomers, notably Laura Polverelli as Zaida, equally enjoyable. While the action isn't quite ideally paced at times, and Pertusi occasionally seems a bit uninvolved, overall it is an engaging and enjoyable performance. Bartoli's characterization as Fiorilla is on the mark, intense, detailed, and appropriately ditzy or tragic as the situation calls for it. Her singing itself is a little bit less impressive; she's more than sufficiently agile, but the sound is sometimes small and slightly breathy. And I think it is about time that she publicly declares herself a soprano; her tone and range (up to a quite wonderful shining high D or so in "Caro padre") and great facility in the high register bear little in common with most mezzo-sopranos of whom I'm aware. Those relatively minor points aside, this performance is a treat.

This is the best version of 'Il turco in Italia' that you can find at the moment at your store. Cecilia Bartoli makes a really good Fiorilla, Alessandro Corbelli is a very funny Don Geronio and Roberto De Candia is a great Poet. Laura Polverelli is an autentic luxe for the short but difficult role of Zaida. Ramón Vargas has a little voice, but his voice is beautiful and he is well as Narciso. And what about Michele Pertusi? He sings very well, but he's not the perfect singer for comical repertory. Maybe here's the only negative point of these recording.
Chailly makes with her direction a pure rossinian version, with the great orchrestra and chorus of Scalla di Milano.
Sure, you must buy this!

From the remote 1954 when Callas registered for EMI this Rossini's 'dramma buffo' I've never listened and enjoy an excellent version like this. Chailly delight from the podium and give it to the cast with a dazzling performance. Bartoli makes a beautiful Fiorilla with your charming voice and expressiveness; Corbelli with your voice and portrayal of the tortured Geronio is a fine comediant. Vargas, Pertusi and De Candia are all excellent, but one pleasant revelation is the Zaida of Laura Poverelli, great and enjoyable voice ant performance. The quality sound and balance of this London register are also very good. Essential recording for all opera lovers.

This is the very best version of "Turco" in the market today. Cecilia Bartoli makes a really good "sing lesson" with her Fiorilla, Corbelli is a very funny Geronio, Vargas is a Narciso with a very beautiful voice and De Candia is a Poet really inspiried. Pertusi is good, but no enough, He's maybe boring.
Chailly conducts very well with a great chorus and a great orchresta. Do you want a second option for a good "Turco"? In cd there isn't. In VHS try Mariella Devia version from Scalla di Milano.

Some of the arias were quite good.
though overall, it is very dull opera.
and Batoli didn't help this opera either.
Her mezzo voice is not suitable at all with this high demanding coloratura role as heroine. Terrible miscast to cash in her name even though she doesn't have right soprano voice.
For some arias, I found a joy from Sumi Jo's version for same aria by Philips recording.
However, once again, it is dull opera overall to enjoy from CD only. I guess you have to see from Stage.