7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The best old-fashioned performance of Sonnambula, January 28, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: La Sonnambula (Audio CD)
I do not pretend to approach this recording with ordinary, rational critical faculties engaged. I discovered it first some forty-five years ago when I had heard few operatic recordings. I still recall the thrill of Tagliavini's "Prendi l'anel ti dono." His voice embraced the notes with that special affection and sweetness that was characteristic of his singing at its best. Tagliavini, however, was only one of the joys in this recording. There were also Pagliughi and the young Siepi. Along with the tenor, they provided a veritable workshop in the art of beautiful, gentle vocalism. The sound of those three voices fell like a benediction on the ear. Other singers have perhaps demonstrated more impressive fioritura technique (Sutherland, for example)and more dramatic insight (Callas, for sure). I would not want to be without either of them in this music, and their Bellini style may well be more authentic and historically "correct." But for gracious vocalism of a decidedly old-fashioned sort, it's hard to beat this old Cetra recording. I recommend it to all who love beautiful singing.
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