Customer Reviews

Verdi - Alzira / Araiza, Cotrubas, Rootering, Gardelli

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

 

 

Alzira is very distinctive early Verdi, similar musically to, say, Macbeth. While it lacks block buster numbers, it has many fine passages, including the large ensembles. Its libretto is weak and the opera is very short -- this production lasts about 1.5 hours.

The three principals sing well. Renato Bruson provides a fine rich tone, and Ileana Cotrubas contributes some lovely singing. Francisco Araiza handles the principal tenor role very ably, though he is recorded with a rather remote acoustic, particularly relative to Bruson. Unfortunately, all seem a bit unengaged in the drama. The chorus and orchestra do a good job, while the underrated conductor, Lamberto Gardelli, achieves a performance that strikes one as "just right." This is not La Traviata -- or even Luisa Miller -- but given the weakness of the libretto, this is a most enjoyable recording. It has good studio sound.

First of all, after all those Opera D'Oro recordings I've been listening to lately, this Orfeo recording has outstanding sound. The principals give their best; I was particularly impressed with Cotrubas, whom I associate with less full-blooded roles, and Francisco Araiza, in a rare foray ut of his usual Mozart/ Rossini repetoire. Bruson is perfection, as usual. Gardelli keeps things moving at a brisk pace. This is the only commercially recorded performance of this rare opera. I got it used and I am glad I did!