4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A moving and warm Rigoletto - finally available!, December 2, 2005
This review is from: Verdi: Rigoletto [Complete] [Germany] (Audio CD)
It took amazon ages to release this excellent Rigoletto but now it's here and it offers one of the warmest accounts of this opera.
Fischer-Diskau is far from a Verdian baritone but this role more than any other allows different interpretations and somehow his most sympathetic characterisation made me care for Rigoletto. It's pleasant that he can't bark like others but he can't be the nasty Rigoletto we should be introduced to in the beginning of the work either. Lets say that he's a good alternative to the classic Cappuccilli, Bastianini, Merrill, Bruson.
La Scotto is heard here in her signature role and she surely doesn't dissapoint. Even if I can't endure her metallic voice for long, it's hard to deny the singing is exceptional. I'd compromise with her sound and vote for her as the best Gilda if it wasn't for Mariella Devia who offers everything Scotto does plus a creamy, focused top.
This was the recording that introduced me to Bergonzi's magic. When he completed parmi veder le lagrime, I couldn't believe what I'd just heard. It sounds asif he distils Verdian essense from every single note the duke sings. And honeyed tone makes the experience a dream. I wonder why Maddalena didn't fall for him too! Cossotto and Vinco splendidly sing their minor but important parts and give an extra polish to the ensembles.
Kubelik deserves the praise he gets for he offers drama, force and lyricism and controls the Scala forces even in the difficult parts. Don't miss it!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No