Verdi: Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Georg Solti (Conductor), Anna Moffo (Performer), Robert Merrill (Performer), Rosiland Elias (Performer), Richard Tucker (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Anna Moffo, Robert Merrill, Rosiland Elias, Richard Tucker
• Conductor: Georg Solti
• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000003EPN
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #178,101 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Preludio

2. Della mia bella incognita borghese

3. Questa o quella

4. Partite? Crudele!

5. Gran Nuova!

6. Ch'io gli parli

7. Quel vecchio maledivami!

8. Pari siamo! Io la gingua

9. Figlia! - Mio padre!

10. Ah! veglia, o donna

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Ella mi fu rapita!; Parmi! veder le lagrime

2. Duca, Duca?

3. Possente amor mi chiama

4. Povero Rigoletto!

5. Cortiginai, vil razza dannata

6. Mio Padre! - Dio! mia Gilda!

7. Tutte le feste al tempio

8. Schiudete!

9. Si, vendetta, tremenda vendetta

10. E l'ami? - Sempre

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Rigoletto, July 15, 2001

By 

Sam W. (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Verdi: Rigoletto (Audio CD)

I learned that this recording was just removed from the RCA print list. What a shame and what a stupid thing to do. This is the finest Rigoletto ever produced. The dream cast includes Bob Merrill, Anna Moffo (one of her finest recordings), Alfredo Kraus, Roz Elias, Ezio Flagello, and conducted by Solti in a bright, vibrant, and stunning recording. It's also one of the best digital remixes I've ever heard--sharp vocals, quality orchestra throughout, finest mixing. The production is also one of the most dramatic Rigolettos ever, which is as it should be. Rigoletto is after all a descent into evil and revenge, and this recording does it justice throughout. I can listen to this recording over and over. A true modern masterpiece. As an opera singer myself, I find it remarkable.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFUL RECORDING ., August 28, 1999

By 

Boz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Verdi: Rigoletto (Audio CD)

This seldom reviewed recording has a wonderful cast. Moffo was in full bloom: young, fresh, and vocally secure. Merrill was good, and Solti conducted perfectly. Alfredo Kraus is simply brilliant in the role of the Duke. Absolutely no one in my experience has sung this role better. This remains one of my all-time favorite opera recordings.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps the most balanced Rigoletto as a whole!, June 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Verdi: Rigoletto (Audio CD)

There are many good recordings of Verdi's Masterpiece. The DG D. Fisher-Diskau/Bergonzi/Scotto also stands out mainly because of its Duke who s h i n e s! To me, Bergonzi IS the ideal Duke. However, we must keep in mind that the opera is called Rigoletto and not "the Duke". Some prefer the Milnes/Pavarotti/Sutherland. It's a popular recording but not without flaws. This Solti set, ideally balanced, will give you the essence of Rigoletto.

Robert Merrill as "povero" Rigoletto captures both drama and music of the role. He has a powerful, rich voice ideal for such Verdi roles. Although I mentioned my preference to Bergonzi, Alfredo Kraus is not less memorable. I especially admire his "posente amor", truly remarkable. As Gilda we hear a young, fresh Anna Moffo in one of her best moments. Exquisite singing and a convincing portrait of the young girl make her my first choice for Gilda. Let me not forget the rest of the cast that does a fine job too.

Superb Maestro Solti completes this thrilling account of Rigoletto. A must even if you have other versions.