2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Among some very good Werhter's, this is essential., November 20, 2010
This review is from: Werther (Bonus CD) (Audio CD)
If you enjoy the dark, hauntingly romantic melodies of Massenet's poplular opera, Werther, you must purchase this reissue from EMI. This set and the more recent EMI (Alagna and Gheorghiu) and RCA (Vargas and Kasarova) sets are the best sung and played, but only here do you get the ultimate Werther of Alfredo Kraus. This man was born to sing this role. Kraus's unique ability to vocally portray this character is something of a miracle. Many tenors overplay the depression and make the charater seem mad and angry rather than depressed and heart broken. Werther is Massenet, not Puccini. The emotions are much more internal than in most Italian opera, so tenors like Corelli, Carreras, and Domingo might sound awesome singing Werther, but are they really singing what Werther is thinking and sounding the way Werther really feels? Tatiana Troyanos is, as always, a thrill to hear. I wish there were more recordings featuring this stunning mezzo. Troyanos oozes with vocalism which ultimately, leads to Werther's suicide. Buy this while it is back in issue!
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