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Fast Access to Selected Composers:
Bellini
Bizet
Donizetti
Giordano
Gounod
Leoncavallo
Mozart
Puccini
Rossini
Strauss
Verdi
Wagner
BARBER
Vanessa - The original cast recording with Steber,
Elias, Resnik & Gedda was made shortly after the premier and should be in
every collection (RCA 7899 ADD $).
BARTOK
Bluebeard's Castle - The Marton & Ramey
recording (CBS 44523 DDD $$) is the best to appear since the Ludwig & Berry
recording (now on Decca Legends 466 377 ADD $ - now at midprice) of the early
60's.
BEETHOVEN
Fidelio - Bernstein with Janowitz, Popp, Kollo
& Sotin is the most overtly dramatic (DG 419436 ADD $$). The Ludwig,
Vickers; Klemperer has been remastered better than ever (EMI 67361 ADD $). The
best digital recording is Norman & Goldberg; Haitink (Philips 426308 DDD
$$). The MET DVD with Mattila & Heppener is excellent.
BELLINI
Norma - Callas is the prime consideration for
Norma and must be heard live. Choose either her 1952 Covent Garden debut with
Stignani (Legato 130 AAD L $$) or her 1955 La Scala performance with Simionato
& del Monaco (GALA AAD L 100.511 ¢), both fit on 2 discs. Highlights of her
second studio recording with Corelli & Ludwig are available at midprice
(Angel 63091 ADD $). If Callas is verboten to you, try Sutherland & Horne
(London 470413 ADD $) on 3 midprice discs. Caballe is incredible and should
be seen and heard on the DVD from L'Orange (VAI). Sutherland's digital
remake, well past her prime, with Caballé & Pavarotti is an expensive
also-ran (London 414476 DDD $$).
I Puritani - Sutherland & Pavarotti are vocally wonderful
in their complete recording but it requires 3 discs (London 417588 ADD $$). The
Callas & di Stefano studio recording has traditional cuts but is the most
dramatic and highly recommended on 2 discs (Angel 56275 ADD M $$). The Sills
& Pavarotti performance from Philadelphia is spectacular, 2 discs (Legato
176 ADD L $$).
La Sonnambula - Callas must be heard live in this opera and her
1957 La Scala performance (with the conductor and cast of her EMI recording) is
superb (various labels). Sutherland & Pavarotti are very good and complete
(London 417424 DDD $$).
Additional Bellini Considerations:
BERG
Lulu - The Boulez, Stratas recording is the best
and includes the 3rd act completed by Cerha (DG 415489 ADD $$).
Wozzeck - Dohnanyi's recording with Silja &
Wächter is the best recording of Wozzeck ever and it includes a second work:
Schoenberg's Erwartung (London 417348 DDD $$).
BERLIOZ
Les Troyens - The Colin Davis recording with
Vickers, Lindholm & Veasey is orchestrally impressive but with both the
Cassandra and Dido vocally weak, some of the worst French ever recorded and, on
4 full price discs, an expensive and disappointing stopgap (Philips 416432 ADD
$$). The Duoit recording with Pollet, Voigt and Lakes is very good (Decca 443693
DDD $$$). The Live From the Met DVD is better cast, Troyanos, Norman &
Domingo, better sung and infinitely cheaper.
BIZET
Carmen - Prime choices would include Horne &
McCracken; Bernstein (DG 427440 ADD $), Price, Freni & Corelli; Karajan (RCA
6189 ADD $), Stevens, Albanese, Peerce & Merrill; Reiner (RCA 7981 ADD M $)
or Callas & Gedda (EMI 54268 ADD $$). Karajan's second recording with
Baltsa, Carreras & Van Dam has the best sound (DG 410088 DDD $$; Highlights
DG 413322 DDD $$).
Les Pecheurs de Perles - The Micheau & Gedda
recording is the best studio recording and includes highlights of Ivan IV (Angel
69704 ADD $). The Micheau, Vanzo & Bacquier performance from Radio-Lyrique
Paris in 1959 is wonderful and includes a 45 minute French Aria Recital by Alain
Vanzo (GALA 100.504 L AAD ¢; Note: GALA 2 CD sets sell for under $10 and have
excellent sound).
BOITO
Mefistofele - Caballé, Domingo & Treigle serve
this work up grandly (Angel 49522 ADD $$). Tebaldi, del Monaco & Siepi offer
the best midprice recording (London 440054 ADD $).
BRITTEN
Most of Britten's operas were recorded by Decca with Peter Pears
and Benjamin Britten. Paul Bunyan is available on Virgin records
(Virgin 790710/11 DDD $). Jon Vicker's recording of Peter Grimes
is now available at midprice (Philips 432 578 ADD $).
CATALANI
La Wally - Tebaldi & del Monaco are still
better than anything since (London 425417 ADD $).
CHARPENTIER
Louise - Cotrubas & Domingo are spectacular,
and Michael Senechal steals Act 3 (CBS 46429 ADD $$). French enthusiasts will be
enthralled by the Vallin & Thill highlights from 1936 (Nimbus 7829 ADD H $).
CHERUBINI
Medea - The Callas studio recording (Angel 63625
ADD $) is not one of her best but she is unforgettable in Dallas 1959 (right
after her firing by Bing) (GALA 100.521 AAD L ¢).
CILEA
Adriana Lecouvreur - Scotto, Domingo & Milnes;
Levine (CBS 34588 ADD $$) are very good. Tebaldi, Simionato & del Monaco
offer the best midprice (London 430256 ADD $).
DEBUSSY
Pelleas et Mellisande - The Karajan recording with
von Stade & Stilwell is the best available (Angel 49350 ADD $$ 3 CDs) but
Dutoit's recording is very good and on only 2 CDs (London 430502 DDD $$).
Ansermet's recording will take top position when reissued.
DELIBES
Lakme - Finally, the Mado Robin with Libero de
Luca recording is available and should not be missed (Decca). Both the Mesple
and Dessay (both on EMI) recordings are also very good. But the Robin recording
is spectacular.
DONIZETTI
Anna Bolena - Beverly Sills recording is the best
studio recording of Anna Bolena, but only available as part of the Three Queens
package (DG 465967 ADD $). Callas and Simionato live and at their peak is the
one I return to most often (EMI 66471 L $).
Elisir d'Amore - Either Sutherland & Pavarotti
(London 414461 ADD $$) or Cotrubas & Domingo (CBS 34585 ADD $$) are
wonderful.
La Fille du Regiment - Sutherland & Pavarotti
are sheer delight (London 414526 ADD $$). This is their best recording together
and nothing else compares.
Lucia di Lammermoor - Callas's Berlin performance
is legendary (standard cuts, no Soprano Bass or Tenor Baritone duets, but an
encore of the sextet; EMI 63631 ADD L $). The Live From the Met DVD with
Sutherland & Kraus is also very good (List $29.95). The Sutherland,
Pavarotti & Milnes recording is absolutely complete BUT inexcusably spread
over 3 discs in the U.S. (London 410193 AAD $$).
Additional Donizetti Considerations:
FLOTOW
Marta - Until either the Popp & Jerusalem
recording on Eurodisc or the Rothenberger & Gedda recording on EMI is
reissued, the pickings are slim. The current best bet is the old Cetra with
Rizzieri, Tassinari & Tagliavini (Cetra CDO 7 AAD $$) but its only a
stopgap.
GERSHWIN
Porgy and Bess - John deMain and the Houston Grand
Opera take the Broadway view but it is the only recording that comes to life in
any way (RCA 2109 ADD $$). Price & Warfield offer the best highlights (RCA
5234-2 ADD $). The Simon Rattle, Glyndebourne recording is well sung but
pristine, so much so that you'd think Gilbert & Sullivan wrote the tunes
(EMI 49568 DDD $$). The Maazel & Cleveland recording presents the operatic
view and is well sung but heavy and lifeless (London ADD $$). The 1951 original
recording with some members of the original cast has been reissued as part of
the Sony Masterworks Heritage Series (Sony MH2K 63222 ADD $). The performance,
while heavily cut, is wonderful and the sound is excellent.
GIORDANO
Andrea Chenier - This work lives or dies by the
tenor and requires the kind of heroic vocalization I refer to as pig singing. No
one does it better than Franco Corelli with Antoinetta Stella aiding and
abetting all the way (Angel 65287 ADD $). I must forewarn you that Corelli's
recording could permanently spoil your enjoyment of any live performance The
Domingo, Scotto, Milnes, Levine recording, well sung and the best conducted,
seems dull by comparison (RCA 39499 $). Collectors will want Gigli, Caniglia
& Bechi (EMI 69996 H ADD $). Pavarotti & Carreras are both miscast.
Fedora - Olivero, del Monaco & Gobbi still
offer the best performance and it includes highlights from Zandonai's Francesca
di Rimini (London 433033 ADD $). Also consider the Freni & Domingo MET DVD.
GLASS
Most of Glass's operas have been recorded with the original
casts. You either like them or you don't.
GLUCK
Alceste - Norman & Gedda sing well but miss
the full drama (Orfeo 27823 DDD $$). If you want drama and incredible singing,
Callas can't be beat (Melodram 20019 AAD L $$)
Orfeo ed Euridice - Choose between Horne (London
417410 ADD $) and Verrett (RCA 7896 ADD $) and you can't go wrong. So far, all
the original instrument, and/or counter-tenor versions sound like recreations of
an oratorio without a semblance of drama or life.
GOUNOD
Faust - The de los Angeles, Gedda, Christoff
recording is still better than anything else available (Angel 69983 ADD $). The
best digital is the Studer, Leech & Hampson (Angel 54228 DDD $$). Hopefully,
someday we'll get the old CBS recording with Steber & Siepi.
Romeo et Juliette - Choose between Swenson &
Domingo (BMG 68440 DDD $$) and Micheau & Jobin (Decca Double 443 539 ADD M
$) and you can't go wrong. The Alagnas are also good (EMI 56123 DDD $$).
HANDEL
More and more of Handel's operas are being recorded but are
represented by a single version giving the consumer no choice. Of those, I would
recommend Julius Caesar with Sills & Triegle (RCA 6182 ADD $),
Rodelinda with Sutherland & Ramey (London 414667 DDD $$),
Sutherland's Alcina (London 433723 ADD $$) and the spectacular
recording of Semele with Battle, Horne, Aler & Ramey (DG
435782 DDD $$).
HAYDN
Antol Dorati's series of Haydn's Operas, with casts including
Cotrubas and Norman, are once again available. The performances are all very
good, but, unfortunately, unlike the Philips Early Verdi Series, the Haydn
Series has been reissued at full price.
HUMPERDINCK
Hansel und Gretel - Choose between Moffo &
Auger (RCA 25281 AAD $), Cotrubas & von Stade (CBS 35898 ADD $$) and the Met
Video with Blegen & von Stade and you can't go wrong. At midprice, the staid
Schwartzkopf, Grummer, Metternich; Karajan will do (EMI 67145 ADD M $).
JANACEK
The Mackerras series of Janacek's operas on London are all
exceptional. Try The Cunning Little Vixen (London 417129 DDD $$)
or Jenufa (London 414483 DDD $$).
LEONCAVALLO
I Pagliacci - A prime example of how well record
companies could cast opera in the 50's: de los Angeles as Nedda, Bjoerling as
Canio, Warren as Tonio & Merrill as Silvio (newly remastered, EMI 66778 ADD
M $). The Caballé, Domingo, Milnes recording is absolutely complete but dull
(BMG 50168 ADD $). If you want a Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci set, Corelli
is excellent (Angel 63967 ADD $). Pavarotti and Carreras are both desperately
miscast.
MASCAGNI
Cavalleria Rusticana - Scotto, Domingo, &
Elvira are wonderful (RCA 39500 ADD $). Also at midprice, either of Bjoerling's
recordings, with Milanov & Merrill (RCA 6510 ADD M $) or with Tebaldi &
Bastianini (London 425985 ADD $), are very good as is the Callas & diStefano
recording (EMI 56287 ADD $). All are on 1 disc complete. The Corelli Cav/Pag set
is very good.
Additional Mascagni Considerations:
MASSENET
Manon - Sills & Gedda; Rudel leave nothing to
be desired (Angel 69831 ADD $) but some may still prefer the de los Angeles,
Legay; Monteaux recording (Angel 63549 ADD M $).
Werther - Rita Gorr's recording (Ades 14083 AAD
$$) is more moving than the more recent recordings. The 1931 Vallin, Thill
recording is probably definitive (Angel 63195 ADD H $). Troyanos & Kraus are
good at midprice (Angel 69573 ADD $). The von Stade, Carreras, Davis recording
has the best sound, but is fussy beyond belief (Philips 416654 ADD $$).
MEYERBEER
Les Huguenots - The Sutherland, Arroyo recording
is now available on 4 CD's (London 430549 ADD $) but its the 1962 La Scala
performance in Italian; Sutherland, Cossotto, Corelli, Simionato & Ghiaurov
that breathes life into this opera (Gala 100.604 AAD L ¢ or Opera d'Oro 1217 L
¢).
Le Prophete - A medieval false prophet story
brought very much to life by Horne, McCracken & Scotto (CBS 34340 ADD $$).
MOZART
Note: The Colin Davis recordings of Cosi fan
tutte, Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro, each a prime choice discussed below,
have been repackaged into a single 9 disc box with paper sleeves (no librettos)
but an incredible buy (Philips 456 375 ADD ¢). Tower has this for $64.00!!!!
Cosi fan tutte - Colin Davis doesn't ignore the
comedy in his gorgeously sung recording with Caballé, Baker, Cotrubas, Gedda,
Ganzarolli & Wixell (Philips 416633 ADD $). The Böhm set with Schwartzkopf,
Kraus & Taddei, cuts and all, is a distant second (Angel 69330 ADD $).
Finally, Sony Masterworks Heritage has reissued the old Columbia set of the Met
production with Steber, Peters & Tucker. Terrible English translation or
not, it is very well sung and still the most theatrical version ever available
(Sony MH2K 60652 ADD $).
Don Giovanni - Colin Davis with Arroyo, te Kanawa,
Freni, Burrows, Ganzarolli & Wixell (Philips 416406 ADD $). The older
Giulini with Schwartzkopf, Sutherland, Wächter & Alva is almost as good (EMI
56232 ADD $$), but should have been released at midprice. However, the
highlights disc is highly recommended (Angel 63078 ADD $). The Tomowa-Sintow,
Ramey, Battle; Karajan is the best digital but a distant third to the older
recordings above (DG 419179 DDD $$).
Die Entführung aus dem Serail - The best are the
Böhm with Auger, Grist & Schreier (DG 423459 (ADD $) or the Krips with
Rothenberger, Popp & Gedda (Angel 63263 ADD $).
Idomeneo - Pavarotti, Baltsa, Gruberova and Popp;
Pritchard bring it to life (London 411805 DDD $$).
Le Nozze di Figaro - So far, the best available is
the Davis recording with Norman, Freni, Ganzarolli & Wixell (Philips 426195
ADD $). The old Leinsdorf recording with Della Casa, Peters, Tozzi & London
is finally available in the U.S only as an import, but snatch it up before it
disappears (Decca 444 602 ADD $$). Either Solti (te Kanawa, Von Stade, Ramey:
London 410150 DDD $$) or Böhm (Janowitz, Mathis, Prey: DG 415520 ADD $$) will
do, but both lack a sense of fun.
Die Zauberflöte - Haitink with Popp, Gruberova
& Jerusalem is a prime example of digital recording with a good cast (Angel
47951 DDD $$; Highlights Angel 47008 DDD $$). The Lorengar, Burrows, Deutekom,
Solti recording misses the comic elements but is equally well sung (London
414568 ADD $$; Highlights London 421302 ADD $). Nimbus has provided a
spectacular transfer with beautiful documentation of Beecham's 1937 recording,
without dialogue, with Lemnitz, Berger & Roswänge (Nimbus 7827/8 ADD H $).
Böhm is for Wunderlich fans only (DG 419566 ADD $$). The MET DVD with Battle,
Serra & Ariaza is very good and has the advantage of Hockney's wonderful
production. Finally, collectors will not want to be without the spectacular 1959
Salzburg performance with Della Casa, Köth, Simoneau, Berry & Böhme, all in
their prime with Szell conducting (GALA 100.502 L AAD ¢).
Additional Mozart Considerations:
MUSSORGSKY
Boris Godounov - Gergiev and the Kirov Opera
provide both the 1869 and the 1872 version on 5 discs for the price of 4. (Until
Christoff's mono set is available again, his stereo remake (Angel 47993 ADD $$)
or the USSR Radio & TV recording will have to do (Philips 412281 DDD $$).
OFFENBACH
Le Contes d'Hoffmann - Domingo & Sutherland
provide the best standard version, on 2 discs (London 417363 ADD $$). Shicoff
with Norman, Serra et al, absolutely complete, is on 3 (Angel 49641 DDD $$).
Your move.
La Perichole - The Crespin & Vanzo recording is once again
available and its pure charm and joy wipe out the competition (Erato 45686 ADD
$). If you don't know Offenbach's operettas, this is the prime starting point.
Additional Offenbach Considerations:
PONCHIELLI
La Gioconda - The first Callas recording (Fonti
Cetra 9 AAD $$) is better cast than the second (EMI 56291 ADD $$) but overall,
the second recording remains the prime choice for La Gioconda. As Callas herself
said, listen to Act IV, it shows what she was all about. Caballé, Baltsa,
Pavarotti & Milnes (London 414349 DDD $$) are more evenly cast but lack
dramatic bite. The best mid-price recording is Cerquetti, Simionato, del Monaco,
Bastianini & Siepi (London 430042 ADD $).
POULENC
Dialogues des Carmelites - The story of a group of
nuns during the French Revolution with an unforgettable ending. Recorded by the
original cast, including Duval, Crespin & Gorr, shortly after the premiere
(EMI 67135 ADD M $). The Nagano recording with Yaker, Gorr and Van Dam is almost
as good and has better sound (Virgin 59227 DDD $$).
PUCCINI
Note: Decca has packaged Pavarotti's recordings of
Boheme, Madama Butterfly, Tosca and Turandot together in a single 9 disc box
with paper sleeves (no librettos) at bargin price. Tower has this for $64.00!!!!
La Boheme - Nothing else can match de los Angeles,
Bjoerling, Amara, Merrill & Corena (Angel 56236 ADD M $$) bass shy 50's mono
sound or not. If you insist on stereo, either Caballé & Domingo (RCA 39496
ADD $) or Freni & Pavarotti (London 421049 ADD $$) will do nicely.
Highlights of Freni's first recording are also available (Angel 69594 ADD $). Of
historical interest is the Sayao & Tucker recording on Masterworks Heritage
(Sony 62762 ADD $). The MET DVD with Stratas and Carreras is not a good transfer
- bad sound.
Madama Butterfly - Renata Scotto was the perfect Cio-Cio San,
with Bergonzi (Angel 69654 ADD $, Highlights Angel 74130 ADD ¢). After Scotto,
Moffo (RCA 4145 ADD $; Highlights RCA 60202 ADD $) or Callas (EMI 56298 ADD M
$$) are the best. Freni is also a prime consideration but, since both of her
recordings are full price and spread over 3 discs, get her video with Domingo
(List $29.95) or highlights of her recording with Pavarotti (London 421247 ADD
$$).
Manon Lescaut - Sinopoli with Freni & Domingo (DG 413893
DDD $$) is the best recording of this work to appear since the Albanese &
Bjoerling, but theirs remains the best performance (RCA 60573 ADD M $). Callas,
who is spectacular in Act IV, is always a consideration (Angel 47392 ADD M $).
Tosca - The Callas, Di Stefano, Gobbi; de Sabata recording (EMI
56304 AAD M $$) is truly definitive. Nothing else even comes close. Every
reviewer in the world will agree.
Turandot - Nilsson & Corelli (Angel 69327 ADD $) engage in
the kind of "anything you can do I can do better" pig singing that made their
Met Turandot's historic. We may never hear their like again and their recording
is indispensable. Sutherland, Pavarotti & Caballé sing gorgeously and have
the best conductor (London 414274 ADD $$, Highlights London 421239 ADD $). I
have to have both. Also of interest is a live perfomance from San Francisco with
Caballé as Turandot with Pavarotti and Mitchell (GALA 100.534 ADD L ¢). The
Nilsson & Bjoerling recording is spoiled by excessive distortion and
Leinsdorf's lackluster conducting. None of the digital recordings come close.
The MET DVD with Marton & Domingo is not perfectly sung, but a spectacular
production.
Additional Puccini Considerations:
PURCELL
Dido and Anneas - Norman's recording is fine
(Philips 416299 DDD $$). At midprice, collectors will want the classic Flagstad
& Schwartzkopf recording (Angel 61006 ADD M $). If you insist on original
instruments with vibratoless voices, you'll want Emma Kirkby (Chandos 8306 DDD
$$) but its dull.
RAVEL
L'enfant et les Sortileges - The results of a
child's tantrum coming alive to haunt him is best performed by Previn (Angel
47169 DDD $$). The old Ansermet recording is also very good but available only
as part of a 2 disc set including L'herue espagnole and Debussy's Le Martyre de
Saint Sébastien (also very good performances in their own right) (Decca 433 400
ADD $). The ancient Bour perfomance is now available (Testament SBT 1044 M $),
and is incredible.
ROSSINI
Il Barbiere di Seville - No one has more fun than
Peters, Merrill & Corena, absolutely complete and beautifully remastered as
part of the Living Stereo Series at midprice (BMG 68552 ADD $). If you want a
mezzo-soprano Rosina, choose between the Marriner recording with Baltsa, Araiza
& Allen (Philips 411058 DDD $$; Highlights Philips 412266 DDD $$) or the
Bartoli & Nucci recording (London 425520 DDD $$). Gobbi & Callas have
cuts but lots of fun (Angel 47634 ADD $$). Marilyn Horne is a prime
consideration in any Rossini opera, but, unfortunately, although the cast of her
studio recording looks good, they just don't deliver. A major disapointment.
Historically - look for the 1943 Sayao, Pinza, Baccaloni MET broadcast.
La Cenerentola - The best choice is the Bartoli recording
(London 436 902 DDD $$).
L'Italiani in Algeri - Horne's recording of one of her best
roles, with Battle & Ramey, is now available at midprice (Erato 45404 AAD
$).
Additional Rossini Considerations:
SAINT SAENS
Samson et Dalila - The Rita Gorr, Vickers
recording has withstood any competition for over twenty five years (Angel 47895
ADD $$; highlights EMI 63935 ADD $). All of the newer recordings suffer from
Dalila troubles.
SMETANA
The Bartered Bride - The best recording is the
early 60's recording with Wunderlich & Lorengar in German (Angel 49279 ADD
$). If you want more modern sound and the original Czech, the Supraphon
recording is good (Supraphon C37 7309 DDD $$).
STRAUSS, JOHANN
Die Fledermaus - The Karajan "Gala" performance
includes guest solos (Sutherland, Tebaldi, Bjoerling, et al) in the party scene
that give it the edge (London 421046 ADD $$). At midprice, its Gueden, Patzak
& Dermota (London 425990 ADD M $).
STRAUSS, RICHARD
Ariadne auf Naxos - Remastering has taken all the
bloom off the sound of the Schwartzkopf, Seefreid, Streich recording (EMI 67156
ADD $), making Schwartzkopf sound whiter and drier than ever. Norman &
Gruberova; Masur (Philips 422084 DDD $$) are preferable. But for a truly great
perfomance - go cheap - Della Casa, Seefried, Güden, Schock; Böhm in 1954 (GALA
GL 100.513 L ¢). The MET DVD with Norman, Troyanos & Battle is a treasure!
Elektra - Nilsson, Rysanek, Resnik, Wächter, Windgassen; Böhm
live in Vienna in 1963 is a dream cast and the clear first choice (Legato SRO
833-2 L $$; in surprisingly good sound, includes the final scene of Salome sung
by both Nilsson and Rysanek). The Nilsson, Solti studio recording can't compare.
If you don't want the whole opera, the three major scenes were recorded by Inge
Borkh, with Reiner and the Chicago Symphony in its prime, on a newly remastered
RCA Living Stereo midprice disc that includes the Dance of the Seven Veils and
Finale from Salome (BMG 68635 ADD $).
Der Rosenkavalier - Remastering has made blatantly apparent the
previously hidden vocal flaws of the Schwartzkopf, Ludwig, Karajan recording
putting it out of the competition. Solti with Donath, Minton & Crespin are
very good (London 417493 ADD $$). Bernstein's recording with Ludwig, Jones &
Popp exudes a Viennese glow not approached by any other but suffers from
Octavian trouble (CBS 42564 AAD $$).
Salome - The Karajan, Behrens recording is truly frightening.
Behrens makes sounds as this sick teenager that will give you chills (EMI 67159
ADD $). Caballé & Milnes are very good (RCA 6644 ADD $). Nilsson is of
course Nilsson, but Behrens and Caballé display more of the teenager in Salome.
Additional Strauss Considerations:
STRAVINSKY
Oedipus Rex - The Moser, Norman; Davis recording
offers a great performance in wonderful sound (Orfeo 071831 DDD $$).
TCHAIKOVSKY
Eugene Onegin - The Freni, Levine recording (DG
423959 DDD $$) is more dramatic than the Solti recording (London 417413 ADD $$).
Note: Hopefully someone will reissue the Bolshoi recordings of Tchaikovsky's
operas soon.
VERDI
Special Note: - The RCA recordings from the
1950's, 60's and 70's are the best studio recordings of Verdi available. With
two exceptions, both because of unfeeling conductors (Caballé, Bergonzi &
Milnes - La Traviata and Price, Domingo & Milnes - Aida), you virtually
cannot go wrong by buying a recording of a Verdi opera on RCA. Most of these
treasures, previously available on the midprice Victor Opera Series, are
currently being remastered and reissued as part of either the Living Stereo or
Opera Treasury Series.
Aida - The most beautifully sung is surely the Caballé,
Cossotto, Domingo (Angel 47271 ADD $$; highlights Angel 69058 ADD $). The most
exciting is a live performance with Callas & del Monaco from Mexico City
(Melodram 26015 L $$). A happy medium can be obtained with Nilsson, Bumbry &
Corelli; Mehta (EMI 63229 ADD $). The classic Milanov, Bjoerling, Warren; Perlea
recording belongs in every collection and is available complete (RCA 6652 ADD M
$) or as highlights (RCA 60201 ADD M $). The MET DVD with Millo, Zajick &
Domingo is very good.
Un Ballo in Maschera - The 60's recording by Leontyne Price,
Verrett, Bergonzi & Merrill (RCA 6645 ADD $) is just wonderful. Also in the
running, Callas, Simionato, di Stefano & Bastianini at La Scala (Opera d'Oro
1145 ¢) and Arroyo, Domingo & Cappucilli (Angel 69576 ADD $).
Don Carlo - The Karajan recording of the four act version in
Italian with Freni, Baltsa, Carreras & Cappucilli is by the far the most
exciting studio recording (Angel 69304 ADD $). The best five act version, and the best sung, is
provided by Caballé, Verrett, Domingo & Milnes (EMI 67397 ADD $). The
original five act French version with Ricciarelli & Domingo is seriously
marred by flawed performances from both female leads and badly balanced sound
(DG 415316 DDD $$). But the ultimate Don Carlo - look for the April 22, 1972 Met Broadcast
with Caballe, Bumbry, Corelli, Milnes, Siepi, Plishka, von Stade & Amara -
absolutely legandary!
Ernani - Price & Bergonzi are wonderful, but Sereni is a
bore (RCA 6503 ADD $). The Cerquetti, Del Monaco, Bastianini, Christoff
performance from Florence is justly famous (Opera d'Oro 1287 ¢).
Falstaff - Bernstein's has a controversial Falstaff in Fischer
Dieskau but it brims full of life (CBS 42535 ADD $$). At midprice, Evans,
Merrill, Freni, Kraus; Solti recording is lots of fun (London 417168 ADD $) and
Toscanini's NBC broadcast is in a class of its own (RCA 60300 ADD M $).
La Forza del Destino - Leontyne Price owns this opera and you
can have her with Cossotto, Domingo & Milnes (RCA 39502 ADD $) or with
Verrett, Tucker & Merrill (RCA 4515 ADD $). Also to be considered, is the
1953 Maggio Musicale performance with Tebaldi, del Monaco & Siepi (Foyer 6
ADD $$). But the winner hands down is the 1958 Naples DVD with Tebaldi, Corelli,
Bastianini & Christoff (Hardy DVD HCD 4002), absolutely indispensable.
Luisa Miller - Either Moffo, Bergonzi & MacNeil (RCA 6646
ADD $) or Caballé, Pavarotti & Milnes (London 417420 $$) are wonderful. Both
of Domingo's recordings, with Ricciarelli (DG 423144 ADD $$) or Millo (Sony
48073 DDD $$) suffer from soprano problems. But the best is the 1968 MET
broadcast with Caballe, Tucker & Milnes.
MacBeth - Rysanek & Warren are wonderful (RCA 4516 ADD $).
Callas, originally scheduled for the Warren recording, must be heard live to be
appreciated (EMI 66447 AAD M $). Muti, Milnes and Cossotto offer a good version
(EMI 67128 ADD $). The Zampieri, Cappuccilli; Sinopoli version is good and has
the best sound (DG 412133 DDD $$).
Nabucco - Callas and Bechi are spectacular live in 1949
(Melodram 26029 AAD L $$). Of the more modern recordings, Suliotis & Gobbi;
Gardelli have a weak bass and a bad chorus (London 417407 ADD $$), Scotto &
Manuguerra; Muti depends on your reaction to Scotto well past her prime (EMI
47488 ADD $$); and Dimitrova & Cappuccilli; has Sinopoli over conducting in
the worst Karajan manner (DG 410512 DDD $$).
Otello - Three superb recordings, all on RCA. Scotto, Domingo
& Milnes with Levine (RCA 39501 ADD $), Rysanek, Vickers & Gobbi with
Serafin are almost as good newly remastered in Living Stereo (BMG 63180 ADD $)
and the classic Toscanini with Nelli, Vinay & Valdengo (RCA 60302 ADD M $).
But, the best Otello ever is Tebaldi, del Monaco & Warren at La Scala in
1954 (Melodram 270101 AAD L $$).
Rigoletto - Either of Alfredo Kraus's recordings (both
complete), with Scotto & Bastianini (Dischi Ricordi 205 AAD $$) or with
Moffo & Merrill (RCA 6506 ADD $) are gripping from beginning to end. The
Callas, Di Stefano & Gobbi recording has standard cuts but is highly
recommended (EMI 56327 AAD M $$). The Sutherland, Pavarotti & Milnes
recording is absolutely complete, impeccably sung and unbelievably dull (London
414269 ADD $$) and is more enjoyable in highlight form (London 458 239 ADD $).
Simon Boccanegra - Freni, Carreras & Cappucilli; Abbado are
just about perfect (DG 449752 ADD $). If you want the best, it's Rethberg,
Martinelli, Tibbet, Warren & Pinza in a 1939 Met Broadcast.
La Traviata - Moffo, Tucker & Merrill obviously adore this
work (RCA Living Stereo 68885 ADD $, standard cuts). Cotrubas, Domingo and
Milnes are almost complete and just about ideal (DG 415132 ADD $$). Sutherland
& Pavarotti are not at their vocal best but have the best sound (London
410154 DDD $$, complete). Callas, Di Stefano & Bastianini from La Scala
(Angel 63628 ADD L $) sear the heart but have mediocre sound.
Il Trovatore - Price, Cossotto, Domingo & Milnes clearly
lead a crowded field (RCA 39504 ADD $). Milanov, Bjoerling & Warren show why
they are legends, with standard cuts (RCA 6643 ADD M $; Highlights RCA ADD M $).
Also to be considered is the 1963 Vienna performance with Price, Simionato,
Corelli & Bastianini; Karajan (GALA 100.505 L ¢).
Additional Verdi Considerations: WAGNER
Der Fleigender Hollander - The old Rysanek &
London recording has been a favorite of mine for years (London 417319 ADD $).
The Met recording with Morris and Voigt is very good (SOny 66342 DDD $$). The
Bayreuth performance with Estes is an OK alternative (Philips 416300 DDD L $$).
Lohengrin - Kempe conducting Grummer, Ludwig, Fischer Dieskau
& Thomas is thrilling (on 3 mid-price discs) (EMI 67411 ADD $). The Norman
& Domingo; Solti recording is let down by weak protagonists and by requiring
a fourth disc (London 421053 DDD $$).
Die Meistersinger - Fischer Dieskau seems an unlikely Hans
Sachs but with Domingo's superb Walther this is a clear first choice (DG 415278
ADD $$). The best midprice is the Kempe with Grummer & Schock (EMI 64154 ADD
$).
Parsifal - The Knappertsbusch's 1962 Bayreuth performance with
Dalia, Thomas, Hotter & London is still the best after thirty years (Philips
416390 ADD L $$). Levine's is OK if you insist on a digital recording (DG 416842
DDD $$).
Der Ring der Niebelungen Tannhauser - Solti's recording with Dernesch & Kollo
(London 414581 ADD $$) is good as is the Studer & Domingo recording (DG
427625 DDD $$) but the 1962 Bayreuth recording with Silja, Windgassen &
Bumbry attains a higher electric energy (Philips 420122 ADD L $).
Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson & Windgassen live from
Bayreuth in 1966 with 1 act per disc is the best overall performance (now on DG
Originals - DG 449772 ADD L $). The 1933 Covent Garden performance has Flagstad
& Melchoir in their prime but the poor sound quality makes it the choice for
a second recording (Melodram 37029 AAD L $$) Flagstad and Melchour again in 1937
with Reiner (Naxos 8110068/70 ¢). The Behrens; Bernstein recording will be a top
choice once reissued on 4 discs.
WEBER
Der Freischutz - The old Keilberth recording with
Grummer and Schock is still better than anything since (EMI 69342 $).
The Philips early Verdi
Opera Series, long out of print, is making a reappearance. My personal
favorites:
Also to be considered:
(Das Rheingold, Die Walkure, Siegfried and
Götterdammerung) - The Solti Ring (London 455555 ADD $$) is available in
a big box of 15 discs for the price of 12 and is already available in Europe at
midprice. It's the best stereo version of the four operas and an easy first
choice. The 1950 Furtwangler Ring from La Scala with Flagstad is now available
for about $60 from Opera d'Oro (Opera d'Oro 1158 ¢). Gala does the same for the
Clemmons Krauss Ring (Gala 999791 ¢) The best of the DVD Rings is the Met
production with Behrens, Norman & Levine. The best Ring Highlights is from
Bayreuth in 1967 with Nilsson, Windgassen, Rysanek and Böhm (Philips Duo 454 020
ADD L ¢). The Leinsdorf recording of Die Walkure, with Nilsson, Gorr and
Vickers, has finally been reissued on Decca. All of the above should be
supplemented by Bruno Walter's Act 1 of Die Walkure with Lehman & Melchoir
(Angel 61020 ADD H $).
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