Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni: Santuzza - Elena Souliotis; Turiddu - Mario del Monaco; Alfio - Tito Gobbi with the Orchestra di Roma. Pagliacci by Leoncavallo: Canio (Pagliacci) - James McCracken; Nedda (Colombina) - Pilar Lorengar; Tonio (Taddeo) - Robert Merrill with the Orchestra dell'Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Roma.
M**.
Simply the best Cavalleria
Even if the "Pag" is not really a great one, this set is necessary for the "Cav", which is really incredible. It turns back to the short story which it comes from, where everybody betrays everybody, a story which is really a masterpiece. Nobody is sympathetic, even Santuzza, and this gives depth to the roles and to the opera itself. A story of sinners on Eastern day.Souliotis shows what a great sense of drama, almost hysterical, and a reserve of voice power can add to the interpretation of this two-faces role. Del Monaco finds here the role that was as written for him, he really is here the bad boy, but so sexy, taking all what he wants without respect for the others, and without thinking of consequenses. And the great, great Tito Gobbi is not the usual dullard cuckold, but what we can call a psychopath. All of them gives to us great moments of singing.Maestro Silvio Varviso shows all the wonders of this music, and never tries to erase the contrasts between the great moments (which are here really beautiful) and the "easy listening" of the choruses.
A**L
Outstanding
So alive, as were it recorded yesterday!
H**L
Five Stars
So and so
A**A
Five Stars
I am very satisfied
L**E
Five Stars
Perfect, thank you.
