What opera have you been listening to, lately?

**MAuer** · August 7th, 2020, 11:52 AM

Conductor/orchestra: Lamberto Gardelli, Munich Radio Orchestra
Bavarian Broadcasting Chorus
Cast: Ileana Cotrubas (Alzira), Francisco Araiza (Zamoro), Renato Bruson (Gusmano), Jan-Hendrik Rootering (Alvaro), Daniel Bonilla (Ataliba), Sofia Lis (Zuma), Donald George (Ovando), Alexandre Ionitza (Otumbo)

Another recording of an early Verdi opera I hadn't listened to in quite some time. I found the LP set while "treasure hunting" in a record store during one of my visits to Germany back in the '80s.

**Florestan** · August 7th, 2020, 05:05 PM

Alas, the sound is pretty compromised on this but a nice performance otherwise. Would think it would be better for 1951?
Sound clips here: https://www.allmusic.com/album/la-so...a-mw0001415179

**MAuer** · August 8th, 2020, 11:34 AM

Conductor/orchestra: Jesús López-Cobos, Frankfurt Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Cast: Giorgio Lamberti (Corrado), Katia Ricciarelli (Medora), Renato Bruson (Seid), Angeles Gulin (Gulnara), Guido Fabbris (Selimo), Maurizio Mazzieri (Giovanni)

Still listening to early Verdi. No attempt was made to remove audience noise -- loud applause and some shouted "bravos" -- before this live recording was released (well, it is on a budget label). The sound quality is still very acceptable, and the cast is outstanding.

**Florestan** · August 8th, 2020, 10:49 PM

Going through my Sutherland Sonnambulas i have this to say. First, the 1980 recording with Pavarotti. Many say that Sutherland was losing some of her vocal capabilities by 1980, but my ear cannot discern it. However, the recording, though in good sound, does not excite me and I think the biggest problem is that I just don't care for Pavarotti. Never have, and probably never will.

**Florestan** · August 8th, 2020, 10:54 PM

Then I turned to my other four Sutherland Sonnambulas which in order pasted below are 1963, 1962, 1961, and 1960. All of these are very good. The first set (1963 in green velvet) is in an LP sized box and booklet with two jewel cases of CDs. I have not been fond of Sutherland, but all these early 1960s recordings are giving me a new appreciation for her.

Since it is not on the cover, here is the cast for the green 1963 MET set:
Conductor – Silvio Varviso
Bass-Baritone Vocals – Ezio Flagello
Soprano Vocals – Joan Sutherland
Tenor Vocals – Nicolai Gedda

**Florestan** · August 9th, 2020, 04:22 AM

This one is very good:

This one is lacking something, seems rather lifeless. Amina does weep briefly during Ah non credea mirarti, which is something I don't recall having heard on any other recording.

**Florestan** · August 10th, 2020, 04:50 AM

All these are good performances IMO. First set below (1972) is ruined by incessant coughing, sometimes louder than the music.

And 1961:

**Florestan** · August 10th, 2020, 04:56 AM

I just can't seem to really like this recording:

Here I only like the tenor:

This one needs another spin before I can really tell if I like it:

**Florestan** · August 13th, 2020, 10:05 PM

**Florestan** · August 13th, 2020, 10:07 PM

**Florestan** · August 14th, 2020, 08:49 PM

**Florestan** · August 20th, 2020, 01:51 AM

**Florestan** · August 21st, 2020, 01:05 AM

**MAuer** · August 21st, 2020, 11:43 AM

Conductor/orchestra: Karl Böhm, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Vienna State Opera Chorus
Cast: Sherrill Milnes (Don Giovanni), Walter Berry (Leporello), Anna Tomowa-Sintow (Donna Anna), Teresa Zylis-Gara (Donna Elvira), Peter Schreier (Don Ottavio), Edith Mathis (Zerlina), Dale Dasing (Masetto), John Macurdy (Commendatore)

In the mood for some Mozart . . . and some Milnes.