Search - Donizetti, Scotto, Ramey :: Anna Bolena

Brilliant, youthful Ramey as the villainous Henry VIII

E. A. Lovitt | Gladwin, MI USA | 01/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Young Sam Ramey tears up the stage as the villainous Henry VIII, determined to rid himself of his second wife, Anna Bolena (Renato Scotto) and marry Giovanna Seymour (Susanne Marsee). At the time of this performance in 1975, Sam had only recently made his debut as Zuniga in "Carmen" at the New York City opera.



The part of the villainous king requires a powerful, flexible bass and Ramey delivers in spades. His fans will definitely want this live Philadelphia recording. His voice is excellent throughout.



Renata Scotto sings the doomed Anna Bolena, and has some very lyrical passages. However, her top notes sound pinched-off and shrill, and this nearly ruins her biggest moments, most especially her mad scene. It sounds like someone is butchering a hog off-stage, although I might be of the minority opinion here, as the audience is generous in its applause. What a shame. I'm very fond of Scotto and I think she could have salvaged this performance if she hadn't put so much pressure on those terminal screeches.



Giovanna Seymour is sung by Susanne Marsee and she is wonderful, offering glowing top notes and exciting coloratura throughout. Her duets with Ramey are the highlight of this two-CD set. They both sound young and in love.



Stanley Kolk does a yeoman job with the difficult tenor role of Lord Riccardo Percy. He has a light, pleasant tenor with a tightly controlled vibrato, and only the occasional pinched note at his top. Scotto tends to overpower him in their duets together, but not lamentably so.



Julius Rudel conducts the chorus and orchestra of the Philadelphia Opera in a precise, luminous performance of Donizetti's great bel canto opera.

"