Search - Arrigo Boito, Plácido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé :: Boito: Mefistofele / Treigle, Domingo, Caballé; Rudel

The Greatest Mefistofele Ever

J. R Selfe | Torrance, CA | 12/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every voice in this CD is wonderful. Montserrat has is wonderful and dignified, Placido is great and Norman Trigle is fantastic. Next to Verdi's Don Carlo with Caballe and Domingo, this is my favorite opera CD. I can't say enough about the pleasure this music gives me."

Fantastic

Good Stuff | 04/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are times when the force of will sweeps all before it.Such is the case with this recording of Boito's "Mefistofele". There is a reason why it is not part of the standard repertoire. Simply put, it is not a great opera. However, it is an opera that, given the right set of circumstances, IE: the right conductor, the right soloists in every part and, on stage, an imaginative production, can actually soar.Such was the case when New York City Opera decided to mount a production of it specifically to showcase the talents of its' formidable young bass, Norman Treigle. It was a triumph all too seldom experienced in the opera house.This recording is not a document of that production (which was repeated for several seasons). However, it owes its' genesis to that legendary production. Reunited here are maestro Julius Rudel and the great Treigle. Joining them are none less than Montserrat Caballe and Placido Domingo, both in their glorious prime. The recorded sound, always good on LP, here is a revelation. It demonstrates yet again just how very good the analog format had become. It stands today with the very best.Although he relished his years with New York City Opera, Treigle was eager to see his career grow. He eventually left New York City Opera and pursued his career in other venues, which led him to Europe.He made his long anticipated debut at Covent Garden as another Mephisto, this one Gounod's. He had actually lobbied for a new production of "Mefistofele" to be mounted for him, but the company was not interested in the expense involved merely to showcase an "unproven" American singer. So Gounod's Faust, which Treigle had sung countless times, it was. It is said he was bitterly disappointed in virtually all facets of the production, as well as what he found to be unprofessional, disinterested and even lazy management. The reviews of this production upon which he had put so much hope were in general, and, amazingly, for Treigle in particular, dismal.A quiet and sensitive man, Treigle was devastated.The rest, as they say, is history. A few days later he was found dead in his London hotel room of an apparent overdose of sleeping pills.He was only 48 years old.This recording is a fitting memorial."

Norman Triegle is superb!

Steven Muni | Sutter Creek, CA USA | 07/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although Boito's Mefistofele has some wonderful music in it, it really neads a strong cast--particularly in the title role--to make it work. The opera fades from view, only to be periodically rediscovered from time to time when an opera company wants to show off a stellar bass-baritone. Today, Samuel Ramey is the most famous interpreter of the role, and deservedly so.

But in the 1960s and early 70s, American bass-baritone Norman Triegle simply blew audiences away with his performance--and listening to this recording, one can see why. A stalwart of the New York City Opera, Triegle, like Beverly Sills, endured the enmity of Rudolph Bing, so did not sing at the Met. But what a voice! Although criticized for some histrionics in his singing, in this role Triegle is by turns urbane, sarcastic, terrifying and even sexy. His death at the height of his career was a great lost to opera.

And the rest of the cast members are no slouch either. Placido Domingo was 32 when this recording was made in 1973, and his singing is as ardent and thrilling as ever. Montserrat Caballe is also in glorious voice. Even the small role of Wagner was sung by the young Thomas Allen, now one of the great British baritones.

Another wonderful surprise is the chorus, which is masterfully held together by conductor Julius Rudel, who also guides the London Symphony Orchestra through Boito's lush score with a masterful hand. The sound quality is excellent.

This recording is simply a must-have for any collection.

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