Search - Bizet, Besanzoni, Sabajno :: Carmen

A singular Carmen: Gabriella Besanzoni

Gustavo Demarco | Buenos Aires | 06/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The list of negative aspects of this recordings is much longer than the positive. This 1931 recording of a paradigmatic French opera is sung in Italian, as was the use in Italian theaters by those years. In addition, the interpretarion is verist and melodramatic. An excellent conductor as Sabajno renders a rutinary reading of Carmen. Piero Pauli sings Don Jose as if he were singing 'Cavalleria Rusticana'. The baritone Ernesto Besanzoni sings awfully (this seems to be his only recording; it was not enough to be Gabriella's brother to succeed). Why, then, 4 stars for this recording?. Because the positive greatly counterbalance all the negative: First, the sound is very good for the time. Second (more important): Maria Carbone's Micaela is probably one of the finest recordings of this irregular soprano. Third (most important): The singular interpretarion of contralto Gabriella Besanzoni in this extremely rare full recording of what was probably her most important role. Who was the greatest Carmen on records may be a matter of discussion and personal preferences, but Besanzoni's exceptional dark voiced Carmen will be unforgettable for all those who go through the experience of hearing her. To summarize: This recording is a must for all those who want to have a full spectrum of how Carmen may be sung. Stay attached to the great Gabriella Besanzoni and forget about all the negative aspects. Get a copy of this recording as soon as it is available again!!"