Search - Verdi, Domingo, Callas :: Centennial Tribute: Arias

Great compilation of (mainly) live performances

Armindo | Greece | 03/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoyed this affordable 3disc set of Verdi moments. Most extracts are from live performances and the sound quality is surprisingly good, save for the Un Ballo in Maschera moment, where the voices are a bit distant. AIDA is probably the opera that is best represented here. The young Tebaldi and Corelli are electrifying (both studio recordings)! On the other hand, who can resist Scotto and Carreras in Il Lombardi and Traviata? Callas and Price in Trovatore? You also get to hear the heroic Del Monaco in his favourite role, Otello (with a fan shouting "merci!" in the end of the aria). The popular Pavarotti in Luisa Miller drives the audience crazy with his spectacular high notes! A personal favourite is Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene with Sylvia Sass giving a shocking performance, probably the only soprano who can be compared to Callas in the same role. These are just some of the stars you'll hear here. There must be a mistake, by the way. It is stated that Gedda sings Germont, which is impossible of course. It sounds like R. Merrill but I'm not sure. Finally, B. Gigli is simply BREATHTAKING. From the later generations, the only tenor who reached his level and is unfortunately not heard here is Carlo Bergonzi. I find this unacceptable since Bergonzi is one of the finest (Verdi) tenors ever. Even though no texts (or anything else) are provided, just track listings, I highly recommend this set. No one should hesitate!"