Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Richard Bonynge, English Chamber Orchestra :: Donizetti: L'Elisir d'Amore

Simply grand Donizetti!

Steven Keller | Fairview Heights, Illinois, USA | 05/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Decca performance of the Donizetti comic masterpiece L'Elisir d'amore is simply the best ever put on record. With the incomparable trio of Sutherland/Pavarotti/Bonynge at the peak of their careers, this performance of L'Elisir is one that you will turn to again and again -- sheer delight from the first moments of the overture to the grand finale. One has to admit that some of Pavarotti's later performances can be difficult to listen to because of the strain in the voice, but not a hint of strain mars his performance here. Sutherland breezes through the score like it is child's play and is so beautiful and focused. Some may carp that Bonynge has chosen a different cabaletta for Adina, but it is used for great effect in the joyous finale. The cabaletta, by the way was written by Charles de Beriot for his wife, Maria Malibran, and it is certainly a showstopper. The sound is well nigh perfect in this lovely re-mastering of the Decca original. If you can have only one L'Elisir, make it this one -- you will not be disappointed. Lovely all round."

Timeless Gem

D. Macnaughtan | Polmont, Stirlingshire Scotland | 01/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As we mourn the sad loss of the tenor of the 20th century (second half at least!) it is all the more gratifying to revisit his classic recordings - especially those with his "perfect" partner in Joan Sutherland. Perhaps this recording (and their Rigoletto with Sherill Milnes) were their ultimate legacies. Caught at the height of their prowess, the listener is simply swept along by so many arias and duets that seem to have been written for them. There may be other recordings with special moments or individual performances but this L'Elisir is the bench mark!"