Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Eve Queler, New York City Opera Orchestra :: Donizetti: La Favorita

Wonderful Donizetti Classic

Steven Muni | Sutter Creek, CA USA | 04/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This opera, premiered in France as La Favorite in 1840, a year after La Fille du Regiment, was not initially a tremendous success. It was performed in Italy two years later, and even though it is once again being performed in the original French, (there is a wonderful recording of it in French with Vesselina Kasarova and Ramon Vargas), the opera is better known in its Italian version of La Favorita.



Set in Spain around 1340, Fernando, a novice, has decided to leave the monastery as he has fallen in love with Leonora, not realizing that she is the mistress ("The Favorite" of the title) of the king, Alfonso XI. Leonora obtains a military commision for Fernando, and he is sent away as an officer of the king. Meanwhile, the Father Superior of the Monastery gives King Alfonso an ultimatum that he must renounce his mistress or be excommunicated. Fernando returns in triumph from his military assignment to claim Leonora as his wife. King Alfonso has no choice but to consent. But towards the end of the marriage ceremony, Fernando learns about Leonora's past and stops the wedding and, miserable and disillusioned, returns to the monastery. By now mortally ill, Leonora gets into the monastery, meets Fernando, and pours out her heart to Fernando. He forgives her and she dies in his arms.



Many critics consider the original French version to be the superior drama, as it explores the relationship between secular and spiritual love in ways that Italian censors did not allow. However, in neither version has the opera received the acclaim it merits--perhaps because the leading female role is assigned to a mezzo and not a soprano.



This is a 1975 concert version conducted by Eve Queler, with the Orchestra of the New York City Opera and the Brooklyn College Chorus and an absolute dream cast. As Leonora, mezzo Shirley Verrett (before she went up to soprano) just shines with a richness of tone and dramatic conviction that has to be heard to be believed.



And as good as she is, the show is almost stolen by her Fernando, the badly under-recorded Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus. Although in his late 40s, his voice has the freshness and suppleness of a man 20 years younger, and his elegant styling and phrasing are in full evidence. As Alfonso XI, Puerto Rican baritone Pablo Elvira (whom Placido Domingo once called "the best baritone in the world") gives a vivid performance with tremendous dramatic force and ringing (baritone) top notes.



And the small roles are also luxuriously cast. As the Father Superior, 28 year old James Morris shows the richness of voice that will become his hallmark as one of the world's great Wagnerian baritones. And as Ines, Leonora's confidante, 27 year old Barbara Hendricks has all the elegance and silvery sheen that her voice is known for.



Queler paces the New York City Opera Orchestra with her usual elegance and refinement, and the Brooklyn College Chorus does just fine.



There's more good news on the sound quality. This is a GALA recording, and their sound quality is very hit or miss. But this is a recent release and the sound quality is just fine. The audience is non-obtrusive although extremely appreciative. And although there is no libretto, the booklet is remarkably thorough and well written for GALA. This belongs in every opera collection, and at this price, why not!"

PERFECTION ON RECORD

Alfredo R. Villanueva | New York, NY United States | 07/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot listen to this recording without tears in my eyes. For I was there, in the audience the night of this performance. Eve Queler had assembled one the strongest multiracial/cultural casts ever to grace a stage: two Afro American sopranos, a Spanish tenor and a Puerto Rican baritone, all at their absolute prime, giving their absolute all. I did follow Verrett into her Favoritas at the Met., also with Kraus, and I must say they failed to capture the total radiance of this magic first night. This recording is a must in every collection."

Most Excellent Recording

Ravyn Mohlmann | Alexandria VA | 07/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First this short and meant only supplement the most excellent review by Mr. Muni. I can agree with everything he says, and would not have been so eloquent in expressing myself.



I found the audience, though not intrusive, certainly well "mic'ed". I felt as though they'd bought a seat for one of the microphones. However, their appreciation is certainly justified, and the quality of sound for a live recording is excellent.



Which brings us to another point, for a live vs. studio recording, the quality of the singing from start to finish is exquisite. No voice lagging at the beginning while they warm up, no intonation problems. Just top quality world class singing.



Two things that impressed me: the diction of the entire cast. One could understand virtually every word. (Well, at least hear them if you don't speak Italian.) The second was the chorus. Their diction was as clear as the soloists. Their sound as smooth as warm honey. Their entrances crisp.



As much as I enjoy having multiple copies of many operas, I am in no rush to find another Favorita. I believe this one will remain mine."