Search - Donizetti, Capsir, Lomanto :: Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (Selections) / Molajoli 1933

Peek into the "Golden Age"

Charles Weinstein | Austin, TX USA | 08/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD Restoration of a very fine 1933 recording made originally for EMI's "English Columbia" label brings together somer great singers of the period in excellent voice. Mercedes Caspir is the very fine Lucia". She had a beauutifully flexible, light soprano instrument. Also check her out on the Arkadia issue of the classic rendition of Verdi's Rigoletto with Ricardo Straciarri made a few years earlier with the same orchestra and conductor. This recording is also avaiable from AmazonThe other singers, mostly male, are all very good to excellent. The ensembles are good. The only reason I held back the fifth star is due to the distant sound of the orchestra and chorus as you would expect from a recording made in 1933. The singers however come through quite well; the ear quicky adjusts to the constricted sound and focuses on the voices.This opera rises or falls on the "Lucia" and it is certainly well worth the price just to hear Caspir's "Lucia". She was an excellent singer who did not record much...Don't miss this opportunity to hear her."

A historical gem

Anthony Louis | USA | 11/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Who would have thought a 1933 recording could sound this good? The performance is first rate, and my only regret is that this is a "highlights" CD. I wish the entire performance were available."