Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Jesús López-Cobos, New Philharmonia Orchestra :: Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor

Carreras is the BEST Edgardo on record!

Scott Jelsey | Houston, TX United States | 06/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Carreras is at his absolute peak here - this is the most impassioned, vocally splendid Edgardo ever recorded IMO. His last act aria, sometimes an anti-climax in other performances, is a real show-stopper here. A must have recording for Carreras fans, or anyone interested in stylish bel canto tenor singing. Caballe is in generally fine voice, but this role is not quite right for her somehow. The mad scene is taken up a whole tone, and performed "a scritto" with no interpolated high notes. The result is interesting - the higher keys evoking the very icy sound of madness, perhaps. Some of the high C's should have been sung more pianissimo - the forte singing (surprising for Caballe)can sound forced at times. Ramey is in early powerful voice and is one of the sets biggest strengths. A must have for Carreras fans, in spite of the unusual interpretation by Caballe."

I like it.

GNM | 02/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This really makes you understand how pathetic songbird Lucia-s are. A very dramatic Lucia, com'e scritto, no ultra-high notes, the composer's intentions evident and wonderfully transferred. One of my favourite mad scenes, allong with Callas' version. Strained C-s by Caballe, which strangely blend wonderfully into the context of the music. One of the best moments of this disc is Caballe singing "Ohime!...Sorge il tremendo fantasma...". Tell me she isn't dramatic. And I'll explain it to you.

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