Search - Donizetti, Inbal, Ricciarelli :: Donizetti: Maria Di Rudenz / Inbal (1981)

Ricciarelli di Bel canto

Armindo | Greece | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maria di Rudenz is yet another rather rare bel canto opera that proves that these less neglected works are far superior to the modern rubbish composers write nowadays. Honestly, it makes one wonder why it's so difficult to write simple, beautiful melodies. Who cares if bel canto operas often included recycled material? I'd rather have that, than any modern opera and production! Enough said.



Hearing Katia Ricciarelli sing so beautifully on this '81 recording hurt me cause I thought of how many bel canto operas she could have graced with her gentle and involved singing in the 70s. By the early and mid 80s, when she realised her choices (Turandot, Aida etc) were wrong and started singing Rossini and Bellini works, it was unfortunately too late. The vocal damage was already made. This is why Maria di Rudenz is a unique opportunity to hear her at her considerable best. Appart from a couple stretched passagio phrases and top notes, everything else is still as great as it was in her prime. The gorgeous sound, the affective soft singing and the proud Italian manner make the young Katia one of my favourite sopranos.



The rest of the team is also superb. Nucci sings wonderfully and manages the florid singing very well. This recording made me appreciate this impressive baritone even more. Cupido has a very pleasant tenor voice (a bit like Canonici) but doesn't always manage the bel canto singing required here well. Some of the jumps sound quite amateurish but his stylish handling of the recitatives make you forgive him.



Maestro Inbal creates the right atmosphere and the performance delivers excitement and even more beauty. The sound is good, if not spacious enough.



A defenite pick for bel canto admirers!"