Search - Verdi, Previtali :: Forza Del Destino (Complete)

A 'FORZA THAT REMINDS US OF GREAT MOMENTS

lesismore26 | Chicago, Illinois USA | 06/21/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For some reason, I have a great affection for this recording, although this affection has not always been shared. At the time of this recording's release, there were those critics who lamented Zinka Milanov's vocal decline, Leonard Warren's faults, as well as Giuseppe di Stefano's unsuitability for the tenor role in this opera. I dismiss most of this. Zinka Milanov, was in fact, 52 at the time of this recording, and may have lost a little of the steadiness she had a few years before, but very little else. The soaring and incomparable Milanov can still be heard with the "plush" and "spin" on her voice. She basically sounds no different than she does on her superb "Aida" recording done three years before.Donna Leonora was possibly her greatest role and her work here fully supports her reputation. Who, I wonder, could sing this music TODAY like Milanov does on this recording? The same might well be said about Leonard Warren, who, despite occasional scooping, and other mannerisms, displays here a full and sonorous baritone that no one today could approach. Giuseppe di Stefano was essentially a lyric tenor, and the role of Don Alvaro was a big stretch for him, but once into it, he brings a substantial voice, involvement, and real commitment to his work. Georgio Tozzi sings a very smooth Padre Guardiano and Rosiland Elias is a vocally rich sounding gypsy. Fernando Prevatali may not have been the most exciting conductor in the business of Italian opera, but he certainly wasn't the worst. He paces the beautiful score in a leisurely fashion, but goes for appropriate intensity at the most climatic points in the opera. Certainly not a first choice for "Forza" recordings (Leontyne Price on two RCA recordings, one with Tucker, the other with Domingo, are probably the best, and the EMI mono with Callas is certainly worth owning as well. But this recording has it's merits as well, and definitely deserves a place for the work of Milanov and Warren, who go a long way in conjuring up what one would have encoountered on a typical evening of "La Forza del Destino" at the Metropolitan in the 1950's."

A Wonderful Recording

Queen Margo | Arlington | 12/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite criticisms that both Milanov and di Stefano were past their prime when they made this recording, I enjoy every minute of it. Just listen to Zinka sing "La Vergine degli angeli." There is nothing I can think of that sounds more angelic. I get a little bored with Leonard Warren at times, but the overall cast sings and interacts as few other ensembles today. If you ever happen to find this recording, just grab it before someone else does."

Disappointing recording

Anton Smit | Italy | 08/03/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"When I saw the cast for this recording, I anticipated a winner. Not so.

The biggest flaw is the very poor conducting by Previtali- pedestrian, laboured, far too slow. He never gives any of the singers a chance. Milanov is in poor voice- sad, because Leonora was one of her most famous roles. She tends to 'scoop', and there is virtually no evidence of her famous legatos and pianissimos. Di Stefano, likewise, sounds very unhappy, and sings flat most of the time. He varies between shouting and crooning. Elias is good, but has an impossible task to create a vibrant Preziosilla with the laborious conducting. Tozzi (as Padre guardiano), Mantovani (as Melitone), and the chorus are fine as far as the conductor allows. Warren is in fine voice, and gives an excellent interpretation- a great Carlo. But the recording is fatally flawed by the conductor.

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