Search - George Frideric Handel, Charles Farncombe, Philomusica Orchestra & Chandos Choir :: Handel: Rodelinda

Avoid at all costs

COOLEY WINDSOR | 01/16/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"A historical recording it may be, but impossible to listen to. It sounds as if recorded on a home reel- reel tape recorder, complete with variable tape speed.I felt physically ill after listening to it because of the technical problems, the only dud I've bought frm Amazon"

This is a live recording from June 1959

COOLEY WINDSOR | SAN FRANCISCO, CA USA | 11/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"and the sound quality is not perfect, but the problem is principally in the orchestral sound, not so much the vocal. In fact, the voices are bright, upfront, close, and wonderfully audible. For listeners interested in embellishments, alternates, cadenzas, and trills, these singers--Joan Sutherland, Janet Baker, Margreta Elkins, Patricia Kern, Raymond Herincx, and Alfred Hallett--do not disappoint. The overture on this version may make my hair stand on end because the recording speed renders it out of tune, but this RODELINDA gets 5 stars from me because the singing is wonderfully true and dramatic and moving. If you've heard the excerpts of RODELINDA that are included in the Opera D'Oro recital album AN EVENING WITH JOAN SUTHERLAND, those are from this recording. This RODELINDA is sung in English, and wait until you hear Joan Sutherland's crisp articulation and ardor in the recitative. Not to mention that Janet Baker is here, as always, a revelation."

Listenable, pleasant recording

COOLEY WINDSOR | 12/07/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this recording quite pleasant and listenable, especially for the contribution of Janet Baker. The sound quality is not great, but it is about average for "live" recordings from the 1950's. I am glad to have the recording, and I think that it is well worth the low price."