Search - Puccini, Bastianini, Cordone :: Il Tabarro (Hamburg, 1955 Live)

Finally, the definitive version!

F. Barton | Newport, WA USA | 12/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Il Tabarro is performed here in Hamburg in 1955. We are just NOW getting to hear it. The GREAT Ettore Bastianini gives one of his truly great performances, giving the role it's only true interpretation. Outstanding cast as well. De Rosa handles the part with incredible ease, as does Puma. The conducting by Cordone, is sumptious, leading you on a journey from the very start and never lets up! Also the sound on this CD is tremendous! By the time you get to "Nulla!...Silenzio!", your blood will freeze. One of the most sinister and dramatic of ALL operatic arias, performed past perfection by Bastianini. The world will never hear his like again. I couldn't recommend this CD more. It has never turned up anywhere before. Grab it."

Great theater work.

D. J. Edwards | Cheshire, CT United States | 11/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bastianini was the baritone of his age and probably those to come. I think Warren was his only serious competiton for the number one position. Ironically they both died mid-career, Bastianini even at an earliler age. In perfomance, at least the relatively few we have on CD, he surrounded himself with great performers. His Gerard on Opera d'Oro's Andrea Chenier is one for the books. His Marcello on London with Tebaldi and Bergonzi is another treasure. His "Forza" Don Carlos with Corelli, Tebaldi and Christoff is perhaps the classic of them all. Does the previous reviewer know of other prforomances of his on CD? Please share if you do. Here he is masterful performance, frightful in his hate and deeply moving in his deep sadness and despair. Rosa and Puma certainly hold their own to make this a riveting theater experience. Grab it! Gems seem to have a short shelf life for some reason. For example I have never been able to find Bastianini's Rigoletto with Renata Scotto and I believe Alfredo Krauss as athe Duke. Have read that it is an oustanding recording.
Everyone deserves to have this "Tabarro" recording in their collection. Il Tabarro is a great verismo work and is sadly under performed and neglected. Bastianini's is a lush velvet voice, seemless from top to bottom with effortless production!"