Search - Catalani, Giulini, Tebaldi :: La Wally

"You have honoured Catalani!"

Armindo | Greece | 05/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is doubtful if Catalani's most famous work will ever receive such a glorious production again. No wonder why La Scala was packed that evening.



The legendary Toscanini was initially supposed to conduct this performance and had demanded that he would do so provided that Renata Tebaldi, his favourite Wally, would sing the title role. Unfortunately Toscanini was unwell and could not undertake the task so Giulini was summoned with Toscanini and no less, Callas sitting in the audience. After the performance, Toscanini congratulated Renata Tebaldi by saying "You have honoured Alfredo Catalani tonight!".



The legend was right, Tebaldi's singing makes you believe La Wally is a masterpiece and not a rarely performed opera with a famous aria. She is in her glorious prime here. Sumptuous unmistakable voice and unique expressiveness. She sounds so natural in this role, as if it was written for her. THIS is the grand Italian spinto tradition we are still waiting for a soprano to carry on...



La Scala obviously wanted this to be an unforgettable evening for its audience; take a look at the rest of the cast: Del Monaco, Guelfi, Tozzi, Gardino, Luise and a young Renata Scotto at her Scala debut as Walter! They ALL shine and sing like GODS! These Italians show why the heart of opera beats in Italy! As if the cast wasn't enough, Guilini conducted the orchestra!



The Sonics leave much to be desired but sound is not so much the issue when you have the ULTIMATE RECORDING OF AN OPERA. If you prefer studio, Tebaldi's late recording with Del Monaco and Cappuccilli is good but never equals this early live testament."