Search - Vincenzo Bellini, Arrigo Boito, Alfredo Catalani :: Lebendige Vergangenheit: Gina Cigna

Fire And Passion

Raymond M Bercse | Lindenhurst, NY United States | 04/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gina Cigna was one of the century's most revered and celebrated dramatic soparano's of the Italian school of singing. Although she was born in Paris and taught by Emma Calve, it was when she arrived in Italy that she was coached by such luminaries as Rosina Storchio, Harclea Darclee (The first Tosca), and Giannina Russ. Cigna remarked that she learned about interpretation from these great singers. This recital on Preiser represents a generous output of Cigna's records. The earliest recordings are her Columbia's, 1930-1932, and latter records are Cetra, 1941.
In the Columbia recordings we here the voice at its most youthful. The voice is extemely rich and full throughout the entire range, and is offset by a tight fast vibrato that adds brilliance and shine. The voice seethes with fire and passion, and yet her mezza voce and piano singing are exquisite. Her highest notes have a great clarion power and clarity. The Cetra records reveal a darker voice without the fast vibrato, but still powerful high notes. Cigna covered a huge repertoire ranging from bel canto to the more modern Italian school. Her Casta Diva from 'Norma' has wonderful legato and a mesmerizing reading, while Suicidio from 'La Gioconda' is intense and dynamic. This recital displays the essence of great dramatic singing and committment to the text. Highly recommended."

Dynamic Singing

Raymond M. Bercse | 04/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the grand tradtion of the Italian dramatic soprano, Gina Cigna stands out as one of the most dominant exponents of the spinto and dramatic soprano repertoire. With Italian dramatic soprano's no longer in supply, we must listen to historic records of this rare voice type. Although Cigna was born in Paris and studied with Emma Calve, it was in Italy that she mastered the Italian style of singing. Such luminaries as Rosina Storchio, Harclea Darclee(The first Tosca) and Giannina Russ provided Cigna with great interpretive insight. This recital on Preiser with excellent transfers will give the listener an idea of what great dramatic singing constitutes. Cigna's earliest records on this disc are from 1930-1932 for Columbia. Her voice is in its most youthful and vibrant estate. The voice reveals a fullness and richness throughout its wide range and abetted by a tight fast vibrato which adds light and brilliance. The top notes are stentorian with clarion power. The Cetra's from 1941 show the voice without the earlier fast vibrato, darker in tone, but still powerful top notes. All in all, this is a great recital which I highly recommend."