Search - Mattia Battistini, Jules Massenet, Filippo Marchetti :: Lebendige Vergangenheit: Mattia Battistini, Vol. 2

I absolutely LOVE Battistini!

Impostazione | New York City Area | 11/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set captures the last years of Battistini's life in spectacular voice. He is still able to hurl out a coloratura line like no other, and he can be a roaring lion too! What superb pianissimos and legato, powerful chest tones, and diction. I have listened to this set over and over for I truly believe that Battistini is one of the great Baritones ever. It is the sheer amazement of his dynamic vocalism that I seek in him, and Preiser again has done the finest job in remastering.



I like a few baritones, like Stracciari, whose tones are like rich black pearls and diamonds unmatched by any recorded baritone before of since, and I like that blood red ruby toned growl of Granforte when he is not forcing. Milnes can surprise with superb and huge tone, but no other baritone gives me the sheer pleasure than the mastery of Battistini, and though Stracciari still will never be second to anyone, for sheer joy I will always choose Battistini. His "Bel Sogno Beato" is my desert island baritone aria (its not on this set).



The low notes never came and the style can be odd."