Search - Verdi, Domingo, Gardelli :: I Lombardi

Masterly production

John Cragg | Delta(greater Vancouver), B.C Canada | 02/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I lombardi. being early Verdi, is (almost of course) rum-tum-tum Verdi and also big chorus Verdi. Gardelli succeeds in keeping the run-tum-tum to a minimum and the Ambrosian Singers come through with some magnificent singing. To complement these attributes, the soloists are in fine fettle. Cristina Deutekom is not your standard soprano, but she captures the role with a fierce intensity that makes it her own. I, for one, very much like the outcome. While Domingo may not have had the best voice for the role, as always his intelligent musicality, even this early in his career, shines through. Raimondi is more than adequate. I have enjoyed listening to this production on numerous occasions and recommend it highly."

Bel Canto Verdi?

Robert B. | Midwest USA | 09/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes. It is sometimes easy to forget Verdi began in this era, and composed more opera in this style than any other. These operas are always beautiful, if not dramatically concise. But to the real reason to admire this performance: Cristina Deutekom. Evidently not to everyone's taste judging from feedback I received from an online forum, but, to my ears, one of the most beautiful and fluid voices I ever heard. Here, she is in top form, her tone and enunciation to be envied. It is also great to hear a young Domingo. If only Samuel Ramey had been an entity then. Able, if not distinctly personal, conducting."