Search - Puccini, Fabritiis, Rome Opera Chorus & Orch. :: Madame Butterfly

Toti dal Monte IS Butterfly

D. Buck | Alabama | 12/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you see a picture of Ms. dal Monte, imposing at her 300+ pounds, and mature at her almost 50 years when she made this recording, you think it impossible to create the illusion of a 15 year-old geisha, naively embarking on an impossible marriage. But if you listen, that is exactly what she does. In the first act she is all nervous teenager, giggles and all. Some cynical people find it embarassing; I find her portrayal right on target and very effective. It is in the second and third acts, however, that Ms. dal Monte really starts proving what great singers can accomplish. Listen especially to the confrontation with Pinkerton, or to her recognition of Kate as Pinkerton's "real" wife, and you hear greatness. Of course, Ms. dal Monte had a first-rate cast, orchestra and conductor, to "help out." Gigli is pefectly cast as the shallow, egotistical Pinkerton. Do you hear remorse in his voice at the end? I don't, but who cares, it is glorious singing. Many reviews can be found on amazon.com for the Callas/Gedda recording, also remarkable, but the dal Monte/Gigli paring has just as much to offer. I was surprised to find no reviews at all for a very deserving recording."