Search - Pietro Mascagni, Armando La Rosa Parodi, Rome RAI Orchestra :: Mascagni: Guglielmo Ratcliff

William Ratcliff

John Kell | Victoria, BC, Canada | 12/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This opera was a modest success when it was first performed at La Scala on February 16, 1895, with the composer conducting. However, it has not fared well since, even though Mascagni always claimed that it was his personal favorite. It is a sprawling work, with a bloody plot (the hero kills the heroine, her father, then himself). The libretto is problematic in that there is little action, with most of the story unfolding via narrative. Nevertheless, the music is most enjoyable, and this recording from 1963 is an excellent one."

Early Mascagni verismo

ALFRED H. Harris | Prunedale, Ca. | 04/25/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not a recording for the hi-fi purist but pretty good sound for a 45 year old recording. I believe Mascagni wanted to present this opera for the Sonzogno prize but his wife famously replaced it with Cavalleria Rusticana. Subsequently Guglielmo Ratcliff had very modest success, it seems the opera public did not like the melodrama or the somewhat dated musical forms. Looking back over 100 years we can now appreciate some really beautful music for what it is. If you really want an evening of melodious music and pretty good "can-belto" singing this recording will warm your blood."