Philip S. Griffey | Bainbridge I. WA USA | 02/11/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Figaro: Five Stars
I believe that this recording of Figaro from the 1955 festival at Aix en Provence and the 1956 Figaro conducted by Eric Kleiber, Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro, are the two greatest recordings of this great opera. This recording has the finest singing, but lacks the great spirit and feeling of ensemble which Kleiber and his cast bring to their recording.
Rita Streich (1920-1987) may not add any sense of personality to the role of Susanna beyond what the music bestows, but her singing is impeccable. Her bright voice, crystal clear diction and pert, sprightly manner are perfect for the spirited and perceptive maid.
Rolando Panerai (1924- ), although lacking the rich bass-baritone voices of Siepi and Pinza, shows that a lighter, higher Figaro can still be dramatic and entertaining. He had a warm, pleasant voice and a very idiomatic and nuanced manner.
The 28 year old Teresa Stich-Randall (1927-2007) did not yet have the experience to portray the emotional range of the Countess; but (once again) the singing is impeccable - especially in the ensembles and the recitatives.
Heinz Rehfuss (1917-1988), the oldest of the major singers at 38 years of age, sings one of the best Counts on record. J. B. Steane (in his magisterial book on Opera Singers, The Grand Tradition) calls Rehfuss "A singer of outstanding musicianship...always a pleasure to listen to" - "His recitatives are an object-lesson, intelligently enunciated, beautifully rounded." - "a beautiful voice, trained to sing beautifully, and a brain and a heart to guide it."
Pilar Lorengar (1928-1996), making her debut in international opera with this performance, was especially charming and stylish - aptly capturing the character of the young and impulsive page.
All of the lesser roles are sung in an exemplary manner; especially notable is the Don Basilio of Hughes Cuenod, who (according to Wikipedia) was born June 26, 1902, made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1987, aged 84, singing the Emperor in Turandot, and, at the age of 107, resides with his life partner, Alfred Augustin, in the Vaud region of Switzerland, in the Château de Lully, an 18th-century castle that belonged to his ancestors.
Don Giovanni: Two Stars
Unfortunately, the accompanying Don Giovanni is as lacking in felicities as the Figaro is full of them. The conducting is relaxed and totally lacking in drama. The Giovanni, Leporello and Masetto are all competent but generic. Stich-Randall is completely over-parted as Donna Ana and Suzanne Danco also lacks the vocal heft for Elvira. The young Moffo disappoints as Zerlina. Suprisingly, Nicolai Gedda sings an exceptionally good Don Ottavio.
The audio on both recordings is what one would expect for 1955.
If you admire Figaro, you should definitely get a recording of this performance Mozart: Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro. Pass on the Giovanni.
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1
