Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mozart: Idomeneo

Idome-irritating

Christopher | Buffalo, N.Y. | 02/08/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Cough... Cough, cough. For ten bucks, this disk isn't horrible, and if you are like me - someone new to opera and is looking for reasonably priced music just to find out what all the hubbub is about - I would less than heartily recommend this title. On the other hand, if you have the forty bucks for a better recording, SPEND THE MONEY. The noise in the theater is distracting, there is an occasional humming during the first act that is low but audible, and the singing often sounds like it is coming from the garage next to the theater. As for the opera, I loved it, though did not understand it because this disk does not come with the libretto. I'm saving my money on these cheapies next time by simply passing them by."

This recording is a treasure to own

Rod Tierman | 05/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can tell you why you should own this recording in just two words......LUCIANO PAVAROTTI. This is a time when the great tenor was singing his absolute most beautiful. No doubt Pavarotti's singing on this recording is MAGNIFICENT (and he sings the "secondary" role of Idamante, NOT Idomeneo as he later did). I happen to also prefer Idamante sung by a Tenor rather than a Mezzo-soprano. Also as a bonus one gets to hear another great Tenor voice on this recording, Sir Richard Lewis. Lewis sings very well here, for the most part, though he does have a problem at the end of his aria "Fuor del Mar", cracking while attempting the High C he did so magnificently on the EMI recording. Gundula Janowitz sings very well on this recording also. Pritchard's tempos on this performance are very good. I love this recording. I do not necessarily recommend this for your ONLY recording of this great, often underappreciated Mozart opera, but for a glimpse at one of the true vocal giants yet in his fomative years, this set can not be beat. Sure there are "auditorium noises", but I feel that is a small price to pay to get a glimpse of history in the making and at such a bargain price. Treat yourself and buy this recording. Believe me, it's a true treasure!"