Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, David Parry, Diana Montague :: Mozart: Idomeneo

A good introduction to a lesser-performed Mozart opera

Tom Lawrence | Cambridge, MA USA | 06/21/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Chandos extracts the essence of Mozart's Idomeneo and pares it down to two CDs, but there is still a lot of stand-and-deliver recitative and aria in this static opera. The first 30 minutes feature much hand wringing by the female voices. First is Ilia (Rebecca Evans), a Trojan princess held as prisoner in Crete. Next comes Idamante (Diana Montague singing the castrato setting), prince of Crete and in love with his prisoner. Then Electra (Susan Patterson) ranting that Ilia is making a move on her intended husband. Their voices are similar enough that it is hard to tell who is singing without the libretto.



When Idomeneo finally washes up on shore it is evident that this is Bruce Ford's show. Ford has a distinctive voice, simultaneously beefy and squally, but it is his interpretive skills that make him a top-rank singer. In a few short phrases he is able to convey the king's inner conflict; gratitude at his safe return to his native land but anguish at the cost of that return. He has made a pact with Neptune to sacrifice the first living being he encounters. Enter his son, Adamante.



I found disc two more satisfying than the first. It opens with the chorus singing "Calmly the sea is calling" in lush harmony. We get some lively scenes when Idamante confronts his estranged father. Diana Montague's finest moment is when Idamante yields himself to his sacrifice, like a lamb going knowingly and willingly to its own slaughter. Her singing has a heartbreaking serenity.



This Opera in English recording serves as a good study guide to a less frequently performed work. It would help the listener get inside the piece more easily before venturing into the 3-disc Italian versions. If you were interested primarily in hearing Bruce Ford's skill you would be better off getting either of his Chandos solo recital CDs."