Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jonel Perlea, San Carlo Theater Orchestra (Naples) :: Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro

Rare performance but come prepared!

Armindo | Greece | 03/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Opera buffs will be thrilled to see this rare recording being released and indeed to have these strong, powerful voices negotiating Mozart's light music is a big treat. Be prepared however because the sound leaves much to be desired and Acts II&IV are not complete. Though the sound is surprisingly clear most of the times, it sadly changes pitch too often during the arias. Once past this however, you'll listen to a rare performance of Mozart's most beautiful opera. All singers are Italian and this brings life to the recitatives and spices up the arias.



Renata Tebaldi, the obvious selling point of this Nozze isn't famous for her Contessa but perhaps it's time this changed. Her performance also proves how a massive voice, if used intelligently, can grace Mozart's music. Porgi amor is the sexiest I've ever heard and those light pianissimi left me speechless. The runs of Dove sono are not as smooth as others' but charming nonetheless. No wonder the audience erupts after it. On the whole a stunning performance full of nuances.



Excitingly enough, the show doesn't end with Tebaldi. Simionato's Cherubino is another gem. Though this singer was famous for her dramatic mezzo roles, I feel this sweet role suits her even more. Tajo and Colombo offer strong voices and more than enough nuances to keep the bubbles sparkling. Alda Noni is an old-fashioned soubrette but poses no significant harm to the pleasures of this performance. Perlea leads lightly and discreetly.



This isn't a recording for beginners of course and it won't replace the famous studio recordings but I will happily return to it for its many virtues.

"