Get the 'Originals' reissue
Powell Mckee | USA | 08/26/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Classic 'Barber' but when I compared this one with the DG 'Originals' I gave this one to the used book store.
Sonics are alot better, whatever they did between this pressing & the new reissue (ASIN B000006NXT) has done alot to clean up the sound."
Excellent Barbiere!
Alfonso G. Uribe | Gaithersburg, MD USA | 11/22/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The only other review of this recording, the one by MacKee, is not a great service for people looking for info about possibly buying this set. He reviews only one aspect of it (sonics). Putting that aside, this recording is one of the best available and the reasons are: 1st. It has an ensemble that was excellent at the time (or at any time, if I may add: Berganza is a mezzo d'agilità, exactly what is needed for Rosina. Embellishments are only the written ones, but she signs them with striking accuracy. Alva was recording his third Almaviva, and although his sound is way too mature, it is a pleasure to hear all the written coloratura sung so well. Prey exudes youth and after his first recording in German, now he sings it in very good Italian. Montarsolo a very funny Basilio, and Dara a robust Bartolo (without all the excesses that would, eventually, characterize his portrait of the Dr.). Only one part missing: Cessa de piu resistere for Almaviva at the end. Probably Alva was not feeling that he could do well that extraordinarily difficult aria.
2nd. It was following the edition by Zedda, that has become the standard ever since.
3rd. It uses the entire Sterbini/Rossini recitatives.
4th. Abbado
If you are hesitating, stop, and purchase it.
Alfonso Uribe"