Search - Gioacchino Rossini, Monti, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni :: Rossini: Il Barbiere Di Siviglia (The Barber Of Seville) / de los Angeles

Recorded in 1952, long before what is now known as the Rossini revival, this set presents problems to the record-buyer. Serafin's tempi are far slower than anything we hear nowadays, but he still manages to keep things moving, and the action and wit clean. But his wit is almost overpowered by the longshoreman-like Figaro of the too-exciting, out-of-his-league-in-Rossini Gino Bechi; Nicola Monti as Almaviva/Lindoro is messy in the fast passages and afraid of heights, but his sound is engaging and he's an endearing vocal presence. Rossi-Lemeni is a vivid Basilio; Melchiorre Luise isn't as annoying as most other recorded Bartolos. The decision to buy this set, therefore, will lie with whether or not one wants to hear Victoria de los Angeles as Rosina. A soprano with a shortish top, she sings the role in the written mezzo keys (with an occasional high note bonus thrown in), and she is one of a kind. Clearly incapable of vulgarity, making an ungainly sound, or behaving stupidly, she's a delight throughout, her unique pearly tone always focused and beautiful. There are at least a half-dozen better, more complete, eventually more satisfying Barbers available, but there's only one de los Angeles. --Robert Levine