Search - Gioachino Rossini, Bruno Aprea, Sara Mingardo :: Rossini - La Pietra del Paragone / Mingardo, Matteuzzi, Spagnoli, Fradilha, Aprea, Festival della Valle d'Itria

Enchanting

Bartolo | New York City, New York USA | 02/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the rare moments in recorded opera when outstanding musicians and singers create a perfect synthesis that transcends any one's individual abilities. All four principals are in wonderful voice, the direction is exuberant without being overblown, the ensemble singing is particularly wonderful. This is a live performance, so there are coughs, footfalls, and of course the sound of applause, but the setting (at the Martina Franca Festival) feels intimate and warm and you feel you're there. My previous favorite Rossini was the Abbado/Baltsa "Italiana in Algeri" but this may replace it. The names here aren't superstars but no matter--the production glows."