A truly great opera!!
mrzee256 | 10/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Saint-Saëns most famous opera is truly brought to life in this recording. From Delilah's Aria in the opening of Act II, to the finalé, and of course, "The Bacchanale". This is an awesome opera, awesome orchestra, awesome CD."
More than good enough
mrzee256 | Long Beach, New York United States | 03/13/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This "opera" is really an oratorio. The characters do no more than stand around and sing, even the famous hair cutting is done off-stage. Here the two name characters are American--Verrett is at the top of her form and sings all of Dalila's music sensuously and with wonderful tone. This was long before Cassily was dumb enough to undertake Tannhauser for the Met, and he too sounds very good. If, in the end, this is not a totally satisfying performance, it is lacking because the opera itself is static and offers only fleeting moments of real satisfaction. Worth having for Verrett and Cassily singing so well, but my regret is that M. San-Saens didn't reworkd the whole thing and try to juice this opera up a little."