Search - Spontini :: Fernando Cortez

Fascinating, but frustrating....

B. Cathey | Wendell, NC United States | 04/16/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Arkadia originally issued this 1974 RAI-Turin radio broadcast of Spontini's rarely performed [one season at the MET in New York, a century ago!] opera FERNANDO CORTEZ back in 1994, in stereo, before European copyright laws tightened up and the company underwent reorganization, and most of its many, many recorded treasures left the catalogue. Previously, this performance had shown up on MRF Lps, with a deluxe Italian-English libretto and extensive notes. This edition appears to be a reprocessing of that earlier Arkadia issue (I think that the "new" Arkadia company is now also out of business). The sound quality on the older 1994 issue was decent enough. The singing was adequate, Angeles Gulin's Amazily fine, but no match for Renata Tebaldi's portrayal in the 1951 Naples performance (on Hardy Records, in so-so, but tolerable, wire transmission sound, alas). On the other hand, Bruno Prevedi's Fernando Cortez is suitably heroic and quite nicely done. His scene/aria "Voliam di gloria" is well done indeed, and certainly worth excerpting. The other cast members of note--Aldo Bottion, Luigi Roni, and Ivan Stefanov---are adequate, but their roles are better sung on the older (and dimmer) Hardy issue. Lovro von Matacic conducts well throughout.There is a newer studio recording of FERNANDO CORTEZ, on Accord, that did not get much notice in the USA. Sadly, that Bratislava production, is not particularly well sung, although the sound is good.So, although this Arkadia issue is now most likely out of stock or out of print, a worthwhile purchase nevertheless.

FERNANDO CORTEZ deserves a better fate than its poorly recorded history. Spontini's fabulous way with choruses and melody, his use of the varying vocal line, his integration of the Gluckian reforms and pastoral sweetness of Gretry with his own inspiration made possible later in the 19th century Berlioz (LES TROYENS), Meyerbeer (ROBERTO IL DIAVOLO and LE PROHETE), Wagner (RIENZI and TANNHAUSER), and later Verdi (AIDA) , and the Bellini (NORMA)---it's all there, in microcosm.Jane Eaglen is singing Giulia in LA VESTALE in England these days. Perhaps she might be interested in Amazily's role in FERNANDO CORTEZ?"