Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Vittorio Gui, San Carlo Theater Orchestra (Naples) :: Verdi: Nabucco

Stupendous singing from Callas

M Souza | San Francisco, CA USA | 01/18/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Though dim-sounding, this recording contains the only instance of Callas singing Abigaille. This is 1949, the radio sound very primitive, but if you can ignore that, you will be rewarded with the definitive and brilliant realization of this difficult role. Callas is the absolute mistress of this role, taking in stride the florid parts of the role as well as the dramatic outbursts. Her singing is stunning in its breadth, rythmic control and dynamic range. Her coloratura is powerful, the runs flung out with absolute mastery and total fearlessness. Her soft singing in the aria "Anch'io dischiuso un giorno," is beautiful, the fioriture effortlessly spun out. The cabaletta that follows is violently and dramatically realized without distorting the line. Her high notes (up to an E-flat) are beautiful and pure, and taken head-on. The other principals are not up to her exalted level, but you won't care. The conducting, however, is on a par with Callas's singing. BUY this if you love Callas or if you want to know how this role should be sung!"