Search - Giulio Mastronotaro, Vito Priante, Gabriele Ribis :: Cherubini: Lo sposo di tre e marito di nessuna

If you love the classical ensemble, step away from this oper

B. Bork | Ontario, Canada | 07/19/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Banish all expectations before buying this opera as it represents Cherubini during his early production, in this case, the 1780's. As such, it is a traditional numbered opera buffa interspersed with recitative and comprised of solo pieces with an ensemble here and there plus two lengthy finales.



The overall quality of the performances are fair but lack finesse and congruency, especially during the ensembles. The upside is that the performers are young and thus fresh and strong sounding which helps balance their weaknesses. The orchestration is of a similar quality with no high nor low events to speak of. There are a few moments when the harpsichord continuo can't seem to keep up with the rest of the orchestra leading to a distracting off paced effect that interferes with some numbers.



The composition itself is standard fair for the time and of minimal value historically, thus rendering this opera a curiosity. Cherubini does well during the solo numbers but his lack of effective musical resolution during the ensembles makes them hard to bare compared to his contemporaries like Paisiello, Cimarosa, Mozart, or Haydn. This absence of musical denouement may be a hindrance within the buffa style but will probably add to the drama of his later serious pieces.



If you're a Cherubini fan than you may find this product interesting but not necessarily important as it does not compare in any way shape or form to Medee/Medea. That being said, do NOT purchase this CD with the thought that it contains the dramatic greatness of Medee or even the charm of late 18th century opera buffa."

Lovely 18th Century Opera

Leon | Stanford, CA United States | 09/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording probably only merits 4 stars for the somewhat uneven orchestra and voice performances, but I've given it 5 to balance the absurdity of the other review. I have no idea what the individual means by lack of musical denouement. Seems like a phrase crafted out of pseudo-intellectualism, what is he specifically speaking of? The ensembles are not the greatest work of art ever written, but they begin, they climax, and they most certainly end. It is the gift of our times that an obscure work like this could be performed, recorded, distributed, and enjoyed by any that wish to. It's a fine opera and performance, any fan of 18th Century opera will be pleased."