Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Ion Marin, London Symphony Orchestra :: Gaetano Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor

A very good version if not quite a top choice

G.D. | Norway | 03/09/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a really good version of Donizetti's masterpiece, and even though it doesn't supersede every competitor it sports a couple of virtues that ought to help it onto the shortlist for anyone interested in good bel canto performances. First of all, the London Symphony Orchestra is magnificent throughout, and Ion Marin leads a sensitive, well-considered performance - sometimes a little understated, thus perhaps missing out on some of the sense of impending tragedy, but often molding and shaping the music to thrilling effect (but sometimes a little reticent in the most dramatic climaxes). They are also given a very good recording that really brings out the color and brilliance of the performance (the balance between singers and orchestra is also very good).



I see that some complain about Studer's performance, but I find it hard to hear why. Her voice is beautiful and she sings with feeling, sensitivity and flair - and the mad scene is very effective even if it isn't the usual display of unbridled vocal brilliance. Yes. I can see how ardent Callas fans, among which I don't really count myself, could be disappointed - but then that would be mostly because Studer's take is so different from Callas's, not - I think - because it is really inferior (I would, on the other hand, count myself as a Sutherland fan, but this is one of the Sutherland roles I have yet to familiarize myself with).



Among the other singers Domingo is most importantly, and as usual, full of life and power as Edgardo. It is not a particularly sensitive performance, to be honest, but if there is a lack of character about his performance, he certainly makes up for it by richness and sheer smoldering power (and an important merit of this recording is how well Domingo's and Studer's voices work together). The rest of the cast is thoroughly convincing, and this recording is overall very recommendable, if perhaps not a top choice."