Search - Anna Moffo, Rolando Panerai, Renato Fasano I Virtuosi di Roma :: Galuppi: Il Filosofo Di Campagna

A perfect gem

John Cragg | Delta(greater Vancouver), B.C Canada | 05/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Galuppi, though now obscure, was a prominent composer of Opera Buffa in 18th century Venice who was the first to set many of Goldoni's path-breaking librettos. One of them was Il Filosofo di Campagna, here in a revised and shortened version prepared by Wolf Ferrari for a bicentenary revival. It is a delightful if rather silly work involving mistaken identity, a father's intent to marry his daughter against her wishes, and the foiling of the plot by a perky servant. Standard stuff -- at least looking back from a time when many more such works had been prepared--but here well done with a lot of verve.Galuppi produced several memorable numbers for this work. They are brought to vivid life by an outstanding cast and fine conducting. Anna Moffo was at the start of her career (this was recorded in 1956) and her clear soprano is stunning. Since the number of recordings from her early days is small, her contribution alone makes the disc worth hearing. Rolando Panerai in the title role is also outstanding and these two singers are ably complemented by another soprano, Elena Rizzieri, and by the tenor, Rolando Panerai. Since none of these singers, with the exception of Moffo, is now at all well known or broadly represented on available discs, their availability on this recording is a definite plus. But the main thing is that this is a recording of a fine work, ably sung, well conducted. The sound, given the recording date, is amazingly good, and the disc is accompanied by libretto with English translation. All together a real winner."

Enchanting Moffo from 1956

leelee | Chicago, IL | 03/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a beautiful 1 disc studio recording of the opera "Il Filosofo di Campagna" recorded in Naples 1956. This is the shortened version of the opera which is most familiar to listeners. Sound quality is excellent. Anna Moffo is in the lead role as Eugenia. La Moffo is simply astounding here considering she was probably 23 yrs old. Her rosy, warm voice and elegant phrasing are already apparent. Moffo is supported by wonderful singers including soprano Elena Rizzieri, tenor Florindo Andreolli, baritone Rolando Panerai and bass Mario Petri. Conducted by Renato Fasano leading the Instrumental Group of Collegium Musicum Italicum. Although the rest of the supporting singers are very good, Moffo is vocally the star attraction. Even from this early recording, it is clear that Anna "Siren" Moffo of Radnor was destined for stratospheric fame and idolatry. The only complaint I can find is that I wish they had recorded the full opera version. I highly suggest this to any opera lovers or Moffo fans since early recordings are hard to find. The disc is pricey but well worth a listen."