Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, National Philharmonic Orchestra :: Giuseppe Verdi: Il Trovatore

This could make you hate this opera

Paul A. Dunphy | Bogota, New Jersey USA | 05/21/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There is a lot of good intent in this recording but it just doesn't come together. Bonynge's tempi are sluggish and his inclusion of the Paris ballet music exposes the listener to one of Verdi's most atrocious pieces of music - no wonder no other conductor included it. Sutherland, while still in her estimable prime, here sounds hooty and tired. Pavarotti sounds workaday - his adoption of heavy roles like Manrico was beginning to wear away at his voice. Marilyn Horne is totally miscast as Azucena - a heavy-handed, matronly personification. Ingvar Wixell sings Di Luna's music but little else.
There were so many other (bel canto)works in which this trio could have shone but Verdi's masterpiece is not for them. There are many fine recordings of this work which demonstrate how gripping and lyrical this piece is. Avoid this one!"

Pavarotti singing Trovatore?

Ignacio Feito Garcia | Mexico | 03/20/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Legend has it that Verdi played some of the passages from this opera to critics of the time and they all agreed that it was one of Verdi's poorest works. Verdi was pleased with this, since he claims to have written this Opera for the people of Italy, not for it's critics. It has more than proven itself one of the best operas written by the Maestro and one of my personal favorites.However, as far as this recording goes... I may be plead guilty of Pavarotti bashing if he didn't have great recordings where his voice really shines (Donizetti's Fille du Regiment and other Bel Canto roles), but what on earth was he thinking when he tried to take on Trovatore? His Pira is shameful! Singing Di quella Pira is not just about hitting the high notes, but about doing it convincingly! I mean, Pavarotti's voice can hit a high C, a D and probably even a D#, but it just doesn't have the size required for this role.I admit it has been a while since I listened to this recording, but I agree that it just seems dull overall. I would suggest going to Franco Corelli for a real Trovatore!"