Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Mark Elder, English National Opera Orchestra :: Josephine Barstow: Verdi Arias

A major triumph!!!

V. Chau | San Diego, CA | 04/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Josephine Barstow is a serious artist with serious talent. This recital should have been recorded in the 1970's when her voice was in excellent shape. Her voice on this recital has developed an unfortunate wobble, but her supreme artistry comes shining through in each aria. Barstow is very similar to Callas in the way she colors individual words and in the way she phrases. Her mission in singing opera is to find the emotional truth in each character she is portraying. Her voice is dark and filled with smoke. It has a bit of acid in it, not unlike Callas' voice. It also has a very distinctive, unmistakable timbre. I don't believe it is a true spinto, but it definitely can sing Verdi. She may not have a truly large voice a la Tebaldi or Caballé, but it is sufficiently large for singing Verdi. You can't say that about Angela Gheorghiu.Barstow turns each aria into a lesson in acting with the voice. Each emotion comes through vividly. When she sings pianissimo, the results are ravishing. Some high notes wobble out of control, like the infamously difficult high C in "O patria mia", but these are minor quibbles. The opening phrases of "Ritorna vincitor" are very dramatic and exciting. She gives an impressive account of the "Don Carlo" aria. While her vocalism could have been better, she vividly portrays the anguished queen's emotions. The highlight of the recital is a masterful reading of Lady Macbeth's Sleepwalking Scene. The high D pianissimo is not the best on records, but her interpretation is stunning. She sounds strangely deranged. Every word is given weight. The entire scene is fascinating to listen to. She is given marvelous support from Mark Elder and the English National Opera Orchestra. The last strains of the cellos in "Ritorna vincitor" are particularly wonderful.This disc is highly recommended."