Search - Pietro Mascagni, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Mirella Freni :: Mascagni - L'amico Fritz / Freni, Pavarotti, Sardinero, Gavazzeni

Like a breeze on a spring day........

S. Bernard | Mesa, AZ | 01/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is *such* a beautiful opera. I can't understand why it is under performed here in the United States, but in Italy it is a perennial favorite. This recording is absolutely perfect too. A young Pavarotti & Freni just breathe the blossoms of spring into a very happy opera (no one dies!!) The music is youthful romance captured. There is some heartache and the aria "Non mi resta" is really heart-wrenching. There is so much good music here too. From the first act aria "Son pochi fiori" to the "Cherry Duet" and the scene "Facea si Vecchio Abramo" and the final love duet. Which I feel is as passionate & fulfilling as the Verdi love duet from "Un Ballo" because of the feeling that despite obstacles, once love has finally come, it is a feeling of unsurpassed joy. Don't pass on this opera. One day this will be out of print & you'll wish you'd gotten the best possible recording of it."

Pavarotti and Freni (and all, really) at their best

G. Scotti | 04/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want to enjoy in Pavarotti's great talent, don't look any further. In this great opera Pavarotti shows why is he actually one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.But to put it this way would be unjust towards all the other musicians that contributed to this fabolous recording. All, without exception, are inspired. Probably thanks to the electrifying presence of Gavazzeni, the gifted although not so famous director. It must be him, I don't see any other way that every single musician could bring out the best in him or her for this recording.This recording truly deserves EMIs title of "GreatRecordings of the Centruy"."

Amico mio!

G. Golding | Seattle, WA | 03/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful opera that deserves to be performed more often! Freni and Pavarotti are wonderful in their roles, Freni singing with really heart felt pathos and Pavarotti singing with honeyed tone and real introspection. He even sings soft! Unfortunately now he only sings fortissimo and is boring to listen to. This set shows why he became one of the great tenors of the century. The supporting cast strong and Gavazzeni conducts beautifully with vigor and refinement, as if he had written the opera himself. I agree with the other reviewer: buy this opera, as you will regret it when it goes out of print! A great example of the young Freni and Pavarotti!"