Search - Boito, Ramey, Scola :: Mefistofele

Boito's semi-masterpiece has fared well on CD, with basses the likes of Cesare Siepi, Boris Christoff, and Nicolai Ghiaurov; the soprano voices of Freni, Caballé, and Tebaldi; and tenorizing by Pavarotti, del Monaco, and Domingo. Except for the all-important title role, which is taken here by the thrilling Samuel Ramey, whose rich, dark sound pours forth like molten lava, the comparisons are not kind. Michele Crider's huge sound may be exciting in itself, but she doesn't have the pathos for Marguerite or the low notes of Helen of Troy. Vincenzo La Scola is very good, singing with feeling, brains, and plenty of sheer voice, but let's face it: he's not in the same class as the three above-mentioned tenors. Muti leads a very exciting show. --Robert Levine