Search - Boito, Favero, Melandri :: Mefistofele

A fine recording

Simon | Auckland, NZ | 07/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first and is perhaps the best of all recordings of Boito's opera Mefistofele. Boito is more famous as being the librettist for Verdi's Otello and Falstaff, and Ponchielli's La Gioconda (though under the false name of Tobia Gorrio). However, he was also a composer in his own right, and his finest achievement is his opera Mefistofele, based on the Faust legend. This 1931 recording represents it well, showing off the Italian singing talent of the time. The highlight is Nazzareno de Angelis in the title role. His rich, dark voice and fine characterisation skills show up later basses who attempted this role, including Norman Triegle and Nicolai Ghiaurov. The Faust is Antonio Melandri, now almost completely unknown, but he is a fine tenor, up to the demands of the role. Mafalda Favero is Margherita, a beautiful soulful portrayal. Only Mirella Freni is more yearning but Freni is troubled more by vocal shortcomings especially in the great aria "L'altra notte" which Favero brings off beautifully. It is a real treat to have Giannina Arangi-Lombardi, one of the great Italian dramatic sopranos of the time singing Helen of Troy (you are similarly treated by the appearance of Montserrat Caballe in the same role in the de Fabritiis set). Molajoli conducts well, with great fondness for the score. In my opinion, this is the very best of Mefistofele recordings. Of course, the sound is not the best, but this is hardly important with performing of this quality. If you demand the best up-to-date digital sound, I recommend the de Fabritiis set on Decca (with Mirella Freni and Pavarotti in fine voice). But otherwise, this is my firm recommendation."