One of the best
S. Wells | California | 03/10/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I own most of the Chandos Opera in English series, and this most recent offering is one of the best. David Parry's conducting is splendid, as is the playing and singing of the Opera North Orchestra and Chorus. The only thing missing is the Italianate sound that only singing in Italian can give.
Although titled "Nabucco", any performance of this opera succeeds or fails on the soprano singing Abigaille. Susan Patterson turns in a commendable reading of the role, even if she lacks the abandon with which Elena Suliotis attacked this part on the old Decca recording. At times there's more caution than passion, but this part is fiendishly difficult. All the notes are there and in place, along with dramatic conviction. Alan Opie brings both a good voice and a good sense of drama to the title role. Alistair Miles basso has all the gravitas expected of a High Priest. Indeed, there's not a weak link in the cast.
I have no hesitation in recommending this recording, but only as a supplement to a recording in the original language. For a first recording of this work, I'd go with the Decca recording with Elena Suliotis as Abigaille or the DG recording conducted by Giuseppe Sinopoli with Ghena Dimitrova as Abigaille. Renata Scotto had only courage to offer when she went into the studio to record this work."
Always nice to have another recording
Robusto Tenor | New York City | 06/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nabucco, one of Verdi's "early" operas, is a wonderfully exciting piece of music for which there are few too commercial recordings. As previously noted, the lead soprano role of Abigaille is a voice killer attempted by only the most courageous and (sometimes) the most technically secure of sopranos. Verdi's compositional style, both orchestral and vocal, for this opera is muscular and athletic and in the right hands can be a powerful theatrical experience. It's a true ensemble piece that requires a lot of team players who can also shine in their solo assignments.
This recording, a welcome addition to the catalog, does the piece much justice. Parry's conducting is grand, vigorous, and has a lot of theatrical muscle, but sometimes lacks warmth. The orchestral detail is particularly well highlighted. Though, Parry's conducting isn't helped by the sometimes overly-bright recording that also lacks warmth and atmosphere (a characteristic of most of the "Opera in English" series from Chandos). His orchestra responds well to his style, but the mushy inaudible diction from the choir sometimes lets things down. Otherwise, the chorus is a technically strong group with terrific blend and balancing.
Alan Opie gives a towering performance as Nabucco. His ringing baritone has depth and his interpretation is tastefully dramatized. Susan Patterson has the size and technique required for Abigaille, but starts out sounding a little too polite in her early scenes. But any soprano will sound that way after hearing the vehement, fire-breathing Elena Souliotis on the Decca recording. Patterson though gains momentum and plenty of fire as the opera goes on. The rest of the cast is more than adequate. Even if Leonardo Capulbo's voice is on the light side for Ismael, his singing is secure and tasteful (although short, the role is usually sung by a heavier spinto or dramatic tenor).
No, this recording doesn't have enough Italian "flavor" to the singing and playing, but when sung in English some of this requirement will necessarily be lost. The diction of the singers is usually understandable most of the time, but crisp articulation of the words has strangely never seemed a priority for the Chandos record label. However, I'm still glad someone had the bright idea to record operatic masterpieces in English and this Nabucco is a welcome addition, even for someone who might ordinarily pass up a recording in any language other than Italian."
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1