Search - Pietro Mascagni :: Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana

Beware!

05/25/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'd gladly give this recording 5 stars for the singing, but my experience with the first Decca reissue of it was pretty bad. All 3 copies I tried had really serious distortion at anything approaching normal listening levels, with crack-ups at several locations. Hopefully this import is better, but it would be nice if someone who bought it would review it with sound in mind. As to the singing: you won't find Callas drama here, nor Corelli sobs, but you will find glorious vocalism from two of the most beautiful voices of this, or any, time."

A great Cav

Jay Adeff | 10/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's face it, Cavalleria Rusticana is a corny silly opera that no one could possible take seriously. But it has great music and is a fun guilty pleasure to listen to. Don't buy a recording based on who gives the best "dramatic" interpretation. Buy a recording based on who your favorite singers are. If you love Bjorling and Tebaldi as I do, you will not be disappointed by this recording. The singing is great, the conducting is great, the sound recording is great. Go ahead and buy it, you know you want to."

A high-voltage Cavalleria!

Armindo | Greece | 08/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
This is an excellent issue of the only time Bjoerling met Tebaldi and Bastianini together in studio. This new decca release has wonderful stereo sound and there's also a libretto.



Bjoerling has never been my favourite tenor but I recognise his talents. His wasn't an natural Italian voice and hearing him with Tebaldi and Bastianini, two of the most genuine Italian voices, makes the difference even more noticeable. He nevertheless is a passionate Turiddu and sings with all the beauty that made him one of the most beloved tenors ever.



Renata Tebaldi never sang the role on stage but her Italian flare, legendary mezza voce and powerful instrument (Jussi once said that when on stage with Tebaldi, he felt he was singing with two sopranos) work wonders in this great verisimo role. She makes us care for poor Santuzza. Bastianini with his magical voice sounds downright furious without ever exaggerating Alfio's anger. Maestro Erede is decent but his chorus is a bit dissapointing.



Overall an electrifying Cavalleria even though the Del Monaco/Simionato and Bergonzi/Cossotto recordings are my first recommendations.

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