The Great Milanov
Raymond M. Bercse | 02/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Zinka Milanov and La Gioconda are eponymous. She sang the protagonist from the mid 1930's to the early 1960's and it became a regular in her repertoire. This performance is from October 8, 1960 in New Orleans. Milanov was to retire in 1966. At this advanced stage of her career she gives one of the most touching accounts of this demanding role, and due to her secure technique, her voice never betrays her. The voice is not in pristine condition which is to be expected in 1960, but the basic timbre and quality are intact. The famous B-flat in Act One on the word t'amo which thrilled Met Opera goers since her first New York Gioconda in 1939 is more labored in this present production. She spins the B-flat but breaks it up into two separate notes, giving more accent to the second. For the most part her high notes are free throughout the duration of the performance and the interpretation is greater than ever. Giuseppe Gismondo as Enzo Grimaldo is pedestrian and there is some tightness in his vocal production. It is not a beautiful voice, although he exhibits passion. I only wish that Franco Corelli sang Enzo in this performance. It would have shed an entirely different light. Cesare Bardelli is outstanding as Barnaba, and William Widermann is a fine Alvise. Irene Kramarich as Laura has a rich timbre, but is not in the league of Fedora Barbieri or Cloe Elmo. Mary McMurray as La Cieca is ordinary and bland in timbre. Renato Cellini's conducting misses some of the verve and vigor that is necessary to bring the music to life, but some of the blame can be put on the orchestra. It seems that there is not a full orchestra, particularly when listening to the dance in Act One and the Dance of the Hours in Act Three. The third disc is comprised of excerpts from a 1953 New Orleans performance. Although the sound is not as good as in 1960, we can hear that Milanov is in fresher voice. Cesare Bardelli again delivers a fine rendition of Barnaba, and Roberto Turrini is superior to Gismondo. I also prefer Walter Herbert's conducting to Cellini. This set is highly recommended."
"Festival" Gioconda
G. Novakov | Louisiana | 01/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ponchiell's La Gioconda (like Bellini's Norma) is the "Festival" opera par excellence, which, to me, means that no opera company should attempt to stage Gioconda unless it has the resources to present it successfully. Gioconda rises magnificently (or falls miserably) depending on the strengths of its singers, especially, of course, Gioconda herself. The New Orleans Opera has staged Gioconda on three occasions in its history, and struck vocal gold each time. Both in 1953 and in 1960, the Gioconda was the great Slavic soprano Zinka Milanov, who practically owned the role at the Met during these years. (In 1967 Eileen Farrell was Gioconda--excerpts from her performances will be released by VAI shortly). The 1960 performance is offered here complete, and excerpts from the 1953 performance are offered as a bonus on disc 3.
Milanov is simply glorious in both efforts, and if she sounds just a bit more fresh in 1953 than in 1960, that is only to be expected; few sopranos of the time could compare to her during this period in this role. Milanov's pianissimos are here in full splendor, and her performance is everthing a listener could hope for in a live Gioconda--passion, glamor, and vocal velvet. Time after time she amazes the listener with her portrayal, which is surely one of her most endearing.
Milanov's supporting cast is up to the challenge as well. The young Giuseppe Gismondo sings Enzo Grimaldi with enthusiasm and verve. Cesare Bardelli (as he did in 1953 as well) is a strong Barnaba, while the under-rated mezzo Irene Kramarich is a sympathetic Laura. The veteran William Wildermann is an effective Alvise, and Mary McMurray aptly captures the pathos of La Cieca. The wonderful Renato Cellini conducts the New Orleans Opera Orchestra in masterful fashion, as did Walter Herbert in 1953.
In short, then, this is a live Gioconda that is every bit as exciting and promising as the cast list would indicate. As a souvenir of its age, it is irreplaceable. Wholeheartedly recommended to fans of Gioconda, Zinka Milanov, and impassioned singing.
Side note: The New Orleans Opera is struggling to stay active after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina last year. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this set (and all VAI New Orleans Opera Archive recordings) go to support the continued existance of the local company. Your purchase will aid in the New Orleans Opera's recovery effort."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1