Best Rusalka on record
10/22/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I recommend this recording highly. There are a great many recordings of Rusalka available now, but the title role has been given an idiosyncratic twist by nearly every soprano who sings it. I especially dislike the recording with Teresa Stratas because of the lack of a legato line. Also, the various conductors have sometimes tedious tempi that really make the music drag. This recording has a wonderful Rusalka, a sweet-voiced tenor singing the prince, and a conductor who really has a feel for the right tempi -- not too slow! Except for some quality control problems with the recording itself, I like this recording the best of all the available Rusalka recordings. I especially like the characterization of Rusalka and the prince by the singers. Overall, it is the best performance of this opera that one is likely to hear."