Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Spoken Word, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart :: Verdi: Attila

Terrible sound - patriotic performances - chopped score

Armindo | Greece | 10/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It seems that with Verdi's anniversary in 1951, RAI was determined to revive and record all his early stuff and thank god they did. Sadly the sound quality of what they recorded varies and unluckily most of the bad ones are my favourites. This has to be one of them; the cast have big voices and they are very generous throughout the performance. Critics would probably call them all unsubtle, I hear 4 singers who are all fighting for their country. Attila is a patriotic work and this recording more than any other perhaps, gave me this sense. I can't say much about Guilini's conducting as the details are lost due to the poor sonics. The tempo sounds balanced though.



I can name better individual performances but these 4 fearless Italians sing with passion that certainly won't leave you cold. Tajo in the leading role is probably the least impressive but nevertheless a good Attila. Such a loss they decided to cut his cabaletta. What's early Verdi without cabalettas?! Mancini's big dramatic soprano is focused but not always consistent in the leaps and runs. Her Odabella has perhaps more willpower than skill but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this thrilling voice (curious to hear her as Tosca). Forresto is a good part for Penno and he sings it with thrust. Guelfi gives perhaps the finest performance. His powerful Italian baritone is of exceptional quality. Sceptics think he was of the "if in doubt, sing loud" school but I say "if you've got it, flaunt it!" and Guelfi certainly had it. Loud passages can be affective when sang skilfully. I wish all these singers had recorded more in studio to help us appreciate their voices more.



As bonus to this very short Attila, GOP added a Tajo - Barbieri radio recital from San Francisco.



For fans of dirty, all-in performances (surprised not to see you here already ;-) this would make a fascinating addition to your RAI Cetra collection though the sound remains a problem for me (hence 1 star deducted)."