Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Vittorio Gui, San Carlo Theater Orchestra (Naples) :: Verdi: Nabucco (Callas's First Complete Role)

Sorry, but how you can enjoy such a terrible sound

Jiri Zika | Prague, Czech rep. | 11/28/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I have wasted 30 dollars. Sorry, being almost uncritical admirer of Maria Callas and having got plenty of both studio and live recording, I was looking forward so much ! due to previous reviewers.

I have bought this set and I want to write them : please, be a little judicious, after listening it I cannot believe I have the same recording as you have. What you could enjoy when almost nothing is audible. The sound is the same poor quality as was with previous labels - which were much cheaper.

I think the script must have been so terrible that nothing more can be done with whatever technology. Of coursewe all can regret Maria have never recorded Abigail and moreover that she did not record this role at her young years. Her voice must have been so fabulous and huge. Unfortunately it can be hardly recognizable from this recording - it is still only a document, not for sitting and listening and enjoying....

Save your money and do not buy this set.



"

La Divina At Her Best

Operísimo | San Francisco, California United States | 02/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you belong to the group of people who can only appreciate opera on DDD recordings, don't get this performance because you will feel frustrated.



You need to be hearing impaired if you cannot appreciate the laser precision of La Divina's high tones, her multi-pitch subtleties and her fiery and vibrant chest tones--she is actually an exceptional soprano, a mezzo and also a contralto performing the role of Abigaille.



This is a live performance full of energy and passion. The rest of the cast is also wonderful, and the legendary Vittorio Gui leads orchestra and performers with his usual absolute excellence. Even the audience can't help taking part in Part III, during the world famous chours "va pensiero..."



In spite of the "questionable" sound, 5 stars are too few for this magnificent historical document.

"

Primitive Sound

Virginia Opera Fan | Falls Church, VA USA | 07/18/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I found this a few weeeks ago on a $1 per disc cart in a local used book store, so I certainly can't complain about the price. Even at $2, I'd say don't bother. Sometimes it sounds like Callas through the sonic murk, but the recording is so bad I can't draw any conclusions about Callas' vocalism or her acting. Lionel Mapleson's century old Edison cylinder recordings taken down in the flies over the Met stage have more presence than this travesty. We can regret that Callas never commercially recorded this wildcat role in the days when she said she was "singing like a wildcat." This is no substitute for the might have been. Even the Rossini "Armida" with its AM static and infamous dropouts is better as a recording. Save your money to apply toward the numerous live recordings (of other roles) that better honor her art."