Fabulous live recording w/Vickers & Freni (Karajan cond.)
03/11/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's difficult to imagine getting more for your opera dollar than with this 2 disc set. A 1971 live recording with the great Jon Vickers, a sumptuous Mirella Freni in fine voice, Peter Glossop as a convincing Iago and von Karajan at the helm conducting the Vienna Philharmonic & the Vienna State State Opera Chorus. I was hesitant to purchase this, thinking the sound quality would be third-rate. Well, surprise, surprise, the sonics are quite good and the performances of the highest quality! If you have the 1960 studio recording w/Vickers et al., you will be thrilled to hear how Jon Vickers's understanding of the role has grown. For the Verdi lover, this is a must-have addition to your collection."
Wow!
Rachel Howard | ocklawaha, Florida United States | 04/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For now, a very short review... Wow! Jon Vickers will astound you, this is better than his classic performance under Serafin. Freni is sympathetic as Desdemona... and Glossop turns in one of the finest performances of Iago I've ever heard. This man is one dangerous [person], and don't ever forget it! He has the voice for it, reminding me very much of Apollo Granforte's incredible performance. Glossop is by turns hateful, friendly, scheming, and concerned- all this at the drop of a hat. This is an Opera-D'Oro disk and preserves a live performance. The sound is very good and gives us the ambience of a live performance, from the perspectives of the performers. Most everything comes through clearly, though the sound is not quite up to studio standards. Audience noise seems to be minimal. Very highly recommended!"
Yes!
Anton Smit | Italy | 08/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a wonderful recording! A must-have for any Verdi or Otello fan.
Karajan's conducting is superb- probably the best I've heard. Vickers is in great voice- he sounds more 'secure' than in the studio recordings, and his interpretation is excellent- more mature than the studio recordings. Freni, as always, gives an impeccable performance. Although I personally I prefer the more subtle approach of Gobbi, Glossop is a fine Iago.
The sound quality for a live performance is very good. A winner."
You must buy this if you love Otello
Jay Adeff | 12/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Otello is one of your favorite operas, you must buy this recording. The performances are superb, and the recording quality is one of the finest live recordings I have ever heard. The person who gave it one star and criticized the recording quality doesn't know what he's talking about. I almost thought it was a studio recording until I heard the stage noises and applause. I only ever got to hear Vickers live once before he retired and he was an astounding artist. Add to that Freni in her prime and you have a sublime listening experience."