Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Walter Herbert, New Orleans Opera Orchestra :: Verdi: Rigoletto

A truly first class exciting performance of Rigoletto

Rod Tierman | 04/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all all three of the principle singers in this performance are strictly first class all the way. The great Leonard Warren is in truly magnificent voice here, singing a simply exemplary, impassioned performance. Warren was definitely one of the greatest Rigolettos of all time. The Tenor, Eugene Conley, posessed a first class instrument. Conley's voice may be a little bit more robust than what one may be accustomed to in the role of The Duke of Mantua, but his performance is one to truly cherish. His (Conley's) singing, especially on top, is magnificently free and open. Conley's High D flat at the end of the "Addio" duet, with Gueden, is a standout. "La donna e Mobile" is also stupendously sung with much abandon and fredom. Hilde Gueden is a very young sounding and fresh voiced Gilda. Her "Caro Nome" is sung with a beauty of tone that should delight any listener. Walter Herbert was good conductor, however there are places where it is apparent that the orchestra and singers are not totally together (i.e. the "Zitti, zitti" chorus at the end of Act 2). The sound on this recording is that of a LIVE performance. So if the thrill of a live performance excites you (which it does me) and you are NOT a stickler for the most modern sounding sonics and are interested in hearing some truly great singers in their absolute prime, this recording is for you. A real treasure! This is a very fine performance to own indeed and a great rememberance of a bygone golden age. A must have!"