In German

Helga Pilarczyk, Ernst Kozub, Marcel Cordes
Alberto Erede

Köln

1963

OD 10445-1

Although Puccini's music owed a lot to the innovations of Richard Wagner, there have been few singers who have been successful in the styles of both composers.  After listening to this superb performance of Il tabarro, one would certainly have to add Ernst Kozub to that list.  His voice has the burnished quality and meaty middle register that one expects of a Puccini voice, and even though this performance is sung in German, he is able nonetheless to convey a true Italianate sensibility to the proceedings (aided in part by the leadership of Albert Erede, the only Italian in the cast).  Marcel Cordes acts superbly as Michele, and his singing in the duet with Giorgetta is particularly moving.  Helga Pilarczyk's steely voice is a good fit as Giorgetta, although her interpretation comes across as a little cool for such a sensual character.  The sound is absolutely superb!