Die Entführung aus dem Serail

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)

DESCRIPTION

By 1966, Beverly Sills was emerging as a major presence on the operatic stage, and her portrayal of Konstanze confirms both her magnetic stage persona and exceptional technical command. Few sopranos possess the requisite combination of vocal steel and fleetness to negotiate this demanding role; Sills, however, meets its challenges with remarkable authority. Her “Martern aller Arten” is a veritable study in control and stamina, while “Traurigkeit” resonates with emotional depth, evoking the same poignancy found in her famed rendition of “Lascia ch’io pianga” from Giulio Cesare.

John Alexander brings a robust, burnished tenor to Belmonte, pairing vocal strength with admirable agility. The performance is sung in English and conducted with verve by Julius Rudel, who maintains both dramatic momentum and stylistic elegance throughout.

CAST

Konstanze – Beverly Sills
Belmonte – John Alexander
Blonde – Anne Elgar
Pedrillo – Herbert Beattie
Osmin – John Lankston
Bassa Selim – David Smith

DETAILS

Location: New York
Date: 1966
Conductor: Julius Rudel
Catalogue Number: OD 12333-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

Act I

Act II

Act III