{"title":"Bel Canto Opera","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-giulietta-simionato-giuseppe-di-stefano","title":"Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia - Simionato, Di Stefano, Mascherini, Siepi; Cellini. Mexico City, 1949","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording offers a thrilling glimpse of three artists who would go on to become legends, all captured in the very early stages of their careers: \u003cstrong\u003eGiulietta Simionato\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Di Stefano\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eCesare Siepi\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth Simionato and Siepi would revisit these roles frequently throughout their careers. It is a shame that Di Stefano never fully embraced this repertoire, because at this point in his career, he proves to be an ideal fit. His voice moves with grace and agility, while also bringing a rare vocal core to the role that is almost never heard. Simionato dazzles with both vocal flexibility and bubbling spirit, and she pairs beautifully with Di Stefano—effortlessly negotiating treacherous vocal fireworks before unleashing Verdian tones capable of stopping a man in his tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCesare Siepi delivers one of the finest renditions of \"La calunnia\" I have ever heard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiuseppe di Stefano Sings Arias from \u003ci\u003eL'Elisir d'amore, La Traviata\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eUn Ballo in maschera\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10494-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292645572744,"sku":"10494-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098796676,"sku":"MP3 10494-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50259802325313,"sku":"FLAC 10494-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10494-2front.jpg?v=1751036890"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-souliotis-limarelli-cossotto-vinco-bartoletti","title":"Bellini: Norma - Souliotis, Cossotto, Limarilli, Vinco; Bartoletti. Roma, 1969","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eFollowing in the footsteps of her fellow countrywoman, \u003cstrong data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"71\"\u003eMaria Callas\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"92\"\u003eElena Souliotis\u003c\/strong\u003e was destined to face constant comparisons in the press. Listening to this recording now, it’s fascinating to discern both the points of similarity and the distinct qualities that Souliotis brings to her art. Her voice is even more beautiful than Callas’s, and the youthful vibrancy (she was in her twenties when this was recorded) lends her portrayal of Norma an unexpected ingénue charm. That said, her Norma is anything but fragile; Souliotis confidently colors her voice, particularly in the chest register, to heighten the dramatic effect rather than merely showcasing vocal beauty. \u003cstrong data-start=\"727\" data-end=\"748\"\u003eFiorenza Cossotto\u003c\/strong\u003e proves to be an excellent counterpart as Adalgisa, sounding closer to a soprano than a mezzo. Meanwhile, \u003cstrong data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"875\"\u003eGastone Limarilli\u003c\/strong\u003e’s voice, though powerful, occasionally comes off as a bit too thin, with his pitch sagging for much of the performance. \u003cstrong data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1009\"\u003eIvo Vinco\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a solid portrayal of Oroveso, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1053\" data-end=\"1073\"\u003eBruno Bartoletti\u003c\/strong\u003e provides admirable support to the singers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10497-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292645474440,"sku":"10497-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098604676,"sku":"MP3 10497-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50240513114433,"sku":"FLAC 10497-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10497-2front.jpg?v=1751036887"},{"product_id":"rossini-l-italiana-in-algeri-teresa-berganza-molinari-pradelli","title":"Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri - Berganza, Casellato, Ganzarolli, Cesari, Catena; Molinari-Pradelli. Buenos Aires, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis performance of \u003cem data-end=\"42\" data-start=\"20\"\u003eL'Italiana in Algeri\u003c\/em\u003e showcases a remarkable ensemble led by the great \u003cstrong data-end=\"111\" data-start=\"92\"\u003eTeresa Berganza\u003c\/strong\u003e. While she may not possess the same weight in her lower register as \u003cstrong data-end=\"197\" data-start=\"180\"\u003eMarilyn Horne\u003c\/strong\u003e, she more than compensates with irresistible charm and dazzling coloratura. \u003cstrong data-end=\"294\" data-start=\"274\"\u003eRenzo Cassellato\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a plangent tone infused with Italianate grace, while \u003cstrong data-end=\"381\" data-start=\"357\"\u003eWladimiro Ganzarolli\u003c\/strong\u003e masterfully balances the imposing and buffoonish aspects of Mustafà. \u003cstrong data-end=\"482\" data-start=\"451\"\u003eFrancesco Molinari-Pradelli\u003c\/strong\u003e conducts a precise performance, though the tempi may feel somewhat cautious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Repitched\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10499-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292645408904,"sku":"10499-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098797636,"sku":"MP3 10499-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50240382402881,"sku":"FLAC 10499-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10499-2front.jpg?v=1751036885"},{"product_id":"rossini-stabat-mater-gencer-casoni-alva-robinson-rossi","title":"Rossini: Stabat Mater - Gencer, Casoni, Alva, Robinson; Rossi.  Monaco, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you come to \u003cem\u003eStabat Mater\u003c\/em\u003e expecting something in the spirit of \u003cem\u003eIl barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e, you’ll find yourself in an entirely different musical world. This is \u003cstrong\u003eGioachino Rossini\u003c\/strong\u003e at his most musically advanced, pointing unmistakably toward \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi\u003c\/strong\u003e’s \u003cem\u003eRequiem\u003c\/em\u003e. That said, Rossini’s signature style still shines through, most notably in the playful tenor solo \"Cujus animam gementem.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cast assembled for this performance is excellent, bringing a decidedly operatic scope to the proceedings. \u003cstrong\u003eLeyla Gencer\u003c\/strong\u003e unleashes fire and brimstone in the \"Inflammatus,\" while \u003cstrong\u003eLuis Alva\u003c\/strong\u003e lends his signature elegance to the aforementioned tenor aria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNEW MASTER:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-Pitch corrected, track information added\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn monon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10520-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292644753544,"sku":"10520-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098802052,"sku":"MP3 10520-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50262031532353,"sku":"FLAC 10520-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10520-1front.jpg?v=1751036862"},{"product_id":"donizetti-anna-bolena-gencer-simionato-clabassi-gavazzeni","title":"Donizetti: Anna Bolena - Gencer, Simionato, Bertocci, Clabassi; Gavazzeni. Milano, 1958","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeyla Gencer\u003c\/strong\u003e was just as pivotal to the bel canto revival as \u003cstrong\u003eMaria Callas\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Sutherland\u003c\/strong\u003e, yet she has not always received the same recognition. She deserves it, and this performance proves why. Her ability to shift effortlessly from powerful chest tones to the most delicate fioritura is almost superhuman, offering a clear link between \u003cstrong\u003eGaetano Donizetti\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi\u003c\/strong\u003e. She is joined by \u003cstrong\u003eGiulietta Simionato\u003c\/strong\u003e as Giovanna, and together, they push each other to even greater heights, culminating in a thrilling double high C during their duet, \u003cem\u003e\"Va, infelice.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Repitched\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeyla Gencer Sings Arias From\u003cem\u003e I Vespri Siciliani\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10537-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643934344,"sku":"10537-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098662340,"sku":"MP3 10537-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50103006527809,"sku":"FLAC 10537-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10537-2front.jpg?v=1751036842"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lammermoor-joan-sutherland-gibin-shaw-serafin","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Sutherland, Gibin, Shaw, Rouleau; Serafin. London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJoan Sutherland sings \u003cem\u003e\"Casta diva\"\u003c\/em\u003e from \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10541-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643803272,"sku":"10541-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098674820,"sku":"MP3 10541-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10541-2front.jpg?v=1751036836"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lamermoor-leyla-gencer-prandelli-de-fabritiis","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Gencer, Prandelli, Carta, Masssaria; de Fabritiis. Trieste, 1957","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeyla Gencer sings excerpts from \u003cem\u003eI Vespri Siciliani.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10547-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643606664,"sku":"10547-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098674372,"sku":"MP3 10547-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50100639170881,"sku":"FLAC 10547-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10547-2front.jpg?v=1751036829"},{"product_id":"bellini-la-sonnambula-zeani-monti-rossi-lemeni-molinari-pradelli","title":"Bellini: La Sonnambula - Zeani, Monti, Rossi-Lemeni; Molinari-Pradelli.  Napoli, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVirginia Zeani\u003c\/strong\u003e may not have achieved the super-stardom she deserved simply because the opera world struggled to categorize her. She was a remarkably versatile singer, capable of taking on an impressive range of roles—and she did just that. Her voice combined agility with a commanding power that she unleashed to striking effect when needed. She brings a lyric quality to Amina that serves as a refreshing counterpoint to \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Sutherland\u003c\/strong\u003e, yet remains firmly within the stylistic sphere of bel canto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Repitched; Tracking corrected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10548-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643573896,"sku":"10548-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098603140,"sku":"MP3 10548-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50098102534465,"sku":"FLAC 10548-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10548-2front.jpg?v=1751036828"},{"product_id":"bellini-puritani-sutherland-filacuridi-blanc-sinclair-gui","title":"Bellini: I Puritani - Sutherland, Filacuridi, Blanc, Modesti, Sinclair, Ward; Gui.  Glyndebourne, 1960","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis recording captures \u003cstrong\u003eDame Joan Sutherland’s\u003c\/strong\u003e role debut as Elvira in \u003cem\u003eI Puritani\u003c\/em\u003e, a role that would become one of her most celebrated. Her performance is simply astounding—few sopranos in recorded history have combined such precision in florid passages with such opulent tone. \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Filacuridi\u003c\/strong\u003e brings remarkable security to Arturo, while \u003cstrong\u003eErnest Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e lend their considerable talents to Riccardo and Walton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10593-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292642197640,"sku":"10593-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098605316,"sku":"MP3 10593-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50079848104257,"sku":"FLAC 10593-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10593-2front.jpg?v=1751036769"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lammermoor-beverly-sills-luciano-pavarotti-guadagno","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Sills, Pavarotti, Banuelas, Hecht; Guadagno.  Mexico City, 1969","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn paper, \u003cstrong\u003eBeverly Sills\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/strong\u003e might seem like an unlikely pairing. While both singers reached the pinnacle of the operatic world, they did so via very different paths. However, this recording proves how two contrasting artists can challenge and inspire one another to even greater artistic heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeverly Sills\u003c\/strong\u003e’ unwavering dedication to the drama, even when navigating monstrously difficult music, has become legendary. From Lucia’s first lines, Sills conveys her fragility, drawing listeners into the heroine’s descent into madness with heartbreaking nuance. \u003cstrong\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/strong\u003e, by contrast, was not widely celebrated for his acting, but Sills seems to awaken his inner thespian in a way that other sopranos didn't, resulting in an impassioned and deeply committed performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVocally, this role showcases everything that made Pavarotti one of the greatest tenors of his time. His golden tone and rock-solid technique shine through, effortlessly meeting the role’s challenges. The way he ascends stepwise to the high As in the opera’s final moments is nothing short of perfection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording is a must-have for fans of the opera and these two legendary artists. The sound is good, though unfortunately, the first three minutes of the tenor’s final scene are missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSills \u0026amp; Pavarotti sing scenes from \u003cem\u003eI Puritani\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1972\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10600-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292641476744,"sku":"10600-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098674564,"sku":"MP3 10600-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10600-2front.jpg?v=1751036761"},{"product_id":"donizetti-l-elisir-d-amore-gedda-grist-kerns-waechter","title":"Donizetti: L'Elisir d'amore - Gedda, Grist, Waechter, Kerns, Heichele; Varviso.  Wien, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNicolai Gedda hits all the marks in this sparkling performance of \u003cem\u003eL'Elisir d'amore\u003c\/em\u003e. Not only does he sail through this notoriously difficult role with seeming ease he also finds time to create one of the most charming Nemorinos you are likely to hear. Reri Grist's Adina is firecracker! The surprise is Eberhard Waechter as Dulcamara. Although somewhat past his prime, he still delivers some beautiful singing that would likely make anyone pull out their wallet and buy whatever snake oil he was selling. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10975-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292641247368,"sku":"10975-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098668100,"sku":"MP3 10975-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10975-2front.jpg?v=1751036755"},{"product_id":"rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-scotto-kraus-protti-bellezza","title":"Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia - Scotto, Kraus, Protti, Badioli, Di Stasio; Bellezza.  Napoli, 1958","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eIl Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e is something of a contradiction. On one hand, the ensemble is undeniably sloppy, displaying the rough edges and provincial qualities that can plague \"regional\" performances at their worst. On the other hand, there is a freshness and vitality here that give \u003cem\u003eBarbiere\u003c\/em\u003e the spark it needs, making for a lively and effervescent experience—warts and all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe major draws are the leads. \u003cstrong\u003eRenata Scotto\u003c\/strong\u003e, still in her early twenties, sings with a bright, youthful tone and an innate sense of Italian style. She also proves to be a charming comedienne, adding to the performance’s infectious energy. \u003cstrong\u003eAlfredo Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e, in top form as Almaviva, demonstrates that the role can be sung with the same full-throated ardor he brought to Edgardo and Arturo. \u003cstrong\u003eAldo Protti\u003c\/strong\u003e lends Figaro both a luscious tone and an ease in the upper register that makes his performance particularly appealing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound is good, though this is an outdoor performance. The prompter can be a little loud at times, and, believe it or not, the occasional overhead jet makes an appearance. Yet, in its own way, these quirks only add to the comedy—whether intentional or not—of this magical evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10611-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292640493704,"sku":"10611-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098796932,"sku":"MP3 10611-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50079072321857,"sku":"FLAC 10611-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10611-2front_272e510a-ce13-4e58-8f4a-c8aab6717ae6.jpg?v=1751036733"},{"product_id":"rossini-elisabetta-regina-d-inghiliterra-gencer-grilli-geszty-sanzogno","title":"Rossini: Elisabetta, regina d'Inghiliterra - Gencer, Grilli, Geszty, Borelli, Bottazzo; Sanzogno.  Palermo, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fact that the overture to this dramatic opera is identical to that of \u003cem\u003eIl Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e does little to set a serious tone for the evening. Throughout the work, Rossini repurposes portions of \u003cem\u003eBarbiere\u003c\/em\u003e even during critical dramatic moments. However, if you can set aside these associations, you’ll discover Rossini at his finest, showcasing his mastery as a tragedian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd what better character to showcase a soprano’s skill than Elizabeth I? The role demands extraordinary stature and vocal command, and \u003cstrong\u003eLeyla Gencer\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers in every way. From her commanding first entrance to the powerful final scene, Gencer captures all the complexities of this regal and tortured character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt takes a courageous soprano to stand alongside such a force, but \u003cstrong\u003eSylvia Geszty\u003c\/strong\u003e rises to the challenge as Matilde, her pure, youthful tone providing an ideal counterpart. \u003cstrong\u003eUmberto Grilli\u003c\/strong\u003e shines as Leicester, bringing ardent passion, technical precision, and impeccable Rossini style to his performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10616-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292640395400,"sku":"10616-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098795268,"sku":"MP3 10616-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10616-2front.jpg?v=1751036729"},{"product_id":"donizetti-belisario-gencer-taddei-zaccaria-gavazzeni","title":"Donizetti: Belisario - Gencer, Taddei, Zaccaria, Pecile, Grilli; Gavazzeni. Venezia, 1969","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bel Canto renaissance of the 1950s and 60s holds immense significance, not only for reviving overlooked gems but also for providing insight into how \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi\u003c\/strong\u003e found his voice. \u003cem\u003eBelisario\u003c\/em\u003e is one such work, showcasing many conventions that Verdi would later refine in his own operas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor instance, the second scene depicts the title character returning from war with spoils and prisoners, only to plead for their release. Sound familiar? It brings to mind the themes of a certain Egyptian opera. Additionally, \u003cem\u003eBelisario\u003c\/em\u003e incorporates elements of nationalism that would become central to Verdi’s works, as well as a poignant father-son reunion, reminiscent of \u003cem\u003eSimon Boccanegra, \u003c\/em\u003ehinting at the possibility that Verdi’s recurring exploration of such reunions stemmed not only from his personal loss but also from the established conventions of the bel canto dramatic form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e brings majesty and virile tone to the title role, offering a performance rich in authority and nuance. \u003cstrong\u003eLeyla Gencer\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Antonina, highlights Donizetti’s evolving style. Her character represents a shift away from the light-hearted Norinas and Adinas and ventures into darker, more dramatic territory, nearing the realm of Lady Macbeth. Gencer’s voice is lush and expressive, combining flawless coloratura with an astonishing final scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA powerful and illuminating performance of a pivotal bel canto masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10617-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292640362632,"sku":"10617-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098664964,"sku":"MP3 10617-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10617-2front.jpg?v=1751036728"},{"product_id":"rossini-mose-e-faraone-stapp-nesterenko-estes-grilli-sawallisch","title":"Rossini: Mose e Faraone - Nesterenko, Stapp, Estes, Grilli; Sawallisch.  Perugia, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRossini's epic \u003cem\u003eMosè e faraone \u003c\/em\u003ecomes to life on stage with an excellent, if somewhat unexpected, cast. The standout is \u003cstrong\u003eOlivia Stapp\u003c\/strong\u003e, who defies expectations. While known for her commanding performances in roles like Aida, Tosca, and even Elektra, she proves an inspired choice for Rossini, delivering a fiery performance with impressive technical agility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYevgeny Nesterenko\u003c\/strong\u003e is both imposing and suave in the title role, complemented by \u003cstrong\u003eSimon Estes\u003c\/strong\u003e as Faraone, who matches Nesterenko’s vocal gravitas with equal authority. Another unexpected delight is the conducting of \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose leadership highlights the musical value of this work. At a time when Rossini was often relegated to less-established conductors, Sawallisch’s expert hand elevates the piece significantly. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10668-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292638265480,"sku":"10668-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098798404,"sku":"MP3 10668-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10668-2front.jpg?v=1751036665"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lammermoor-deutekom-carreras-fioravanti","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Deutekom, Carreras, Fioravanti, Cava; Gatto.  Macerata, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eLucia di Lammermoor\u003c\/em\u003e stands out primarily for the fact that it features the superb \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Carreras\u003c\/strong\u003e as Edgardo. In the mid-1970s, his voice was unmatched in its combination of beauty and virility, making his portrayal truly exceptional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is joined by \u003cstrong\u003eCristina Deutekom\u003c\/strong\u003e, who possessed one of the rarest vocal instruments: a true dramatic coloratura. It is a rare treat to hear a Lucia who can deliver such power and passion (\u003cem\u003eslancio\u003c\/em\u003e) while effortlessly navigating the role's treacherous vocal demands. The sound quality is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10688-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292637577352,"sku":"10688-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098674628,"sku":"MP3 10688-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10688-2front.jpg?v=1751036642"},{"product_id":"rossini-la-donna-del-lago-caballe-bonisolli-hamari-washington","title":"Rossini: La Donna del lago - Caballé, Bonisolli, Hamari, Bottazzo, Washington; Bellugi.  Torino, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMontserrat Caballé was a true champion of bel canto, bringing a rare vitality and excitement to even the simplest music—a feat few singers have matched before or since. Her dazzling coloratura is rivaled only by her sumptuous, creamy legato.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFranco Bonisolli is a superb partner to Caballé, with a voice that shares her remarkable blend of drama and agility. His instrument, essentially dramatic in nature, soars with the flexibility and brilliance of a leggiero tenor. Julia Hamari also delivers an excellent performance as Malcolm, adding further depth to the cast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10744-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635807880,"sku":"10744-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098797892,"sku":"MP3 10744-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10744-2front.jpg?v=1751036569"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-caballe-vickers-veasey-ferrin-patane","title":"Bellini: Norma - Caballé, Vickers, Veasey, Ferrin; Patanè.  Orange, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe height of a great artists' powers is a precious thing and can seem all too short even if it lasts upwards of ten years.  Even more exciting is when the stars align on a given night for a singer propelling them beyond the already stratospheric expectations set.  Such was the case for Montserrat Caballé on the evening when this performance of \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e took place.  Later in her life she would site it as one of her greatest performances.  Listening to this performance, there can be no doubt why.  I have never heard a singer who had the control over either ends of vocal extremes that Caballé did.  She could alternate singing the most transparent piano with a fortissimo that would be the envy of any Wagnerian singer.  Her excellence was certainly aided in no small part by her wonderful colleagues including the Pollione of Jon Vickers and the Adalgisa of Josephine Veasey.  Vickers brings his signature power and intensity along with an unexpected knack for bel canto singing.  Veasey was more known for Wagner, but nonetheless uses her lush mezzo-soprano to great effect.  The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: The opening of Act II is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10769-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634431624,"sku":"10769-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098603972,"sku":"MP3 10769-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10769-2front.jpg?v=1751036534"},{"product_id":"bellini-zaira-scott-cassellato-lamberti-roni-nave","title":"Bellini: Zaira - Scotto, Casellato-Lamberti, Roni, Nave; Belardinell.  Catania, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter making a name for herself in the standard repertoire, Renata Scotto devoted a good deal of her energies to exploring forgotten operas, like \u003cem\u003eZaira\u003c\/em\u003e.  Sadly, \u003cem\u003eZaira\u003c\/em\u003e was not able to capitalize on this revival and has since languished in obscurity.  I say sadly because it has all of the traits that make operas like \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eI Puritani\u003c\/em\u003e so compelling: vocal writing displaying the highest understanding of the human voice, coupled with exciting dramatic momentum.  Renata Scotto gives a nuanced and beautifully sung performance and demonstrates that she was the queen of Italian style of her day.  The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10794-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633448584,"sku":"10794-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098605636,"sku":"MP3 10794-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49847312482625,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10794-3front.jpg?v=1751036501"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-bumbry-cuberli-giacomini-lloyd-halasz","title":"Bellini: Norma - Bumbry, Cuberli, Giacomini, Lloyd; Halasz.  Martina Franca, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGranted, this may not be your \"Desert Island\" \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e, but there are a lot of interesting things to recommend it. Although Grace Bumbry, made her reputation singing roles that require a high level of hysteria, she shows here that she also knew a thing or two about spinning a delicate legato line (although her coloratura lacks grace.) She is joined by soprano Lella Cuberli in the role of Adalgisa (ironic as it may be to have a former Mezzo as Norma and a soprano as Adalgisa.) Having two sopranos means that their duet can be sung in key giving both a chance to unleash exciting high Cs. Giuseppe Giacomini is near perfect as Pollione, bringing the color of a baritone with the security on top that would be the envy of any tenor. Robert Lloyd rounds out this odd but ultimately satisfying cast. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10816-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292632465544,"sku":"10816-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098603716,"sku":"MP3 10816-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10816-2front.jpg?v=1751036473"},{"product_id":"bellini-i-puritani-maria-callas-giuseppe-di-stefano-picco","title":"Bellini: I Puritani - Callas, Di Stefano, Campolonghi, Silva; Picco.  Mexico City, 1952","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIf the lines between \"Callas the Myth\" and \"Callas the Artist\" have blurred for you over time, I highly recommend this recording. Vocally, it’s astonishing how a voice of her size could navigate this repertoire with such ease. Her coloratura in \"Son vergin vezzosa\" is so precise you could almost transcribe the melody directly from her performance. As the opera unfolds, she reveals the richness of her tone, which in 1952 was free from the mannerisms that marked her later years. She is accompanied by her frequent collaborator, Giuseppe Di Stefano, who sings with equal passion despite the immense technical demands placed on a tenor in this role. It raises the question: has any pair of singers since achieved this level of dramatic authenticity in a bel canto opera? The sound quality is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10826-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631285896,"sku":"10826-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098598724,"sku":"MP3 10826-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10826-2front_fa182d5c-a674-4015-9bf2-de28f87ca967.jpg?v=1751036459"},{"product_id":"rossini-il-turco-in-italia-ratti-rossi-lemeni-stabile-de-fabritiis","title":"Rossini: Il Turco in Italia - Ratti, Rossi-Lemeni, Stabile, Luise; De Fabritiis.  Paris, 1957","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is surprising why \u003cem\u003eIl Turco in Italia\u003c\/em\u003e has taken a back seat to \u003cem\u003eLa Cenerentola, Il Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eL'Italiana in Algeri\u003c\/em\u003e. It has all the same charm, energy and exotic Arabian flare as the others and is a great vehicle for a firecracker soprano, just like Eugenia Ratti. Ratti is a delight as Donna Fiorilla. Her coloratura is all the more remarkable because the size of the voice is actually quite impressive. As Selimo, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni strikes a good balance between oafish and dignified. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10836-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630958216,"sku":"10836-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098797060,"sku":"MP3 10836-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10836-2front.jpg?v=1751036448"},{"product_id":"rossini-semiramide-sutherland-horne-cross-malas-bonynge","title":"Rossini: Semiramide - Sutherland, Horne, Cross, Carringer, Malas; Bonynge.  AOS, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore I go any further, I want to disclose that the sound on this recording is far from perfect. There are some noisy audience members, a few drop-outs and the overture is missing altogether. That said, if you can will yourself the patience to forgive these faults, your prize will be some of the most astonishing singing in the history of opera! Joan Sutherland's voice is absolutely flawless in the title role. It is hard to imagine a singer whose coloratura is so precise even at break-neck speed, whose soaring high notes seem as effortless and whose cantabile singing could stop the show. She is joined by her frequent collaborator Marilyn Horne. Although Horne also possessed a technique that gave her remarkable control over even the most treacherous coloratura, she was a very different artist than Sutherland. Whereas Sutherland's voice was ethereal, Horne's was more earthy. But when the two sing together (as they do in the clip below) it is as if they are one mind and one throat. The two singers were keenly attuned to one another and achieve a level of ensemble rarely seen, especially between two stars. It is hard to imagine a better version of Rossini's masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10837-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630925448,"sku":"10837-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098798660,"sku":"MP3 10837-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10837-2front.jpg?v=1751036446"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-anita-cerquetti-franco-corelli","title":"Bellini: Norma - Cerquetti, Corelli, Pirazzini, Neri, De Palma; Santini.  Roma, 1958","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince this performance of \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e surfaced, it has become a mainstay of collectors as it features the great Anita Cerquetti at the height of her brief vocal prime paired with a young Franco Corelli whose voice and temperament seem to be boundless. Personally this performance was particularly revealing because it features singers who had the ease of vocal production to go against the daunting challenges of bel canto style, but who were not going to let their performance rest solely on their vocal gifts showing that bel canto is in fact more than just beautiful singing. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10847-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630630536,"sku":"10847-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098603332,"sku":"MP3 10847-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10847-2front_1e4abb0b-67ff-40a3-8e9b-1914dcc8c86d.jpg?v=1751036432"},{"product_id":"rossini-guglielmo-tell-bacquier-kabaivanska-raimondi-previtali","title":"Rossini: Guglielmo Tell - Bacquier, Kabaivanska, Raimondi, Wilderman; Previtali.  Buenos Aires, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo matter how many times I hear \u003cem\u003eGuglielmo Tell\u003c\/em\u003e, I am always so surprised by how ahead of its time it seems. It was a written a full ten years before \u003cem\u003eLucia di Lammermoor\u003c\/em\u003e and twelve years before \u003cem\u003eNabucco\u003c\/em\u003e, yet it has touches of an advanced romanticism that neither of those operas achieve. This cast of dramatic voices does a splendid job. Gabriel Bacquier delivers a forceful performance in the title role. Gianni Raimondi is near perfect as Arnoldo. His voice has dramatic virility juxtaposed with astonishing control and a gleaming top. Raina Kabaivanska is captivating as Matilde. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10865-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629876872,"sku":"10865-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098795652,"sku":"MP3 10865-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10865-3front.jpg?v=1751036405"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lammermoor-sutherland-turp-shaw-pritchard","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Sutherland, Turp, Shaw, Rouleau, Elkins; Pritchard.  Edinburgh, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1961 Joan Sutherland was just starting to find her niche in the bel canto repertoire after having flirted with the dramatic soprano domain in the late 50s. This recording not only displays her innate brilliance singing bel canto, but it bares out that her earlier notions of a career as a dramatic soprano were far from delusional. The ringing steel in her sound seems truly incongruous with a voice as agile and pure as hers. She is joined by an excellent cast of supporting singers including an excellent Enrico courtesy of John Shaw. John Pritchard demonstrates a sensitive understanding of Italian bel canto. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10883-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629418120,"sku":"10883-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098675972,"sku":"MP3 10883-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10883-2front_35a721ed-b581-4c61-b67a-3953f0c3fe0e.jpg?v=1751036392"},{"product_id":"rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-berganza-glossop-alva-varviso","title":"Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia - Berganza, Glossop, Alva, Evans, Rouleau, Bainbridge; Varviso.  London, 1967","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eIl Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGioachino Rossini (1792–1868)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eStar power may often dominate the conversation around \u003cem\u003eIl Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e, but it is the chemistry and coherence of the ensemble that truly determine the opera’s success. In this instance, a roster of renowned singers succeeds in forging a vibrant, collaborative spirit that brings Rossini’s effervescent score to life. As Figaro, \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Glossop\u003c\/strong\u003e combines quick-witted charm with striking vocal agility, capturing both the barber’s intelligence and his bravado. \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Berganza\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a warmly hued mezzo and remarkable technical ease to Rosina, her coloratura delivered with precision and verve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuigi Alva\u003c\/strong\u003e, an exemplar of the tenore di grazia, offers a Count Almaviva both elegant and expressive; his light timbre remains firmly centered, never insubstantial, and he navigates both the florid and lyrical passages with refined musicianship. \u003cstrong\u003eSir Geraint Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e is a particularly distinguished Bartolo, his patter secure and his portrayal infused with a dignified eccentricity that avoids caricature. Under \u003cstrong\u003eSilvio Varviso\u003c\/strong\u003e’s baton, the performance pulses with energy. The Act I finale is taken at a daring pace—just fast enough to court risk—yielding the kind of visceral thrill that animates Rossini at his best. The recorded sound is clear and dynamic, enhancing the overall impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Il conte d'Almaviva – \u003cstrong\u003eLuis Alva\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Figaro – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Glossop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Rosina – \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Berganza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Dottor Bartolo – \u003cstrong\u003eGeraint Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Don Basilio – \u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Rouleau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Berta – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fiorello – \u003cstrong\u003eGlynne Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Sargente – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Bowman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1967\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSilvio Varviso\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10889-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629221512,"sku":"10889-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098796100,"sku":"MP3 10889-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51281833492801,"sku":"FLAC 10889-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10889-2front_4c6a5d06-1ae3-430a-9dec-6fd079294f87.jpg?v=1751036386"},{"product_id":"bellini-beatrice-di-tenda-sutherland-horne-cassilly-sordello-rescigno","title":"Bellini: Beatrice di Tenda - Sutherland, Horne, Cassilly, Sordello; Rescigno.  New York, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is unlikely that \u003cem\u003eBeatrice di Tenda\u003c\/em\u003e will achieve the same level of acceptance in the operatic canon as \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eLa Sonnambula.\u003c\/em\u003e But when a cast like this is assembled the merits of the work all of sudden come to light. Like many of Bellini's compositions, the roles were tailor made for the greatest singers of the day. That presents an enormous roadblock in casting, as you need to find a soprano on the level of Giuditta Pasta. Not being old enough to have heard Pasta, I cannot attest to her portrayal, but it is hard to imagine that she could have sung it better than the great Joan Sutherland. Sutherland tackles the dizzying demands with astonishing security and confidence. She is joined by frequent collaborator, Marilyn Horne, as Agnese (Richard Cassilly told me years later that Horne was a last minute replacement.) Although the part is high for a mezzo role, Horne both matches and compliments Sutherland's artistry superbly. As Richard Cassilly's career progressed he would move into the heldentenor rep, so it is surprising that he would venture a bel canto role and doubly surprising that he would excel in it. The heady quality of his voice matched with his superb technique would have one believing that he could have just as easily become a bel canto specialist. It is also worth noting that this performance marked the New York debut of both Horne and Sutherland. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10893-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629123208,"sku":"10893-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098597124,"sku":"MP3 10893-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10893-2front.jpg?v=1751036382"},{"product_id":"rossini-semiramide-sutherland-horne-montal-rouleau-bonynge","title":"Rossini: Semiramide - Sutherland, Horne, Montal, Rouleau; Bonynge.  1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge were responsible for the revival of many forgotten bel canto operas during their prolific reign and although that made for many great evenings, few of the operas can really stand up without the help of their brilliance. In my opinion, however, the uniqueness of \u003cem\u003eSemiramide\u003c\/em\u003e and the brilliance of Rossini's under-appreciated skills as a tragedian can sustain interest even without the bling of brilliant performers like Sutherland and Marilyn Horne. That said Sutherland and Horne do much to advocate for the works merits delivering firecracker coloratura as well as thrilling high-notes. The two singers also had a synergy that allowed them to check their egos and achieve a level of ensemble in their duets that is often elusive to stars. The sound is very good, although there are a few parts missing including the overture and opening chorus as well as the beginning of the second act.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10895-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629057672,"sku":"10895-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098799556,"sku":"MP3 10895-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10895-2front.jpg?v=1751036380"},{"product_id":"rossini-otello-eileen-farrell","title":"Rossini: Otello - Hayward, Farrell, Driscoll, Thompson; Gamson   1957","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording is a double rarity: a complete performance of Rossini's \u003cem\u003eOtello\u003c\/em\u003e coupled with a rare complete role featuring the great Eileen Farrell. You might think that a dramatic soprano in a Rossini part is somewhat incongruous but Farrell manages to show that Rossini's compositional style packed just as much dramatic punch as any late Romantic composer. Equally incongruous is the fact that Farrell possessed the ability to scale back her over-sized voice for some remarkable coloratura. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10947-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627714184,"sku":"10947-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098798532,"sku":"MP3 10947-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10947-2front_0beb7716-345c-41ce-a1da-07aa619e2252.jpg?v=1751036355"},{"product_id":"rossini-guglielmo-tell-bonisolli-taddei-zylis-gara","title":"Rossini: Guglielmo Tell - Taddei, Zylis-Gara, Bonisolli, Stamm, Nafé; Delacôte.  Hamburg, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eGuglielmo Tell\u003c\/em\u003e clearly asserts that despite emerging front the classical world, Gioachino Rossini was capable of creating drama of the same intensity of some of his later compatriots. And even in the face of the daunting demands of Rossini's writing, this spectacular cast acquits their roles with the same intensity that they might bring to \u003cem\u003eLa Forza del destino\u003c\/em\u003e. Giuseppe Taddei's avuncular baritone is ideally cast in the title role. Franco Bonisolli tackles the dizzying tessitura of Arnoldo with astounding security and ease. Teresa Zylis-Gara brings luscious tone to the role of Matilda. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11006-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292626075784,"sku":"11006-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098795780,"sku":"MP3 11006-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11006-3front.jpg?v=1751036302"},{"product_id":"rossini-semiramide-sutherland-simionato-ganzarolli-g-raimondi-santini-milano-1962","title":"Rossini: Semiramide - Sutherland, Simionato, Ganzarolli, G. Raimondi; Santini.  Milano, 1962","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording could star no one but Joan Sutherland. Caught at the height of her powers, she sings this performance of one of her greatest roles with unyielding power, impeccable fluidity and flawless accuracy. Beside her is Giulietta Simionato in a role that, although perhaps not an ideal fit, finds her in top form. Their duet in act two is a match of truly great voices. Next to them, Wladimiro Ganzarolli sounds a bit threadbare, but he delivers his mad scene with fiery intensity. Gianni Rolandi, with his arias cut, has little to do, but what is there is quite notable. This run of \u003cem\u003eSemiramide\u003c\/em\u003e played an instrumental role in returning the opera to the active repertoire, as the forces at La Scala were forced to re-assemble the opera from Rossini's manuscripts. Gabriele Santini leads the evening, and if his tempi err on the side of too slow, he does not let the momentum lag either. The sound is generally solid, and although the performance has a few cuts more than the purist in me would like, it is easy to forget when the glorious leading ladies are singing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11043-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624633992,"sku":"11043-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098801220,"sku":"MP3 11043-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11043-2front.jpg?v=1751036259"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-sutherland-horne-tagliavini-rouleau-bonynge-london-1967","title":"Bellini: Norma - Sutherland, Horne, Tagliavini, Rouleau; Bonynge. London, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eNorma\u003c\/em\u003e captures the legendary pairing of Joan Sutherland and Marilyn Horne. Despite the fact that both artists possessed formidable vocal gifts, when they came together what they created was even greater than the sum of their parts. Their duets are remarkable not only for the level of vocal skill and accuracy, but also their musical sensitivity and attention to detail. That commitment to ensemble is something that one rarely encounters in opera divas and goes to show that the creation of a great singer requires equal parts musicianship as vocal glamor. Franco Tagliavini's Pollione may lack the impact of Del Monaco, but he sings with remarkable lyricism. He also treats the audience to his high C in his opening aria (a note that tenors all to often opt out of.) The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11042-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624601224,"sku":"11042-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098604868,"sku":"MP3 11042-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11042-2front.jpg?v=1751036257"},{"product_id":"bellini-capuleti-ed-i-montechi-beverly-sills-tatiana-troyanos-sarah-caldwell","title":"Bellini: I Capuleti ed i Montecchi - Sills, Troyanos, Evans, Beattie; Caldwell. 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the 70s the Bel Canto revolution had made its way over the Atlantic to U.S. shores. This recording of \u003cem\u003eI Capuleti ed i Montecchi\u003c\/em\u003e serves up Bel Canto American-style in a way that would rival anything from the old world. Beverly Sills is often praised for her lightning fast coloratura, but here she displays the remarkable control she had over spinning long bel canto lines. More than just an impressive vocal feat, the expansive quality she brings to Bellini’s melodies puts on display her supreme artistic intellect. Tatiana Troyanos is the true revelation. Her opulent tone is equally at home in the dramatic and florid passages and throughout her seemingly endless vocal range. Sarah Caldwell leads a well-paced performance, supporting the singers throughout. The sound is generally good although the voices can at times seem a little distant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11062-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623683720,"sku":"11062-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098597764,"sku":"MP3 11062-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49828408983873,"sku":null,"price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11062-2front.jpg?v=1751036235"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-renata-scotto-cecchele-casoni-giaiotti-patane","title":"Bellini: Norma - Scotto, Casoni, Cecchele, Giaiotti; Patanè.  Torino, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen most think of Renata Scotto and Norma they think of her outings in the early 80s when the voice was starting to show some wear and couldn’t really cope with the demands of the part. This recording, from 1974, serves to vindicate Scotto and shows that in her prime she was an ideal Norma, confidently acquitting the prodigious demands of this role. Her Norma is more than just stoic poise. She manages to probe the depths of Norma’s psyche revealing a woman who is both commanding, formidable and scared. Gianfranco Cecchele was a smart casting choice as his Pollione skews more towards lyrical than dramatic. The sound is generally pretty good, although the second act does have some background hiss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRenata Scotto sings \u003cem\u003e\"Che non tentai per vincere\"\u003c\/em\u003e from \u003cem\u003eZaira\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatania, 1976\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11069-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623552648,"sku":"11069-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098604612,"sku":"MP3 11069-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11069-2front.jpg?v=1751036230"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lamermoor-scotto-raimondi-ferrin-guelfi-abbado","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Scotto, G. Raimondi, Guelfi, Ferrin; Abbado.  Milano, 1967","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLucia di Lammermoor\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGaetano Donizetti (1797–1848)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eLucia di Lammermoor\u003c\/em\u003e makes evident why \u003cstrong\u003eRenata Scotto\u003c\/strong\u003e was so often compared to Maria Callas. Like Callas, Scotto possessed formidable vocal agility, yet her technical prowess was never an end in itself. Each flourish and ornament is charged with psychological intent, suggesting Lucia’s unraveling from her very first appearance. Where lesser interpretations might feel mannered or affected, Scotto seamlessly fuses the musical and the dramatic, achieving a rare cohesion that recalls the most compelling bel canto portrayals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGianni Raimondi\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a refined and vocally assured Edgardo, while \u003cstrong\u003eClaudio Abbado\u003c\/strong\u003e leads with a directness that favors emotional clarity over overt display. His conducting supports the singers with sensitivity and restraint. The recorded sound is very good, capturing the nuances of both orchestra and voices with warmth and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Lucia – \u003cstrong\u003eRenata Scotto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Edgardo – \u003cstrong\u003eGianni Raimondi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Enrico – \u003cstrong\u003eGiangiacomo Guelfi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Raimondo – \u003cstrong\u003eBeniamino Prior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Arturo – \u003cstrong\u003eAgostino Ferrin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alisa – \u003cstrong\u003eFlora Rafanelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Normanno – \u003cstrong\u003ePiero De Palma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eMilano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1967\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eClaudio Abbado\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11070-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Renata Scotto sings \u003cem\u003e\"Cupa fatal mestizia\"\u003c\/em\u003e from \u003cem\u003eMaria di Rohan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Lisboa, 1968\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623519880,"sku":"11070-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098674500,"sku":"MP3 11070-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51281914134849,"sku":"FLAC 11070-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11070-2front_237a1643-8aaa-452e-b3d9-d8695ec7dd54.jpg?v=1751036229"},{"product_id":"donizetti-elisir-d-amore-giuseppe-di-stefano-renata-scotto-vinco-fioravanti-gavazzeni","title":"Donizetti: L'Elisir d'amore - Di Stefano, Scotto, Fioravanti, Vinco; Gavazzeni.  Bergamo, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you think of Giuseppe Di Stefano, you probably don’t think of comedy, but he proves in this performance of \u003cem\u003eL’Elisir d’amore\u003c\/em\u003e that he was a Nemorino to be reckoned with. Di Stefano’s approach is different from other tenors in this role that I have heard. He was always great at making the suffering of a character so palpable that as a listener you almost couldn’t help but experience it with him and even though Nemorino is far from a tragic role, Di Stefano instantly draws you in by conveying the frustrated love he feels for Adina. And with an Adina like Renata Scotto it is hard not to see why he would be smitten. Scotto, still in her twenties, bubbles with charm, demonstrating an understanding of bel canto well beyond her years. Ivo Vinco brings more basso than buffo to the role of Dulcamara giving the character a slickness that works very well to his advantage. Gianandrea Gavazzeni’s tempos are a little slow for my taste but he supports the singers well through the long bel canto phrases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11072-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623454344,"sku":"11072-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098667652,"sku":"MP3 11072-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11072-2front_10b49fec-1c92-4504-8adf-a72463762be5.jpg?v=1751036226"},{"product_id":"rossini-guglielmo-tell-guelfi-gencer-raimondi-previtali","title":"Rossini: Guglielmo Tell - Guelfi, Raimondi, Gencer; Previtali. Napoli, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Rossini's final opera became a massive success, he was pleased by its popularity but less so by the amounts of cuts most companies found necessary to present the work. There's a famous story of him attending a gala performance and being told by an excited impresario that \"tonight, in your honor we will perform the second act of \u003cem\u003eGuillaume Tell!\"\u003c\/em\u003e, to which he replied \"What? All of it?\" He would probably have been pleased by this 1965 performance of the opera's italian version, captured in close sound from the Teatro San Carlo, for Fernando Previtali takes fairly sensible, nominal cuts, leaving even the wonderful ballet music intact. It helps that he has a cast that is up to the challenge… mostly. Gianni Raimondi, caught, perhaps, not on his very best day, is certainly ardent but struggles with Arnoldo's infamously difficult fourth act aria, and although Giangiacomo Guelfi sings \u003cem\u003e\"Restate Immobile\"\u003c\/em\u003e with great feeling and tenderness, he leans towards faceless in the other music. Leyla Gencer, on the other hand, gives a wonderfully intense, gorgeously sung performance as the princess Matilde, and the chorus and orchestra of the Teatro San Carlo have a fine showing. Previtali whips them into a frenzy in the great choral episode at the end of act three, and of course, the famous overture is delivered with thrill-inducing zest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11063-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292622831752,"sku":"11063-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098795972,"sku":"MP3 11063-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11063-3front.jpg?v=1751036204"},{"product_id":"rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-cossotto-bruscantini-alva-vinco-bruscantini-sanzogno","title":"Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia - Cossotto, Bruscantini, Alva; Sanzogno. Torino, 1968","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiorenza Cossotto is not necessarily a name associated with \"fun\" in the operatic world, but even Amneris needs a night off, and she can be found here having a blast in this 1968 Radio Broadcast of \u003cem\u003eIl Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e. Cossotto lightens her tone, kicks off her heels, and delivers a charming, coquettish Rosina. The coloratura is free and impeccably clean and she has great chemistry with Fernando Corena's peerless Bartolo. Luigi Alva, Sesto Bruscantini and Cossotto's husband, Ivo Vinco are along for the ride as a fluent Almaviva, a thunderous (if rather bland) Figaro and a insinuating, wonderfully dark Basilio. The only real downside is Nino Sanzogno's leaden baton, which try as it might cannot sap the energy and life Cossotto and company bring to this effervescent performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11081-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292622766216,"sku":"11081-2","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098796164,"sku":"MP3 11081-2","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11081-2front.jpg?v=1751036201"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucia-di-lammermoor-edita-gruberova-carlo-bergonzi","title":"Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor - Gruberova, Bergonzi, Gutstein, Tschammer; Urbon.  Graz, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eLucia di Lammermoor\u003c\/em\u003e matches newcomer Edita Gruberova with veteran Carlo Bergonzi. Although the slavic sound of Gruberova may seem like an odd compliment to Bergonzi’s Italianate tenor, the two shared an innate understanding for bel canto and ultimately work quite well together. What I find most impressive with Gruberova is the opulence of her voice combined with the remarkable knack for coloratura. Her high notes in the house had a thrust that doesn’t always come across in her studio recordings but does in this live performance. Although Bergonzi would go on for decades charming audiences with his unique style, it is fair to say that by 1975 his best years were in the past. However, it is easy to forgive the odd wayward high note as he is still able to spin the the long arches of Donizetti's’ melodies with his signature style and grace. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote:\u003cbr\u003eThe music in Act II after the Sextet is missing from this recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11114-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292621291656,"sku":"11114-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098674692,"sku":"MP3 11114-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11114-2front.jpg?v=1751036178"},{"product_id":"rossini-l-italiani-in-algeri-marilyn-horne-luigi-alva-paolo-montarsolo-enzo-dara-claudio-abbado","title":"Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri - Horne, Montarsolo, Dara, Alva; Abbado. Milano, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf there were a cookbook for Italian Opera, the recipe for \u003cem\u003e\"L'Italiana in Algeri\"\u003c\/em\u003e would read \"Two parts Claudio Abbado, One part Marilyn Horne, add a dash of the La Scala orchestra and mix thoroughly.\" This is a lighter-than-air, delectable treatment of a very funny opera, and the entire company rises to the challenge. Horne is positively thrilling in what may have been her best role, the sheer control and flexibility of her voice a joy and her comic timing a thing of beauty. She is supported by the usual La Scala suspects: an ardent (if occasionally straining) Luigi Alva and the always engaging mugging contest that occurred whenever Paolo Montarsolo and Enzo Dara shared the stage. Montarsolo has the better part this time around, as the buffoonish Bey Mustafà, and if he cannot quite handle the florid coloratura he makes up for it in sheer will of characterization. Dara, as the hapless Taddeo, gets as much laughs as one would expect out of a very rich role. The sound is slightly distend but otherwise excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11135-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620177544,"sku":"11135-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098797828,"sku":"MP3 11135-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11135-2front.jpeg?v=1751036148"},{"product_id":"donizetti-lucrezia-borgia-leyla-gencer-giacomo-aragall-franci","title":"Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia - Gencer, Aragall, Petri, Rota; Franci. Napoli, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucrezia Borgia\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the true surprises of the repertoire, a neglected gem that shimmers all the more when it has true star power in the title role. Leyla Gencer is a wonderfully anguished Lucrezia, less dangerous than some, but gorgeously sung throughout. Her son is taken by the under-recorded Giacomo Aragall, who is a full-blooded, attractive presence in a rather thankless role (he doesn't even get a real aria). Mario Petri, in the small but important role of Lucrezia's husband, provides a lovely reading of one of the great bass arias \u003cem\u003e\"Vieni, la mia vendetta\"\u003c\/em\u003e, and Anna Maria Rota is a lively Orsini. Carlo Forti conducts the forces of the Teatro San Carlo (including some rather unruly brass) in this 1966 performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11137-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620112008,"sku":"11137-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098676484,"sku":"MP3 11137-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11137-2front.jpg?v=1751036145"},{"product_id":"rossini-il-barbiere-di-siviglia-grist-wunderlich-waechter-kunz-bohm","title":"Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (In German) - Wunderlich, Grist, Wächter, Kunz, Konetzni; Böhm. Wien, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes comedy proves untranslatable. Such is not the case in this sparkling 1966 \u003cem\u003eIl Barbiere di Siviglia\u003c\/em\u003e performed in German by the Wiener Staatsoper. The singable translation is easy on the ears, the performances (with one exception) are hard to beat, and the orchestra is in the hands of Maestro Karl Böhm, who delivers one of the most original, deft renditions of the classic overture on record. Fritz Wunderlich and Reri Grist lead the cast as the central lovers. Both are in terrific voice and clearly having a blast, especially Grist. Erich Kunz manages to be be simultaneously beautiful to listen to and funny as Bartolo, which may actually be a first. The only disappointment is Eberhard Wächter's tight, breathless rendition of Figaro's aria, but even he loosens up as the opera goes along. This is a very live performance, but you would not be able to tell from the sound quality. Only the clear delight of the Viennese audience indicates that this performance is captured in real time. For those who do not object to Opera out of its original language, this is a gift. For those who do, it is the clearest reason for changing their mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11143-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292619882632,"sku":"11143-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098796740,"sku":"MP3 11143-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11143-2front_b242cdbf-2dd1-4a95-aacb-5c26f9e43d3c.jpg?v=1751036138"},{"product_id":"donizetti-maria-stuarda-montserrat-caballe-shirley-verrett-cillario","title":"Donizetti: Maria Stuarda - Caballé, Verrett, Gimenez; Cillario. 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaria Stuarda\u003c\/em\u003e is written to be a two-Donna opera, and if the clashing queens are not evenly matched, the performance can seem lopsided. That is not a concern here. Montserrat Caballé's beautifully-spun Maria and Shirley Verrett's intense Elisabetta are truly equal, and their fiery confrontation is the stuff of operatic legend. Caballé shines in her final scenes, but it is Verrett, sounding exactly in command as Queen Elizabeth should, who sticks in the memory. Edoardo Gimenez is a passionate, well-sung Leicester, but this is a two-woman show if there ever was one. The sound is a little problematic, but is it ever worth it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11154-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292619391112,"sku":"11154-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098676548,"sku":"MP3 11154-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11154-2front.jpg?v=1751036117"},{"product_id":"bellini-i-capuleti-ed-i-montecchi-renata-scotto-jaime-aragall-luciano-pavarotti-claudio-abbado","title":"Bellini: I Capuleti ed i Montecchi - Scotto, Aragall, Pavarotti; Abbado. Milano, 1968","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full scope of \u003cb\u003eRenata Scotto\u003c\/b\u003e's melting, limpid soprano has rarely been heard to better effect than it is here. Her Giulietta sounds fresh, heartfelt and beautiful, and the vociferous audience response is well-deserved. Her Romeo is the highly underrated tenor \u003cb\u003eGiacomo Aragall\u003c\/b\u003e, making the best possible case for the transposing of this mezzo role. Going up against \u003cb\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/b\u003e, in gorgeous voice as the vengeful Tebaldo, this love triangle is possibly unmatched. \u003cb\u003eClaudio Abbado\u003c\/b\u003e conducts this stunning 1968 performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11160-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292616638600,"sku":"11160-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098597828,"sku":"MP3 11160-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11160-2front.jpg?v=1751036114"},{"product_id":"recital-irene-dalis-semiramide-giulio-cesare-carmen-samson-et-dalila-elektra-jenufa-trovatore","title":"Compilation: Irene Dalis Recital - Arias from Semiramide, Giulio Cesare, Carmen, Tristan, Samson et Dalila, Jenufa and more","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSadly few people remember the name \u003cb\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/b\u003e these days. Despite having been the go-to mezzo-soprano for decades at the Met, participating in the debuts of \u003cb\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eFranco Corelli\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ePlacido Domingo\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, Dalis never had an agent who might have angled for a recording contract that would have assured her deserved spot in the pantheon of great singers. This recording is one of the few studio recordings she ever made, and even though it has excerpts from Verdi and Wagner, it also has some selections that you would never expect from a dramatic voice, for example “Bel raggio lusinghier” from \u003cem\u003eSemiramide\u003c\/em\u003e, “V’adoro pupille” from Giulio Cesare, excerpts from \u003cem\u003eCarmen\u003c\/em\u003e (a role that oddly enough she never sang) and even “Caro mio ben.” What is doubly shocking is that she is just as comfortable in the lighter repertoire as she is in the Verdi and Wagner. Her “Bel raggio lusinghier” is particularly astonishing for the precision of her coloratura, making one wonder how she would have fared in roles like Isabella in \u003cem\u003eL’Italiana in Algeri\u003c\/em\u003e. It is with great joy that I present this recital for the first time ever on CD not only because it follows in Opera Depot’s mission to remind the world of great singers from the past, but also because \u003cb\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/b\u003e is someone who is very dear to me. Dalis hired me to work at Opera San José which she founded after retiring from singing, and has given me amazing opportunities and loving support. In addition to the recital I have included excerpts from \u003cem\u003eJenufa, Elektra, Il Trovatore\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11213-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292614639752,"sku":"11213-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098789252,"sku":"MP3 11213-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11213-1front.jpg?v=1751036051"},{"product_id":"donizetti-la-fille-du-regiment-joan-sutherland-luciano-pavarotti-spiro-malas-richard-bonynge","title":"Donizetti: La Fille du régiment - Sutherland, Pavarotti, Malas, Sinclair, Coates; Bonynge. London, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMusically, this performance of \u003cem\u003eLa Fille du régiment\u003c\/em\u003e is near perfect. Unfortunately, sonically it is quite far from perfection. That disclosed, if you can forgive the muffled quality and the faint “ghost” of another performance during Act II, you will be treated to what must be one of the greatest performances of this opera out there. The remarkable combination of agility and power that both \u003cb\u003eJoan Sutherland\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/b\u003e brought to the stage made them a formidable combination, each pushing the other to greater heights. \u003cb\u003ePavarotti\u003c\/b\u003e’s career was more or less made on this opera with its show-stopping sequence of high Cs, but his performance is so much more than vocal acrobatics and some of his best singing comes in the Act II aria \u003cem\u003e”Pour me rapprocher de Marie.”\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cb\u003eJoan Sutherland\u003c\/b\u003e is stupendous as Marie bringing her legendary vocal control as well as a sense of fun which helps to make this opera burst with energy. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about the sound…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11257-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292609986696,"sku":"11257-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098673348,"sku":"MP3 11257-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11257-2front.jpg?v=1751035985"},{"product_id":"bellini-norma-elena-souliotis-gianfranco-cecchele-roni-cillario-nancy-tatum","title":"Bellini: Norma - Souliotis, Tatum, Cecchele; Cillario, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1967 concert performance captures a rare moment. Before the final scene of the opera, the performance grinds to a halt for several minutes as \u003cb\u003eElena Souliotis\u003c\/b\u003e refuses to go on after being booed during the Act II duet. She eventually emerges as the opera concludes, but the audience’s reception has gone from heavily divided and passionate to cool and polite. Whether or not \u003cb\u003eSouliotis\u003c\/b\u003e deserves the vociferous booing she receives, I will leave to the individual listener to decide. \u003cb\u003eNancy Tatum\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eGianfranco Cecchele\u003c\/b\u003e fill out the love triangle, and \u003cb\u003eLuigi Roni\u003c\/b\u003e’s rock-solid Oroveso provides the best singing of the evening. There is a brief drop-out at the end of Act II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11263-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292609790088,"sku":"11263-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098604420,"sku":"MP3 11263-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11263-2front.jpg?v=1751035979"},{"product_id":"bellini-i-puritani-cristina-deutekom-alfredo-kraus-mastromei","title":"Bellini: I Puritani - Deutekom, Kraus, Mastromei, Giaiotti; Veltri. Buenos Aires, 1972","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though neither \u003cb\u003eCristina Deutekom\u003c\/b\u003e or \u003cb\u003eAlfredo Kraus\u003c\/b\u003e had particularly Italianate voices, their unique instruments seem tailor-made to the daunting leading roles in \u003cem\u003eI Puritani\u003c\/em\u003e. Deutekom’s steely soprano slightly diminishes the illusion that Elvira is a young woman, but her coloratura and gleaming high notes more than make up for it. Kraus is captured in all his glory. Although his was not a voice for everyone, there were very few tenors who could sing as sweetly and as dramatically as he (to say nothing about his endless top register.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11283-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292608708744,"sku":"11283-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098597892,"sku":"MP3 11283-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11283-2front.jpg?v=1751035941"},{"product_id":"bellini-la-sonnambula-maria-callas-nicola-monti-zaccaria-fiorenza-cossotto-votto","title":"Bellini: La Sonnambula - Callas, Monti, Zaccaria, Cossotto; Votto. Köln, 1957","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaria Callas\u003c\/b\u003e has been credited with restoring interest in Bellini’s \u003cem\u003eLa Sonnambula\u003c\/em\u003e and this performance shows why. She brings a hypnotic quality to Amina’s music, scaling back her large soprano without sacrificing any of the opulence of her tone. If anything she has done a disservice to the opera as after hearing her in this role it is very difficult to imagine any other singer in it. \u003cb\u003eNicola Monti\u003c\/b\u003e acquits Elvino’s high-lying music with security, \u003cb\u003eNicola Zaccaria\u003c\/b\u003e is sturdy as Rodolfo and a young \u003cb\u003eFiorenza Cossotto\u003c\/b\u003e displays her promise as Teresa. But the evening (and perhaps even the role) belong solely to Callas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11292-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292608675976,"sku":"11292-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098602820,"sku":"MP3 11292-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11292-2front.jpg?v=1751035940"}],"url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/bel-canto-opera.oembed?page=5","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}