Verdi: Don Carlo - Caballé, Verrett, Prevedi, Sardinero, Giaiotti; Guadagno. Barcelona, 1971
$5.37
Listen to a Sample:
By 1971 Don Carlo was becoming a well-established part of the repertoire and it was expected that if you wanted to prove your worth as a Verdi singer you would have to conquer Verdi's gothic masterpiece. The singers on this recording do conquer it. Montserrat Caballé's voice is at its height and she proves herself to be perfect as Elisabetta. Her ability to float pianissimi is now the stuff of legend and Elisabetta gives her ample opportunity to flaunt her wares. That is not to say that this is just a vocal exhibition. Her sadness and despair is palpable throughout and she uses her rock solid technique to paint a very sympathetic heroine (that said she holds the high b at the end of the opera forever! Good taste? Maybe not. Exciting? Most definitely.) The other notable standout is the Eboli of Shirley Verrett who throws herself into the role with almost reckless abandon. Bruno Prevedi's tenor highlights the lyrical side of this role better than they dramatic and his Italian style is first rate. Vicente Sardinero and Bonaldo Giaiotti are also excellent as Roderigo and Filippo respectively. The sound is good although there is a small break in duet between Carlo & Eboli
OD 10587-2
