Verdi: Un Ballo in maschera - Caballé, Labò, Sereni, Mariconda, Komlossy, Julis; Bartoletti. Rai di Roma, 1969
$16.95
Description:
It’s unfortunate that we no longer live in a time when radio stations prioritize broadcasting high-quality studio recordings of operas. Thankfully, the Italian RAI system has preserved countless gems, and this recording of Un Ballo in Maschera is no exception.
At the height of her powers, Montserrat Caballé delivers a stunning Amelia, balancing power with exquisite delicacy. Flaviano Labò is an ardent and impassioned Riccardo, while Mario Sereni rises to their level with a commanding and emotionally resonant Renato.
This is yet another example of RAI’s invaluable contributions to the operatic world, capturing performances that might otherwise have been lost to time.
BONUS:
Montserrat Caballé sings arias from Aida and Il Trovatore
OD 10582-2
Listen to a Sample:
So beautiful version of this opera !!!!
Wonderful version !!!!
Wonderful Performance!
Other commenters have already written about this fine performance so all I can do is second their thoughts and urge other Verdians to acquire this recording. Caballe is at her vocal zenith here and also sounds involved in what she is singing about, not always the case with this estimable artist. Labo shows again that he was a fine, sensitive singer who was rather overshadowed by the plethora of great tenors in this repertoire at the time of his career. Sereni's mahagony colored voice and patrician manner garnered him many recordings and he always seemed to sing well, his occasional pitch problems no where in evidence here. Mariconda is a superb Oscar, not only singing very well, but infusing her part with specificity. Komlossy's rich mezzo may not be very Italianate, but her authority is not to be missed. Bartoletti leads a lively, memorable performance preserved in excellent sound. The bonus Caballe Verdi arias make me long to have those performances complete. Fortunately, Opera Depot has them both!
Un Ballo in maschera
Enjoy it very much. It was all that I had hoped for. I have another CD of Ballo with Labo, but I've always wanted this one with Caballe and Sereni.
