Verdi: Don Carlo - Freni, Cossotto, Carreras, Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov, Van Dam, Tomowa-Sintow, Gruberova; Karajan. Salzburg, 1976
$14.95
Description:
Herbert von Karajan had the clout to assemble casts of unparalleled prestige, and this performance of Don Carlo is a striking example. With José Carreras, Mirella Freni, Fiorenza Cossotto, Piero Cappuccilli, and Nicolai Ghiaurov in the principal roles, the level of vocal talent is staggering—and even the supporting cast boasts Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Edita Gruberova, and José van Dam. Karajan’s broad tempi never lapse into sluggishness, instead revealing the musical and dramatic architecture of the score with clarity and grace. Carreras delivers a committed and lyrical Don Carlo, even if the role slightly exceeds his natural vocal weight. Freni is a radiant Elisabetta, her pure tone and understated intensity a perfect match for the role’s pathos. Cossotto, meanwhile, proves once again that she was born to sing Eboli. The sound quality is outstanding.
In Stereo
OD 10205-3
