Verdi: Un Ballo in maschera - Rysanek, Merighi, Mazurok, Grist, Cossotto; Patanè. Wien, 1976
$4.48
Listen to a Sample:
Fans of Leonie Rysanek will enjoy this performances of Un Ballo in maschera which was, in fact, the last time that she would sing this role. Listening to this performance 14 years after the Met broadcast she did in 1962 with Bergonzi and Merrill, it is hard to not see where the voice has weathered slightly particularly in the high C department. However, her voice darkened substantially over time incorporating rich auburn hues and her lower voice, which could sound hollow in her younger years, filled out considerably making this a memorable performance in its own right. Giorgio Merighi delivers a stentorian Riccardo with ringing high notes and elegant nuanced singing. Yuri Mazurok is equally powerful as Renato. In fact the whole cast brings power to their performances including the mischievous Oscar of Reri Grist and the Ulrica of Fiorenza Cossotto (I had initially thought that the role would be too low for her but she demonstrates that despite her glorious top she was a true mezzo.) Giuseppe Patanè brings some nice touches to the score. The sound is quite good.
OD 10655-2
