Verdi: Un Ballo in maschera - Caballé, Domingo, MacNeil, Chookasian; Patanè. Barcelona, 1972
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The sound is only acceptable in this performance of Un Ballo in maschera, but the four principals are much more than that. When asked to list Plácido Domingo's greatest roles, Riccardo would probably not be included, but he is in terrific voice here and unusually sensitive to the drama, making the governor a tragically short-sighted man who does not realize his errors until it is too late. Montserrat Caballé could not be called "involved" in the drama, but she is heard in late-period glory and manages a gut-wrenching take on Amelia's act three aria. Cornell MacNeil is a deeply-felt, thundering Renato, and the wonderful but woefully under-recorded mezzo Lili Chookasian is a stunning Ulrica. The rest of the cast is, unfortunately, unknown.
OD 11165-2
