Puccini: Turandot - Shuard, Prevedi, Kabaivanska, Rouleau, Glossop; Downes. London, 1963
$16.95
Description:
I am sure that in 1963 this performance of Turandot would have seemed like business as usual to a public spoiled by greats like Birgit Nilsson and Franco Corelli. By today’s standards, however, this could easily be an opening night cast of a new production at La Scala or the Met. Amy Shuard’s Turandot was unique, in my opinion. She had all of the high notes required of this role, but her Turandot was more than just steel and ice. There is a warmth to her portrayal which even comes through in ”In questa reggia”. This softer approach goes a long way to make the character more sympathetic. Bruno Prevedi is a sturdy Calàf even if the lyric nature of his instrument diminishes his stature when standing next to Shuard. The revelation of the evening is the sparkling Liù or Raina Kabaivanska who embodies all of the character’s innocence and strength brilliantly. It is also worth noting that this performance is complete - a rarity for the time. The sound is fair to good.
OD 11355-2
Listen to a Sample:
United StatesNon-arrival of package.
Same situation as the Jones Don Carlo and the Prevedi Otello.
Great Performance in Mediocre Sound!
The singers here all live up to their billing. Shuard is a great Turandot in the Eva Turner tradition. Not quite 40 yet, she has no trouble with the top notes and projects the imperious, forbidding yet vulnerable princess well. Prevedi was an excellent singer, usually taken for granted. He sings with great accuracy if without a lot if color. He manages a top C for his unison phrase with Shuard at the end of "In questa reggia", but ducks the optional one later in the scene. Kabaivanska sings Liu beautifully. Her scream when tortured in the last act is weak and stagey though. Rouleau is a first-rate Timur and the three ministers are terrific. They are allowed their full scene too without the minor cuts usually heard. In fact, the entire opera is performed without cuts including "Dal primo pianto" in the last scene. Downes leads an exciting, well-paced performance. The chorus is excellent throughout, the first sopranos being given some extra high notes in the first act chaos scene, something I've never heard before. The sound is adequate, but be aware that there is some crosstalk in the riddle scene and some strange tape fluctuation in the last act, unfortunately right at the end of "Nessun dorma". The very top of the third act is missing too. Sound glitches aside, if you like Turandot or any of these singers you'll want this.
