Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro - G. Evans, Grist, Te Kanawa, Braun, Kern, Begg; Davis. London, 1971

$7.77

Listen to a Sample:

The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden was the first major company to recognize the unique talent of Kiri Te Kanawa. After an initial stint as a "junior principal", singing roles like Xenia in Boris Godunov and a flowermaiden in Parsifal, she was given her first lead role, the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro. This recording marks that important debut, and will leave no doubt why she was instantly propelled to the heights of international stardom. The voice is stunning, of course, but what is more remarkable is her sensitivity to Mozart style and her overall artistry which was well beyond her 27 years.
Reri Grist has the audience in the palm of her hand from her first vocal entrance until the closing bars.
Geraint Evans brings everyman charm to the role of Figaro.
Heather Begg, as Marcellina, definitely deserves a shout-out. She deftly combines comic stylings with vocal glamor.
The sound is generally good. The second act is in stereo and the other acts are in mono.