See more: 2 CD Set
Mozart: Idomeneo - R. Lewis, Kmentt, Lipp, Grümmer; Schmidt-Isserstedt. Buenos Aires, 1963
$8.95
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Pros:
- Richard Lewis, as Idomeneo, brings regal gravitas to the part as well as the vocal control needed to execute one of the hardest tenor roles Mozart wrote.
- Generally, I am not a fan of hearing a tenor in the role of Idamante, but it works in this instance given the superb artistry of Waldemar Kmentt and the eerie vocal resemblance he shares with Richard Lewis. It gives the opera more dimension to consider that the two were closer in age and maturity.
- Elisabeth Grümmer, for me, is the stand-out of the cast. Often sopranos who sing Elettra either excel at the more lyric "Idol mio" or the dramatic "D'Oreste, d'Ajace." Grümmer impresses in both arias and offers purity of tone that goes a long way to humanize a character that can easily descend into caricature.
Cons:
- The cuts are severe.
- Richard Lewis's Italian is shockingly bad.
In Mono
OD 12022-2
