Verdi: Il Trovatore (In English) - Hunter, Sydney, Bailey, Lavigne, Gwynn; Mackerras. ENO, 1972
$16.95
Description:
This recording of Il Trovatore stands as yet another testament to what may now be regarded as the golden years of the English National Opera. In the 1970s, the ENO was deeply committed to fostering homegrown talent, an effort that produced remarkable artists such as Rita Hunter and Norman Bailey.
Hunter is simply spectacular as Leonora. Her "Tacea la notte" is delivered with remarkable finesse—an even greater achievement considering she was already tackling Brünnhilde at the time. Bailey, who was also exploring Wagnerian territory, still manages to deliver a beautifully shaped Il balen, followed by a tireless cabaletta.
Though less widely known, Jon Sydney as Manrico and Gabrielle Lavigne as Azucena hold their own alongside these operatic titans. Sir Charles Mackerras conducts a spirited and authentically Italianate performance. Notable features of this recording include the complete cabaletta after Tacea la notte and an alternate beginning to Act III, including a rarely heard ballet. The sound is good.
NEW MASTER
-Pitch Corrected, Clipping/distortion removed.
OD 10609-2
