Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana - Varnay, Hopf, Pease, Scholl, Munch; Sawallisch. München, 1954

$2.48

Listen to a Sample:

Well it is true that this German language Cavalleria rusticana is about as Italianate as Bratwurst but it's not without its merits. Astrid Varnay, always a consummate actress, brings genuine anguish to Santuzza. Hans Hopf's voice does not have the vocal glamour Corelli had but he matches Varnay in intensity and their duet is quite hair-raising. Italianate or not, it is a worthy rendering a much loved opera. Wolfgang Sawallisch conducts. The sound is excellent.

OD 10068-1