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Amahl e gli Ospiti Notturni
Although born in Italy, Gian Carlo Menotti always considered himself an American composer. However, hearing this performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors sung in Italian does a lot to reveal his roots. To say that Giulietta Simionato is luxury casting as the mother is an understatement. For an opera that is overwhelmingly mounted in church basements and other humble venues, it is refreshing to hear a great singer in this role and does a lot to show Menotti's genius. The cast also includes Agostino Lazzari, Renato Capecchi and Fernando Corena as a triumvirate of truly regal Magi. It is conducted by none other than Leopold Stokowski. The recording also includes an interview with Menotti, in English, about mounting this particular performance. There is a substantial amount of material cut out of this performance (all sanctioned by Menotti as revealed in the interview.) I have filled out the rest of the CD with arias by Simionato.
Track List
1. Interview with Menotti
2. Amahl e gli Ospiti Notturni (Tracks 2 - 12)
14. Voi che sapete
Le Nozze di Figaro. Tokyo, 1956
15. Smanie implacabili
Così fan tutte. Geneva, 1949
16. S'altro che lagrime
La Clemenza di Tito. Milano, 1966
17. Una voce poco fa
Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Mexico City, 1949
18. Air des Lettres
19. Air des Larmes
Werther. Milano, 1951
2. Amahl e gli Ospiti Notturni (Tracks 2 - 12)
BONUS: Giulietta Simionato Rarities
13. Non so più14. Voi che sapete
Le Nozze di Figaro. Tokyo, 1956
15. Smanie implacabili
Così fan tutte. Geneva, 1949
16. S'altro che lagrime
La Clemenza di Tito. Milano, 1966
17. Una voce poco fa
Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Mexico City, 1949
18. Air des Lettres
19. Air des Larmes
Werther. Milano, 1951
Customer Reviews
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4.0
Based on 3 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Heart-rending Performance Despite a Huge Cut!
In the interview before the performance Menotti speaks of the difficulty of finding an Amahl in Italy. But he found a fine Amahl in Alvardo Cordova who is sincerely charming and touching. Simionato is superb as the Mother. Her sobs after she is caught trying to steal the gold are heart-breaking. The three kings are very strongly acted and sung (look at those names!) Stokowski leads a beautiful performance that is, unfortunately, missing the entire middle section including the quartet for the Mother and Kings and the villagers' chorus and dance. Apparently there wasn't enough time alloted for the performance, leading me to think that the entire tape might be available in someone's archive. Who knows? The sound is very decent monaural.Andy suppliments the opera with excerpts from roles Simionato rarely sang. They are delightful, but I'd give all of them for a complete copy of the Amahl!
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✓ Verified Buyer
United States
The Italians lay claim to Amahl
This Italian-language recording is a revelation on two counts: Giulietta Simionato gives a glorious performance as Amahl’s Mother, and the orchestra, under Stokowski, shows Menotti for the imaginative master he was. It’s a shame that the score—heard here shortly after the live world premiere, in English, on American television--is so ruthlessly cut. No quartet for the Mother and the Three Kings, arguably the very heart of the opera, contrasting the child sought by the kings and the child she cherishes. Also missing: the entire scene with the shepherds. Honestly, how does survives is well worth 5 stars—and the bonus tracks of Simionato in often unexpected repertoire (Mozart!) are ravishing.
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✓ Verified Buyer
United States
Paul Gudas
It's an interesting - if partial - souvenir of what must have been a VERY interesting performance
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