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I Puritani
Mirella Freni effortlessly dominates this 1962 performance of I Puritani, delivering an Elvira so exquisite that the rest of the cast, regardless of their merits, fades by comparison. Her singing is impeccably smooth, technically flawless, and emotionally resonant—every entrance a masterclass in bel canto expression. Captured in generally clear, though occasionally fuzzy sound, her performance alone makes this recording essential listening.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Franco Ventriglia (Giorgio) and Lino Puglisi (Riccardo) offer solid, commendable work, while Luciano Saldari as Arturo leaves little impression. The chorus is similarly uneven, but in the end, it hardly matters. Every moment is simply an interlude between Freni's sublime appearances.
Track List
Act I
1. All'erta! All'erta!
2. Udis?
3. Ah! per sempre io ti perdei
4. O amato zio, e mio secondo padre!
5. Ad Arturo! A Elvira!
6. Il rito l'augusto si compia senza me
7. Sulla virginea testa d'una felice un bianco vel
8. Dov'è Arturo?
9. Ma tu già mi fuggi?
2. Udis?
3. Ah! per sempre io ti perdei
4. O amato zio, e mio secondo padre!
5. Ad Arturo! A Elvira!
6. Il rito l'augusto si compia senza me
7. Sulla virginea testa d'una felice un bianco vel
8. Dov'è Arturo?
9. Ma tu già mi fuggi?
Act II
10. Ah! Dolor! Ah! Terror!
11. E di morte lo stral non sarà lento!
12. O rendetemi la speme... Qui la voce sua soave
13. Vien, diletto, è in ciel la luna!
14. Il rival salvar tu dêi, Il rival salvar tu puoi
15. Riccardo! Riccardo!
11. E di morte lo stral non sarà lento!
12. O rendetemi la speme... Qui la voce sua soave
13. Vien, diletto, è in ciel la luna!
14. Il rival salvar tu dêi, Il rival salvar tu puoi
15. Riccardo! Riccardo!
Act III
16. Son salvo, alfin son salvo
17. A una fonte afflitto e solo
18. Qual suon! Alcun s'appressa!
19. Finì ... me lassa!
20. Vieni, vieni fra queste braccia
21. Alto là! Fedel drapello!
22. Credeasi, misera!
23. Suon d'araldi? Un messaggio?
17. A una fonte afflitto e solo
18. Qual suon! Alcun s'appressa!
19. Finì ... me lassa!
20. Vieni, vieni fra queste braccia
21. Alto là! Fedel drapello!
22. Credeasi, misera!
23. Suon d'araldi? Un messaggio?
Customer Reviews
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4.6
Based on 7 reviews
✓ Verified Buyer
Italy
i puritani di piacenza con kraus e maccianti
recita eccellente sopratutto per la presenza di a. kraus sebbene non in grande giornata.
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France
Son assez moyen
Très belles voix d une époque révolueFreni superbe et Saldari ténor trop méconnu avec la voix exact de ce rôle périlleux
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✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Freni is Fantastic, Good Supporting Cast and Sound
The raison d'etre for this release is Mirella Freni; if you love her this is essential. Freni sings with melting beauty throughout, the coloratura neatly in place, the high D's not only on pitch, but exciting. Her mad scene in the second act is heartbreaking (no, she doesn't try an E-flat at the end of "Vien diletto"). There are other Elviras who sing faster or higher, but few get to the heart of Bellini's score as Freni does.The rest of the cast is excellent. I don't really understand all the dumping on Saldari. He has an attractive tenor voice with ringing high notes up to at least D-flat; again, other tenors have sung faster or higher, but Saldari is at least as good as anyone else singing the part today (no, he doesn't try the F in "Credeasi miserable"). Puglisi surprised me with his assurance in Riccardo's florid music. His manly baritone ends the second act with a triumphant top A-flat. Ventriglia is a sturdy Giorgio who contributes a beautiful "Cinta di fiori". The Bruno, Adrian De Peyer, is also exceptionally good. Staern knows how to accompany and lead bel-canto operas. He is with the singers every step of the way. There are too many cuts for my taste, but that's the way the opera was given back then. The sound is very good and never gets in the way.Freni fans must get this. You won't be disappointed by the other less well-known singers either.
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United States
✓ Verified Buyer
United States
I Puritani
Excellent in all respects. And your reproductions and packaging are the very best and most professional.
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✓ Verified Buyer
United States
Excellent in all respects. I'm
Excellent in all respects. I'm especially impressed with how professional and tasteful your discs appear (design, typography, etc.).
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✓ Top Reviewer
Slovenia
Martin Ramor
It is interesting recording (for me at least) since there are some singers that are new to me (Ventriglia, Puglisi). I liked all the singers in all main roles. Ventriglia, Freni and Puglisi are all excellent. They project their voices well and are capable of singing I Puritani. Freni is very good with her young, fresh voice. Saldari sounds quite heroic in Vieni fra queste braccia. I find his Arturo good, but there are tenors with more stratospheric high notes. Staern conducts well Chorus and Orchestra of the Wexford Festival. It is nice to hear what was possible at this festival in 1962.
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