Il Pirata

Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835)

DESCRIPTION

Montserrat Caballé emarked in her biography that singing the role of Imogene was tantamount to performing Norma three times. Yet, in this performance, Caballé delivers it with such characteristic ease—navigating each register with seamless fluidity and an astute balance between vocal heft and lyrical delicacy—that any notion of strain feels implausible. Her tone remains luminous and pliant, the dramatic force never overwhelming the line, even in the role’s most impassioned outbursts.

Her husband, Bernabé Martí, assumes the role of Gualtiero. Though his career often stood in the long shadow of his more illustrious partner, he emerges here as a tenor of genuine distinction. His singing reveals both elegance and fervor, with a stylistic acuity well attuned to the demands of bel canto.

CAST

Imogene – Montserrat Caballé
Gualtiero – Bernabé Martí
Ernesto – John Reardon
Itulbo – Jerry Hilton
Adele – Janet Winbury
Goffredo – Herman Salerno

DETAILS

Location: Philadelphia
Date: August 13, 1968
Conductor: Anton Guadagno
Catalogue Number: OD 12285-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

NOTE

There is about a minute of skipping at the end of Act I.