I've already reviewed the Wozzeck with Gobbi from Naples 1949 (OD 10290). While it is a good performance the sound leaves a lot to be desired. By contrast, this radio performance from just over five years later is in excellent sound. All the voices can be clearly heard over the orchestra and it is exceptionally well performed to boot. Gobbi never reduces his role to hysterical shouting as do so many Wozzecks. Dorothy Dow demonstrates again how versatile she was, Cuenod sings the Captain with that feathery, unique voice of his and Tajo is a comically terrifying doctor. The very capable Margaret, Maria Teresa Mandalari, was responsible for the Italian translation. An announcer at the beginning gives the complete cast.What's the fly in the ointment? The first 7-8 minutes of the third act are missing, meaning we only get the last minute or so of Marie's Bible reading scene. Nevertheless all Wozzeck fans should acquire this. The filler is Gobbi and Lily Djanel performing the Salome/Jokanaan scene from Strauss' opera, also in Italian under Sanzogno 1952. It is also available complete (OD 10210).

Aside from the incredibly great singing in all the roles, Sanzogno's conducting rivals the best!! He studied with Hermann Scherchen which may explain the wealth of probing detail exposed at every measure. The sound is excellent and should not be a factor. I far prefer this Italian Wozzeck to the one conducted by Bohm.