Berlioz: La damnation de Faust (In Italian) - Bastianini, Simionato, Bondoni, Clabassi; Maag. Napoli, 1964
$4.48
 - Bastianini, Simionato, Bondoni, Clabassi; Maag. Napoli, 1964 "Pin It")
Listen to a Sample:
This is about as wonderful and as strange a cast you could ever hope to find for La Damnation de Faust, or "La dannazione di Faust" as it is known here. The cast of first rate Italian artists hardly delivers anything resembling French style but instead show the Italian qualities of Berlioz' compositional style. And hearing this performance in Italian one can really appreciate the lyricism with which he composed. Ettore Bastianini delivers one of the most superb devils on recording- more on the suave side of the spectrum but nonetheless devilish. Giulietta Simionato is simply stunning as Margherita. One would never know that she was nearing the end of her career except for the darker hues that she is able to summon. Ruggero Bondino does an admirable job with the taxing role of Faust. His voice is both elegant and sturdy. The sound is very good.
BONUS:
Giulietta Simionato sings Charlotte's arias from Werther.
OD 10555-2
