I am grateful to Opera Depot for releasing a number of Elena Souliotis' live performances so that we opera lovers can reassess her gifts. The "Too-Much-Too-Soon" label has plagued her reputation to the extent that wild stories about her supposed vocal disasters have become the norm. This performance may not show her to the absolute best advantage, but it's also clear she knew what she was about and how to deliver the drama in the role. Her voice never wobbles and she gets all of the high notes (including a mighty high D at the end of Act One). There is a lack of finesse and support that gets in her way although never disastrously. She never had a trill. All the same, she generates excitement and the audience is very much on her side.Berini was an underrated mezzo, probably one of the last strong Italians who represented her fach. Giovanna requires more control than some of the other roles in her repertoire, but Berini was game and sings beautifully all night long. Roni is a very strong Enrico with his dark, masculine bass and Mori is a good Percy although it's not really his role (he ducks the top Cs in his opening aria). Martini keeps everyone in line; the chorus sings very well. There is no overture. The sound is very good with the voices very present. The audience's enthusiasm is contagious. They applaud the singers' entrances and shout vociferous "Bravos" throughout. Not a classic performance, but certainly an enjoyable one.

A Souliotis nice evening and, as ever, very exciting !!!