L'Elisir d'amore

Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848)

DESCRIPTION

Although into his sixties, Beniamino Gigli retains a tenor voice of remarkable beauty and control, a quality rendered even more striking given the vocal demands of Nemorino—one of the most challenging roles for a lyric tenor. In an unusual casting decision, he is joined by his daughter, Rina Gigli, as Adina. Gigli brings an impressive vocal presence to the role, offering a sumptuous tone that stands as a welcome alternative to the brighter, more effervescent sopranos often heard in this part, thereby underscoring the bel canto character of the score.

Giuseppe Taddei contributes a gorgeously toned baritone as Belcore, finding a compelling middle ground between suave confidence and comic bravado. Similarly, Italo Tajo lends welcome vocal weight and musicality to Dulcamara, a role often relegated to caricature. Gianandrea Gavazzeni adopts generally broad tempos, which occasionally cause some sluggishness in the choral scenes; nonetheless, his support of the soloists is consistently attentive and effective.

CAST

Nemorino – Beniamino Gigli
Adina – Rina Gigli
Belcore – Giuseppe Taddei
Dulcamara – Italo Tajo
Giannetta – Anna Maria Borrelli

DETAILS

Location: Napoli
Date: January 17, 1953
Conductor: Gianandrea Gavazzeni
Catalogue Number: OD 12261-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

NOTE

Due to faulty playback on the original tapes, the pitch wavers intermittently throughout the performance.