Lucia di Lammermoor

Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848)

DESCRIPTION

This performance of Lucia di Lammermoor makes evident why Renata Scotto was so often compared to Maria Callas. Like Callas, Scotto possessed formidable vocal agility, yet her technical prowess was never an end in itself. Each flourish and ornament is charged with psychological intent, suggesting Lucia’s unraveling from her very first appearance. Where lesser interpretations might feel mannered or affected, Scotto seamlessly fuses the musical and the dramatic, achieving a rare cohesion that recalls the most compelling bel canto portrayals.

Gianni Raimondi offers a refined and vocally assured Edgardo, while Claudio Abbado leads with a directness that favors emotional clarity over overt display. His conducting supports the singers with sensitivity and restraint. The recorded sound is very good, capturing the nuances of both orchestra and voices with warmth and balance.

CAST

Lucia – Renata Scotto
Edgardo – Gianni Raimondi
Enrico – Giangiacomo Guelfi
Raimondo – Beniamino Prior
Arturo – Agostino Ferrin
Alisa – Flora Rafanelli
Normanno – Piero De Palma

DETAILS

Location: Milano
Date: 1967
Conductor: Claudio Abbado
Catalogue Number: OD 11070-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Stereo

BONUS

Renata Scotto sings "Cupa fatal mestizia" from Maria di Rohan
Lisboa, 1968