Here are the items that we found.
Andrea Chénier
This studio performance of Andrea Chénier offers thrilling vocalism, much of it from the opera's anti-hero rather than its titular poet. Giuseppe Taddei is in exceptional form as Gérard, capturing the character's inner conflict with a baritone that is both rich and impeccably controlled. His Act III aria is a highlight, radiating self-loathing and moral anguish with remarkable vocal and dramatic depth. In a long and distinguished career, Taddei is rarely heard to better effect.
Mario Del Monaco is a worthy Chénier, delivering the role's heroic declamations with characteristic force, while also summoning genuine tenderness in the final scenes. Antonietta Stella is an exquisite Maddalena, her voice combining lyrical warmth with emotional immediacy. Notable cameos from Athos Cesarini, Ortensia Beggiato, and Leo Pudis add further luster to the performance.
overall, though Acts I and III are affected by occasional tape flaws.
Track List
Act I
1. Questo azzurro sofà là collochiam
2. Il giorno intorno già s'inserra lentamente
3. Oh! Come elegante ... e voi gentili galanti!
4. O soave bisbiglio!
5. Al mio dire perdono, ed al mio ardire!
6. Un dì all'azzurro spazio
7. Creatura strana assai!
2. Il giorno intorno già s'inserra lentamente
3. Oh! Come elegante ... e voi gentili galanti!
4. O soave bisbiglio!
5. Al mio dire perdono, ed al mio ardire!
6. Un dì all'azzurro spazio
7. Creatura strana assai!
Act II
8. Per l'ex inferno!
9. Roucher!...Chenier!
10. Calligrafia invero femminil!
11. Non mi saluti?
12. Ecco l'altare... Ancor nessuno
13. Maddalena di Coigny!
9. Roucher!...Chenier!
10. Calligrafia invero femminil!
11. Non mi saluti?
12. Ecco l'altare... Ancor nessuno
13. Maddalena di Coigny!
Act III
14. Dumouriez traditore e giacobino
15. Son la vecchia Madelon
16. Donnina innamorata che d'aspettar s'annoia
17. Nemico della Patria?!
18. Sta bene! Ove trovarE se ... Qui resto
19. La mamma morta
20. Perduto! La mia vita per salvarlo!
21. Sì, fui soldato
22. Udiamo i testimoni
15. Son la vecchia Madelon
16. Donnina innamorata che d'aspettar s'annoia
17. Nemico della Patria?!
18. Sta bene! Ove trovarE se ... Qui resto
19. La mamma morta
20. Perduto! La mia vita per salvarlo!
21. Sì, fui soldato
22. Udiamo i testimoni
Act IV
23. Cittadino, men duol, ma è tardi assai
24. Come un bel dì di maggio
25. Viene a costei concesso un ultimo colloquio
26. Vicino a te
24. Come un bel dì di maggio
25. Viene a costei concesso un ultimo colloquio
26. Vicino a te
Customer Reviews
Share your experience with fellow collectors
Share Your Experience
A star rating alone is welcome, and reviews may be written in any language.
4.6
Based on 5 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Fine Performance but Disappointing Sound
I was disappointed with the sound of this performance. It is a 1955 recording made under studio conditions but the vocals have too much echo for my taste. Del Monaco is as exciting as I expect and enjoy. Again, the sound is not flattering to him in places but I still enjoy him in this role. Questa leads a fine show and I enjoy his leadership. Stella can be shrill at times but I'm not sure if it's her voice of the recording. All in all, I'm happy to have this recording with Del Monaco in his prime.
Report
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Terrific Cast in Blazing Performance!
Other commenters here have extolled these singers, both the leads and the comprimario roles so I will only say they are absolutely correct. No one sings this opera like this these days, not even native Italians. Contemporary singers seem embarrassed or intimidated by the hairy-chested emotions required by this genre. This is the soundtrack for a 1955 RAI television production and if you ever have the chance to see the video, do so (it is available from belcantosociety.org). The acting is not the over-the-top emoting expected by most, but honest and natural. Everyone looks and acts their parts extremely well, especially Taddei who vividly plays a man caught between two harsh extremes, betrayed by the cause he devoted himself to with such fervor.The sound is very good barring a few blips on the master tape.Essential for any lovers of verismo or this opera in particular!
Report
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Terrific Cast in a Blazing Performance!
Other reviewers here have already commented on how terrific this cast is and I agree with them completely. No one sings this opera like this today, not even native Italians. Contemporary singers seem embarrassed by the hairy-chested emotions of the verismo genre, trying instead to impress us with how subtle they can be. That just doesn't work for this music.This was the soundtrack for a 1955 RAI film, the video of which is still available from belcantosociety.org. If you have a chance to see it, do so. The acting is very natural and performed with a love and dedication lost today; the direction and camera work unobtrusively first-rate. Taddei is especially impressive as Gerard, a man caught between two worlds, betrayed by the very Cause that he so passionately espoused. The sound is very good, a few blips in the mastertape notwithstanding. Lovers of verismo and this opera in particular should acquire this!
Report
✓ Verified Buyer
United States
Wonderful performance with Stella and
Wonderful performance with Stella and Del Monaco at their finest.
Report
✓ Top Reviewer
Australia
John Stanton
All principal singers here give iconic performances of these much recorded roles. Del Monaco and Stella are arguably better here than their later studio recordings. Del Monaco is at his vocal best, the voice beautifully resonant and expressive throughout. His Chenier is heroic and romantic, even sensual. Antoineltta Stella sings beautifully displaying why she was so popular with Italian audiences and a major opera star. Giuseppe Taddei, with his big beautiful voice, individual phrasing and vocal attack gives body to Gerard, and with a strong supporting cast and excellent sound this is a 'must have' version for fans of this opera.
Report
