Here are the items that we found.
Armide
Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714–1787)
DESCRIPTION
In spite of being one of Gluck's favorite compositions, Armide has not endured with the same frequency as some of his other works. It was, however, successful enough at its premiere to spawn revivals throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th, the most notable being its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera with Olive Fremstad, Louise Homer, and Enrico Caruso, conducted by Arturo Toscanini. Upon hearing it, it becomes clear why Gluck held it in such high regard. His orchestration is evocative in a manner that at times seems to anticipate the innovations of Berlioz, and his dramatic pacing—from comic to serious—is deft and seamless.
The work culminates in an extended scene for the title character, expertly crafted to allow a great singing actress to shine both vocally and dramatically. Anna de Cavalieri does just that, bringing both elegance and dramatic force to the role of Armide. As Renaud, Mirto Picchi matches her in heft and skillfully scales back his otherwise oversized tenor during the more delicate moments. A young Anna Moffo makes a charming Sidonie.
CAST
Armide – Anna de Cavalieri
Renaud – Mirto Picchi
Hidraot – Pierre Mollet
La Haine – Jolanda Gardino
Sidonie – Anna Moffo
Phénice – Ester Orell
Ubaldo – Renato Cesari
Danois – Tommaso Frascati
Artemidor – Alfredo Nobile
DETAILS
Location: Milano
Date: 1958
Conductor: Mario Rossi
Catalogue Number: OD 12326-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono
Track List
Act I
2. Dans un jour de triomphe, au milieu des plaisirs
3. Qu’importe qu’un captif manque à votre victoire?
4. Les Enfers ont prédit cent fois
5. Armide, que le sang qui m’unit avec vous
6. Pour vous, quand il vous plait, tout l’Enfer est armé
7. Armide est encor plus aimable
8. O ciel! O disgrâce cruelle!
Act II
10. Fuyez les lieux où règne Armide
11. Arrêtons-nous ici, c’est dans ce lieu fatal
12. Esprits de haine et de rage,
13. Plus j’observe ces lieux et plus je les admire
14. Au temps heureux où l’on sait plaire
15. Ah! Quelle erreur! Quelle folie!
16. Enfin, il est en ma puissance
17. Venez, secondez mes désirs, démons
Act III
19. Que ne peut point votre art?
20. Venez, venez, Haine implacable!
21. Amour, sors pour jamais, sors d’un coeur qui te chasse!
Act IV
23. Redoublons nos soins
24. Voici la charmante retraite
25. Danse
26. Allons, qui vous retient encore?
27. Armide, vous m’allez quitter!
28. C’est l’amour qui retient dans ses chaînes
29. Allez, éloignez-vous de moi
30. Il est seul; profitons d’un temps si précieux
31. Le perfide Renaud me fuit