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Così fan tutte
For the most part, the cast of this performance of Così fan tutte makes a compelling case for Mozart in English. Using a translation loosely based on Ruth and Thomas Martin's familiar version, the singers bring clarity, humor, and energy to the text, achieving an immediacy akin to the best local Gilbert and Sullivan productions—while maintaining the vocal elegance and polish expected on an operatic stage.
Elizabeth Harwood and Janet Baker wisely avoid overplaying the comedy, delivering thoughtful, honest portrayals that ground the opera's emotional core. Baker, in particular, is a standout as Dorabella, combining vocal warmth with dramatic insight. John Shirley-Quirk surprises with a youthful and agile Don Alfonso, bringing freshness to a role often cast with older voices. The only weak link is Kurt Westi, who struggles with the technical demands of Ferrando's music. Still, the overall ensemble chemistry and strong sound quality make this a highly engaging performance.
Track List
Act I
1. Overture
2. To doubt Dorabella is simply absurd
3. Woman's famous faith and constancy
4. I shall serenade my goddess
5. See here, Dorabella
6. What a disaster! How I hate to break the news
7. All is over! The blow has fallen
8. On to glory, on to war
9. You'll write love letters daily
10. May breezes blow lightly
11. There is nothing quite so thankless
12. Away from me!... Come, endless agony
13. Stability in a soldier
14. I present Miss Despina
15. Bold intruders... Strongly founded
16. How can you refuse us
17. My love is a flower
18. Ah how sad and unrelenting
19. For Heaven's sake, how can you be so unrealistic?
20. Any girl fifteen or over
21. I will choose the handsome dark one
22. Friendly breezes, bear my message
23. Step forward a little
24. This heart is a token
25. Cruel one, do not flee me
2. To doubt Dorabella is simply absurd
3. Woman's famous faith and constancy
4. I shall serenade my goddess
5. See here, Dorabella
6. What a disaster! How I hate to break the news
7. All is over! The blow has fallen
8. On to glory, on to war
9. You'll write love letters daily
10. May breezes blow lightly
11. There is nothing quite so thankless
12. Away from me!... Come, endless agony
13. Stability in a soldier
14. I present Miss Despina
15. Bold intruders... Strongly founded
16. How can you refuse us
17. My love is a flower
18. Ah how sad and unrelenting
19. For Heaven's sake, how can you be so unrealistic?
20. Any girl fifteen or over
21. I will choose the handsome dark one
22. Friendly breezes, bear my message
23. Step forward a little
24. This heart is a token
25. Cruel one, do not flee me
Act II
26. Dearest heart, I ask your pardon
27. I would like a word with all you lovely ladies
28. I can scarcely imagine... Defeated, mistreated
29. I know a naughty fellow
30. By tomorrow we'll be united
31. May I present to you Doctor Fatalis
32. Am I dead, or am I dreaming?
33. Kiss me dearest, I implore you
34. That this should happen to me!
35. Women cannot be faithful
36. Now the candles have been lighted
37. Now it's time that we proceeded
38. We are home safe and sound
39. Happy is the man of reason
Der Rosenkavalier. Glasgow, 1971
Elizabeth Harwood, Sophie. Janet Baker, Octavian
41. The Death of Dido
Les Troyens. London, 1969
Janet Baker, Dido
27. I would like a word with all you lovely ladies
28. I can scarcely imagine... Defeated, mistreated
29. I know a naughty fellow
30. By tomorrow we'll be united
31. May I present to you Doctor Fatalis
32. Am I dead, or am I dreaming?
33. Kiss me dearest, I implore you
34. That this should happen to me!
35. Women cannot be faithful
36. Now the candles have been lighted
37. Now it's time that we proceeded
38. We are home safe and sound
39. Happy is the man of reason
BONUS: Harwood and Baker Sing Opera in English
40. Presentation of the RoseDer Rosenkavalier. Glasgow, 1971
Elizabeth Harwood, Sophie. Janet Baker, Octavian
41. The Death of Dido
Les Troyens. London, 1969
Janet Baker, Dido
Customer Reviews
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4.8
Based on 6 reviews
✓ Verified Buyer
United States
A Great Version
Cosi Fan Tutti is one of my very favorite operas, especially when performed in the terrific Martin translation. I have several recordings of the English language version and this one is as good or better than any of them. Great singing and playing in good sound plus Janet Baker - what more can you ask? Highly recommended.
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✓ Verified Buyer
United Kingdom
✓ Verified Buyer
Denmark
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Great Performance Sung in English!
This performance was once available on the Ponto label with Janet Baker singing Brahms and Mozart as the filler. Maestro Gibson conducts very nearly the complete score, only cutting Ferrando's second aria ("Ah, la veggio") and perhaps a few short recitatives. He encourages his singers to use appoggiaturas and to ornament at cadential moments. Elizabeth Harwood and Janet Baker blend beautifully and make the most of their solo opportunities. Harwood even adds a few extra high notes. So does Carol Ann Curry as Despina. Her diction is especially good. The men are also excellent. I thought Kurt Westi better than Andy did although a little raspiness here and there suggest he might have been slightly indisposed the night this was recorded. Peter van der Bilt is a preening, macho Guglielmo who sings very well (a shame he died so young). John Shirley-Quirk upholds his reputation as Alfonso, singing with perfect diction.The Ruth and Thomas Martin translation is used with some of their Americanisms smoothed out. The sound is first-rate with no problems that I could detect.
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✓ Top Reviewer
United Kingdom
Another precious reminder of Harwood and Baker...
...and Kurt Westi's not as bad as Andy makes him out to be! I think he was having a "throaty" night and -whilst I agree that he's below par in some of Ferrando's more difficult passages- Westi is sensitive and lyrical. Most important, he doesn't let the side down in ensemble. A word too in praise of Peter van der Bilt, a smooth baritone who makes a positive impression as Guglielmo. Sadly, he died at only 47.
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✓ Verified Buyer
United Kingdom
