Mozart

Così fan tutte

Varady, Minton, Popp, Bottazzo, Nicolai, Feller; Kertész
Köln, 1972

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Così fan tutte

The intricate nature of the characters in Così fan tutte and their complex relationships make casting crucial. Not only must the roles be filled with singers capable of handling the demanding arias, but the cast also needs to establish a genuine rapport. This performance succeeds on both fronts, offering formidable singing and a cohesive ensemble.

Julia Varady and Yvonne Minton deliver standout performances, with Varady, in particular, impressing by adapting her dramatic voice and sensibility to fit the elegance of Mozart’s style. Lucia Popp brings bubbly charm and energy to the role of Despina, adding a delightful spark to the proceedings.

The male cast is slightly less remarkable. Pietro Bottazzo navigates Ferrando's high tessitura with ease, though his interpretation is on the bland side. Carlos Feller, on the other hand, shines as a charming Alfonso, rounding out the cast with wit and warmth.

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Customer Reviews

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4.0 Based on 3 reviews
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Excellent Performance, Mediocre Sound!

Julia Varady got to record a number of Mozart roles (Vitellia, Elettra, Countess Almaviva, and Donna Anna among others), but not Fiordiligi so it's very fortunate that we have this performance preserved for posterity. She sings beautifully throughout with a solid command of the technical requirements though her trills are sketchy.Minton blends well with Varady and is also very accomplished on her own. Popp is a delightful Despina, full of sarcastic fun. Bottazzo sings his arias very well and Nicolai is an appropriately macho Guglielmo. Feller is a witty Alfonso who doesn't overdo the sardonic old man routine. Kertesz provides sharp leadership and leads a winning performance. So what's the problem? The voices are clearly heard, but are rather recessed. Furthermore the pitch of the tape sounds a little high though not so high as to be ruinous. The singers sound like themselves and the tuning pitch in Cologne is a little higher than elsewhere so I may be wrong. There are a few cuts and some recitative is missing (not much.)This is primarily for fans of the singers, but it is enjoyable.
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Bertrand S.✓ Top Reviewer

France

Overall rating

Exquisite young ladies

We knew Kertesz as an accomplished mozartian, nice to hear Varady so young and Minton too, Popp is always a delight and her low register is fruity enough for Despina . Bottazzo is the only weak link, too rossinian and undistinguished but tolerable, Krause and Feller very good .
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James D.✓ Verified Buyer

United Kingdom

Overall rating

James Davidson

Unbalanced performance, due to the women singing more capably, stylishly and beautifully, and communicating more attractive personalities and connection to the drama than the men. Wonderful to listen to in isolation, as a performance it lacks cogency.
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