Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (In Italian) - Schwarzkopf, Gedda, Taddei, Streich, Petri; Karajan. Roma, 1953

$8.95

Listen to a Sample:

Herbert von Karajan and the forces of Rai di Roma assemble a strong cast that does a good job imparting an Italian flavor while still honoring the work's roots in German Singspiel.
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Nicolai Gedda are well-paired together, demonstrating why they both were among the best Mozart singers of their generation. They both deliver purity of tone, exquisite vocal control and warmth of expression.
Giuseppe Taddei brings impeccable comic timing to the role of Papageno and also finds moments to melt the heart with his luscious baritone.
Rita Streich does an impressive job with the Queen's arias, although I found myself wanting a little more gravitas from her.