Here are the items that we found.
Idomeneo
Richard Lewis brings both vocal discipline and commanding presence to the title role of Idomeneo, navigating one of Mozart's most punishing tenor parts with assurance. In a surprising but effective casting choice, Waldemar Kmentt takes on Idamante, and though the role is traditionally sung by a mezzo, his lyrical tenor works beautifully. His eerie timbral resemblance to Lewis adds a fascinating dramatic layer, hinting at a closeness between father and son that transcends vocal range. The true revelation, however, is Elisabeth Grümmer as Elettra. Whether in the poised "Idol mio" or the fiery "D'Oreste, d'Ajace," she balances lyricism with intensity, offering a portrayal that is more human than histrionic. The performance is hampered by some severe cuts, and Lewis's Italian diction is distractingly poor, but the musical values remain high throughout.
Track List
Act I
1. Overture
2. Quando avran fine omai
3. Padre, germani, addio!
4. Non ho colpa, e mi condanni
5. Godiam la pace
6. Escinto è Idomeneo?... Tutte nel cor vi sento
7. Pietà Numi, pietà
8. Eccoci salvi alfin
9. Marcia
10. Nettuno s'onori
2. Quando avran fine omai
3. Padre, germani, addio!
4. Non ho colpa, e mi condanni
5. Godiam la pace
6. Escinto è Idomeneo?... Tutte nel cor vi sento
7. Pietà Numi, pietà
8. Eccoci salvi alfin
9. Marcia
10. Nettuno s'onori
Act II
11. Siam soli. Odimi, Arbace
12. Se il padre perdei
13. Qual mi conturba i sensi... Fuor del mar
14. Chi mai del mio provò piacer più dolce?... Idol mio, se ritroso
12. Se il padre perdei
13. Qual mi conturba i sensi... Fuor del mar
14. Chi mai del mio provò piacer più dolce?... Idol mio, se ritroso
Act III
15. Placido è il mar, andiamo
16. Pria di partir, oh Dio!
17. Qual nuovo terrore!
18. Corriamo, fuggiamo
19. Zeffiretti lusinghieri
20. Odo? o sol quel... Spiegar non poss'io
21. Andrò rammingo, e solo
22. Sire, alla reggia tua immensa turba
23. D'Oreste, d'Ajace
24. Accogli, oh re del mar
25. Oh voto tremendo!
26. Padre, mio caro padre
27. Oh ciel pietoso!...
28. Scenda Amor, scenda Imeneo
16. Pria di partir, oh Dio!
17. Qual nuovo terrore!
18. Corriamo, fuggiamo
19. Zeffiretti lusinghieri
20. Odo? o sol quel... Spiegar non poss'io
21. Andrò rammingo, e solo
22. Sire, alla reggia tua immensa turba
23. D'Oreste, d'Ajace
24. Accogli, oh re del mar
25. Oh voto tremendo!
26. Padre, mio caro padre
27. Oh ciel pietoso!...
28. Scenda Amor, scenda Imeneo
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.
4.0
Based on 1 review
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Great Singers, Awkward Edition!
If you've become accustomed to hearing Idomeneo using one of the more recent recordings, you're going to be in shock over the "edition" used in this performance. Many arias have been cut and the sequence of what's left is confusing. The recitative that introduces Elettra, for example, is cut so when we first hear her it's in her first aria. Her "D'Oreste, d'Ajace" is heard early on in the third act which doesn't make a lot of sense, but that was fairly common placement back in 1963.Nevertheless, these singers make this performance worthwhile. Grümmer is a terrific Elettra, singing lyrically one moment and then breaking out in laughter the next (I loved her interpolated mad laugh at the end of "D'Oreste"). Lipp also sings attractively though Ilia doesn't give her the chance to show off her coloratura skills. Kmentt handily takes on Idamante here (he sang the title role elsewhere). Lewis sings well, but he is uncomfortable with the coloratura (what's left of it). As mentioned above, his Italian is poor (he would improve considerably in subsequent years). Schmidt-Isserstedt conducts an enjoyable performance as long as you're not expecting a lot of appoggiaturas and ornamentation. The sound is excellent, pitched correctly throughout.Not a first Idomeneo, but one worth hearing for individual performances.
Report
