As Andy mentions above, this is not your typical performance of Clemenza di Tito. All the male roles are assigned to men so there are only two female voices in the cast: Vitellia and Servilia which makes for some male-heavy ensembles in a way that Mozart never intended.It isn't a bad performance. Casellato is an excellent Tito, singing his second act aria with strength and relatively good coloratura. Alva knows his way around a Mozart opera and provides an attractive timbre and beautiful diction. "Parto, parto" is abridged so that he only sings the final section with the triplets once (he's kind of smeary there anyway). The Publio, Alfredo Giacomotti, provides some welcome relief in the bass register.Virginia Gordoni from the United States is a fiery Vitellia, easily encompassing all the notes of her role from high D down to low G. Her tart timbre is perfect for the role. Simionato sings Servilia's soprano line with beauty and finesse. That this was her last appearance in opera is a little heartbreaking because she still had so much to offer. Sanzogno leads a dutiful performance in a rather mutilated edition of the score.This sounds like it was recorded from the wings or some place close to the stage as the voices are prominent, the orchestra distant. It noticeably improves in the second act.While not a recording by which to get to know the opera, this performance makes fascinating listening, mostly for the two prima donnas.

This is Giulietta Simionato's farewell to the opera world at Piccola Scala. This is a tribute to a much-loved singer who is still irreplaceable and much loved.

HiThis is indeed the last ever operatic performance of Giulietta Simionato.She had asked the Scala management what was on the roaster on that specific date as it was her 30th year at La Scala. 30 years ago she had sung one of the flower maidens in Parsifal and she wanted to bid farewell to La Scala again on that very same day. The management informed her that there was nothing at La Scala but however there wa La Clemenza di Tito at Piccola Scala. She asked if the whole cast was definite and they replied that only Servile was not casted. She insisted on singing the part, the management contracted her without understanding her insistence on such a small role. At the opening night, she told to her wig maker that this would be the last ever operatic performance of hers so she wanted her hair to be perfect! Soon the rumor spread to the audience and she was called to innumerable curtain calls and there were many who crid and cheered her.So nice to have this historic recording! Many thanks!Yigit Gunsoy