Saffo

Giovanni Pacini

DESCRIPTION

Despite being a contemporary of Rossini, Giovanni Pacini developed a musical style that in many respects seems more advanced even than Verdi, pointing toward the emergence of Ponchielli and, later, the Verismo period. Whereas Verdi retained a certain classical restraint in his writing, Pacini seems to favor raw, guttural vocal expression as well as harmonic invention more akin to Berlioz. The opera is unabashedly a vehicle for the leading soprano, and it is difficult to imagine a more ideal singer for its demands than Leyla Gencer. Gencer leans fully into the character's expression while maintaining her immaculate bel canto technique.

Despite being the only non-Italian in the cast, Louis Quilico aptly demonstrates his Italianate credentials, offering sumptuous legato singing and a keen sense of phrasing. Franca Mattiucci brings vocal purity and a strong presence, capably holding her own alongside Leyla Gencer in their many scenes together.

CAST

Saffo – Leyla Gencer
Alcandro – Louis Quilico
Climene – Franca Mattiucci
Faone – Tito Del Bianco
Dirce – Vittoria Maniachi
Ippia – Mario Guggia
Lisimaco – Maurizio Piacente

DETAILS

Location: Napoli
Date: April 7, 1967
Conductor: Franco Capuana
Catalogue Number: OD 12401-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono