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Madama Butterfly
The concept of a German-language Madama Butterfly might initially sound unusual, but it creates only the slightest cognitive dissonance, especially considering the opera's Japanese and American characters are already sung in Italian. This exemplary performance makes a strong case for Puccini in the vernacular, with Anneliese Rothenberger delivering an unexpectedly resonant performance in the title role. Brigitte Fassbaender also excels as Suzuki, and their flower duet is nothing short of ravishing.
In keeping with German tradition, Sharpless and Pinkerton (here called Linkerton) are portrayed by American artists. Barry McDaniel brings strength and vigor to Sharpless, while Jerry Jennings captures Pinkerton's youthful callowness. Oliviero de Fabritiis lends a distinctly Italianate style to the proceedings.
Track List
Act I
Tracks 1 - 9
Act II
Tracks 10 - 20
Act III
Tracks 21 - 26
Customer Reviews
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4.7
Based on 3 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Very Fine Performance
This is a very fine performance in German. Singing in German was not a problem for me. Rothenberger makes a beautiful Butterfly and the rest of the cast is very fine. The sound is also very good despite a consistent hum in the background. I highly recommend this performance as an alternate choice, German notwithstanding.
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✓ Top Reviewer
United States
"Wrong Language" Performance that Sounds Right!
Here we have a German-speaking cast performing a classic Italian work in their own language and making it work. Yes, it's different, but the benefits are enormous since everyone knows what they're singing about. As a German speaker, I found this very easy to understand.Rothenberger made a beautiful "querschnitt" disc of this opera with Nicolai Gedda around this time. She sings the music very beautifully from a soaring D-flat to cap her entrance to a heart-rending final scene done without histrionic sobs. The young Brigitte Fassbaender is a gorgeous Suzuki and blends exquisitely with Rothenberger in their big duet. The alliterative Jerry J. Jennings was an American tenor who made his home in Germany and became well-known for his operetta recordings. He sings attractively here although his vibrato might be deemed a little wide for some tastes. Interestingly, he takes the lower option at the end of the love duet. Barry McDaniel was another American who made his home in Europe. He is perhaps better known for his Bach than his Puccini, but is a sympathetic Sharpless nonetheless. The supporting cast includes the underrated Erwin Wohlfahrt as a seedy Goro.The sound is excellent throughout not withstanding a few minor glitches. Whether this was done for radio or is the soundtrack for a television production I can't say. If you love Butterfly or Rothenberger, get this! You've already heard this in Italian umpteen times and Rothenberger is a dream.
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✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Interesting Performance
This is a fine performance of Butterfly in German. Rothenberger makes a very fine Butterfly and the rest of the cast is also very good. Butterfly in German is a little awkward, to say the least, but it works in this case. The sound is mostly very good but there is a background hum throughout the recording that is a bit bothersome in the quiet passages. I thoroughly enjoyed this performance and would easily recommend it.
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