Tosca

Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924)

DESCRIPTION

Leyla Gencer, not yet thirty at the time of this performance, demonstrates a keen grasp of the delicate equilibrium between surrendering to the searing dramatic force that makes Tosca so distinctive, and preserving the principles of bel canto that marked her artistry in roles such as Lucia di Lammermoor and Elvira in I Puritani. Few singers have achieved that balance with such assurance.

Giuseppe Taddei is heard in notably fine voice as Scarpia, finding a similar equilibrium between the character’s allure and his underlying cruelty. Vittorio De Santis offers a somewhat monochromatic approach to Cavaradossi, yet his upper register has undeniable brilliance, and his rapport with the Naples audience is unmistakable.

CAST

Tosca – Leyla Gencer
Scarpia – Giuseppe Taddei
Cavaradossi – Vittorio De Santis
Il Sagrestano – Melchiorre Luise
Spoletta – Piero De Palma
Angelotti – Aldo Terraso
Sciarrone – Gerardo Gaudioso
Un Carceriere – Silvio Santarelli
Un Pastore – Nino Tarallo

DETAILS

Location: Napoli
Date: January 21, 1955
Conductor: Vincenzo Bellezza
Catalogue Number: OD 12269-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

BONUS

Leyla Gencer Sings Arias From Un Ballo in maschera – Bologna, 1961