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Agnese di Hohenstaufen
For every opera that has secured a place in the standard repertoire, there seem to be five others that enjoyed similar popularity in their time but have since faded into obscurity. Gaspare Spontini's entire oeuvre falls into this category, despite his status as one of the most celebrated opera composers of his era. In this recording of Agnese di Hohenstaufen, Leyla Gencer shines in the title role, even slightly past her prime, relying more on her dramatic commitment than on displays of vocal virtuosity to captivate the audience. Tenor Veriano Luchetti delivers a confident performance as Enrico, well within his comfort zone. Riccardo Muti, still early in his career and unburdened by later mannerisms, conducts a spirited and lyrical interpretation.
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4.5
Based on 2 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
Slovenia
Martin Ramor
It is great music, worth listening to. No wonder Muti made two recordings (one with Caballe and this one with Gencer. She dramatically very convincing, but she a bit over her prime. Luchetti, Martinucci and others are very good. Orchestra is excellent.
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✓ Verified Buyer
United States
Boyd Cathey
AGNESE DI HOHENSTAUFEN is rarely performed, yet it is, arguabley Spontini's greatest stage work. Perhaps it suffers from attempting to span too many currents and developments in 19th century opera, while being anchored solidly in the classical foundations that Spontini first experienced? In 1951 a notable revival took place in Florence (with Franco Corelli); that performance exists in several CD incarnations. Then, Monserrat Caballe championed it in 1970 and later in the mid-1980s (a video of the the 1980s broadcast exists---there needs to be an official RAI release of it, perhaps on Hardy or Dynamic?). This present performance was also given in Florence, in 1974, and featured the great underrated sopranor Leyla Gencer. Despite being a bit past her prime, Gencer handles the demanding role quite well. Sonically, this recording is acceptable, although apparently its source is in-house, such that at times the orchestra or voices sound a bit recessed. Occcasionally, there is congestion in some of the orchestral tutti passages. Nevertheless, it's a fine performance, and worth a hearing. Nevertheless, go for the Caballe, as well, since it's in better sound, and Caballe is truly superb.
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