Il Trovatore

Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1801)

DESCRIPTION

Although this may not rank among the most Italianate renditions of Il Trovatore, the cast offers a persuasive argument for the merits of infusing Verdi’s idiom with a distinctly German sensibility. Christel Goltz, renowned for her performances of Salome, reveals an unexpected capacity for refinement. Her arias are ravishingly delivered, and she even interpolates a thrilling D-flat at the conclusion of the Act I trio. Hans Hopf brings confidence and security to the role of Manrico; while his sound is perhaps the least Italianate among the principals, he navigates the part with a commendable ease.

Ira Malaniuk, celebrated for her Wagnerian portrayals at Bayreuth, offers a youthful timbre as Azucena, with gleaming top notes that suggest a missed opportunity for her to explore the dramatic soprano repertoire. Josef Metternich lends di Luna a sumptuous tone and polished phrasing. Perhaps the true standout, however, is Hungarian conductor Ferenc Fricsay, whose reading is marked by exceptional clarity and dramatic momentum.

CAST

Manrico – Hans Hopf
Leonora – Christel Goltz
Di Luna – Josef Metternich
Azucena – Ira Malaniuk
Ferrando – William Schirp

DETAILS

Location: Köln
Date: 1953
Conductor: Ferenc Fricsay
Catalogue Number: OD 12307-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

Act I

Act II

Act III

Act IV