Il Trovatore

Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)

DESCRIPTION

James Levine, then just 24 years old, seizes an early opportunity to explore Verdi with the aid of a world-class cast and orchestra. His approach to the score reveals a striking degree of insight—rhythmic drive is balanced with a clear sensitivity to the singers’ phrasing and pacing, a trait especially commendable in a conductor at such a formative stage.

Richard Tucker brings assuredness and emotional nuance to the title role. Gabriella Tucci's warmly textured soprano suits Leonora well, though her top notes occasionally reveal a hint of hesitance. Cornell MacNeil, by contrast, displays commanding ease in both projection and vocal production, his baritone slicing cleanly through Verdi’s dense orchestration. Fedora Barbieri brings a wealth of dramatic color to Azucena, though her evident struggle with the upper register does detract at times from the overall impact.

Still, the ensemble is clearly galvanized by the vitality emanating from the pit, and the result is a performance of Il trovatore that impresses not only for its vocal strengths but for the palpable energy shared across the stage and podium.

CAST

Manrico – Richard Tucker
Leonora – Gabriella Tucci
Azucena – Fedora Barbieri
Di Luna – Cornell MacNeil

DETAILS

Location: Cleveland
Date: July 3, 1967
Conductor: James Levine
Catalogue Number: OD 12282-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Stereo