Die Macht des Schiksals is one of the verdian favourites in Germany, particularly because his connection with Schiller. The cast is very good, a young Theo Adam as Guardiano, the same year he sang Fasolt in Bayreuth, Heinrich Pflanzl as Melitone, Alberich at Bayreuth in 51, and the bulgarian Maria Corelli, (real name Maria Popova), very active in Germany after the war.The star is of course Rosvaenge, 61 years old, the great and principal verdian (and not only) dramatic tenor in Germany since...the end of the twenties.The same day, a mythical performance of "Forza"was given in Naples with Corelli (the handsome and sexy Franco), Tebaldi, Bastianini and Christoff...

The edition used for this performance of Forza del Destino is different from the ones we're used to here in the States. Alvaro suddenly halts the forward motion of his first scene with Leonora to give us half of his aria's recitative. Why someone thought the way Verdi wrote this scene was insufficient is anyone's guess. Later on we are given the traditionally cut "Sleale" duet in full and a very abridged version of the camp scenes. Forza has always suffered these rewritings and survived. This isn't just Forza auf Deutsch, but a passionate performance that needed more rehearsal time (there is a lot of misalignment with the orchestra in the last scene). Maria Corelli (no relationship to Franco as far as I know) is an excellent Leonora with a soaring top and a sympathetic characterization. She'd be better known today. Rosvaenge is quite leathery by this time and there is little vocal beauty left, but he's still effective. Kurt Rehm is a frightening Carlos with a great high A. Adam sings beautifully as Guardiano and Gertraud Penzlow is a Preziosilla with all the high and low notes (she sounds like a soprano). Lowlein leads an exciting performance albeit one that threatens to come unglued a few times. The sound is certainly listenable, if a bit noisy.Not a Forza for everyone then, but certainly one that stirs the blood, either for or against it!

Here is a little information about the Leonora of this performance:https://www.discogs.com/artist/3648895-Maria-Corelli

I bought this CD because I'm a big Rosvaenge fan and I have never heard him in this role. Of course he is excellent as usual though he was 60. It was very interesting to hear his aria in two parts: the first part in the first act while the second one in the third act (where it is sung generally). Fortunately it is not a one man show: the whole ensemble made a very good job though most of the singers are unknown for me. Maria Corelli is a very good Leonora, Gertraud Prenzlow is a really excellent Preziosilla and Kurt Rehm has the level of the greatest baritons in his role. It is really a big surprise and highly recommanded.

eine außergewöhnliche, einmalige Aufnahme

Rosvaenge was in his 60th when he sung this performance. He still has got no problems with the high notes but nevertheless he tends to speak instead to sing legato. But when have heard his earlier sung operas you will still enjoy the exceptional tenor. The other singers do well and it was interesting listen to Theo Adam who became a great Wotan and Hans Sachs later on.