Verdi

La Forza del destino

Ligabue, Bergonzi, Cappuccilli, Simionato, Ghiaurov, Capecchi; Gavazzeni
Milano, 1965

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La Forza del destino

This performance of La Forza del Destino boasts a remarkable cast, led by Ilva Ligabue, who is simply phenomenal as Leonora. With her luminous tone and expressive phrasing, it's a mystery why her name isn't more widely recognized. Carlo Bergonzi once again proves why he remains the epitome of vocal elegance and refinement, delivering Alvaro's music with style and emotional depth.

Giulietta Simionato brings a raw, earthy energy to Preziosilla, while Nicolai Ghiaurov offers a noble and resonant Guardiano. Renato Capecchi brings charm and comic flair to Melitone—both serving as the perfect finishing touches on what is a truly satisfying vocal ensemble.

Unfortunately, Piero Cappuccilli appears to be indisposed and struggles through "Son Pereda." He is replaced by Carlo Meliciani, who steps in admirably and delivers a solid performance in the role.

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4.5 Based on 2 reviews
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James N.✓ Verified Buyer

United States

Overall rating

Great Forza

The performance from La Scala on opening night in 1965 is thrilling thanks to a superb cast. Ilva Ligabue is not well known outside of Europe, but she has a strong and, at the same time, a plaintive voice, perfect for Leonora. She is not "grand" like Leontyne Price, Renata Tebaldi, or Maria Callas, nor is she as "sweet" as Anita Cerquetti. But she immediately grabs the listener and won't let you go. The others--Bergonzi, Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov, Simionato, and Gavazzeni--are all superb. It is especially moving to hear Giulietta Simionato, aged 55, singing just one month before her last opera performance in January 1966. The sound is not as good as some recordings of live performances from La Scala in those years, but it is certainly adequate.
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János K.✓ Top Reviewer

Hungary

Overall rating

JÁNOS KÁDÁR

Well-conducted, all-star performance with the usual cuts. Ilva Ligabue the most-recorded Alice Ford demonstrated that she had not only one role: she is excellent as Leonora. There are a lot of records with Carlo Bergonzi is his role. I think this is his best Alvaro, his production combines passion with beauty. Unfortunately Piero Cappuccilli was indisposed and was changed to Carlo Meliciani after the second act. Meliciani made a very good job as don Carlo. Nicolai Ghiaurov was a beauty-voiced, human Guardian. In the smaller roles we can hear such artists like Giulietta Simionato, Renato Capecchi, Piero de Palma and Plinio Clabassi. All of them were able to add their arts to this performance. And we can enjoy also a bonus with Bergonzi who sings Verdi arias in top form. Highly recommended!
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