Verdi

La Forza del destino

Stella, Bergonzi, Dondi, Lane, Melitti, Zaccaria; Capuana
Napoli, 1963

Regular price $26.95
Select Format
Add to Wishlist Added to Wishlist

La Forza del destino

Antonietta Stella and Carlo Bergonzi were in the prime of their careers when this performance of La Forza del destino took place. They sing with astonishing security, making their notoriously treacherous parts seem easy. This lyricism reminds the listener that Verdi, even at his most dramatic, was at his core a composer born out of the bel canto tradition.

Recently viewed

Example product title

Example product title

Example product title

Example product title

Example product title

Example product title

Customer Reviews

Share your experience with fellow collectors

4.5 Based on 2 reviews
5 ★ 1
4 ★ 1
3 ★ 0
2 ★ 0
1 ★ 0
Francis X.✓ Verified Buyer

United States

Overall rating

Great singers

To hear these singers really getting into it is an education & pleasure. Gloria Lane was my vocal teacher in LA. To hear her in her prime is great!
Report
David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Great Verdi Singers, Good Sound

The most unusual aspect of this performance is that the opera is given with only a few cuts and the traditionally cut (at that time) "Sleale!" scene is included. Stella is superb throughout. Yes, other sopranos bring more imagination to this or that moment, but Stella sings so satisfyingly. She never had a true piannissimo, but other than that she possessed everything a true Verdi soprano must have to succeed.Bergonzi sings very well too and takes his high B's in stride (this is the uncut version). Dondi has a good, if rather dull voice. He lacks imagination and is stolid; we do a lot worse today. Lane has enthusiasm on her side. Preziosilla lies too high for her though. Zaccaria partners Stella like a champion in their long scene and Meletti is a funny, crabby Melitone. Capuana leads an effective performance albeit one that only comes to life when Stella and Bergonzi are onstage.The sound is good, best in Acts One, Two, and Four. In Act Three there are blips in the original tape source that become irritating.Recommended to Forza lovers and Stella/Bergonzi fans.
Report