GREAT VERDI! A MUST HAVE! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I think this was the first time Luisa Miller had been performed at the Vienna State Opera. An excellent cast was fielded though eyebrows may be raised at the idea of Canadian soprano Lilian Sukis in the title role. Lower your eyebrows, she's very good though not what one usually associates with Verdi sopranos. She has the flexibility for all of Luisa's coloratura, a trill of sorts, and a confident, responsive top range. Her Rodolfo is Franco Bonisolli, a natural for this role. His hefty lyric tenor is beautiful and appealing. He spoils the end of his big aria by indulging in an interpolated top C (it's a good one, but sounds out of place). He adds another one in the cabaletta. Other than that he is a good colleague to his partners (that wouldn't last). Taddei's voice, even in his younger days, could have the occasional wobble and that is evident here. Also evident is his mastery of the Verdian style. He doesn't indulge in any interpolated high notes; he doesn't need to - he trusts the composer. Ludwig sings her brief, important role very well and Giaiotti and the American bass Malcolm Smith are excellent as the heavies. Erede knows his Verdi and conducts a mostly uncut edition of the score (only cabaletta repeats are shorn).The sound is very good throughout with a fine balance between the voices and the orchestra.