Verdi: Rigoletto (In German) - Imdahl, Rothenberger, Hopf, Kreppel; Zaun. Düsseldorf, 1959
$8.95
Description:
This German-language performance of Rigoletto may be about as Italian as Bratwurst, but it has its own compelling musical identity. While it lacks the natural Italianate flavor, the cast plays to its strengths and delivers a performance that stands on its own terms, driven more by musical conviction than stylistic authenticity.
Anneliese Rothenberger is exquisite as Gilda, her singing full of lyricism and youthful ardor. Hans Hopf may seem an unlikely Duke—his voice more accustomed to Wagner and Strauss—but he manages the role with surprising agility and delivers it with impressive vocal force, even if the interpretation leans toward the heroic.
Fritz Jaun conducts a taut performance, though at times the orchestra feels overly driven and lacks the lightness that gives Verdi’s score its bounce and elegance.
NOTE:
The opening prelude of Act IV is missing as well as the final few minutes of the opera.
In Mono
OD 11584-2
