Verdi: Un Ballo in maschera - Carreras, Dimitrova, Cappuccilli, Pecile; Patanè. Parma, 1972
$16.95
Description:
Across the board, this is a thoroughly enjoyable performance of Un Ballo in Maschera. José Carreras, still in his twenties, delivers a performance marked by purity of tone and freshness, paired with an innate understanding of Verdi's style. Ghena Dimitrova alternates between dramatic outbursts that could rival any Wagnerian soprano and displays of exquisitely crafted legato singing. Piero Cappuccilli completes the cast with his commanding portrayal of Anckarström.
How often do the stars align to bring together not one, not two, but three titans like this under the same roof? The sound quality is excellent.
OD 10710-2
Listen to a Sample:
Great Sleeper of a Ballo!
I knew Carreras would make some gorgeous sounds in this performance (he was not yet 26), but I wasn't prepared for how well he and Dimitrova work together. Their big duet elicits cheers from the temperamental Parma audience (they've been known to loudly harass any singer who displeases them). Both are exemplary in their solos, yet they also display real chemistry. Dimitrova had one of those huge voices that needs the expanses of a theater to make its full impact. Here she sings powerfully, but with great delicacy when asked to by the composer. Cappuccilli is so good he is asked for an encore of "Eri tu". The audience goes even crazier the second time around. Pecile is a strong Ulrica with a firm low G and Isabella Stramaglia sings an enchanting Oscar (whatever happened to her?). Another thing I didn't expect was how good the sound is. The voices are heard very clearly over the orchestra. Patane conducts a tight, well-controlled performance. Ballo lovers must hear this!
Excellent version
I really enjoyed this.
John Stanton
The immediate attraction here of course is the three great voices of Carrerras, Cappuccilli and Dimitrova. Carrerras early in his career is in glorious sappy voice, showing no signs of the strain that afflicted it less than ten years later. Dimitrova's enormous voice is impressive although she is probably not the most vulnerable or affecting Amelia. Cappuccilli was still in 1971 the best Verdi baritone in the world and his distinctly Italianate sound gives great presence to his Renato. The audience requests and gets an encore to "Eri tu ". The supporting cast is very good, with notably a smoky voiced Ulrica. The sound is very good, clean and voices in happy balance with the orchestra.
