Verdi

Un Ballo in maschera

Caballé, Domingo, MacNeil, Chookasian; Patanè
Barcelona, 1973

Regular price $17.95
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Un Ballo in maschera

The sound is only acceptable in this performance of Un Ballo in maschera, but the four principals are much more than that. When asked to list Plácido Domingo's greatest roles, Riccardo would probably not be included, but he is in terrific voice here and unusually sensitive to the drama, making the governor a tragically short-sighted man who does not realize his errors until it is too late. Montserrat Caballé could not be called "involved" in the drama, but she is heard in late-period glory and manages a gut-wrenching take on Amelia's act three aria. Cornell MacNeil is a deeply-felt, thundering Renato, and the wonderful but woefully under-recorded mezzo Lili Chookasian is a stunning Ulrica. The rest of the cast is, unfortunately, unknown.

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Frank✓ Verified Buyer

United States

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Oscar, Sam, and Tom

The Ornamenti release lists Trinidad Paniagua as Oscar, Carlos Del Bosco as Sam, and Juan Pons as Tom.
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Exciting Performance in Good Sound!

This performance was on the Ornamenti label years ago and is long out-of-print so I'm thankful to Opera Depot for reissuing it at such a reasonable cost. The sound is acceptable, but not great. The performance is definitely worth whatever allowances one must make. All five principals are in a fine, sometimes competitive mood, and give passionate performances.Caballe is in great shape, playing to the Barcelona audience that adored her. "Morrò" is shaped with an almost unbelievable breath control; the final cadenza may be a little self-indulgent, but who cares when it sounds like this? She seems determined to hold out her joint high notes in the ensembles longer than the unnamed Oscar (who is very good); naturally, she wins. Domingo and MacNeil also sing to the galleries and provide excitement from the male contingent. MacNeil's vibrato borders on a wobble at times, but by the time he gets to "Eri tu" he is fully warmed up and delivers a searing account of the aria. Domingo joins Caballe on the top C at the end of their duet and just manages to sustain it. Chookasian had a huge voice and she lets it rip here. Her low G sounds properly demonic. The two conspirators are also excellent; too bad we're not told who they are. Patane's conducting is a little sloppy and routine.The top of the opening prelude and the very beginning of Act 1, scene 2 are missing, but live opera collectors are used to things like that. A rousing Ballo then that will please the singers' fans.
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