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At last we have the second leg of the fine 'double bill' that Karajan exceptionally recorded with La Scala forces in the mid sixties. I retain a preference for this mercurially sleet, polished, but terribly exciting recording of Mascagni's unique drama. He brought a certain inhibited passion to Italian opera and you sense that every bar has been studied with painful detail culminating in a performance of superb architectural strength. The key points of the opera are suitably underlined such as the vastly expansive 'Easter Hymn' where the voices almost blow the roof off, Santuzza's vehement 'A te la mala pasqua' and the despair and wanton grief of 'Hanno ammazato compane Turiddu' shakes one to the veritable foundations. Karajan is also aided by a superb team of soloists who were amongst the leading verismo singers of their day. Fiorenza Cossott's 'Santuzza' is quite brilliant, her voice ranges from deep heartfelt passion to simmering anger with all controlled quite magically.

The same could go for Carlo Bergonzi's Turiddu, rather similar to Carreras with Muti but this version is far preferable on many counts. I greatly enjoyed Guelfi's 'Alfio', perhaps he has been underrated but he brings real mastery and art to his not inconsiderable contributions. Allegri's 'Lucia' and Martino's 'Lola' are essential components to a well-oiled cast that happens only once in a lifetime.

The whole passion of the orchestra is demonstrated in one of the most poignant Intermezzo's that I've ever heard. DG's presentation includes a full libretto and synopsis with a double CD jewl case similar to 'I Pagliacci' before it. I'm sure that as they take their rightful place in many operatic lover's shelves these two recordings will make constant visits to the player both for excellence and for the magical Italian connection of Herbert von Karajan.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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