Berlin Classics seem to have culled a variety of sources for their ‘Eterna Collection’ series of opera highlights. This ‘Cosi’ was originally issued complete on the Ariola Eurodisc label. It is distinguished by the light handling of the score by Otmar Suitner, a natural open sound and the Ferrando of Peter Schreier, whose forward, even, expressive vocal production and characterization are distinctive and particularly welcome (tr. 6). His partner in deception, Gunther Lieb as Ferrando, is smooth and easy on the ear if without any particular distinction whilst Sylvia Geszty is a characterful Despina (tr. 5). That really is the end of the good news as the singing of neither of the sisters, Fiordiligi and Dorabella, merits a recording, nor is it particularly recommendable in a very crowded market. Theo Adam, as the scheming Alfonso, is rather heavy toned. I suspect that the limitations of the soprano, very evident in an unsteady ‘Per Pietà’ (tr. 8), explain how a highlight issue of this opera of a mere 54 minutes duration could exclude ‘Come scoglio’, and other vocal gems to be found in this wonderful work.

If the intention was to provide opportunity to hear Schreier’s Ferrando, I suggest Berlin Classics should have licensed the tenor’s third recording, his second for Karl Böhm, from the latter’s 80^th birthday concert in 1974, with all parts well sung, and then provided a worthwhile 70 plus minutes to give a full selection of true highlights. All in all an opportunity lost.

Robert J Farr

 

Advertising Rates
Visitor stats
MusicWeb International
has over 21,000 Classical CD reviews on offer

Gerard Hoffnung Concerts &
The Bricklayer Story

New Releases

New Releases

MusicWeb Recommended Recordings 2008

DISCS OF THE YEAR 2007