Showing posts with label Giulio Neri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giulio Neri. Show all posts

Monday, January 19, 2009

Bellini: NORMA; ANITA CERQUETTI;CORELLI;SANTINI; Roma Jan 4th, 1958


Bellini: NORMA; ANITA CERQUETTI;CORELLI;SANTINI; Roma Jan 4th, 1958
Classical/Opera | FLAC + CUE | 470 MB | RS
Adequate mono sound

"Nobody can replace Callas" Rome oprea had decided and hired no understudy for it's new gala production of January 1958. But Callas came, fell ill and walked out after half an act only. Rome opera was in desperate need for a "diva ex machina" and found her in Anita Cerquetti, who having sung it in Naples on December 1957, was readily available. She came and scored un undisputed triumph. Here's the historic January 4th, 1958 broadcast, with Anita in top form. Yes, she was a wonderfull Norma, a big, luscius, even, agile, voice doing miracles with Bellini's excruciatingly difficult score. Had she been able to pursue her career, travel abroad more and record more extensively, the face of italian post-Callas opera scene would have probably been different indeed. Even thus, Anita's art and recordings have always had a special place in all enlightened opera lovers' hearts.
The sound is typical of a late 50ies italian broadcast, quite ok to sample this magnificent performance: Young Corelli is a virile, glorious Pollione and though Pirazzini is no real asset, her voice blends nicely with Cerquetti's in the duets. But this was a Cerquetti night, anyhow. Enjoy!



Backstage photo from this production

DOWNLOAD:
http://rapidshare.com/files/154990231/NORMA-58-LKS-TIITA-R.rar

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Verdi: DON CARLO; CERQUETTI;SIEPI;Barbieri;Bastianini;Votto; Florence 1956, live


Verdi: DON CARLO; CERQUETTI;SIEPI;Barbieri;Bastianini;Votto; Florence 1956, live
Opera | EAC+FLAC+CUE+COVS+BOOKL. | 620 MB | RS
OK mono broadcast sound

YES, THIS IS THE CERQUETTI DON CARLO, live from Florence, June 6th, 1956, much sought-after, rare treasure. The cast, where Anita and Siepi reign supreme, as fitting to their royal parts, is impressive (with the slight exception of a routinier tenor). Even maestro Votto is more nuanced than his usual self. Eisabeta's arias and duets as sung by Anita are quite unsurpassable, especialy the concluding "Tu che le vanita", where she is as impressive vocally as she is touching dramatically. What to say about Siepi's larger than life, dark, tormented Filippo? The whole thing is very exciting indeed, all Anita and Cesare fans must have it, others as well, to sample what italian opera is supposed to be and to verify, if needed, that by 1956 Callas or Tebaldi were not the only VERY GREAT sopranos around. Sound is pretty adequate and the version presented is the, then, standard italian in 4 acts, with slight cuts. As a bonus the Melodram edition offers the Cloister scene from la Forza, with Anita, Christoff and Capecchi. This will keep you hot until my futre up of that performance too!

LINKS AND FULL BOOKLET: PASS: By-Titta-Ruffo

http://rapidshare.com/files/157328987/DON-CARLO-CERQUETTI-LKS.rar

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Verdi: Un BALLO IN MASCHERA; Anita Cerquetti; G. Poggi; E.Bastianini; E. Tieri, cond (live Florence 1957)


Verdi: Un BALLO IN MASCHERA; Anita Cerquetti; G. Poggi; E.Bastianini; E. Tieri, cond (live Florence 1957)
opera (1957 rec) | EAC | 2CD | FLAC+CUE+Covers | 500MB | RS | RARE
adequate mono broadcast sound

Powered by WebRing.