Search - Monleone, Houben, Torriani :: Cavalleria Rusticana

Recommended to every true opera lover

Vladas Mazelis | Port Richey, FL USA | 11/05/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This version of Cavalleria Rusticana by Domenico Monleone
(1875-1942) enjoyed great, but short-lived success at its premiere in 1907, but was later banned by Pietro Mascagni's
(1863-1945) publisher due to plagiarism of the libretto. Currently resurected by the remarkable effort of conductor Daniel Pacitti, who gathered somewhat less renowned, yet highly capable performers with one exception: tenor Carlo Torriani (Turridu) sounds pretty horrible. His raw, poorly managed voice will definitely torture every truly demanding, experienced listener. But don't be scared: if you've listened to and survived another lousy (but heavily promoted) Italian mediocrity, Andrea Bocelli, you have chances to survive also Carlo Torriani. Just cover up your ears at each of his badly forceful, terribly vibrating highs. I enjoyed the honest and quite respectful efforts of the Albanian Radio Orchestra and Chorus of Tirana, both previously unknown to me. Lisa Houben (Santuzza) and Fulvio Massa (Alfio) sound great, delivering at the same time truly mature, professional, yet appropriately dramatic, emotional performance. Overall this recording is highly recommended to every true opera lover, who can appreciate something truly fresh, new, unfamiliar. Would have been worth strong 4 stars, if not the totally unacceptable Torriani."