Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Bruno Rigacci, Orchestra Sinfonica :: Donizetti: Pia de' Tolomei

One of Donizetti's most un-Donizetti operas

Armindo | Greece | 02/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1976 RAI Milan broadcast features Lella Cuberli (sop), Benedetta Pecchioli (mez), Renzo Casellato (ten), Giulio Fioravanti (bar) and Alfredo Zanazzo (bas) in a rather peculiar Donizetti opera.



What's strange with Pia is that it doesn't have the straightforward structure of Donizetti's other operas. It just goes on and on, interesting to hear for a change but I doubt I'll be returning to this opera soon.



The cast is thoroughly satisfactory though. Cuberly, a fine lyric coloratura of the late 70s, 80s and 90s is heard here only a year after her debut and makes lovely, warm sounds. No fireworks but heartfelt singing which is most welcome. Actually everyone else follows the same tactic. Lovely bel canto singing. Interesting to hear Giorgio Lamberti's lyric tenor brother, Renzo and the old-timer Fioravanti. One of Pasero's pupils, the basso Zanazzo is also part of the cast so the standard is very good indeed.



Pia has recently been on stage again (with Ciofi no less) and Rara released a new recording but this older performance is still worth a listen. Outrageously priced though!"