Search - Gaetano Donizetti, John Pritchard, Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra :: L'Elisir d'amore [Highlights]

A fine Elisir with a perfect Nemorino!

Armindo | Greece | 06/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Since Carreras' studio Elisir was recorded just a couple of years too late to capture his velvety voice at its best, this 1976 live Covent Garden performance is a must. Carreras is all ardour and elegance in this most romantic tenor role. He definitely steals the show! Carreras completes the top three of Nemorinos along with Bergonzi's characterful and Pavarotti's ringing young farmer. The ultimate choice is a matter of personal taste.What a pity that Carreras wasn't blessed with an equally great Adina that evening. Hayashi's performance creates mixed feelings. She often sounds lovelier than other sopranos who've sung this role but by the end of the performance she sounds tired. Her barcaruola with Duclamara for example is splendid but Adina's final aria disappoints due to the many strained high notes. Where was Ricciarelli?

Evans' Duclamara warms up after a rather wobbly start and gives a bubbly performance while Thomas Allen makes a sophisticated Belcore. Pritchard conducts with care. Finally, the sound is very good and allows the listener to enjoy this overall delightful performance."