Search - Pietro Mascagni, Steven Mercurio, Orchestra del Teatro Massimo "Bellini" Catania :: Mascagni: Cavaleria Rusticana

Strong performance

Carolyn D. Parsons | Morrison, CO USA | 03/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have several other recordings of this opera so I feel I know it. I have long awaited the Bocelli recording and find it yet another super addition to my collection. I cannot get through this one without responding with tears. From track 2, the behind the scenes "O Lola ch'ai di latti la cammisa,--" whets your appetite for more with its haunting quality of longing and sweetness. Later, his disdain for Santuzza's pleading turns to squirming discomfort and anger through their dueling vocal exchanges. The big aria "Mamma, quel vino e generoso-" is strong and filled with anguish for what lies ahead.

Bocelli's contribution is my initial reason for purchasing this cd---however, ALL the voices in the ensemble deserve high praise.

This is an excellent production. Steven Mercurio conducts with his passion and electricity as well. He works well with Bocelli and it always shows to their mutual advantage."

Good not Great

E. wahlstedt | Eagan, MN USA | 10/27/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I really like opera and I really adore Bocelli. I have traveled all over the US and Europe for both. Usually Andrea does a good job - much better than the critics seem to think - and this performance is no exception. I think in any performance Andrea's biggest problem is inconsistency.He has a warm, rough, earthy quality in his voice that I love.Most of the time Andrea's singing is very good but I admit he sometimes loses the pitch. Usually he is as good as Licitra or Alagna or any other tenor out there now but occasionally he sings so badly that even I wonder what he is thinking. On this CD he makes a good first impression with "O Lola, ch'ai di latti la cammisa" I really like his sound but then he loses it in the whole middle beginning with "Tu qui,Santuzza". His "Viva il vino spumeggiante" is definitly not the best. Why didn't they redo it until Andrea doesn't sound so strangled. Then in true inconsistant Bocelli style he regains his strength for "Mamma!Mamma, quel vino e generoso". It really is wonderful to hear. Very full of genuine sounding emotion which is what is needed for that aria. The rest of the cast is adaquate and nothing is outstanding about this recording. I bought this because I have to have everything Bocelli has ever recorded. I can't honestly recommend it to non-Bocelli fans."