Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Roger Norrington, Camerata Salzburg :: Mozart: Mitridate re di Ponto

Live and lively

Smorgy | Southern California, USA | 04/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is from Mozart Week 1997 live performance. Very 'live' sound, though of rather good quality (can hear singers moving around ...occasionally jumping from one speaker to the other, but not muffled and with surprisingly few coughs).



All the arias (plus the one duet and brief ensemble finale) are included, though most are cut to only the A section (no B section and no da capo). Lots of trimming of the recitatives, too, for which I'm grateful. Very pleased that the climatic 'Gia dagli occhi il velo' is preserved in whole (and extremely well sung at that by Kasarova's very convincing Farnace).



Bruce Ford is a majestic Mitridate (probably the best on record), and Sieden and Oelze are wonderful Aspasia and Sifare, blending well in the beautiful duet. Even the minor role of Marzio is very well sung by Toby Spence. A superb singing performance from the whole cast! Roger Norrington conducts on the brisk side for the whole show, but is very stylish and supportive of his singers.



All in all, a great performance of the opera. Booklet has neat note on the opera and the production.. but no libretto. [...]"