Search - Umberto Giordano, Arturo Basile, Renata Tebaldi :: Giordano: Andrea Chenier

Superb Performance Finally in Terrific Sound

F. Barton | Newport, WA USA | 12/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This early recording of CHENIER, still stands as one of Renata Tebaldi's best achievements behind a microphone. Soler is acceptable as Chenier, and Savarese is even better, it's Tebaldi's set all the way!!The sound has been remastered so superbly, that there is no way that any earlier issue of this can begin to compete. Her "La Mamma Morta" is probably the BEST version in studio she ever did, even surpassing her '50 recording. Also, her cries of "Andrea, Andrea", are astounding, heart-wrenching, and extremely emotional.To my ears, Basile's conducting is either a bit too fast in parts, or too slow, but that all depends on personal taste. I never expected to hear this fidelity with Fonit-Cetra, as they were not known for their superb sound. But, here it is, with a beautiful case and FULL libretto as well. For a work that was among Tebaldi's greatest, grab this. You will be forever grateful."