Search - Mozart, Tomowa-Sintow, Von Stade :: Mozart - Le nozze di Figaro / Karajan

Fabulous recording, spectacular singing

05/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first Figaro recording I listened to at the age of 14 and I fell in love with it. Since then I have amassed some 8 different recordings of Figaro, both contemporary and historical recordings, but this particular Karajan recording has a special place in my heart, and one I keep returning to.The VPO plays magificently with precise and elegant ensemble, and the recording is warm and clear. Frederica von Stade is a superb Cherubino, and Anna Tomowa-Sintow has a lovely rich creamy arsitocratic timbre, totally in keeping with the Contessa. Cotrubas possesses a leaner tone and I find that this helps in distinguishing her from the Countess when they sing together, unlike some recordings where the Sussanas and Countesses sound practically alike. Jose van Dam makes a bluff congenial Figaro, and Tom Krause is a commanding Count. More importantly though, the order has been altered in Act 3 so that the Countess' aria "Dove Sono" comes before the sextet so that the flow of the story makes more sense. This is believed to be the original sequence Mozart had in mind but had to switch to the order most recordings use because the roles of Antonio and Bartolo used to be sung by the same person. This recording also includes Basilio's and Marcellina's arias in Act 4, which are often cut in other recordings, especially if fitted on only 2 CDs. Contrary to many reviewers' opinions, I find that Karajan does not overwhelm his singers and has perfectly judged tempi.Granted this is not small scale Figaro, but if you relish listening to a ravishing recording that you can luxuriate in, then this is a Mozart treat not to be missed."