Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leopold Hager, Arleen Auger :: Mozart - Mitridate / Augér, Baltsa, Cotrubas, Gruberova, Weidinger, Hollweg, Kübler; Hager

Embarrassment of riches

essmac | Nashville, TN USA | 04/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, the story is dull and undramatic; yes they should have cut most of the recitatives. Yes, the tenor part is practically impossible (it's like an ottocento Tristan) and Hollweg sounds strained- who wouldn't? But, look at the women on this recording. Talk about a strong lineup! Cotrubas supplies beautiful tone and convincingly fakes her way throught the coloratura. Baltsa is a fine choice for her role- tough and strong, but without a chance to show off her brilliant top. Gruberova does not disappoint those of us who expect from her technically dazzling fioriture, but with meaningful expressiveness. But Auger steals the show- her first aria is worth the high price alone. Intelligent, technically assured artistry of the absolute highest level mixed with consistently gorgeous tone and keen emotional involvement: nothing is beyond her. The sudden high pianissimi, the high speed coloratura, the magnificent phrasing- it's all there and not just in the arias, but the recitatives (especially in the last act when she considers suicide-- this is vocal acting!). She's amazing. Remember- this is opera seria, which means long chains of aria after aria with little to change the texture. There is a duet between Auger and Gruberova that is pure heaven: not Mozart's finest inspiration, but beautiful and full of daredevil vocal display. Also a regretably short quintet for the women ends the whole opera, but even though it was not the convention of the time, one sorely wishes there had more ensembles."