Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Bruno Bartoletti, Berliner Staatskapelle :: Verdi: Il Trovatore

Undeservingly maligned

Michel | Montreal, Quebec | 08/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have read so many bad things about this set that I was expecting the

worst but ended up being pleasantly surprised to discover a very well

sung and recorded version. Franco Bonisolli is perhaps a little coarse

here and there but he has a thrilling ringing voice and certainly deli-

vers the goods as Manrico. Raina Kabaivanska's silvery voice is perhaps

a little light for Leonora but she uses it with considerable flair and

her performance has many beautiful moments - she sings one stanza of the

cabaletta "Tu vedrai" after the "Miserere". Viorica Cortez is a rich-

voiced and exciting Azucena. Giorgio Zancanaro is perhaps not the most

imaginative singer but he has a true Verdi baritone at his disposition

even throughout his range with a secure top. Giancarlo Luccardi rounds

up the cast with a fine bass voice as Fernando. Bruno Bartoletti paces

the opera very well and the sound is excellent. A fine version of a be-

loved opera."