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Verdi: Nabucco
Giuseppe Verdi, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, La Scala Theater Orchestra & Chorus
Verdi: Nabucco
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (21) - Disc #2

This is a no-frills Nabucco--distributed without a libretto and with minimal annotation. Its chief (but by no means only) attraction is the phenomenally low price. The performance gives a fair idea of a better than average...  more »

     
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This is a no-frills Nabucco--distributed without a libretto and with minimal annotation. Its chief (but by no means only) attraction is the phenomenally low price. The performance gives a fair idea of a better than average evening at La Scala in the mid-1960s. The recorded sound (with a blank moment in the middle of one ensemble) puts you solidly in the middle of the audience, which is fairly quiet (give or take an occasional cough) except in its applause. Performance and sound are clear and powerful if not subtle--a workable formula for Verdi of this vintage--and Gianandrea Gavazzeni, in charge of a fine orchestra and chorus, maintains excitement and momentum throughout. A special attraction is the chance to hear the sadly under-recorded Elena Suliotis in a live performance of one of her primary roles. Her powerful, imperfectly controlled voice suits the villainous Abigaille--even its rather worn quality, which helps explain why her career was so short. --Joe McLellan

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CD Reviews

A Great Recording!
Samuel Caito | New York | 12/23/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Despite the blank spot and an occasional cough, this recording is realy quite good. Both Ghiaurov and Suliots have wonderfully omnious vioces, which make them perfect for their roles. The orchestra is also great (especially in the sinfonia). The conducter also does a wonderful job of keeping the music exciting (which it is without his help). This is one of my favorite recordings to listen to and worth buying."
Nabucco
Vincent A. Birli | Staten Island, NY United States | 11/17/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have the pleasure of owning this CD live, and although Elena Souliotis, is my Favorite Soprano, sad to say, Im a little disappointed in this Recording. It's probably the recording itself, or perhaps being at the particular time the audio that was used to record. Because there is, in one point of the recording, where it goes blank. However, Im surprised that you only have this recording. Because, there is another Recording with Suliotis,Gobbi,Prevedi and Cava. This is an Excellent Recording, although on London Label, it's been copied off the Decca Label which is the most Excellent sound and quality you can hear.Ms. Souliotis taking a gulp of air, and hear pages turning. For me She is exactly what they named her..which is "Greek Princess". I personally had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Souliotis, via Overseas to Italy, where she is living, Married, and has a Daughter. Sometimes I wish they would do a Special on Her. I know that she as done a T.V. Series in England on the BBC Titled "Souliotis Sings". I am in search for this taping. Also, you must hear her Norma, the only difference between her and Sutherland, (is that Her drama is way better and her diction is much clearer) it's hard to find her recording because Dame Sutherland' is the only one on the shelves instead of Ms.Suliotis' recording. Her recording is considered incomplete where as Sutherland's is a completed version, and because her husband is the Conductor so to speak. But fortunately I have that vinyl recording. Although they should produce it on CD. And let the consumer decide which to purchase!. She has done works from: Catalani, Boiti,Mascagni,Ponchielli and Verdi. There are a lot of Divas who are jealous, everyone says she ruined her voice singing Nabucco. I say they are wrong. If she wasn't ready, she would of never taken the role as Abigale. I know because I myself have studied Vocal specifically for OPERA!.- I remember Elena saying "Perhap's she should of been more Competitive like the other's were". That was the nice thing about her..She alway felt there was room for other singers to be discovered! - I THANK YOU, VAB,CIAO!"
More Than Your Money's Worth Here!
David R. Eastwood | Long Island, NY | 11/15/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Admittedly, the sound quality of this "live performance" is not particularly good. HOWEVER, soprano Elena Suliotis (in my view the chief reason for buying THIS recording) is a truly outstanding Abigaille. ALL of her singing is riveting. Listeners unfamiliar with this early Verdi opera would do well to buy this CD as an inexpensive "starter"--a way to learn how and why the 19th cent. Italian public, who identified their own plight with that of the Hebrew slaves in this opera, came to consider the famous chorus "Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate" their unofficial national anthem AND a way to hear some other truly wonderful music. Listeners already familiar with this opera owe it to themselves to hear Suliotis in her all-too-short prime. (Not incidentally, the moving and beautiful "Va, pensiero" chorus was conducted at Verdi's funeral by Toscanini.)"