.com Isabella in L'Italiana was one of Marilyn Horne's great roles, and this recording attests to it. The character is smart, spunky, and sarcastic, with a sure-of-herself twinkle in her eye and voice. Horne was so in control of her vast talent when this set was recorded that she seems to be born into the role. She tosses off the most difficult coloratura with ease. The tone is big and grand from high B to low B and back again, and the fun she's obviously having is infectious. Her supporting cast is almost on the same level: Sam Ramey is a fine Mustafa, expressing pomposity while flowing easily over Rossini's roulades, and Ernesto Palacio gets through the high-flying tenor role with greater grace than most. The other low voices are good too, and listen for Kathleen Battle in one of her early roles--before she became a legend in her own mind--she's a sheer delight. Claudio Scimone, somewhat of a bel canto specialist, leads with verve. Good fun. --Robert Levine
G**W
Used CD 0pera from oz5457, As good as new.
The supplier (oz5457) of this CD said the condition was "good +". He/she was very modest; it was "excellent". I was so pleased. No scratches on the cd's or the case, and the booklet (included) although pages a little yellowed because it was a little old, was in perfect condition. Delivered prompltly. Oh yes, and the opera itself? Magnifico! Bene!
C**E
Two great mezzos
Both Berganza and Horne recorded L'Italiana and a comparison of the two recordings is wothwhile. Horne is more involved in the character, and her singing is undoubtedly spectacular. While Berganza is more subdued, she still is "in" the role quite nicely, and the rest of her cast is good. Berganza can match Horne note for note, but the voice never becomes harsh and overly "chesty." I think it may come down to whether you prefer more acting, or prettier sound from a mezzo. My vote goes to Berganza, but you really should listen to both before buying. (Callas fans will of course want her version, if available.)
E**N
Superb
Rossini - L'Italiana in Algeri Superb... 'Just wish it was a DVD!... How could you ask for more, Marilyn Horne!! Samuel Ramey!!! Kathleen Battle who is just about at the top of my favorites, and Palacio....who I did not know before but loved his singing!!! As I say, 'wish it was a DVD.EDS
K**.
L'Italiana in Algeri: a definitive modern interpretation
An extraordinary performance by three American greats: Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey, and Kathleen Battle, of a bel canto masterpiece. I daresay this may be the definitive modern interpretation one of Rossini's early operatic gems.
T**O
Five Stars
Great product, great price & great service.
A**R
We love this opera but the recording level...
isn't so much... We have to turn it way up to hear the vocals and then when the instrumental accompaniment comes in, it blasts us out. Adjusting the equalizer doesn't help.
T**G
Best cast of all time.
All the cast were at the peak of their careers and sound great. Especially good are Ramey and Battle. I've never heard such a nimble Bosso voice as Ramey and Battle gets to show off some of her great coloratura and is able to cut right through the big chorus sets and be heard. But, as some others have pointed out, the balancing of orchasrta and voice is not the best, surprising since this is a studio recording not live.
B**A
The best "Italiana" available on record. Period.
Fortunately, this was my first choice of "Italiana" Horne is at her best, for real (as always). And Ramey as Mustafa delivers one of the most beautiful lessons of how a bass should sing a buffo role. Unfortunately it's a rare recording so if you see it available, order as soon as you can. And stay clear form the Alva/Corena one.
M**.
Perfect!!!
Perfect!!!
B**T
C'est un CD, tout pour l'écoute avec le livret
C'est l'article que je souhaitais écouter. Bien!
X**O
Good version and recording, but..
The libretto offered is simply the Italian text, though there is a synopsis in English - bizarre for what is obviously intended as an international recording (originally recorded n Treviso but the CD version produced from analogue masters in Germany) - don't be fooled by the word 'libretto' in the top RH corner, this would seem to be a word used by Erato for an opera series, presumably including 'a' libretto. You can buy the libretto in English - a rather too free (attempted rhyming) translation - from Presto.
J**3
Ah le bon vieux temps
Quand on a aimé Battle et Horne toutes leurs contributions méritent intérêt.Ceci est un commentaire partial d'un amateur pas du tout musicien mais seulement sensible aux émotions que procurent des voix exceptionnelles.
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