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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Nobody steals the spotlight when Maria Callas is onstage, but Tito Gobbi never lets us forget that this show is called Rigoletto, not Gilda. Neither singer has one of the century's prettiest voices; both have dramatic presence, impact and subtlety--based as much on their control of verbal nuance as on musicianship--that make their characters three-dimensional, the story meaningful and the emotions real, varied and intense. His role is bigger and more complex than hers is. He is almost constantly onstage and his music runs the whole gamut from fatherly tenderness to regret at a life gone wrong to explosive rage. Sparks fly when they sing together and Tullio Serafin conducts with an exemplary grasp of the opera and a detailed knowledge of his cast's capabilities. --Joe McLellan
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
58 of 61 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
It is, perhaps, unworthy of EMI to issue this under the "Callas Edition", as the star of this Opera is clearly the principle baritone, and the baritone here is no less than the great Tito Gobbi. Still, for some perverse reason, it is Callas that sells these days, and EMI seems determined to make the most out of one of their top selling artists. For the Callasites out there, her performance as Gilda should not disappoint. Callas is in much happier voice than can be found elswhere amongst her discography and she does give a thoughtful and attentive reading of the role- though many will feel that a younger sounding and fresher voice is really needed. As the libertine Duke, Guiseppe di Stefano is in his element. There may be more eloquent accounts of the role on record, but few have captured the spirit of the role so well. The real tour de force on this disc is the incomparable assumption of the title role by Tito Gobbi. I have heard many fine Rigolettos, but never one so memorable as Gobbi's. Here he sets a standard by which other interpretors must be measured, and ultimately fall short. Along with Iago and Scarpia, Gobbi's portrayal has yet to be bettered. The vengence, humanity and nobility he brings to the role is unique. The conducting is exemplary and the whole performance is electrifying. The sound fares less well by today's standards but is soon forgotten as the drama, in such masterly hands, begins to bite. Those who insist on modern recordings should abandon their principles and buy this set. This will not be bettered, and is a Gobbi performance to cherish.
By ADI
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you love Callas you will love this. The fragility of her voice is beautiful. Gobbi and Di stefano put in a great performance too
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a full-blooded Rigoletto recording! Callas is at her very best here, her voice really portraying the young and innocent Gilda. Gobbi is probably THE Rigoletto with his acting vocal skills. Di Stefano might not be the ideal Duke, but his voice is absolutely marvellous.
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