COMPOSERS: Rossini
LABELS: Philips
WORKS: Il barbiere di Siviglia
PERFORMER: Thomas Allen, Agnes Baltsa, Francisco Araiza, Robert Lloyd; Ambrosian Opera Chorus, ASMF/Neville Marriner
CATALOGUE NO: 446 448-2 DDD Reissue
Originally released in 1983, this was Marriner’s first operatic recording and he delivers Rossini’s score with verve, delicacy and witty flair. This is an outstanding cast. Allen’s Figaro is wonderfully subtle and hypnotically engaging as the music and plot unfold. Lloyd’s Basilio is lush and great fun and Baltsa’s Rosina, though occasionally too dark and powerful is, overall, a good realisation of the role. Elise McDougall
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia
Originally released in 1983, this was Marriner’s first operatic recording and he delivers Rossini’s score with verve, delicacy and witty flair. This is an outstanding cast. Allen’s Figaro is wonderfully subtle and hypnotically engaging as the music and plot unfold. Lloyd’s Basilio is lush and great fun and Baltsa’s Rosina, though occasionally too dark and powerful is, overall, a good realisation of the role. Elise McDougall
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:14 pm