COMPOSERS: Verdi
LABELS: Discover
WORKS: Simon Boccanegra
PERFORMER: Eduard Tumagian, Peter Mikulás, Giacomo Aragall, Miriam Gauci; Jaak Gregoor Chorus, BRTN PO & Chorus, Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
CATALOGUE NO: DICD 920225-6 DDD
Alexander Rahbari conducts authoritatively with excellent Belgian choral and orchestral forces, but his cast is an uneven one. Miriam Gauci brings an attractive voice and authentic style to her Amelia, and Giacomo Aragall is a strong Gabriele. But Peter Mikulás is a colourless Fiesco, and Eduard Tumagian a disappointing Boccanegra, his voice lacking tonal variety and his portrayal short on dramatic attack. Try those conducted by Abbado (DG) and, best of all, by Gabriele Santini (EMI) with Tito Gobbi an incomparable Boccanegra. Charles Osborne
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra
Alexander Rahbari conducts authoritatively with excellent Belgian choral and orchestral forces, but his cast is an uneven one. Miriam Gauci brings an attractive voice and authentic style to her Amelia, and Giacomo Aragall is a strong Gabriele. But Peter Mikulás is a colourless Fiesco, and Eduard Tumagian a disappointing Boccanegra, his voice lacking tonal variety and his portrayal short on dramatic attack. Try those conducted by Abbado (DG) and, best of all, by Gabriele Santini (EMI) with Tito Gobbi an incomparable Boccanegra. Charles Osborne
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:14 pm