Berlioz: Benvenuto Cellini (First recoding of the original

Berlioz: Benvenuto Cellini (First recoding of the original Paris Version)
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This recording presents--almost--Berlioz's original thoughts on this very complicated opera (which went through more than a dozen versions, with additions and subtractions, in the composer's lifetime), although conductor John Nelson also adds an aria or two Berlioz later added, making it somewhat different from the version recorded by Philips under Sir Colin Davis a little over 30 years ago. If I had to choose one of these two superb performances, it would be this: the opera's odd rhythms are more strongly underlined by Nelson, the whole work seems more lively, and the comic moments are genuinely funny. And the singing is superb, with Patrizia Ciofi a simply great, light-toned Teresa, Gregory Kunde tackling the title role and singing as impressively as Gedda did for Davis, and Joyce di Donato singing Ascanio's music as well as you'll ever hear it. The darker-voiced roles are equally well taken, with Laurent Naouri's Balducci particularly vivid. The orchestral playing, choral singing, and ensemble work and sonics are first rate. This is a superb recording, presenting Berlioz's odd masterwork brilliantly. --Robert Levine
Country USA
Brand EMI
Manufacturer Virgin Classics
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 724354570629
Model 724354570629
UnitCount 3
Format Classical
UPCs 724354570629
EANs 0724354570629
ReleaseDate 2005-01-11

Country	USA
Brand	EMI
Manufacturer	Virgin Classics
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	724354570629
Model	724354570629
UnitCount	3
Format	Classical
UPCs	724354570629
EANs	0724354570629
ReleaseDate	2005-01-11

Berlioz: Benvenuto Cellini (First recoding of the original Paris Version)

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