Verdi: Falstaff (1956)

Verdi: Falstaff (1956)

This Karajan Falstaff has much to recommend it: Fedora Barbieri's Mistress Quickly is a force of nature, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, only slightly affected, is a liquid, appealing Alice Ford, and Luigi Alva and the young Anna Moffo are ideal as the young lovers, Fenton and Nanetta. But the star--as it should be--is Tito Gobbi in the title role. As is usual with this great singing actor, his characterization comes from within--his is a Falstaff born to be deflated, arrogant and self-deluding on a level that is actually funny. And the nice surprise is what good voice Gobbi's in--he's in charge of all of his vocal colors here and he uses all of them well. Karajan's touch is light and, yes, funny, and he treats the opera as the divine ensemble work it is, all leading up to a superb final scene. A good time is had by all--listeners included. --Robert Levine
Country USA
Manufacturer Warner Classics
Binding Audio CD
UnitCount 2
Format Original recording remastered
UPCs 724356716223
EANs 0724356716223
ReleaseDate 1999-09-21

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Warner Classics
Binding	Audio CD
UnitCount	2
Format	Original recording remastered
UPCs	724356716223
EANs	0724356716223
ReleaseDate	1999-09-21

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