f:{"metadata":"$15:metadata","error":null,"digest":"$undefined"} 35:T531,

Product description

VIR 545706; VIRGIN - Italia; Classica Lirica

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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

36:T43f,Berlioz had a number of "problem children" when it came to getting his compositions staged, and Benvenuto Cellini was one of them. The first performance in its original version was not until 8 Dec. 2003; and this is it. Please note, other editions are lacking almost 30 minutes of music as a result of cuts, including both by Sir Colin Davis. After recently listening and comparing this and the latest Davis on LSO, I can recommend this as the one to get. This is not to say that either of the Davis' are less than excellent, and the later on LSO will probably be found a lot cheaper; but from a musical standpoint, this is currently