ETTORE BASTIANINI 2 LPs MELODRAM MEL 080 2

Bongiovanni

On Gala 725; 2 Compact Discs; Here is a fine 1960's performance with Gabriella Tucci, Franco Corelli and Ettore Bastianini as a strong trio of principals; Tozzi is an excellent, superb Guardiano, while Nello Santi moves things along nicely. Tucci was underrecorded and underrated; by today's standards, she is a gift from the Gods. Corelli is in fine fettle, singin gloriously, while Bastianini, about two years before his premature death from throat cancer, still sings with power and passion.

On Myto 252; 2 CD's; A stunning cast in glorious form. Tebaldi is at her richest, Tucker his most lyrical, and Bastianini his most powerful. The suppporting cast, including Margaret Roggero as a seductive Bersi and Frank Valentino as a strong Roucher, is superb! As well, Belen Amparan is a notable contralto Madelon. A feast for all lovers of great singing!

On Andromeda 9095; 2 CD's; Here is one of the best and most famous performances of "Rigoletto" ever recorded. The stars are all fresh, young, and in tremendously wonderful voice. As well, both the excitement and energy of this great "stand up and sing" performance are powerful!! This is the best of Renata Scotto's Gildas. Her voice is sweet and lyrical and fresh. Alfredo Kraus sings richly and smoothly as the Duke, his limpid tone surmounting all the challenges of the role. Ettore Bastianini is simply splendid, the drama forcefully drawn by his stunning, dramatic, full voiced portrayal. Fiorenza Cossotto is a Maddalena to be reckoned with, intense, full voiced, and characterful, while Ivo Vinco's Sparafucile ranks among the best. Gavazzeni is a sterling conductor, pacing the lyrical moments warmly, while driving the dramatic portions with great vibrancy and verve! Unavailable for many years, this is a performance which belongs in every collection. Please note that Andromeda does not include a libretto with this set, but that is a minor consideration.

Myto Records ( January 12, 2009 ), Genre: Classical

On Andromeda ANDRCD5018; 2 CD's; The 1950's brought "Don Carlo" back to New York, first with Rigal, Bjorling, and Merrill, and later with Steber, Tucker, and Bastianini, all of whom are in fine fettle in this excellent performance. Thebom offers rich vocalism and strong characterization, while Hines and Moscona are a formidable duo as King Philip and his nemesis, the Grand Inquisitor. Kurt Adler moves things along energetically and dramatically. This is a most enjoyable performance!!!

On Great Opera Performances 66350; 3 CD'S; FLORENCE MAY FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE OF JUNE 16, 1956 OF DON CARLO; AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ITALIANATE PERFORMANCE OF THIS MARVELOUS OPERA. EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE RARELY RECORDED ANGELO LO FORESE IS IN EXCELLENT VOICE. CERQUETTI AND BARBIERI ARE AMAZING, WHILE BASTIANINI, SIEPI AND NERI ARE POWERFUL, RICH-VOICED, AND IMPOSING. THERE ARE FEW PERFORMANCES AS IDIOMATICALLY POWERFUL AS THIS ONE. THE SET IS FILLED OUT WITH ETTORE BASTIANINI SINGING FIVE ARIAS LIVE IN CONCERT: "LARGO AL FACTOTUM, " "URNA FATALE DEL MIO DESTINO, " "ERI TU CHE MACCHIAVI, " "CREDO IN UN DIO CRUDEL, " AND "O CARLO, ASCOLTA."

On Hardy 6014; 3 CD's; Here is one of the most magnificent performances of "Forza" on disc; everyone is in top form, captured in a glorious live performance! This is not to be missed!!

On Myto 255; 2 discs; Here is an astonishing, wonderful live performance of "Il Trovatore." Stella is at her very best, showing why she was often held in the same esteem as Callas and Tebaldi. Bergonzi is excellent, and Bastianini and Wildermann add great depth to the lower voices. Simionato, in one of her rare New York appearances, sings the living daylights out of Azucena. This is a performance not to be missed!!!!