Verdi: Attila

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Music reviews of Verdi: Attila

Music Review: A Nicolai Ghiaurov show!
Rating: 5 Stars

With Ghiaurov in the title role the opera becomes a masterpiece! I think that only when you hear a singer live do you realise the size of his/her voice. And what a grand and powerful instrument does this man have..! Perhaps the pronunciation is not always 100% italian but then Atilla wasn't Italian either. The role of Odabella has similarities with other early Verdi soprano roles (Elvira, Gizelda), which promises exciting cabalettas. Orlandi-Malaspina has the right, rough voice for the part, if occasionally a bit unstable. I also liked her italian vibrato something, for example, Deutekom in the phillips studio recording lacks. Unknown (to me) tenor Luchetti is fine but nowhere near the sublime Bergonzi. Cappucilli remains one of my favourite italian baritones and he certainly is on the same level as Ghiaurov. Patane is a credible conductor and the sound quality quite good.

The set also has Tosca highlights with Bumbry and Luchetti but they are mainly for fans of the performers. However, I highly recommend the Attila recording! If you're looking for a studio recording, the L. Gardelli set (Phillips), though not flawless, is a safe choice.

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