Puccini - Madama Butterfly - Moffo, Valletti - Leinsdorf 19572CDs - ADD - 56'58, 64'07
RCA/BMG 1990
Performer: Cesare Valletti, Rosalind Elias, Fernando Corena, Renato Cesari, Mario Carlin, Nestore Catalani, Leonardo Monreale, Andrea Mineo, Maria Luisa Zeri, Renata Mattioli, Mitì Truccato Pace, Maria Grazia Ciferri, Anna Moffo
Conductor: Erich Leinsdorf
Orchestra/Ensemble: Rome Opera House Orchestra, Rome Opera House Chorus
Date of Recording: 07/1957
Venue: Rome Opera House, Italy
This is and interesting recording of Madama Butterfly. Anna Moffo and Cesare Valletti have lighter voices than we usually hear in these roles and the result is very refreshing. Moffo sings very sweetly, her interpretation is girlish but not coy. She brings considerable warmth and tenderness to the role and is quite touching in her desperation and tragic end - a very beautiful and moving performance. Valletti is seductive more carefree than truly callous. Rosalind Elias is a fine Suzuki and her voice blends beautifully with Moffo in the flower duet. Renato Cesari portrays a compassionate Sharpless. Chorus and orchestra lack a bit of polish but are generally good and the sound quite good and atmospheric for its age (1957). --Amazon customer
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