This recording presents a welcome opportunity to hear Donizetti's dramatic masterpiece in its French incarnation of 1839, which, although popular for many years (and the version first heard in America in 1841), has largely fallen out of the repertory. It also allows its two stars, Natalie Dessay and Roberto Alagna, to weigh in on a standard work without duplicating the many recordings already in existence. The results are well worth hearing; fans of the Italian version will notice substantial differences in the plot and ...
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This recording presents a welcome opportunity to hear Donizetti's dramatic masterpiece in its French incarnation of 1839, which, although popular for many years (and the version first heard in America in 1841), has largely fallen out of the repertory. It also allows its two stars, Natalie Dessay and Roberto Alagna, to weigh in on a standard work without duplicating the many recordings already in existence. The results are well worth hearing; fans of the Italian version will notice substantial differences in the plot and subtle re-working of the vocal lines that make the entire piece seem fresh. Both Alagna and Dessay deliver excellent performances; together they could use more chemistry -- their love duet at the end of Act I, for example, feels a little dry -- but individually they each have terrific moments. Alagna shines in the third act, bringing great passion and beauty of singing to the graveyard scene, and Dessay sings a wonderfully intricate "Que n'avons-nous des ailes," capturing an optimism...
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