EMI's 1957 Il barbiere di Siviglia remains near the top of the pack of recorded performances of the opera. As important as the fine cast is in making this a memorable version, it's a work that needs top-notch conducting to make its fullest impact, and Alceo Galliera leads the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus in a quicksilver performance that delivers the work's humor with lightness and its lyricism with warmth. The orchestra's playing is pristine and Galliera makes the most of Rossini's all-important dynamic gradations and ...
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EMI's 1957 Il barbiere di Siviglia remains near the top of the pack of recorded performances of the opera. As important as the fine cast is in making this a memorable version, it's a work that needs top-notch conducting to make its fullest impact, and Alceo Galliera leads the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus in a quicksilver performance that delivers the work's humor with lightness and its lyricism with warmth. The orchestra's playing is pristine and Galliera makes the most of Rossini's all-important dynamic gradations and subtle demands for rubato; this is one of the very finest orchestral performances of the opera. Callas was better known for her tragic roles than as a comedian, but her Rosina is dazzling both musically and dramatically. Her "Una voce poco fa" succeeds both as a breathtaking coloratura showcase and as high comedy. She has seldom sounded better on disc; she has plenty of power, and is in absolute control, with no evidence of the vocal problems that would plague her later career. She...
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