CECCHELE/GULIN/RINALDI: CND
AROLDO
OPD-Opera d'Oro
Allegro Price: $22.37

Few recordings exist of the sensational artistry of Spanish soprano Angeles Gulín (1939–2002), whose enormous, dark voice was said to have set the crystal chandeliers rattling at La Fenice in Venice. The only significant opera recordings are this Verdi rarity (1975) and its source, the earlier Stiffelio. When Verdi revised the latter in 1857 with a new story, he added much excellent new music. This is the only mid-price recording available, with newly translated libretto.

VERDI: Aroldo (complete opera)

The only recording ever made of this 20th-century masterpiece features the towering artistry of Fischer-Dieskau in the title role of a Renaissance goldsmith who murders his customers because he can’t bear to let go of his creations. Available for the first time ever at mid-price, with newly translated German-English libretto!

CARDILLAC: Cardillac (complete opera)

A French version of Cassandre featuring recitation, vocals, and instrumental ensemble. Commissioned by the Fondation Pro Helvetia et le Théâtre du Châtelet.

Featured Artists
Astrid Bas: voice
Ensemble intercontemporain
Susanna Mälkki: conductor

JARRELL: Cassandre (complete opera)

When Leyla Gencer died at age 79 in 2008, the obituary in The Guardian (UK) called her “the greatest Turkish opera singer of the 20th century and a singing actor of formidable power and individuality.” Beloved of her fans, who called her “the greatest living prima donna,” Gencer made no studio recordings. Only live recordings like this from 1969 preserve her electrifying artistry, in a Donizetti rarity that is actually one of his finest operas. Newly translated Italian-English libretto included.

Featured Artists
Leyla Gencer, Nicola Zaccaria, Giuseppe Taddei: vocal soloists
Orchestra & Chorus of Teatro La Fenice
Gianandrea Gavazzeni: conductor

DONIZETTI: Belisario (complete opera)