EMI's 1967 recording of Rigoletto ranks among the finest versions of the opera, with a consistently strong cast, both musically and dramatically, and an especially responsive orchestra and chorus, led by Francesco Molinari-Pradelli. The recording happily captures performances by the three principals at the height of their powers. In the title role, Cornell MacNeil's portrayal of Rigoletto is complex and nuanced; while he lacked histrionic skills on-stage, he was able with his voice to create real drama, so a recording may ...
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EMI's 1967 recording of Rigoletto ranks among the finest versions of the opera, with a consistently strong cast, both musically and dramatically, and an especially responsive orchestra and chorus, led by Francesco Molinari-Pradelli. The recording happily captures performances by the three principals at the height of their powers. In the title role, Cornell MacNeil's portrayal of Rigoletto is complex and nuanced; while he lacked histrionic skills on-stage, he was able with his voice to create real drama, so a recording may be the best way to experience his artistry. He sings with power and passion, and is especially effective in his expression of Rigoletto's rage and his poignant moments of anguish. Reri Grist's voice is not large, but its girlish quality is ideal for Gilda; the youthfulness she conveys makes her dilemma all the more touching. She sings with suppleness and complete security throughout her range. Nicolai Gedda makes a dashing Duke, singing with full, sumptuous tone, and he makes his...
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