| One wonders what role expectations play
when approaching a performance. Too many times to count,
an much-anticipated concert has turned out to be a bore
or worse The reverse can also be true. I came to Andrea
Bocelli’s newest opera release, Il Trovatore,
with every expectation of not liking it. Quelle
surprise!
This is a straightforward account. It is well-paced
and dramatic. Although the orchestral playing is not
as crisp as the 1988 Met production reviewed
in this issue, it is nonetheless faithful and
entertaining. I for one do not much care for Andrea
Bocell’s work but here he surprised me. Of course
he has some thrilling high notes but in these CD’s
he also demonstrates that he can handle the full vocal
range with depth and interest. His voice proved darker
than I would have thought.
What may be lacking in complete characterization
may be more attributable to newness than skill. He
was alternatively and capably dynamic, angry and tender.
I do not know how long he has been acquainted with
the role of Manrico but one can assume that he will
grow with it.
The rest of the cast is also good. Although Elena
Zaremba does not project the dark pathos of Dolora
Zajick in the role of Azucena she too is very good.
In making the comparison, one has to keep in mind
that . Zajick’s performance was on DVD and benefited
from the visual impact of her acting.
I had a contented feeling after listening to the
whole opera. One small complaint is that the sound
is very loud and I found myself adjusting the volume
control. At higher levels the voices were quite grating
but adjusted they seemed to me just right.
This is a must-have recording for Bocelli fans but
also for others, particularly if they do not have
a favourite account of Il Tovatore in their
collections. For those who do not know the opera with
its famous Anvil Chorus and the thrilling
tenor aria, Di quella pira, it is a reliable
start.
- Bill Riley |
