Donizetti on CD

**Aramis** · Nov-05-2011, 19:45

Can't find it, I have two recordings with Bonyge and Pavarotti and they are live, I guess (could such bad sounds quality come from studio?).

I've just listened to Damrau/Florez recording from Met (2010) and it's great, I like Damrau more than Dessay and prefer how Florez sing those high C's in Mes Amis more like staccato. But I wouldn't say it's clearly better recording than the one with Dessay.

**MattExcell** · Dec-05-2011, 20:55

Just bought the Schippers Lucia recommended on the official thread: very happy with it (keep up the good work!)

**MattExcell** · Dec-15-2011, 11:54

Anyone care to recommend a good Anna Bolena to me? I've heard some of the Callas/Gavazzeni and wasn't overly impressed (however I'm willing to be persuaded on it, if someone has a strong view)

I was thinking of getting this one, based on Amazon reviews:

I've seen criticism elsewhere that Sills ornamentation distracts from it's Donizetti authenticity, though.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

**DarkAngel** · Dec-15-2011, 14:24

Originally Posted by MattExcell

Anyone care to recommend a good Anna Bolena to me? I've heard some of the Callas/Gavazzeni and wasn't overly impressed (however I'm willing to be persuaded on it, if someone has a strong view)

I was thinking of getting this one, based on Amazon reviews:

I've seen criticism elsewhere that Sills ornamentation distracts from it's Donizetti authenticity, though.

Sills is best modern sound version, best to get the cheaper Brilliant Label release......
Love the dramatic style of Sills here, why do we want bland straight singing Donizzetti's bel canto style is meant to showcase individual singers imagination and ornamentation skills....doesn't seem excessive to me but some people don't like to get excited

I love the EMI Callas performance, but it is live 1957 recording so has limited sound quality
For me it is one of her great dramatic performances also available on Divina label with improved sound and large media file with 300+ rare Callas photos etc

http://www.divinarecords.com/catalogue/cata18.htm

Here is youtube sample from BJR vinyl, Divina label uses BJR master tape donated to them:

**MattExcell** · Dec-17-2011, 11:14

Thanks DarkAngel. It's such a shame about the sound quality on the Callas.

**DarkAngel** · Dec-17-2011, 15:05

Originally Posted by MattExcell

Thanks DarkAngel. It's such a shame about the sound quality on the Callas.

I was able to get the Sills "three queens" CD trifecta much cheaper seperately than the very expensive 7 CD boxset with some help from Brilliant Label since two of them are now sold as budget price releases, just watched the great new Netrebko/Garanca Anna Bolena blu ray makes me even bigger Donizetti fan

**MattExcell** · Dec-17-2011, 19:26

Originally Posted by DarkAngel

I was able to get the Sills "three queens" CD trifecta much cheaper seperately than the very expensive 7 CD boxset with some help from Brilliant Label since two of them are now sold as budget price releases, just watched the great new Netrebko/Garanca Anna Bolena blu ray makes me even bigger Donizetti fan

He's ridiculously under-appreciated. What I love is that, once you start scratching beneath the surface there is just layers and layers of great operas which the casual fan just isn't even aware of. One of my favourite pieces is a duet from L'assedio di Calais off the Elina Garanca Bel Canto CD. Heavenly.

**MattExcell** · Dec-19-2011, 12:05

Would you recommend the Sills Roberto Devereux as best? I would think a darker voice would be pre-requisite?

**DarkAngel** · Dec-19-2011, 14:13

Originally Posted by MattExcell

Would you recommend the Sills Roberto Devereux as best? I would think a darker voice would be pre-requisite?

You bring up a valid point to consider with any Sills recording, she has an agile brilliant but light toned voice. There really aren't many studio choices to consider I only know the Sills and Gruberova

Other singers have live versions but then sound quality becomes an issue

**MattExcell** · Feb-28-2012, 16:08

I thought the Sills Anna Bolena was really good - enjoyed it very much. My only gripe would be the tenor arias from Stuart Burrows. He was fine in ensemble, but I found the falsetto very off-putting in solo, so I supplemented by downloading the individual track by Jerry Hadley (from the Sutherland recording) for "Nel veder la tua costanza"

Very happy with it though and would add my recommendation.

**MattExcell** · May-30-2012, 16:25

DA - would you strongly recommend the Sills Maria over the Sutherland Maria? I'm concerned about Stuart Burrows presence on the Sills compared to Pavarotti on the Sutherland. Is it a case of superior Maria trumping inferior Dudley?

**MAuer** · May-30-2012, 18:28

Originally Posted by DarkAngel

I was able to get the Sills "three queens" CD trifecta much cheaper seperately than the very expensive 7 CD boxset with some help from Brilliant Label since two of them are now sold as budget price releases, just watched the great new Netrebko/Garanca Anna Bolena blu ray makes me even bigger Donizetti fan

Hate to tell the folks responsible for these covers, but the lady shown on the right is not Mary Stuart, but her cousin, Mary Tudor (Elizabeth's older half-sister).

**mamascarlatti** · May-31-2012, 02:42

Originally Posted by MAuer

Hate to tell the folks responsible for these covers, but the lady shown on the right is not Mary Stuart, but her cousin, Mary Tudor (Elizabeth's older half-sister).

What is it with Maria Stuarda covers?

This one is Anne of Cleves, her aunt (briefly) by marriage. Not even the right time period!

**MattExcell** · May-31-2012, 10:52

Natalie - that is hilariously bad research by whoever did that cover. I must admit, I wouldn't have picked up on the Mary Tudor one, but the Anne of Cleves picture is sooo obvious and well known

**MattExcell** · May-31-2012, 11:06

The Westminster cover got it right
51kABLhhAhL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

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