La Gioconda

[wagnernn]

Which record of La Giconda I should choose? (Callas, Tebaldi 1967, Tebaldi 1968, or Pavarotti?)

[Wendell_E]

I've got the second Callas recording (1959) and the Decca recording with Anita Cerquetti.  They're both pretty good, but I prefer the Callas. 

I've got the Decca recording with Tebaldi on LP, but haven't heard it in decades.  I do remember loving Bergonzi's singing of "Già ti veggo" in the big Act III ensemble so much that I'd play it over and over.  And over.  Too bad Bergonzi isn't the Enzo on the Callas recording.

[Tsaraslondon]

Which record of La Giconda I should choose? (Callas, Tebaldi 1967, Tebaldi 1968, or Pavarotti?)

Callas - both of her recordings. The earlier has a slightly better supporting cast (particularly Barbieri as Laura) and Callas is in fresher, more lustrous voice, but the second enjoys better sound and Callas brings greater vocal refinement to the role. Certain phrases are so firmly etched into the memory that I find it hard to listen to anyone else. Not all the music in La Gioconda is inspired, but Callas, with her wonderful sense of the shape of a musical phrase, can make it seem much better than it is.

That said, both the Caballe and Tebaldi recordings are also pretty impressive, though neither of these two ladies bring quite that element of animal passion to the role that Callas did. However the all round casting in both of them is superior.

I am reminded of a story regarding Tebaldi's decision to record the role. She asked the recording producer (I forget who it was) which recording to listen to and he suggested Milanov's. However when he arrived at her house, he found her listening to Callas. She asked him, "Why didn't you tell me Maria's was best?"

Of course, someone will no doubt point out that Callas (in either of her recordings) is unable to float the phrase with a climactic B at "Ah come t'amo" the way that Milanov and Caballe do. But one note does not an opera make.

[wagnernn]

Thank you very much about your advices.
I know that Callas is great in this role. But I have a question: How about the orchestra? This will be the first time I listen to complete La Gioconda, so I think I need a record with great orchestra  

[Tsaraslondon]

Thank you very much about your advices.
I know that Callas is great in this role. But I have a question: How about the orchestra? This will be the first time I listen to complete La Gioconda, so I think I need a record with great orchestra  

Well Votto is not always the most inspired of conductors, but La Gioconda is probably the best thing he ever did. The La Scala Orchestra (on Callas's second recording) play pretty well (they were after all a world class ensemble) and the sound is good stereo. I've never felt I was missing out.

However if good sonics are your priority, you would need to go to the digital Decca version, conducted by Bruno Bartoletti, with Caballe, Pavarotti and Baltsa.

[Hector]

Yet again I find myself in total agreement with Tsaraslondon.

However, if you do like this opera may I point you in the direction of 'Marion Delorme,' arguably, Ponchielli's greatest work.

There is a fine live Montpellier Festival performance available on disc.

[Tsaraslondon]

However, if you do like this opera may I point you in the direction of 'Marion Delorme,' arguably, Ponchielli's greatest work.

You've got me there. Hector. I'd never even heard of the opera. Looks like one I'll have to check out.

[Hector]

You've got me there. Hector. I'd never even heard of the opera. Looks like one I'll have to check out.

Sorry, I've just seen this.

I'm quite chuffed.

I don't think you will, I know you will enjoy it!