Donizetti: Maria Stuarda 2 CD set - Gruberova et al/Munchner Rundfunkorchester/Giuseppe Patane Cond

I've read many reviews on this recording and I both agree and disaggree on various comments made. I'm compared this recording with the Sutherland/Bonynge set as well as the Nightingale set recorded 10 years after this one.

I must say that by the time the Nightingale recording was made Gruberova had lost her shine; ease in the upper register as well as those annoying gasps and sighs! Sutherlands interpretation is better. I must admit I'm a big Sutherland fan although her recording could have been better. Not to say the least, I miscast Elizabeth (Tourangeau)! The tempi are a bit laboured and Sutherland resorts to her worbling and poor diction/pronunciation....

This recording finds both Gruberova and Baltsa at their best, following the triumph of Bellini-I Capuleti e i Montecchi on EMI (Muti). Their voices are paired beautifully. The male vocalists sing wonderfully although I do agree that Araiza could have done more with his role of Leicester.

The orchestra and chorus work is also first-rate! Just compare the choral work in the finale with the Sutherland/Bonynge set. This is more precise!

A fantastic recording! A must-have for all Gruberova and bel canto fans!

Enjoy!

2 CD set in cardboard slipcase; Includes 176 page multilingual booklet, numerous photographs of the soloists and descriptions of the works; Running time: 2 Hours 13 Minutes and 26 seconds

EAN: 028942623323

426 233-2

Philips, 1989

CDs: Excellent condition/Like new; Slipcase - Fair; Shelf-worn

C02