I was actually asked the same question several months ago. Both versions are theatrically and musically effective: Polloni leads the more balanced performance in which each member of the cast compliments his colleagues effectively, while Scimone, in a very live recording, provides the listener with great excitement (he ends Act I in true grand opera style) but also some understandable flaws (Rodrigo attempts a high alternative for the coda of his cavatina which is slightly throaty in delivery).
On an interesting note, Rodrigo is sung by the same tenor on both recordings. I am very much attracted to von Stade's extremely enchanting Elena, though Ricciarelli's portrayal is no less delightful. Horne sounds to me, at that period, slightly less ideal than she was in the 70s, though she gives a more masculine sound to Malcolm than Valentini-Terrani. Neither Uberto is ideal, in my opinion (perhaps, Tarver on Opera Rara's recording gives a more charming account of the role).
But, most importantly, in an opera so richly conceived and accompanied, the clarity of sound is crucial, and Polloni wins hands down (but then he ought to, considering the fact that he is recording in a studio). My advice would be to search for Polloni, as his version gives the listener a better overview of the opera, while Scimone's rendition could be recommended as a supplement. Hope this helps :).
La Donna Del Lago .Die Beste Geasamteinspielung . RIcciarelli ,Terrani GROßARTIG !
7bbuwe 1 year ago
I was actually asked the same question several months ago. Both versions are theatrically and musically effective: Polloni leads the more balanced performance in which each member of the cast compliments his colleagues effectively, while Scimone, in a very live recording, provides the listener with great excitement (he ends Act I in true grand opera style) but also some understandable flaws (Rodrigo attempts a high alternative for the coda of his cavatina which is slightly throaty in delivery).
LindoroRossini 2 years ago
On an interesting note, Rodrigo is sung by the same tenor on both recordings. I am very much attracted to von Stade's extremely enchanting Elena, though Ricciarelli's portrayal is no less delightful. Horne sounds to me, at that period, slightly less ideal than she was in the 70s, though she gives a more masculine sound to Malcolm than Valentini-Terrani. Neither Uberto is ideal, in my opinion (perhaps, Tarver on Opera Rara's recording gives a more charming account of the role).
LindoroRossini 2 years ago
But, most importantly, in an opera so richly conceived and accompanied, the clarity of sound is crucial, and Polloni wins hands down (but then he ought to, considering the fact that he is recording in a studio). My advice would be to search for Polloni, as his version gives the listener a better overview of the opera, while Scimone's rendition could be recommended as a supplement. Hope this helps :).
LindoroRossini 2 years ago
Super mega beau!
laurentius76 3 years ago