This is the best interpretation ever in regards to the clarity of the discourt using a very fast tempi though. The romanticism, the tension and the line purpose direction are here to attest this wonderful interpretation. The quality of the video in terms of imaging is great, but the sounding part would probably need some restoration though.
@oldoperafan - I couldn't say for sure. I DO know that the Toscanini "Traviata" sounds at times like a high-speed drag race, and I wonder how Albanese manages to get through the end of Act I. Toscanini obviously favored fast tempi, and in most cases, I think it works. While I seriously question his taste in sopranos on his recorded broadcasts, I must admit that the orchestra always sounds spectacular.
@Zva26 Well...even if we allow for the fact that some older recordings, like films, are a bit sped up? Just a tiny, tiny bit? Only a sound restoration expert would know. However, I still think that dear Turo would have made the orchestra play very, very fast the way he thought fit.
@oldoperafan I keep listening to this over and over again. I've heard NO version any ANY complete recording or broadcast that touches this. The musicians play like whirling dervishes and it amazes me that they were able to play at such a pace. We've become used to so many slower readings of this that it's hard to realize that this is the REAL THING!! Nothing I've ever heard even approaches it. Thanks much for your validation.
@Zva26 Yes, I agree, this is the greatest rendition and if we did not have it, we would not really know the potential of the piece. There are some recordings that go somewhat nearer it; most sound like an oompa band in comparison. Toscanini's genius is worrying in the sense that he will never be equalled.
Never have I heard a rendition of the "Forza" overture done like this. It's spellbinding and full of tension. What a shame Toscanini never did a complete recording of this opera with the sublime Zinka Milanov and Richard Tucker in the late 1940's. One of opera's greatest "what might have beens!
This is the best interpretation ever in regards to the clarity of the discourt using a very fast tempi though. The romanticism, the tension and the line purpose direction are here to attest this wonderful interpretation. The quality of the video in terms of imaging is great, but the sounding part would probably need some restoration though.
MrAam1964 1 month ago
@oldoperafan - I couldn't say for sure. I DO know that the Toscanini "Traviata" sounds at times like a high-speed drag race, and I wonder how Albanese manages to get through the end of Act I. Toscanini obviously favored fast tempi, and in most cases, I think it works. While I seriously question his taste in sopranos on his recorded broadcasts, I must admit that the orchestra always sounds spectacular.
Zva26 2 months ago
@Zva26 Well...even if we allow for the fact that some older recordings, like films, are a bit sped up? Just a tiny, tiny bit? Only a sound restoration expert would know. However, I still think that dear Turo would have made the orchestra play very, very fast the way he thought fit.
oldoperafan 2 months ago
@oldoperafan I keep listening to this over and over again. I've heard NO version any ANY complete recording or broadcast that touches this. The musicians play like whirling dervishes and it amazes me that they were able to play at such a pace. We've become used to so many slower readings of this that it's hard to realize that this is the REAL THING!! Nothing I've ever heard even approaches it. Thanks much for your validation.
Zva26 2 months ago
@Zva26 Yes, I agree, this is the greatest rendition and if we did not have it, we would not really know the potential of the piece. There are some recordings that go somewhat nearer it; most sound like an oompa band in comparison. Toscanini's genius is worrying in the sense that he will never be equalled.
oldoperafan 2 months ago
Never have I heard a rendition of the "Forza" overture done like this. It's spellbinding and full of tension. What a shame Toscanini never did a complete recording of this opera with the sublime Zinka Milanov and Richard Tucker in the late 1940's. One of opera's greatest "what might have beens!
Zva26 3 months ago