It is hard not to be moved by this famous version of Cavalleria Rusticana, recorded in the 1960s by a Karajan at the height of his powers, with some of the greatest artists of an epoch that was uncommonly favoured by the gods of the lyrical arts. Karajan conducts Mascagni in a manner befitting a genius like Mozart or Verdi. Under his baton, Milan's La Scala orchestra sounds with an opulence that recalls Berlin, and a kind of soft legato. Once again we can admire Carlo Bergonzi's beautiful timbre, his wonderful accent, and above all, the tragic, poetic and fiery intensity that he brings to his character, Turridu. His personality and radiant voice leave his partners far behind, in spite of the volcanic presence and enormous voice of Fiorenza Cossotto. The sound quality is an integral part of the pleasure enjoyed at each new listening of this supremely widely-renowned recording, thanks to a stereophonic technique that offers a perfect balance of voice and orchestra. A classic record like this never gets old. © François Hudry/Qobuz
Fiorenza Cossotto, mezzo-soprano - Adriane Martino, mezzo-soprano - Maria Gracia Allegri, contralto - Carlo Bergonzi, tenor - Gian Giacomo Guelfi, baritone - Choir and Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano - Herbert von Karajan, conducting