DONIZETTI: DON PASQUALE

Corena, Grist, Kraus, Krause; Carlo Franci

Label: WH
Catalog #: WH164
Mono
Broadcast
New York: December 5, 1970
Disc(s) in set: 2

Carlo Franci leads a swift and well-paced performance of this romp. Fernando Corena is simply marvelous in the title role. But he also sings the role. He does not adopt all the boorish “buffo” mannerisms that so mar other performances of this masterpiece. Alfredo Kraus is simply stunning. It makes one sorry that the work is redolent, for those days, with standard cuts. Now Reri Grist is all charm in the Role of Norina. She sings with an immense technique and alluringly warm voice, but never falls prey to becoming the shrewish thing that Pasquale has married. This is another truly great performance. As a bonus, Reri Grist is heard in operatic excerpts by Verdi, Stravinsky and Richard Strauss. Buy this and be very happy!