Bellini: I Puritani
Luciano Pavarottisang the role of Arturo inI Puritanionly very rarely. By the late 1970s, the very highest notes were somewhat beyond him, but here, he and his Elvira,Mirella Freni, are almost up to their roles' demands. Freni was not a born Elvira--she's a lyric soprano with some coloratura ability rather than the true coloratura with all the needed very high notes (her top Ds are tentative)--but she's at her vocally freshest and emotionally most communicative. Her Elvira is a lovely creation. Pavarotti sings with grace, ease, and, when needed, great power. Riccardo Muti allows him to bend the vocal line in a somewhat verismo manner, but it's still a fine, gleaming performance. Sesto Bruscantini and Bonaldo Giaiotti are splendid, particularly in their rousing Act&NBSP;II duet. Muti's leadership is lacking energy at times--perhaps he's being considerate of the singers--but all criticisms aside, this is a satisfying set. Recommended, especially for Freni fans, since the soprano never recorded the role commercially.--Robert Levine