Il Trovatore
This is a thoroughly idiomatic, exciting performance ofTrovatore, recorded in 1930. Conductor Lorenzo Molajoli and the Scala forces have the score totally in hand and deliver Verdi's music in a manner that would thrill audiences and would probably please the master himself. Bianca Scacciati, as Leonora, is extroverted and stylistically and rhythmically right; Francesco Merli, the Manrico, is a master of sweet singing and also has the oomph for "Di quella pira" and the other "big" moments. Giuseppina Zinetti, as mama Azucena, is nice and chesty, and Enrica Molinari's di Luna is gorgeous Verdi singing. The bonus tracks are good: a wonderfulLombarditrio; a nice, rarely heard duet from Marchetti'sRuy Blas; and some thrilling moments from Catalani'sLoreley.--Robert Levine