This concert, in somewhat fuzzy black-and-white but excellent sound, is taken from a television broadcast in Paris in 1966. It captures the magnificent Montserrat Caballé in the first flush of her greatness, a bit before she became the absolutely polished artist (and superstar) she clearly was by the early ’70s, and way before the late ’80s when the voice had developed problems and the very top notes became precarious. Here we have the ravishing vocalism we associate with her: the endless breath, stunning legato, beautiful tone, soft, floating high notes, and a positively solid and easy top. She doesn’t spare chest voice when appropriate in the three bel canto scenes, and there’s some fine drama in her delivery, but these were roles she was just learning at the time, roles that later became associated with her and from which she was capable of wringing great emotion. It’s also interesting to hear some pitch problems in the Bolena selection (and it’s too bad the final cabaletta is not included), since she was later to become one of those singers who never sang a note off-key; but the few problems here certainly do not mar an otherwise gorgeous recital.
Can anyone recall a more beautiful, ethereal sound than Caballé’s? If so, buy this and see if you still think so. Carlo Cillario’s leadership is good enough and so is the orchestra. A few years later and Caballé would have been furnished with everything needed to make this a vehicle for such a star, but here, no chorus is supplied. Still, if you love gorgeous singing, the young Caballé on this DVD will give you great joy.
