This is a fabulous surprise. Who knew it existed? It presents, in good stereo (broadcast?) sound about two-hours-and-40-minutes of this opera (about 40 minutes less than ultra-complete EMI). Both of Arbace’s arias, the ballet, and some recitatives are happily missing. It also uses a mezzo Idamante, or in this case, a portable woman’s voice in the person of Jessye Norman, singing as beautifully and meaningfully as she ever has (this was taped in ’71). Listening to her here it makes you tremble at what can happen to a voice and a singer with unwise decisions and fame; however, all of her fans–and all opera lovers–should hear this. Heather Harper’s Ilia is as good as any on disc–she’s lovely and moving, and her tone and sincerity are right-on.
The Idomeneo is Nicolai Gedda, here in his prime; he sings manfully and fluently throughout, only getting caught up in the wild coloratura of “Fuor del mar” (the difficult version) once. He makes Ian Bostridge (EMI) sound far too boyish for the role. The Elettra is Rae Woodland, and while she’s a bit light-voiced, she gets all the notes out in her big, last-act aria and contributes well elsewhere, both musically and dramatically. The smaller parts are undistinguishedly taken. Colin Davis was an early-ish champion of this work and his leadership is ideal; the RAI Orchestra and Chorus are very good. Looking for an Idomeneo that has everything but a libretto and some of its least inspired/important music? This is it. And it’s cheap.
