This is volume five in Opera Rara’s Il Salotto series, and while the first four were entertaining, enlightening, and a sheer delight, to this one we might add the word “spectacular”. Often on the other discs the selections were easy-to-sing ditties. For the most part, what we get here are challenging showpieces that often display remarkably difficult, virtuosic vocal writing.
Luigi Arditi, best known for his song “Il bacio”, is represented here by six pieces. The two duets for mezzo and soprano are tremendous; Rossini fans will have a field day. He also contributes a waltz, a polka, a bolero (stunningly sung by Jennifer Larmore), and a female-voice trio. All are worthwhile.
A song for tenor by Verdi, dated 1843, is beautifully sung by Bruce Ford: it sounds alternately like late Donizetti and the Verdi we know in somewhat embryonic form. A duet for two tenors by Vincenzo Gabussi sung by fishermen who would rather not go fishing is both graceful and exciting, and Ford and Antonino Siragusa sing it handsomely. Indeed, every piece is performed just about perfectly, and each voice, from Majella Cullagh’s bright, high soprano to Russell Smythe’s rich bass, is wonderful. David Harper accompanies on the piano and is an ideal collaborator. This CD is perfect–a glorious evening’s entertainment.
