What a great show this is! Bruno Walter takes a grand view of this opera, and with big-voiced, big-personality singers like these, who can blame him? From the doom-laden opening chords to the slower-than-usual apotheosis, Walter lets us know that we are in the presence of a larger-than-life reading of what arguably is the world’s greatest opera. Ezio Pinza is a Don for the ages–amazingly sure of himself, smooth as silk, elegant and insinuating, irresistible and dangerous. And as pure sound, his dark, velvety voice is in a class by itself. He is well-matched by the huge-voiced Alexander Kipnis, who navigates around Leporello’s little notes with skill and creates quite a picture. Rose Bampton’s Donna Anna is vocally secure and marvelously intense, and Jarmila Novotna’s Elvira is the very essence of a woman scorned–and confused. Charles Kullman’s Ottavio is not quite in the same league, but neither is he a drawback. Bidú Sayao’s Zerlina is right on the money. This is a famous performance and it deserves a place in every collection. [9/23/1999]
