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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: The Mercury "Rigoletto"
Post Subject: Performance vs. recordingPosted by Paul S on: 4/19/2008
I love much of the classic La Scala performance archive, and some of it is well recorded, too; just not as well as the Mercury Rigoletto. Interestingly, it seems like if performers are not simply scared shitless at La Scala, then they may well be inspired. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for that Serafin/Callas performance (on LP) for years. I suppose I should just break down and get the new CD (thanks for the tip).
What was the year of that performance? (obviously, before Callas was fired, so almost certainly mono...)
I think the performance on the Mercury is actually quite good; but like so many great recordings it is not really "inspired".
When I think of some of the most obvious cases of recordings taking over performances, I think of the direct-to-disc "audiophile" LPs. But I have to admit that more than a few of the Mercurys strike me the same way.
Anyway, I still highly recommend the Mercury Rigoletto for "audio-centric" reasons, and also a worthwhile performance.
Best regards
Paul SRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site