Description:

If the Charles Mackerras Le Nozze di Figaro we are releasing this week seeks to revitalize the opera, Karl Böhm is content to simply have fun with it. His baton is more lively that I have ever heard it in this live performance from 1967, and the performance is consequently a very enjoyable, but very traditional, endeavor. Walter Berry sings the title role with his usual intelligence, power, and impeccable attention to detail. Reri Grist is a good match as Susanna, with the best Italian in the cast. Hilde Güden and Eberhard Wächter as the Almavivas would both be more comfortable singing the servant pair, but after a bit of a bumpy start, they both settle into aristocracy quite nicely. Olivera Miljakovic is Cherubino, and there are strong turns from Hilde Rössl-Majdan, Murray Dickie and Oskar Czerwenka’s invaluable Bartolo. The sound is closely miked and very solid.

OD 11251-3