Description:

This recording is a double rarity: a complete performance of Rossini’s Otello coupled with a rare complete role featuring the great Eileen Farrell. You might think that a dramatic soprano in a Rossini part is somewhat incongruous but Farrell manages to show that Rossini’s compositional style packed just as much dramatic punch as any late Romantic composer. Equally incongruous is the fact that Farrell possessed the ability to scale back her over-sized voice for some remarkable coloratura. The sound is good.

OD 10947-2