Description:

Although still a favorite, <em>Il trovatore</em>  is not the mainstay it was 40 years ago.  This is no doubt due to the lack of singers to assume the daunting roles.  Franco Corelli sings the title role with abandon that seems all the more risky considering the vocal control that this role requires.  Still, he manages a beautiful “Ah si ben mio.”   By 1961 Fedora Barbieri was beyond her prime.  She sings with conviction and the “matronly” quality of her voice works well in this role.  Ettore Bastianini delivers a fine performance.  Mirella Parutto has a lovely dark quality to her voice and is respectable as Leonora if not stunning.  The sound is very good.

OD 10203-2