Mozart
“Solti’s digital Così, recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in 1994, is as sparkling and full of humour as you could want. He takes a fast and light approach which yet has none of his old fierceness. The speeds may challenge the singers, notably in the many ensembles, but Solti gives his performers every consideration in moulding the arch of phrases or in allowing time for elaborate decorations. Though such meditative passages as the lovely little trio, “O soave sia il vento”, and the opening of Fiordiligi’s aria “Per Pietà”, are taken at flowing speeds, faster than usual, they have a poise that holds one rapt. Much is owed to the superb playing of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Renée Fleming as Fiordiligi, brought in as substitute at the last minute, sings with a firm, full voice that is yet brilliant and flexible, ranging down to a satisfyingly strong chest register. Dazzling as her “Come scoglio” is in Act I, “Per pietà” in Act II brings even greater emotional depth. Frank Lopardo too, as Ferrando, most sensitively uses his distinctive tenor over an unusually wide dynamic range, so that in the lovely aria, “Una aura amorosa”, he sings the reprise in a gentler, more beautiful half-tone than anyone else on disc. Anne Sofie von Otter predictably makes a characterful Dorabella, well contrasted with Fleming, and Olaf Bär, a keenly intelligent Guglielmo, while two Italian singers, less well known but well chosen, Adelina Scarabelli and Michele Pertusi, complete the team in the manipulative roles of Despina and Alfonso. Altogether Solti’s finest Mozart recording yet, outshining even his Figaro.” The Penguin Guide