3751-3 ANNA BOLENA

This is an easy set of discs to rate 5 star. The voices and the sound are both very good. A slight fluctuation in the sound at times, though it is probably deliberate on most occasions. Tempo is a little faster than my other recordings which I find a good point. Only poor point is the cutting of tracks. As there is no time gap this is not noticeable when playing the whole disc but an aria can be cut into three or more tracks for no obvious reason. 74 tracks over 3 discs and some are exceedingly short ie under 10 seconds. I mention this because I make my own discs of highlights, so in this case need a lot more tracks than I usually would Still a recording to be recommended.

I used to think that this opera was pretty boring with the exception of a couple of arias like “Al Dolce Guidami” and “Coppia Iniqua”, after listening to this recording I think it is one of the masterworks of Donizetti. I have never felt so much energy being transmitted from an opera in a long time. Bravo maestro Pido for bringing out of the Lyon orchestra and chorus so many colors and especially Ermonela Jaho who brings to life Anna with the passion of a real artist. It is part of my permanent collection now and it lifts my spirits any day no matter what. I hope they will cooperate again in some other production.