Home > Classical > Opera > Opera > Verdi: Rigoletto / Levine, Chernov, Studer, Pavarotti, et al

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1. Rigoletto
Notes: RIGOLETTO is a masterpiece of Verdi's early mid-career, when his aim was to shake the opera world with works of visceral force based on unpretty, seemingly unoperatic subjects. It tells a lurid tale of sexual libertinism, deceit and murder, centering on the hunchback Rigoletto, who is not a noble character. Even the most beloved of its arias, "La Donna e mobile," disdainfully rips womankind. Of course this is the young Verdi in full flower, the unpleasantness is brilliantly calculated and it's all delivered with unforgettable impact. In this performance we have James Levine and his Metropolitan Opera forces, a cast led by Vladimir Chernov in the title role, Cheryl Studer as Gilda and Luciano Pavarotti as the Duke for the third time on record. With such players you'd expect knowing competence, and you get it. Chernov has a beautiful baritone, lacking just a measure of malevolence. Studer is lovely and moving in a role for which she is not known, and Pavarotti holds his substantial own in a role for which he is. The sound is excellent, both full and detailed.

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