Verdi: Nabucco

Advantages: Glorious recorded sound, a fine group of soloists
Disadvantages: Some fans may not like Sutherland in this music

...This version of Verdi's Requiem sounds absolutely terrific. The chorus has lots of presence -so important in the famous Dies Irae and the soloists are miked beautifully. The 'Hostias' and 'Ingemisco' are some of the finest recordings of Luciano Pavarotti available. Arguably he had more character by the time of his later recording from the late 80s with Riccardo Muti but he is caught here at his finest vocally with the hushed ingemisco amongst the best of that much recorded aria. Joan Sutherland's performance has been criticised quite a lot by critics that think she should not have recorded Verdi roles (similar complaints surround her Traviatas, her Leonora in Il Trovatore and her Elvira in Ernani). I really like her in this music. She is certainly preferable in my opiion to Schwarzkopf (Giulini/EMI and De Sabata (Naxos)) or Nelli... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Happy Hour a Bonus.
Disadvantages: Sharing a Tiramisu of my own.

...for starters) but het I was hungry. Followed this with a Spicy Pizza (With Jalopino peppers), at the price I half expected a meagre type Pizza, how wrong can you be a Full 12 inch Pizza with plenty of toppings. As we were going to the Beer Festival later we had Peroni Beer . The wines on offer were £10.95 a bottle, but looking at the choices this was reasonable. We finished by sharing a Tiramisu, again I did not really expect at the price such a delicious one, matched all we have had in Italy. It was servered not only with a small jug of Cream but also a small bowl of tasty Ice-Cream. Total bill was £24. A real bargain given the attentive, friendly service, and quality of the food. The restaurant is decorated in the Italian colours with many Photos from Rome, Florence, Venice Etc. Yes well done VERDI RESTAURANT and a top score... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Callas at her best, stylish Alredo Kraus, Mario Sereni brilliant
Disadvantages: Rough sound, better version on Pearl label

...VERDI - LA TRAVIATA - GHIONE EMI (LIVE RECORDING) PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS ON THIS REVIEW SO I CAN IMPROVE MY REVIEWS IN THE FUTURE!!! La Traviata is an opera about a socialite called Violetta who discovers love in the form of the tenor Alfredo who she originally rejects. They fall in love and live together. Alfredo's father visits her. Violetta is eventually persuaded to leave Alfredo so that his family name is not tarnished (threatening the future marriage of Alfredo's sister). Alfredo hates Violetta for this (he doesn't know of her promise with his father) and shames her in front of her friends. Violetta has TB and is dying. Alfredo comes to her and their love is rekindled just in time for her to die, the promise of future happiness coming to nothing. This recording is very good. Callas is brilliant as Violetta, perhaps even better... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful