PONCHIELLI

 

La Gioconda

 

Pavarotti - NPO/ Bartoletti

 

After a period of neglect Ponchielli's high drama is again enjoying a rise in popularity at the start of the 21st Century.  Surely this recording will never be bettered - Luciano Pavarotti, Montserrat Caballé, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Agnes Baltsa & Sherill Milnes give inspired performances which are captured in spectacular Decca sound.

 

"The recording (digital) is possibly the best the opera has had to date, with plenty of presence from the voices and orchestra ... I consider the new set a compelling interpretation of a compelling work, and a worthwhile addition to the catalogue." Gramophone December 1981

 

La Gioconda Montserrat Caballé

Enzo Grimaldo Luciano Pavarotti

La Cieca Alfreda Hodgson

Alvise Badoero Nicolai Ghiaurov

Laura Agnes Baltsa

Barnaba Sherrill Milnes

Zuane John Del Carlo

Isepo Regolo Romani

National Philharmonic Orchestra

Bruno Bartoletti

 

Recorded: Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London, July 1980

 

Decca 3cds 4756670