New MusicWeb International review for our new Simon Boccanegra recording:
“This paucity of studio opera recordings had a big impact on the careers of many singers who, unlike predecessors, were deprived of the opportunity to lay down their interpretations for posterity. This applies, more than most to Dmitri Hvorostovsky who takes the eponymous role in this recording. … this recording fills a big gap in his CV. He takes on a major Verdi role in a studio recording of one of the composer’s most significant works. How does he do? The simple answer is very well indeed. In the past decade or so his voice has grown darker and stronger but without intruding thickness. The defining points are, to my mind, how the interpreter of Boccanegra manages two critical moments. The first there’s the concluding Figlia at the end of the recognition duet in act one (CD 1, tr.13) and second, the tonal depth, expression, even ferocity of declamation Plebe! Patrizi! Popolo and the following narration in the Council Chamber Scene (CD2, trs.2,3 and 4). Both extremes are achieved by Hvorostovsky with tonal security and expression. … Elsewhere, Hvorostovsky lives up to the vocal qualities I mention to give a comprehensively satisfying interpretation. … As his daughter Amelia, Barbara Frittoli sings with rather womanly warm tone for a young girl. … In the latter role, Stefano Secco, a lightish pleasant Italianate lyric tenor, manages the more demanding dramatic sequences without over-forcing his voice to give an all-round convincing interpretation. Of the lower male voices the outstanding singing comes form Ildar Abdrazakov as Fiesco, initially Boccanegra’s implacable enemy. His tonal riches, legato and expressiveness are outstanding with his singing of the recit and aria Il lacerate spirito (CD1, tr.3) a vocal highlight. … I cannot wait to hear him as the mentally tortured King in Verdi’s Don Carlo. …” —Robert J Farr, MusicWeb International
Read the full review on www.musicweb-international.com
