Description: This is a thoroughly idiomatic, exciting performance of Trovatore, recorded in 1930. Conductor Lorenzo Molajoli and the Scala forces have the score totally in hand and deliver Verdi's music in a manner that would thrill audiences and would probably please the master himself. Bianca Scacciati, as Leonora, is extroverted and stylistically and rhythmically right; Francesco Merli, the Manrico, is a master of sweet singing and also has the oomph for "Di quella pira" and the other "big" moments. Giuseppina Zinetti, as mama Azucena, is nice and chesty, and Enrica Molinari's di Luna is gorgeous Verdi singing. The bonus tracks are good: a wonderful Lombardi trio; a nice, rarely heard duet from Marchetti's Ruy Blas; and some thrilling moments from Catalani's Loreley. --Robert Levine
Description: O Guarani" and " Suite Quilombo", by Carlos Gomes ; "Abre-alas", "Gaucho" and "Atraente" by Chiquinha Gonzaga plus "Brejeiro", "Batuque","Apanhei-te Cavaquinho", "Tenebroso", "Floraux" and "Escovado" by Ernesto Nazareth.
