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Editorial Reviews

This recording of "Cosė fan tutte" was made when the cast was preparing for performances at the 1993 Edinburgh Festival, so the cast had the advantage of enough rehearsal time together to relax into the opera's humor. Their easy rapport is most evident in the spirited recitatives, which sparkle with spontaneity and wit. The fact that the principals are talented comedians makes their unforced interactions genuinely fun, and they sound like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Although they are not all international superstars, the performances are stellar. The soloists bring out the humanity and complexity of the opera, and artfully convey their characters' emotional development. It's hard to single out individuals for special praise, since each functions so integrally as part of the whole ensemble, and each is vocally and dramatically so effective. Felicity Lott and Marie McLaughlin are delightfully delineated as the sisters and they sing angelically; their "Ah, che tutta in un momento" is gorgeous. Nuccia Focile's Despina is lyrically playful. As the lovers, Jerry Hadley (in one of his finest recorded performances) and Alessandro Corbelli, and Gilles Cachemaille as Don Alfonso, are equally fine, and their ensembles crackle with testosterone-driven bravado. Charles Mackerras leads the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in a light-footed and nimble reading. Although the instruments are modern (except for the fortepiano that accompanies the recitatives, and the timpani), Mackerras keeps the sound transparent and the tempos brisk. Teldec's sound is clean with a nice sense of intimacy. Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide

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