Editorial Reviews

In this new version of Puccini's operatic triptych, the hero is the composer. The conducting is so beautifully in style and the singing is so musical and true to the Italian vocal tradition, that the work itself shines more brightly than any individual star turn. Each one-acter is brought vividly to life -- the violent melodrama of "Il Tabarro," the sweet piety of "Suor Angelica," and the ribald hysteria of "Gianni Schicchi." Conductor Pappano inspires the Philharmonia Orchestra to play with tremendous expression and draws consistently superb performances from a large cast. Tenor Roberto Alagna accepts small roles here in the true spirit of repertory theater. Neil Shicoff turns in what is probably his best performance on disc; he sounds truly happy to be singing. Veteran mezzo-soprano Felicity Palmer juggles widely different roles in "Angelica" and "Schicchi" with admirable acumen. Soprano Angela Gheorghiu (Mrs. Alagna offstage) sings and acts with brains and vocal brawn; she's the very personification of wiry intelligence. As the rascally Gianni Schicchi, bass-baritone José van Dam doesn't rival the comic glee other interpreters have instilled in the role, but he's exceptionally convincing on a human level. This set offers more evidence that Pappano is among the most understanding conductors of Italian opera today. Benjamin Ivry, Barnes & Noble

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