Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Zubin Mehta

ARTHAUS 107 325          178’00

This is in many ways a conventional production of La Forza del Destino by Nicolas Joel, which is in itself unusual today when so many new releases are far divorced from the composer’s ideas. That does not make it any the less valuable, given that there are no many versions of this work available, and few that have the solid musical values which this has. At its heart is the conducting of Zubin Mehta who manages to keep the drama moving forward intelligently even when the narrative line stretches credibility.

Violeta Urmana may not have great acting skills but she uses her voice intelligently and creates a sympathetic Leonora who is not over emotional. Marcello Giordani reminded me of Franco Corelli in his prime, a beautiful voice, well focussed and moving in its passion. They were well matched by the power of Carlo Guelfi as Carlo, whose brooding presence adds the necessary weight to proceedings.

Bruno de Simone is a positive Melitone but does not wipe out memories of Derek Hammond Stroud’s wonderful performance with ENO many years ago.

The chorus sing well but some of their stage presence is rather too static, with a deadly rataplan chorus, even if Julia Gertseva has the high notes for Preziosilla.

Given the sparcity of choice, this is a useful additon, but I look forward to a version which really does justice to one of Verdi’s too often neglected masterpieces. BH