The one-act collection, which Puccini called "Il trittico", consists of: "Il tabarro", "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi". The operas had their premiere in short succession at the Metropolitan Opera of New York in 1918. In the following period they were seldom performed together, which is a shame 'since each of the parts highlights a certain facet of Puccini in its purest form' (according to Leo
… Riemens). "Gianni Schicchi" shows Puccini from his light, comical side. For a long time it was the most popular of the three operas: the aria "Oh, mio babbino caro" is still well known from the movie "A room with a view" or simply from advertising. The story of "Il tabarro" is dramatic-realistic (veristic): it is set in the lowest classes of society and shows shocking events (infidelity, jealousy and murder) in the lives of the main characters without idealizing it. "Suor Angelica" Puccini's sweet opera. As inspiration for the music, the composer visited his sister Iginia several times, who lived in a monastery. The opera is of Puccini's romantic, sentimental kind, which means that if you follow the story intensely, you will be white-hot with anger at the injustice done to the protagonist. The "Trittico" is offered by KOCH DISCOVER INTERNATIONAL for a low price in its entirety in a box with three CDs. The conductor is Alexander Rahbari and he is in charge of the BRTN Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra. Soloists include Miriam Guaci, Lucienne van Deyck, Maria Slatinaru, Eduard Tumagian, Nicola Martinucci and Yordi Ramiro. Conductor, orchestra and singers are all good, but it is a pity that the voices of Gauci and Slatinaru lack a strong core (typical of the Italian sopranos of Puccini's time), so that they lack a certain direct expressiveness. (CP)more
