CDs with historical recordings of four different singers are regularly released in the series Lebendig Vergangenheit. This CD stands out because it contains a number of excellent veristic sopranos. 'Veristic' here means that the ladies had a singing style that was developed by singers at the beginning of this century for the Veristic repertoire (Puccini, Mascagni, Leoncavallo, etc.). Most of the
… arias on this CD also come from this repertoire. Veristic singers are often no longer appreciated nowadays, partly because they generally have a sharp sound in their voice (necessary to penetrate the orchestra and at the same time be clearly audible). However, the best can, through intelligent phrasing, among other things, making the words come alive in a way that is rarely heard today. Mafalda Favero and Magda Olivero belong to the latter category. The other two sopranos are Augusta Oltrabella and Pia Tassinari. Oltrabella was a solid singer who was very popular in her time. Today Tassinari is best known for the recording of "L'amico Fritz" which she made together with her husband, Feruccio Tagliavini and conducted by the composer Pietro Mascagni. (CP) _ Feruccio Tagliavini and conducted by the composer Pietro Mascagni. (CP) _ Feruccio Tagliavini and conducted by the composer Pietro Mascagni. (CP) _more
