By JH121626
11-Sep-2011

The Solitary Voice  

Record companies have plenty of meaningless names to denote "special" albums and releases that are must-have. This company merely calls it the "Prima Voce" collection. A discreet but apt name.

Giacomo Lauri-Volpi, of course, is certainly la prima voce. Here is an excellent capture of the Solitary Voice, as it was called, in all its best roles.

The two recordings of "A te, o cara" are worth the purchase price alone. The aria "Bianca al par" from Gli Ugonotti is also a rarity.

However, also of interest is the recording of "Ch'ella mi creda libero e lontano", which was another of Lauri-Volpi's best roles in the 40s and 50s.

Unfortunately, the recording of "Che gelida manina" has a few rough patches.

The final track, "Nessun dorma", is one of the best. Lauri-Volpi sang the American premiere, and it was he who started the tradition of fermata on the final B, which is a semi-quaver in the score. Unlike later and very famous artists, however, Lauri-Volpi does not distort the remainder of the romanza in expectation of the high notes at the end.

The excerpts from Cavalleria Rusticana were a surprise for me, because Turridu is not a role associated with Lauri-Volpi. It is very interesting to hear them sung by him, with his characteristic penetration and rubato.

Overall, this Prima Voce album provides great selections. It is just so fun to listen to, yet the quality and artistry of the singing is noble and refined. This album is a great introduction to Lauri-Volpi, but also a great piece for epicures.
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