MOZART: “LE NOZZE DI FIGARO.” Margaret Price,...

MOZART: “LE NOZZE DI FIGARO.” Margaret Price, Kathleen Battle, Ann Murray, Jorma Hynninen, Thomas Allen; Vienna State Opera Chorus and Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Riccardo Muti. Angel CDCC-47978 (three compact discs). The fleet extroversion of Muti’s reading breaks sharply with traditional Viennese approaches; forsaking sentimentality, the Italian conductor re-creates “Figaro” in vivid theatrical terms predicated on alertness to specific dramatic situations (the only fall from grace is placing “Dove sono” after the sextet in Act III; both Marcellina’s and Basilio’s arias are included, but can be programmed out). Price’s wistful, gorgeously voiced Countess, Battle’s spry Susanna and Murray’s impetuous Cherubino are major, often unforgettable assets. But the male casting disappoints. Finnish baritone Hynninen imparts careful musicianship and a dry voice to the Count. Allen’s baritone is fervent, but several shades too light for Figaro; the absence of a firm bass line too frequently skews the ensembles. Excellent sound.