Recording a Critical ‘Rigoletto’

Both of these recordings purport to use the recent critical edition, but only Muti’s is the real thing. No official mention of an edition of any kind is made in the actual London release. Apparently, such reference is too complicated for American consumers. British purchasers, however, get a program note from Chailly explaining that he consulted with the singers before deciding to keep in certain “performance traditions.” Translated, that means if Pavarotti, Anderson and Nucci didn’t want to learn new passages and wanted to keep accustomed high notes, they were given permission.

Chailly offers a brisk, no-nonsense performance with strong dramatic accents. Anderson’s Gilda shows both purity of tone and bravura brilliance. She commands Sutherland-like solidity in the middle and lower ranges, if not her predecessor’s perfect trill. Pavarotti gives his most thoughtful, nuanced and imaginatively characterized singing on records in years. Nucci’s contribution is generally monochromatic, hard pressed in the climaxes. Verrett’s Maddalena is tentative (she sounds as if she’s sight-reading) and barely audible in the middle register. Ghiaurov remains a smoothly effective Sparafucile.

Muti’s grasp of the score is masterly, and the splendid Scala orchestra responds with brio, but “Rigoletto” is not just a conductor’s opera. No high notes here, and considering his cast, it’s just as well.

Although Zancanaro’s suave baritone is superior to Nucci’s, Dessi is a rather acidic Gilda whose soprano turns ugly when pressure is applied. La Scola’s dry, constricted tenorino might be appropriate for Arturo in “Lucia,” certainly not for the elegant Duke. Senn is an ordinary Maddalena, but Burchaladze’s bass, though wobbly, creates a subtly menacing assassin.

VERDI: “RIGOLETTO.” Leo Nucci, June Anderson, Luciano Pavarotti, Shirley Verrett, Nicolai Ghiaurov; forces of Teatro Comunale, Bologna, Riccardo Chailly conducting; London 425864-2 (2 compact discs).

VERDI: “RIGOLETTO.” Giorgio Zancanaro, Daniela Dessi, Vincenzo La Scola, Marta Senn, Paata Burchaladze; forces of La Scala, Milan, Riccardo Muti conducting; EMI 7 49605 2 (2 compact discs).