Verdi: “I Vespri Siciliani.” Cheryl Studer, Chris...

Verdi: “I Vespri Siciliani.” Cheryl Studer, Chris Merritt, Giorgio Zancanaro, Ferruccio Furlanetto, others; forces of Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Riccardo Muti conducting. EMI CDS 7 54043 2 (three compact discs). This “live” recording from performances given in Milan last season is the latest in Muti’s Verdi series. As before, the conductor’s virtuoso command of the superior orchestra and chorus is the set’s chief glory. Muti is less fortunate in his cast than he was in the recent “Attila.” The gifted Studer is a generally excellent Elena; although she seems weak of projection and does not have the ultimate bravura for her Bolero, she rides the climaxes impressively. Zancanaro’s smooth baritone is ideal for Monforte; he is able to ring lovely color variations in the Act III aria. Trouble sets in with the tenor and bass. Merritt’s voice lacks resonance and velvet and his phrasing is crude. Furlanetto emerges colorless and drab, without vocal glamour; he simply tosses away “O tu Palermo.” The ensembles, however, are almost ecstatically satisfying in their power and precision. Unwritten high notes, as we have come to expect in Muti’s work, are nowhere to be found. Sonically, there are disappointments, and muddy details. Once again, the audience applause irritates.