IDAGIO | Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (1959 - Serafin)

Featuring

Tullio Serafin
Renzo Casellato
Bernard Ładysz
Piero Cappuccilli
Margreta Elkins
Maria Callas

Ferruccio Tagliavini
Leonardo del Ferro
Philharmonia Orchestra
Philharmonia Chorus
Gaetano Donizetti

Did you know?

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Performer Biography

Maria Callas's voice was changing at the time of this 1959 recording, becoming darker and lower-centred, which allowed for a smoother legato in her most expressive range.

Interpretation

Maria Callas took greater risks in the Mad Scene of this 1959 recording compared to her earlier 1950s recordings, making it feel more sinister and showing the influence of many live performances.

Recording & Production

This album was newly remastered in 2014 from the original tapes at Abbey Road Studios by Warner Classics.

Recording & Production

Producer Walter Legge also introduced a new mix of singers for this 1959 recording, including Piero Cappuccilli as Enrico and Ferruccio Tagliavini as Edgardo.

Critical Reception

Some critics viewed this 1959 recording of Lucia di Lammermoor as a 'lost battle' for Maria Callas, citing vocal unsteadiness and the supposed effects of her private life.

Recording & Production

For this 1959 'remake' of Lucia di Lammermoor, producer Walter Legge retained Maria Callas and conductor Tullio Serafin but changed the recording location to London's Kingsway Hall and used a British orchestra and chorus.