Berlin Classics seem to have culled a variety
of sources for their ‘Eterna Collection’ series of opera highlights.
This ‘Cosi’ was originally issued complete on the Ariola Eurodisc
label. It is distinguished by the light handling of the score
by Otmar Suitner, a natural open sound and the Ferrando of Peter
Schreier, whose forward, even, expressive vocal production and
characterization are distinctive and particularly welcome (tr.
6). His partner in deception, Gunther Lieb as Ferrando, is smooth
and easy on the ear if without any particular distinction whilst
Sylvia Geszty is a characterful Despina (tr. 5). That really is
the end of the good news as the singing of neither of the sisters,
Fiordiligi and Dorabella, merits a recording, nor is it particularly
recommendable in a very crowded market. Theo Adam, as the scheming
Alfonso, is rather heavy toned. I suspect that the limitations
of the soprano, very evident in an unsteady ‘Per Pietà’
(tr. 8), explain how a highlight issue of this opera of a mere
54 minutes duration could exclude ‘Come scoglio’, and other vocal
gems to be found in this wonderful work.
If the intention was to provide opportunity to
hear Schreier’s Ferrando, I suggest Berlin Classics should have
licensed the tenor’s third recording, his second for Karl Böhm,
from the latter’s 80th birthday concert in 1974, with
all parts well sung, and then provided a worthwhile 70 plus minutes
to give a full selection of true highlights. All in all an opportunity
lost.
Robert J Farr
Orchestra and Chorus
of the Staatsoper Berlin/Otmar Suitner