ERMANNO WOLF-FERRARI (1876-1948): I gioielli della Madonna (World Premiere Recording).
Catalogue Number: 05R006
Label: Naxos
Reference: 8.660386-87
Format: CD
Price: $23.98
Description: “The Jewels of the Madonna” was a spectacular success in its day, yet after a triumphant world tour it gathered dust until its 1953 Italian premiere, since when it has received but a handful of performances, culminating in May 2015 with this highly acclaimed revival at the Slovak National Theatre, Bratislava. Combining Italian lyricism with the dramatic realism of verismo and colorful folk-music, the work adds mystical atmosphere and sublimely detailed musical effects to its highly suspenseful plot, delivering powerful choruses, seductive love songs, saucy serenades and orgiastic dances. 2 CDs. Libretto available online. Natalia Ushakova (soprano), Kyungho Kim (tenor), Daniel Čapkovič (baritone), Susanne Bernhard (mezzo), Bratislava Boys Choir, Pressburg Singers, Slovak National Theatre Opera Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra; Friedrich Haider.