La Gioconda
Dramma Lirico In Quattro Atti Di Tobia Gorrio (Arrigo Boito)
La Gioconda: Maria Callas
Laura Adorno: Fedora Barbieri
Alvise Badoero: Giulio Neri
La Cieca: Maria Amadini
Enzo Grimaldo: Gianni Poggi
Barnaba: Paolo Silveri
Zuane: Piero Poldi
Isepo: Armando Benzi
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Original Recording 1952
On Hommage; 3 CD's; This is the first studio recording of "La Gioconda" with Maria Callas. She is in stupendous voice, and arguably much better than in her later recording for EMI. She is supported brilliantly by the vibrant and young Fedora Barbieri, the powerfully dark voiced Giulio Neri, as well as the strong Paolo Silveri and the solid Gianni Poggi. Everyone involved is singing at their best, and the notable Antonio Votto keeps things moving along enthusiastically. For many, this is the best recording of "La Gioconda," despite the many strengths of the other recordings. And, despite the many remasterings onto CD, including the most recent in 2014, this version is one of the best!!