Jawad’s Classical Archives – Set 01, CD 014

Kleiber conducts Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (Decca Legends)

My Opinion

This is probably the best recording of the best opera by the best composer.

Austrian conductor Erich Kleiber (1890 – 1956) was predestined by background and training to be driving force behind this outstanding recording. He was universally held in high esteem for his Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, yet none of his great recordings reach the heights achieved by this one. Here everything is perfectly gauged: the tempos, the transistion, the balance of proportions. In that, Kleiber is helped by the familiar brilliance of the Wiener Philharmoniker, and an illustrious cast featuring the great Cesare Siepi and Lisa della Casa.

There are other great Figaros, of course. I personally own and cherish Giulini’s elegant 1961 recording with Taddei and Schwartzkopf, and the great if not perfect Karajan’s from the 1950s with Kunz and that same Schwartzkopf. These landmark recordings just fell short, however, of matching Kleiber’s greatness.

Reviews

“This justly famous 1955 recording has not lost its power to impress. Erich Kleiber’s leadership is golden–witty and warm, with plenty of breathing space for the singers, a knowing hand in the ensembles, and an always-true sense of proportion. The boxy, early stereo sound has been improved, but remains nothing to rave about. Alfred Poell is an authoritative, nothing-to-laugh-at Count, who sings with lots of color and energy, while Cesare Siepi is a positively brilliant foil to him as Figaro, turning out acres of velvety sound, with an ironic edge and a sure hand. Hilde Gueden may be the best Susanna on discs–all-knowing and pert without ever lapsing into either coyness or archness; she’s so good that Kleiber gives her Marcellina’s last act aria as well! Lisa Della Casa is too cool for my taste as the Countess–not enough of either mirth or sadness, depending on the situation–but always sings well. Suzanne Danco’s Cherubino is not really special, while the Marcellina, Bartolo, and Basilio are about as good as you will find. The Vienna orchestra and chorus, as we might guess, are terrific, all of which adds up to a fine choice, even if this is your only Figaro.” – Robert Levine – Review in Classics Today.

“Erich Kleiber’s 1955 Vienna Figaro marked the first complete recording of what is arguably Mozart’s greatest opera. What a performance! Cesare Siepi and Alfred Poell bring Figaro and the Count, respectively, to life, and play off each other, as do the female principals. Hilde Gueden’s sweet and straightforward Susanna stands out, along with Fernando Corena’s deliciously idiomatic Bartolo (his is still the best Act I Vengeance aria on disc). Kleiber’s well-drilled Viennese musicians are an integral part of the ensemble. The legendary conductor’s sense of proportion, transition, and rightness of tempo still rings true after all these years. Though the sound may not match contemporary Figaro  traversals on CD, musicmaking on this level will never grow old. In sum, a landmark in the annals of Mozart recordings and interpretation.” – Jed Stiller – Review in Amazon.com.