Italian Opera Arias

The bulk of this wonderful CD was recorded in l974, before the top of Scotto's voice--always a bit acidic--had turned positively treacherous. Selections from six Puccini operas, Catalani's La Wally, and Mascagni's Lodoletta and Iris find her not only in good voice, but with her usual searing insights. Never one to shirk an emotion, Scotto makes us feel for Suor Angelica and Wally in a very special way, and the other characterizations are hardly less interesting. Arias and duets from later takes--one from Carnegie Hall in '77 and others from commercial recordings up to l978--still offer good vocalism and fascinating viewpoints--Scotto's high notes may occasionally make us cringe, but she's never uninvolved or uninvolving. This is a fine intro to this complicated soprano and a must for her fans. --Robert Levine.