VERDI - Attila • Muti
Teatro alla Scala 1991
Attila - Samuel Ramey
Ezio - Giorgio Zancanaro
Odabella - Cheryl Studer
Foresto - Kaludi Kaludov
Uldino - Ernesto Gavazzi
Leone - Mario Luperi
Coro ed Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala
Riccardo Muti
Colore, 118 minuti, sottotitoli/subtitles: Inglese/English
The Penguin Guide of Recorded Classical Music:
"The relative brevity of the piece...makes a strong impact on DVD, in a production with traditional costumes and using minimal but atmospheric sets. [Ramey and Zancanaro] are ideally cast, with Cheryl Studer also outstanding as Odabella."
La Scena Musicale:
"If Attila is an example of lesser Verdi, somebody forgot to tell Riccardo Muti. He directs a superlative musical performance aided by a superb cast: Ramey as a swaggering devil-incarnate, Zancanaro in the role of an aggrieved Roman general, and a sword-wielding, revenge-minded Odabella from Cheryl Studer. This Attila is clearly the best production of the works under consideration here."
International Record Review:
"Samuel Ramey made a speciality of the title role and he is inspired to give of his best, baring his vocal and chest muscles with much charisma. Cheryl Studer as Odabella offers vocal virtuosity to challenge Attila. Giorgio Zancanaro is a staunch…Ezio."
Gramophone:
"Spectacular and pacy, it fills the stage with barbarians, gives them good tunes to sing and places them in a busy world where every moment may bring a reversal of fortune. Moreover, the four leading characters are fired with passionate determination which in turn fires their magnificent voices. There is sure to be something to write home about after a good Attila. This is a La Scala performance fully worthy of the great house and its best traditions. The singers match up to the challenge wonderfully well."