This 1919 recording is of interest on several counts, but is short of modern vocal standards. As a presumptive document of performance practice, it is intriguing. For one thing, the choices of tempo are strange to our ears; for another, the incorporation of the Romani alternative to "A un dottor" and elimination of Rosina's second aria ("Contro un cor") substantially alter the 'feel' of the opera. Each of the three principals brings positive elements to the performance, though the Berta, Bartolo and Basilio are not up to the standard one would expect. Finally, there appear to be problems of pitch stability on the discs and other inconsistencies (probably attributable to recording over many months or years).
Carlo Sabajno conducting La Scala
Figaro: Ernesto Badini
Rosina:
Malvina Pereira
Almaviva: Edoardo Taliani
Bartolo: Davide (Abele?)
Carnevali
Basilio: Umberto di Lelio
Berta: Agnese Monetti
Fiorello:
Francesco Festa
Complementing the complete set is the odd collection of excerpts from 1942. Despite the little-known performers and the studio environment, this set conveys more of the spirit of the work than most recordings available then or now. I trust that you will turn to it for sheer enjoyment as often as I do.
Giusppe Bamboschek conducts the Victor Chorus and Orchestra
Figaro:
Ramirez
Rosina: Reggiani
Almaviva: Landi
Bartolo: Gurney
Basilio:
Alvary
1919 Overture and Introduction
1919 | 1942 Ecco ridente in
cielo
1919 | 1942
Largo al factotum
1919 | 1942
Se il mio nome
1919 |
1942
All'idea di qual metallo
1919 |
1942 Una voce poco fa
1919
Si, si, la vincero
1919 |
1942 La calunnia e un venticello
1919 | 1942 Dunque io son
1919 Manca un foglio (Romani)
1919
| Ehi di casa!
1919 | 1942
Act II
1919 |
1942 Introduction
1919 Don Basilio! - Cosa veggo!
1919 | 1942 Che
vecchio sospetto ... Il vecchiotto cerca moglie
1919