La Forza del Destino - The Essential One
(Uni/Deutsche Grammophon #19203)

This is, of course, a matter of preference, but this "La Forza" has been my favorite for the last five years. "La Forza" is also my all-time favorite opera. Having heard numerous performances and recorded versions of it, I can offer my humble opinion to those who also find it unique and a work of genius. From its most dramatic thunderous rendition of the famous overture to "Salita a Dio", this set simply has no flaws.

It has a great combination of principals - Carreras, Bruson and Plowright, all singing with utmost sincerity and power. The supporting roles are just as nicely cast. We can enjoy a real "gitana" portrayal by Agnes Baltsa as Preziosilla - unmatched on record, a towering patriarchal image of Padre Guardino conveyed with dignity and ease by Paata Burchuladze, and the interesting and amusing choice of Juan Pons for Fra Melitone. All these singers are well versed in the Verdian repertoire, having performed numerous roles many times on stage and on record. The fantastic "Solemne in quest'ora" is reminiscent of well-known Del Monaco/Bastianini duet. José Carreras's "La vita e inferno all'infelice" narrative is unique on record. It's not pitiful whining, as so many tenors have sung it before, but it's a challenge to cruel destiny! The grim determination of Renato Bruson's noble Don Carlo makes him a perfect weapon in the hands of fate. The duet in Act IV "Invano, Alvaro, ti celasti al mondo" is absolutely heartbreaking. It feels as if an invisible hand is guiding Carlo and Alvaro's pleas (with an incredible tear in the voice) only to harden his resolve. Rosalind Plowright has a lovely voice and fine breath control Her romanza "Me Pellegrina ed orfana" is a real treat, and the death scene is vividly enacted. (The only very minor nuisance is Mark Curtis' Trabuco. His weak and practically cracking voice is quite irritating, so I was glad Trabuco has only 3-plus minutes of "fame".)

Sinopoli's intense rendition, sometimes perhaps too loud for some ears, is appropriate since it provides a good background for the action. It's more similar to Gergiev's great vehement attempt at the original St. Petersburg 1863 version than to Muti's carefully polished presentation of the familiar 1869 revision which was used for this recording as well. Overall, no serious Verdi fan can call their collection complete without this set, even if you already have the celebrated Gardelli or Levine sets. Not to mention the fact that DG provides great digital recording and a comprehensive, informative booklet.

Recently Legato issued a live recording of La Forza with Carreras and Caballe in the principal roles. Their singing is fantastic, bordering on the unreal, plus it has Nicolai Ghiaurov who brings to mind Sorastro as a phenomenal Padre Guardino. However, it's a live recording (granted, pretty well recorded) and the absence of Renato Bruson (superior to Zancanaro, Milnes or even Cappuccilli) makes it a second choice to the DG in my opinion. But it might just be worth the price for "Pace, pace, mio Dio" which Caballe sings like no one else ever could , and "O, tu, che in seno agli angeli" where Carreras' immense power, intensity, and emotion brings to mind Corelli at his best.