Rave Reviews Coming in for “I Puritani”
Wonderful rave reviews for Bellini: I Puritani from Fanfare, Opera Now, BBC Music Magazine, and AllMusic Guide have already come in!
“From Delos comes an impressive new studio release of Bellini’s final opera, I puritani, recorded at the Kaunas Philharmonic. … In previous Fanfare reviews of various opera recital recordings, I’ve admired the work of conductor Constantine Orbelian. It is clear that Orbelian is a conductor who collaborates well with singers, one who shapes the music in a manner that best displays the talents of the individual vocalist. That simpatico approach is evident in this I puritani as well. In addition, Orbelian elicits disciplined execution from all his forces, and gives the music a welcome momentum, without ever rushing matters. … The recorded sound is excellent, providing a superb balance between the stage and orchestra pit, and a rich, colorful, and detailed acoustic. In addition to Koob’s essay, Delos gives us a detailed plot synopsis and a full Italian libretto with English translation. … I’m grateful we now have the Delos recording to earn its place alongside distinguished predecessors. Highly recommended.” —Ken Meltzer, Fanfare
““it’s a fine reading of the opera with many attractions bel canto buffs should check out. One for American listeners is that it offers a preview of conductor Constantine Orbelian, who, despite his U.S. birth, has worked mostly in the former Soviet countries but has now been appointed music director and principal conductor of the New York City Opera. …Those who have passed this recording by for its lack of star power should give it another look.” —James Manheim, AllMusic
“[Constantine Orbelian] finds the right balance between letting his singers have expressive freedom and retaining overall shape and firmness of line. Delos’s booklet provides a complete libretto with translation. The opera is given without cuts. Anyone who loves the bel canto opera should be thrilled by this release.” —Henry Fogel, Fanfare
“an excellent outing… The only point in reviving the opera is for outstanding vocalists, which we have here. … Constantine Orbelian conducts with great sensitivity and detail. It is an all-round idiomatic and very welcome release.” —Francis Muzzo, OperaNow
“The young American tenor Lawrence Brownlee is an impressive Arturo, light of tone and with an easy ascent into the upper register. The pace of his ‘A te o cara’… sets the style exactly for the ensemble that follows. However, it’s Brownlee’s fellow American, soprano Sarah Coburn as Elvira, who steals this recording. Her tone is exquisite… the legato perfectly judged with arching top notes that steal your breath. … Constantine Orbelian conducts his Lithuanian forces idomatically, the Kaunas State Choir sounding as if they have been singing Italian Romantic opera from the cradle.” —Christopher Cook, BBC Music Magazine