Mozart: Idomeneo - Lewis, Jurinac, Nilsson, Simoneau; Busch. Glyndebourne, 1951

Idomeneo Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) DESCRIPTION Describing performances as legendary can often come across as hyperbole, yet here the description is fully warranted. The cast brings together a remarkable group of young singers who would each go on to enjoy distinguished international careers, while the performances capture the emotional directness of Idomeneo, arguably Mozart's most profoundly expressive opera, with both finesse and sincerity. Richard Lewis brings poise and stature to the title role, meeting its formidable demands with unwavering assurance. Sena Jurinac is radiant as Ilia, her youthful, fresh-toned singing perfectly suited to the character's innocence and inner strength. Léopold Simoneau offers an Idamante of exceptional elegance. I normally prefer a mezzo-soprano in this role, but given how closely his timbre matches Richard Lewis's, I found myself appreciating the family resemblance. Birgit Nilsson appears as Elettra in a performance that helped launch her international career, and it is easy to understand why. She combines purity of tone with an intensity that anticipates the commanding portrayals she would later bring to Strauss's own Elektra. In the pit, Fritz Busch leads with remarkable insight, maintaining a finely judged pace throughout while employing sensible cuts that preserve the opera's dramatic flow. CAST Idomeneo – Richard Lewis Idamante – Léopold Simoneau Ilia – Sena Jurinac Elettra – Birgit Nilsson Arbace – Alfred Poell Gran Sacerdote di Nettuno – Alexander Young La Voce – Bruce Dargavel DETAILS Location: Glyndebourne Date: June 28, 1951 Conductor: Fritz Busch Catalogue Number: OD 12391-2 Label: Opera Depot Number of Discs: 2 In Mono NOTE Previous commercially available versions were not pitched correctly. We have corrected this issue.