LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

The Metropolitan Opera 1943

Pinza, Sayão, Baccaloni, Steber, Novotna, Brownlee / Breisach

Among the seven broadcasts of Nozze between 1940 and 1950, this 1943 performance offers the best sound and the best cast: Pinza at his personable best, Sayão utterly charming - the perfect Susanna; Steber’s first portrayal as the countess and among her loveliest performances of the decade; Novotna made Cherubino her role in this era and Baccaloni was unparalleled as the jovial, scheming Dr. Bartolo. The performance, prepared by Bruno Walter, was conducted by Paul Breisach. Scintillating, good sound; this particular performance will be the one you reach for when you want to recall this Mozartean decade at the Met. Includes a booklet replete with photos of the singers on stage, notes on the performance and biographies of the singers.