Title: Price Soars As Amelia
Review: This recording of "Un Ballo in Maschera", made for RCA in 1966, is first rate. Despite earlier comments to the contrary, the 39-year old Leontyne Price is still very much in her prime here and does some really terrific singing and acting. Carlo Bergonzi is an excellent Riccardo, full of lightness and elegance and humor. Reri Grist is the perfect page, in lovely voice with flawless high notes. The always wonderful Shirley Verrett, though a mezzo, sings the contralto role of Ulrica with firm tones and excellent musicianship. There was a comment that Robert Merrill was past his prime here. I can tell you that he is in better voice for this recording than he was for the Traviata he made with Joan Sutherland in 1962. I was amazed at just how good he sounded and what an all around fine job he did. I also own the Ballo with Pavarotti and Margaret Price, et al. Even though Pavarotti is a fabulous Riccardo, the RCA recording is superior overrall, especially because of Leontyne Price.
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