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Title: Uninspired performances in paltry sound
Review: Disconnected of context and isolated, these choral numbers don't make much musical sense. The composer obviously meant them to either compliment the overall musical texture or heighten the ongoing drama. All of the recordings appear to be pulled from previously released performances from the late 80s. Muti employs his usual paint-by-numbers artistry, with little style or drama to speak of. His Anvil Chorus is particularly rancid. Engineering is a further drawback. The choral sound is dry and distant making this one of the least sumptuous Verdi experiences.
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