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Title: Never Takes Off
Review: After listening to a few recordings of the opera, this recording is at the bottom of the heap. Rudel's limp tempi and an apathetic chorus help weigh down the drama. I don't remember if Sills made this recording before singing the role on stage, the performance here reminded me of what I heard live. She's way over her head in the role and there's nothing she can do to make the adjustment in darkness or heft needed to put it across. Plishka and Burrows sound like they are sight reading. Verrett is the only soloist who gets under the skin of the character with her usual bravura approach and gorgeous voice.
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