Lyrics: Io t'abbraccio E più che morte, aspro e forte, è pel cor mio questo addio, che il tuo sen dal mio divide. Ah mia vita, ah mio tesoro, se non moro, è più tiranno quell'affanno, che dà morte, e non uccide. I embrace you. And more bitter and harsh than death to my heart is this farewell which tears us apart. Ah, my life! Ah, my treasure! If I do not die, then how cruel is that distress which brings death, but does not kill.
I was privileged to see this production. It was like watching an Erich von Stroheim film, with Antonacci channelling Gloria Swanson and Scholl John Gilbert. The singing was sublime. Absolutely stunning production and a visit to the opera I'll never forget.
I have to agree. This is a more balanced and passionate rendition of this duet, although her dress is oddly constructed to the extent that there are a few moments where it seems she is on the verge of busting out of it (!) Vocally Antonacci matches Scholl much better than Fleming does.
What a truly sublime performance of this deeply moving duet. When I performed this I have to be honest that I kept thinking about the two of them and how they communicated their passion and despair with such delicacy and yet such strength.
Listening to this just after having heard the René Fleming - Scholl version in the Met production (which also has its great moments), it strikes me how much more exciting I find Antonacci's voice than Fleming's, and also the way in which it blends with Scholl's sounds to me so much richer (and I also like this staging much better) - this is pure magic (especially from 4:12) - Antonacci forever!
No one comes close to the perfection of Antonacci's performance in this duet. She is the best of her generation. Finally, someone who trumps Callas in acting and definitely vocally.
Yes, Lorenzo. Callas was highly overrated in the vocal department. As an actress she was wonderful but she only had a short tenure in the vocal department. Her later performances were pitchy and far from the perfection Antonacci continues to have. Just my opinion......
Agreed. I've seen Antonacci on stage and she's the real deal, a complete musician, who can fill and command a room with her singing and acting in an unique way.
Yes, Glyndebourne, June, 1998. Singers: Anna Caterina Antonacci, Kurt Streit, Umberto Chiummo, Louise Winter, Andreas Scholl. Condutor William Christie
