Anna Moffo – Coloratura Arias

Anna Moffo, famous Italian-American soprano was one of best female voices of LP recording era and phenomenal interpreter of bel canto music. She was benefited by the great popularity in sixties and seventies as lyric-coloratura soprano. She was also beautiful woman and gifted actress. Her signature roles with coloratura passages are remembered both for great stage appearances and musical performances. In her wide discography there are many complete opera performances, mainly for RCA. Interesting presentation from the period of her early career are two albums recorded for EMI with The Philharmonia Orchestra - Mozart Arias (from Mozart's operas but also from Mess C Minor and Exsultate, Jubilate) and Coloratura Arias (from operas by Donizetti, Rossini, Bellini and Verdi). Record sessions for Mozart Arias took place in Abbey Road Studios in May 1958 and for Coloratura Arias in December 1959. During Mozart session orchestra was conducted by Alceo Galliera. In USA where it was mastered by Columbia and published by Seraphim (EMI-Angel label) these recordings became the great introduction to her triumphal years as a star in Metropolitan Opera.

Anna Moffo – Coloratura Arias

Coloratura Arias was last album Anna Moffo recorded for EMI. She appeared with The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Colin Davis. The program was carefully and well chosen. Arias and scenes with strong emotional impact from doubts and despair to joy and hope - the whole range of emotions connected with love. On the A-side great two tracks - madness scene from Second Act of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and aria Una voce poco fa from Act I of Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Opposite side contains arias by Bellini and Verdi - from I Puritani (Act II) scene with Elvira's lament and joyous finale aria of Amina from La sonnambula. Giuseppe Verdi is represented by two arias of women in love - Gilda's confession Caro nome from Rigoletto and full of doubts, sad monologue of Violetta from 1st Act of La Traviata. Idea of this set is readable, the exemplary vocal performances have deeper meaning, showing different degrees of love and the dramatic motives of coloratura.