Il barbiere di Siviglia (1959)

(The Barber of Seville)

Sung in German. Köth, Wunderlich, Prey, Hotter; Keilberth. (1959). 140m. B&W
PAL VHS ONLY

With the German translation as fleetly delivered by all as the original Italian can and should be, this is just about a dream German cast. Wunderlich fans will rightly exult, Köth shimmers, Prey’s ease astounds, and it is a rare privilege to see and hear Hotter in a buffo role.–Bert Wechsler of Opera News

You can hear how brilliant Wunderlich’s voice was at this point in his career. Prey’s lieder-singer musical sensitivity informs his Figaro. Köth’s top is stunning, her F physically satisfying to hear. Max Proebstl, as Bartolo, steals the show. The whole performance fizzes.–Stefan Zucker

Click for a short article about the basso buffo.