When Naxos released the full-length set containing this live Swedish Opera performance of an Italian-language Verdi 'Don Carlos' six years ago it was greeted with a big yawn, or worse. At that time about the only thing I could see that would recommend it was the Rodrigo of baritone Peter Mattei. Jaakko Ryhänen as King Philip is not quite up to his standard, is rather wooden dramatically, has a weak lower range, but manages a fine 'Ella giammai m'amò.' None of the other principals come up to Mattei's standard. They are either singing at the upper limit of their abilities and falling short, or simply having a bad night (This seems possibly to be the case for the Eboli of Ingrid Tobiasson.) Hillevi Martinpelto as Elisabeth is a big disappointment, and her Carlos, sung by Lars Cleveman, is clearly overparted. 'Don Carlos' is an opera that requires a cast of really outstanding Verdi singers and this one doesn't come close. So, even if you're looking for a highlights disc of Don Carlos I'd suggest you look elsewhere, even though this is at budget price.
Scott Morrison
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