This channel is the re-establishment of previous channels that have been sadly terminated.
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Werner Hollweg--Tito
Tatiana Troyanos--Sesto
Carol Nebltt--Vitellia
Catherine Malfitano--Servilla
Anne Howells--Annio
Kurt Rydl--Publio
James Levine--conductor
Wiener Philharmoniker
Salzburger Festspiele; LIVE
1976
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With one exception, the cast captured here under the masterful baton of James Levine would go on to record this opera for Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's excellent film version, and it is a joy for those familiar with that film to encounter them in a live performance. Despite some distortion on the high end of the soundtrack, the weight and splendor of Mozart's final opera is shown in full force. Tatiana Troyanos is heard in her absolute prime as an anguished Sesto, with a sensational, immaculate reading of ”Parto, Parto” and an intense take on the vital recitatives. Carol Neblett makes Vittelia's second act aria a true tour-de-force, and Anne Howells and a young Catherine Malfitano are excellent as the young lovers. Werner Hollweg (the aforementioned exception) is a sturdy, heroic sounding Tito.
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In any case, Mozartians shouldn't hesitate. The cast is fully integrated into Ponnelle's famous staging and their intensity helps enliven an opera that can become formulaic. Furthermore the singing from everyone is excellent. Other Titos have been more handy with the coloratura, but Hollweg gives us Tito himself. Troyanos is spectacular, sailing through the difficult triplets of "Parto, parto" with enviable ease and really making us care about Sesto's predicament. Neblett's Vitellia is so good one wishes again that she had spared her voice all those Minnies and Verdi roles. She encompasses the quick top D in the trio and groans out a good low G in "Non piu di fiori". The other singers are just as good. Levine leads a dramatic performance that honors Mozart as much as the librettist

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