BRC-3436 Verdi Requiem Luigi Ricci

Surprise! I never knew the work of Luigi Ricci until by chance this came into my attention. A thrilling recording as any of the best I know, it instantly reminded me of the live 1940 Toscanini (miraculously salvaged by Pristine Audio and warmly recomended to both Verdi and Toscanini's admirers). Ricci was an old hand and a singing specialist, having worked closely with both Puccini and Mascagni and later with a score of major modern composers and the greatest of singers. He also was the close friend and collaborator to baritone Antonio Cotogni who gave many Verdi firsts and whose wisdom and knowledge of the correct manner and style of singing favored by the romantics Ricci meticulously noted down and published for posterity. Here we have his white-hot rendition of the great Messa di Requiem emulating the frisson of a live performance like few I know. His roster of singers may not be top ranking names. They are top artists nevertheless, which is not surprising given the date of the recording (1952). Evidently coached note by note by Ricci they produce miracles of singing style. Note e.g. the magical mezzo piano used by Sinimberghi, the tenor, in the Hostias. You’ve never ever heard anything like it. Recorded very lively by Urania, this was transferred with care and produced with very careful touches of equalization to give its full sonic impact. Get this Verdi Requiem by Maestro Ricci. You will be thrilled – or you don’t love the work!

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