Mozart: Lucio Silla

Leopold Hager conducts two of the early operas in recent recordings, and earns special gratitude for his part in the revelation of Lucio Silla. A revelation it surely will be to most listeners, for though the dismissive comments of historians and critics have become less acceptable currency over the last ten years or so, opportunities to hear, let alone see, anything of the work have been rare indeed. Now we have this splendid performance, and at the very lowest level of enjoyment it offers a collection of fine arias. Among the singers, the great joy to me was the discovery of Julia Várády. Reputation has preceeded the recording, but the set confirmed it: surely a most lovely and distinctive voice, and an exquisite sense of style. The role of Cecilio makes fearsome demands on the singer's flexibility, range and breath control; just very occasionally I found myself noting some of the reservations made by SS in his review, but in most respects the performance deserves a special acclaim. There is also fine work by Arleen Auger, whose tender aria "Dalla sponda tenebrosa" is sung with hauntingly delicate tone and admirable mastery of the difficult triplets. -- Gramophone [4/1976]