Mozart – Così fan tutte
Persson; Brower; Plachetka; Villazon; Erdmann; Corbelli; Chamber Orchestra of Europe; Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Deutsche Grammophon 4790641
This opera buffa with wonderful symmetry of three men, three women, two sisters, two lovers and two “cads” is one of Mozart’s most enduring. He was not, however, the first one to try to set the libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, who also wrote Don Giovanni and Le nozze di Figaro. It turns out that none other than Antonio Salieri tried his hand at this opera of intrigue, betrayal and happy ending. Alas, Salieri gave up after just a few duets had been scored and Mozart had the green light to add yet another gem to the operatic repertoire. The title (sometimes translated as “Such are all women”) frequently raises the feminist ire, but a closer reading (and better translation: “They All Do It”) quickly diffuses the argument.
It is about the games people in love play — and the male protagonists emerge not only humbled, but also shamed. What is of particular interest in this recording is the assured conducting of the Quebec wunderkind, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who is rapidly establishing a reputation as a go-to operatic conductor. His appearances at the Met and elsewhere are greeted with uniform praise. Another point of interest is the participation of Rolando Villazon. The Mexican tenor, after a brilliant debut and a string of successful roles, had to undergo vocal cord surgery — every singer’s nightmare — in 2009. Unfortunately, as recently as April of 2013 he had to cancel a number of appearances due to ongoing vocal problems. It has to be said that his voice is not fully recovered, but in this recording cannot be faulted.
