The principal champion pre-Colin Davis of Hector Berlioz's neglected 19th c. masterpiece Les Troyens was Rafael Kubelík. This Milan 1960 recording - now back in the catalog - is a remarkable sound document. The sound is basic; there are cuts; and it's in Italian rather than the original French. But it also makes for electrifying listening. Kubelík conducts with intensity and dignity. Featuring a cast that includes Mario Del Monaco, Giulietta Simionato and the under-represented on disc Nell Rankin, it's essential listening for anyone with an interest in Berlioz. - The Guardian, 2012.
In addition to many non-operatic compositions, he composed in all about a dozen operas, and didn’t lack for success in his lifetime, but today it is Francesca di Rimini almost alone for which Riccardo Zandonai (1883-1944) is best remembered internationally. This June, 1959 La Scala performance of a work with much to recommend in it has been considered by some in the critical establishment as the best Francesca on record. Conducted by Gianandrea Gavazzeni, the cast is headlined by the dynamic, moving and volatile Magda Olivero – still with us at 104 years old! - in the title role.
Bellini: Norma / Silvio Varviso, Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra
Urania Records
CD
$32.99Nov 20, 2020
The present release features the 1967 Decca recording of Bellni's Norma, with a stellar cast including Mario del Monaco and Elena Suliotis. The studio recordings of Norma are very few. Of great fame are essentially those starring Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland, followed by the RCA edition sung by Montserrat Caball. Since then very few official publications have contributed to enrich the discography of this important work. One of the greatest interpreters of the role of Pollione was certainly Mario Del Monaco. His Decca version with Elena Suliotis as the protagonist is however very rare to find on the market as Decca, no one knows for what commercial choice, has almost never reprinted it. With this album, we make available this precious document that really fills a gap in the international opera discography.
Mario Del Monaco: The Original Decca Studio Recitals, 1952-5
Urania Records
CD
$29.99Jan 16, 2026
Now that more than 40 years have passed since Mario del Monaco's death, and the venomous criticism of recent decades has dissipated, given his extensive and detailed discography, it can be established that the Italian tenor's voice was undoubtedly the most beautiful, powerful, and important of the last century, surpassing even that of Caruso or Pavarotti. These two CDs, which collect his most spectacular performances from his golden years, and meticulously recorded by Decca of London, are presented here in their entirety and in chronological order.
