I puritani (The Puritans) - Vincenzo Bellini
Information about the opera I puritani by Vincenzo Bellini, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Bellini's last opera.
Recommended recordings on CD
Luisi/Gruberova/Lavender (Nightingale Classics NC 170562-2)
A competent recording.
Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, conducted by Fabio Luisi.
Cast: Edita Gruberova (Elvira), Justin Lavender (Arturo), Ettore Kim (Riccardo), Francesco Ellero d'Artegna (Giorgio).
Nightingale Classics NC 170562-2
Serafin/Callas/Stefano (EMI Classics 7243 CDS 556275-2 )
Callas at her best.
Milan La Scala Orchestra, Milan La Scala Chorus, conducted by Tullio Serafin, 3/1953.
Cast: Maria Callas (Elvira), Giuseppe Di Stefano (Arturo), Aurora Cattelani (Riccardo), Nicola Rossi-Lemeni (Giorgio).
EMI Classics 7243 CDS 556275-2 (mono)
Bonynge/Sutherland/Pavarotti (Decca 417 588-2)
Sutherland is excellent in this great recording.
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Richard Bonynge, 1973.
Cast: Dame Joan Sutherland (Elvira), Luciano Pavarotti (Arturo), Piero Cappuccilli (Riccardo), Nicolai Ghiaurov (Giorgio).
Decca 417 588-2
Recommended recordings on DVD
Carella/Cantarero/Osborn (Opus Arte OA 1091 D)
A minimalist staging with traditional costumes, this is probably the best version of this opera currently available on DVD.
Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Giuliano Carella, 2012.
Cast: Mariola Cantarero (Elvira), John Osborn (Arturo), Scott Hendricks (Riccardo), Riccardo Zanellato (Giorgio).
Opus Arte OA 1091 D