ReviewAnna Moffo is said to have darkened her vocal colour for the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor. When I listen to this recording, I'm struck by the change to Moffo's usually light, happy sound. The role of Lucia, up to the time of Callas, seems to have been relegated to lighter voices capable of singing the vocal filagrees, and reaching the top E-flats. Callas changed the game by bringing (perhaps returning) dramatic intensity to the role, along with the darker, fuller sound quality, and a great dramatic voice capable of hitting the high E-flats. In this recording, the role of Lucia seems to be somewhat of a taxing, heavy role for Moffo. She later suffered a complete vocal breakdown in the role, said to be evidenced in a recording of a live performance at the Met. This RCA set shows none of that; it's filled with wonderful moments. A fine recording by a great artist.
Special note should be made of the extraordinarily beautiful photos— especially the booklet cover. It's breathtaking, and one should see it in full LP size to appreciate the costume, the color, the lovely leading lady.