Here’s a surprise entry into the Figaro sweepstakes: A live reading under the energetic, witty-but-firm leadership of Zubin Mehta, a too-infrequent visitor to the opera house, with a fine international cast. Sesto Bruscantini is the ideal Figaro, knowing and outraged but a really good guy, and Teresa Stratas, early in her career, is simply perfect as Susanna–on top of it all, sassy, and, I might add, in very good voice. Mario Petri’s Count, while not as vocally fresh as some, is right on the money, and the same can be said for Sena Jurinac’s wistful but lively Countess. Teresa Berganza’s Cherubino is a treasure. The rest of the large cast is good, with Giorgio Tadeo’s Bartolo standing particularly tall. The sound is good enough, as is the playing of the RAI Rome orchestra. At this price, there’s a chance that you can’t do better.
