-----

One of the earliest of Philips's Verdi 'collection', this set is to be welcomed in its CD format as it represents the very best aspects of the series. Gardelli has an innate feeling for the merits of early Verdi, never presses the music too hard, and makes the very most of this score's many vivid and exciting passages. Its libretto is weak, but that hardly matters when listening to the basic energy of Verdi's music for all his principals. Though not all sing with the fine combination of fervour and style shown by Bergonzi as the knight Foresto, none is less than satisfying. Raimondi wants some of the weight and vigour needed for the rough, vicious Attila, but he characterizes the tyrant well enough. Milnes is a rugged, lively Ezio, but his tone is sometimes less than ideally focused. Deutekom's range of expression as Odabella is limited, but she is splendid in her big scene in the Prologue and finds the gentle manner for her First Act cavatina.

The Ambrosians and the RPO are well in the picture. The recording, nicely balanced and with a few 'clistancings' where needed, has stood the test of 17 years. At mid price this is a good buy.

-- Gramophone [3/1990; reviewing a previous CD reissue]