Verdi: IL Corsaro

In Il Corsaro, though the characterization is rudimentary, the contrast between the two heroines is effective, with Gulnara, the Pashas slave, carrying conviction in the coup de foudre which has her promptly worshipping the Corsair, an early example of the Rudolph Valentino figure. The rival heroines are taken splendidly here, with Jessye Norman as the faithful wife, Medora, actually upstaging Montserrat Caballe as Gulnara. Gardelli directs a vivid performance, with fine singing from the hero, portrayed by Jose Carreras. Gian-Piero Mastromei, not rich in tone, still rises to the challenge of the Pashas music. Excellent, firmly focused and well-balanced Philips sound.

The Penguin Guide