BELLINI: “I CAPULETI ED I MONTECCHI.” Edita...

BELLINI: “I CAPULETI ED I MONTECCHI.” Edita Gruberova, Agnes Baltsa, Dano Raffanti, Gwynne Howell, John Tomlinson; Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra, Covent Garden, conducted by Riccardo Muti. Angel DSB-3969 (two records) (digital). In 1830, Bellini and librettist Felice Romani hastily transformed the adolescent energy and reflective poetry of “Romeo and Juliet” into a succession of luscious bel-canto bonbons, stressing intricate plotting over depth of characterization or striking musical originality (Bellini had plagiarized his earlier “Zaira” for this Venice commission). This second and preferred commercial recording of “Capuleti,” taken from live Covent Garden performances in 1984, benefits immeasurably from Muti’s galvanizing presence and his canny ability at mingling theatrical fire with limpid Bellinian phrasing. To the travesty assignment of Romeo, Baltsa contributes dramatic urgency and a vibrant, tasteful technique. Gruberova’s Juliet mines the pathos of the role, while floating through the stratosphere with consummate ease. Rather murky recording.