The Maestro is a hit

When listening to this recording is clear how important is a good conductor in the alleged Hm-ta-ta-repertoire of Bel Canto. Fricsay's "Lucia" is the best conducted on plates, only the (currently painted) recording under Erich Leinsdorf (RCA 1957) you come close. When Fricsay and the RIAS Orchestra Donizetti's score sounds so fresh, sophisticated and dramatic as Mozart. The tempos are fast, the dynamics in the long ensemble decided (as in the magnificent duet Lucia-Edgardo) feinstens. One understands why Karajan two years later with the Callas began the rehearsed by Fricsay orchestra at his sensational Berliner Lucia guest performance.
So it is easily seen over the fact that the singers are not all Italian stylists and the piece also play more like Mozart. The Stader sounds a little operettig in the coloratura, but her clear, lyric soprano unfolds beautifully in the long legato lines of "Regnava nel Silenzio" and the anguished duet with Fischer-Dieskau. A big surprise is Ernst Haefliger, the Edgardo with bombproof altitude, crystal-clear (German) articulation and stunning phrasing itself puts great roles competitors such as di Stefano and Bergonzi on the body.
The sound equipment is again significantly better than in the previous editions of various live Labels for 1953 and in force audite remastering the original tapes. This "Lucia" is a must for Fricsay- and Donizetti fans.