I’ve previously written about both Renato Capecchi and Ford’s aria from Verdi’s Falstaff. But I came across some material that was so good that I decided to revisit both the baritone and the aria.
In 1961, he appeared as Ford in a Naples production of Verdi’s valedictory opera. The cast was remarkable for its all-around excellence. Tito Gobbi sang the title role. In addition to the two baritones, Renata Tebaldi, Mirella Freni, and Fedora Barbieri also appeared.
Capecchi’s interpretation of Ford’s aria is notable for the intensity with which he depicts Ford’s belief that his wife has succumbed to Falstaff’s ardor and betrayed him. Of course, the audience knows this is not true, but Ford is convinced of his wife’s unfaithfulness. It is the only serious moment in Verdi’s comedy. In style and emotional impact, it harkens back to the Verdi of Rigoletto. Capecchi’s performance is the best I’ve heard of this aria. The excerpt below continues after the aria with the reappearance of Falstaff (Gobbi) and lasts until the make their joint exit to conclude the scene.
Now jump ahead 31 years, and Capechhi has become a basso buffo. He’s still as effective as ever, but in a different category. ‘A un dottor della mia sorte’ is Dr Bartolo’s great patter song from Act 1 of Rossini’s Barber. Capecchi was an artist whose greatness was not as fully recognized as his talent deserved.
