What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Amfortas]

Recorded in 1953, this came with the Callas remastered box set and I don't think I'd ever listened to it. I thought it would be interesting to hear Carlo Bergonzi and Tito Gobbi in their prime (not to mention Callas, of course).

The classic Tosca recording--but note that in this one Callas is partnered by Di Stefano, not Bergonzi.

[Amfortas]

Listening to this . . . so lovely. Really happy with my Solti box set; was loving on the Frau and Rosenkavalier earlier.

[Hoffmann]

The classic Tosca recording--but note that in this one Callas is partnered by Di Stefano, not Bergonzi.

You're right. I miss-catalogued it.

Oh well, I can still listen to Callas and see how she changed over that 10 year period. Oh - and, of course, Carlo Bergonzi.

[Povero Buoso]

Recorded in 1953, this came with the Callas remastered box set and I don't think I'd ever listened to it. I thought it would be interesting to hear Carlo Bergonzi and Tito Gobbi in their prime (not to mention Callas, of course).


Attachment 8828


Tomorrow, I'll try and listen to the remastered recording from 1964 to see how the recording changes with the same principals some 10 years later.

You've never heard this Tosca before?

[Hoffmann]

You've never heard this Tosca before?

Um, well, I don't typically listen to much Puccini. I've seen umpty performances of Tosca over the years - WNO seems to stage it about every other year, so don't put it in the queue. This recording, tho', is spectacular, and should have been on my playlist a long time ago. It's Callas - I should have known.

[Povero Buoso]

Um, well, I don't typically listen to much Puccini.

Ah well I have never listened to Wagner and my Bel Canto Knowledge is minimal at best so each to their own...

This recording, tho', is spectacular, and should have been on my playlist a long time ago. It's Callas - I should have known.

I'd say with a resounding YES that it might be the best recording of Tosca of all time and is about as close to perfection on any recording of opera you may find. It has perfect conducting,perfect singing and even the fact its Mono doesn't affect its quality that much.

[Florestan]

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Prototype rescue opera. Did you come to it from Devia or Fidelio or a bit of both?

[Florestan]

Prototype rescue opera. Did you come to it from Devia or Fidelio or a bit of both?

It came to it when I was chasing Devia.

But that finished, I am now on this one (which may be my next obsession after Maria Stuarda):


Still waiting for 3 Marias Stuarda's in the mail.

[Clayton]

Some of my favourite ABs are







please ask for further details if required...

[Clayton]

and since someone mentioned Tchaikowsky (gosh, almost sounds like I'm easily led)...

dusted off one from the cabinet

TCHAIKOVSKY The Oprichnik
Prince Zhemchuzhny - Alexei Korolyov, Natalia - Natalya Rozhdestvenskaya, Molchan Mitkov - Vsevolod Tyutyunnik, Boyarina Morozova - Lyudmila Ivanovna Legostayeva, Andrei Morozov - Boris Tarkhov, Basmanov - Zara Dolukhanova, Prince Vyazminsky - Konstantin Polyaev, Zakharyevna - Antonina Kleschtschova
Moscow Radio Choir and Orchestra
Aleksandr Ivanovich Orlov
Recorded Moscow, 1948

[Florestan]

Some of my favourite ABs are
please ask for further details if required...

Where can I get that DVD of Callas?

Are any of the CD sets full length (Sills and Theodossiou are 3 CD sets for 3 hours, but most others are 2 CDs)?

Ever heard this set and if so is it any good:

[Hoffmann]

Where can I get that DVD of Callas?

Are any of the CD sets full length (Sills and Theodossiou are 3 CD sets for 3 hours, but most others are 2 CDs)?

Ever heard this set and if so is it any good:

I don't know the recording, but see that it was done in 1975. Scotto's singing was in decline not long after (remember, she made her debut in 1954), so I would suggest approaching with caution.

[Povero Buoso]

I have been feeling more cheerful than usual as of late so have been listening to my favourite bits of one of my favourites



Onegin is so beautiful.....

[Hoffmann]

For my walk the other day:





The weather is not cooperating today, so am listening to:




Rossini with Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey and Kathleen Battle! This is the way to start a day on the right foot!