What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Hoffmann]

DA:

You're right - I love the Callas Anna Bolena performance, but the recording is, shall we say, lousy. I had never heard of Divina Records, so am happy to know about it (I think...).

[Hoffmann]

This morning, I listened to this, for the first time:


I think it will take a couple more listens for me to gain an appreciation..

Then, during my daily walk:


This is a really wonderful recording - I marvel at Elena Souliotis' voice every time I hear it.

[Dark_Angel]

DA:

You're right - I love the Callas Anna Bolena performance, but the recording is, shall we say, lousy. I had never heard of Divina Records, so am happy to know about it (I think...).

The owner of BJ Records upon death donated his entire master tape collection of Callas recordings to guy who runs Divina label which is totally devoted to all things Callas, a noticeable sound upgrade from EMI release. Plus you get a huge media file with 350+ rare photos, newpaper/magazine articles, opera program, sometimes short video clips and other misc really cool stuff from each opera

[Dark_Angel]

Then, during my daily walk:


This is a really wonderful recording - I marvel at Elena Souliotis' voice every time I hear it.

Souliotis won me over with her early Abigaille (Nabbucco) performance that blazed like a super nova, I had to buy every recording I could find including the MacBeth

[Clayton]

A beautiful blue sky in Berkhamsted this morning... but I feel and look like this



One finger of Lagavulin is exquisite, two is generous. Three fingers is decadent whilst four is spoiling.
My morning plan is decided.

[Clayton]

My listening this morning which, so far, hasn't been nearly as interesting as yours:

Attachment 2572

I love this opera, I love all the characters (though Richard Curtis' comedy Character Lord Percy Percy from the Eighties has rendered me forever unable to hear the name Lord Percy with a serious expression). I have the Gruberova recording but I feel there is something missing. I want to hear from an Anna Bolena fan of there suggestions for a second recording... Dark_Angel's comments are duly noted though his avatar (amongst other things) suggests Dark_Angel may be (slightly?) more of a Callas fan than an Anna fan (sorry, I don't mean to be presumptuous). Any Anna fan suggestions?

[Clayton]

So many Callas Traviatas and so little time, get to hear young Alfredo Kraus plus live sound is pretty good, Callas with dress from Lisbon Traviata production.....

Che Bella!

[Luiz Gazzola (Almaviva)]

There's an idea. Can you recommend a good recording?

Any. Everything he does is outstanding! [Alma crosses his fingers - hopes to sell to unsuspecting naive people his DVD of Bocelli that a clueless friend gave him as a birthday gift]

[Dark_Angel]

I love this opera, I love all the characters (though Richard Curtis' comedy Character Lord Percy Percy from the Eighties has rendered me forever unable to hear the name Lord Percy with a serious expression). I have the Gruberova recording but I feel there is something missing. I want to hear from an Anna Bolena fan of there suggestions for a second recording... Dark_Angel's comments are duly noted though his avatar (amongst other things) suggests Dark_Angel may be (slightly?) more of a Callas fan than an Anna fan (sorry, I don't mean to be presumptuous). Any Anna fan suggestions?

You have me there, yes my first choice is definitely live Callas Anna Bolena on CD, the EMI or even better Divina label release.

I do have many versions the opera to compare for variety sake, I also can recommend Sills and Souliotis versions below, the Sutherland not a favorite was done late in her career with the smeared opaque vocals, I do really like new Netrebko DVD with high quality production

[OperaFanNH]

What have I been listening to lately? How about Renee Fleming doing Letterman's Top Ten last night...here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPZc6RT2wlY

[Hoffmann]

You have me there, yes my first choice is definitely live Callas Anna Bolena on CD, the EMI or even better Divina label release.

I do have many versions the opera to compare for variety sake, I also can recommend Sills and Souliotis versions below, the Sutherland not a favorite was done late in her career with the smeared opaque vocals, I do really like new Netrebko DVD with high quality production

Do you recommend buying the Divina label cds over the MP3/FLAC downloads - have you tried both?

[Clayton]

You have me there, yes my first choice is definitely live Callas Anna Bolena on CD, the EMI or even better Divina label release.

I do have many versions the opera to compare for variety sake, I also can recommend Sills and Souliotis versions below, the Sutherland not a favorite was done late in her career with the smeared opaque vocals, I do really like new Netrebko DVD with high quality production

I would really like to buy a CD of the DG Netrebko production. I really don't understand why they do not have a CD. I don't have have a DVD player. I only just bought a non CRT TV last year.
I guess the solution would be to buy a DVD player but I really don't think that is what Stravinsky Sensei meant about seeing music. I guess I'll just write a letter to Decca/DG and ask them politely.
Great information about the Divina Label; the Lucia, Anna and Norma are all definite future purchases. Thank you.

[Dark_Angel]

Do you recommend buying the Divina label cds over the MP3/FLAC downloads - have you tried both?

I have downloaded files from Divina with no problems, has all original track breaks and PDF media file, obviously the FLAC format has better sound if you have FLAC player but the 320 MP3 sound fine also

The two disc CDR version has best possible sound but cost is almost 2x the download, also must wait for shipping delivery vs instant download.

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

... I don't have have a DVD player

Have you thought of playing it on your PC? I have an old lap top which I just keep for Region 1s.

[Clayton]

Now that is funny.
I use my computer connected to the tv to watch Cricket. My tiny brain and I never thought about connecting it to watch Opera DVD!
Thank you, you have opened a whole new world to me!
I am ordering some DVD's straight away!