Customer Reviews

Bizet: Carmen (Highlights)

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This Cd contains a generous portion of "Highlights" form one of the GRANDEST versions of Bizet's CARMEN you're likely to ever encounter. It's also one of the most enjoyable for both neophyte and opera fanatic alike. If you listen to Opera primarily for the artists' abilities in enunciatng the texts idiomatically, then perhaps this performance(and most others in the repertoire)will leave you profoundly dissatisfied. Those listeners who are able to forego such erudition should be immensely satisfied by the sheer enormity of prodigious vocal artistry that pervades this classic recording.

Soprano Leontyne Price, tenor Franco Corelli, and Maestro Herbert Von Karajan always produced spectacular results when performing together. The legendary Salzburg "Il "Trovatore", a splendid Vienna 1962 "Tosca", and the historic MetOpera debut of La Price/Corelli, again in "Trovatore" (without Karajan) which produced her record-breaking 42 min. ovation, are testaments to the excitement these artists elicit from each other when together. This performance of "Carmen" is no exception. Maestro Herbert Von Karajan was an ardent champion of this opera, recording it twice and filming it once as well. His expert hand is felt (and heard) throughout this perfomance, and the renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra responds with ambient beauty, clarity, & verve, especially so in the more 'public' scenes. The playing is magnificent. Von Karajan's concept of the title-role remained consistent throughout his career, and though unsuccessful in his attempt to lure Leontyne Price to the stage as Carmen, he (& we) were fortunate in her recording of the role. The great soprano responds with one of her most electrifying performances ever, aided immeasurably by her mentor Karajan. She utilizes every aspect of her glorious instrument, producing firm secure tops, a sensuous, rich, and velvety middle that can purr or snarl with conviction, & a dark, husky, surprisingly strong chest voice. Ms. Price is nuanced in her singing; dismissive & teasing in the "Habanera", as seductively inviting in the "Seguidille", coy, taunting ("ta-ra-ta-ta...") and mercurial in Act II, dark and foreboding in a superb reading of the "Card Scene". However, her greatest moments come in the final scene with Jose, where Ms. Price stuns with her electric responses to his desperation. Carmen's initial irritation exploding into volcanic rage, frustration,& ultimately death, are all voiced with a passion and intensity rarely associated with this treasurable artist. Leontyne Price is a stupendous Carmen. Franco Corelli possessed one of the most glorious tenors in operatic history, with tonal beauty, pulse, and vibrant power defining his instrument. His charismatic vocalising was often compromised, however, by poor musical habits, and an inattention to dynamic shadings and texts. His performance here contains all of the above, but his characterful vocalism and dramatic involvement triumph over the all else. Mr. Corelli sings fearlessly in a role most tenors compromise to get through it. His "Flower Song" is heartfelt and ardent, he rages convincingly with Carmen & Escamillo in Act III, and yet is successful in the more tender scenes with Micaela. Franco Corelli also reaches his peak in the final duet,imbuing Don Jose's music with the hurt, pathos, and frenzied despair of a wounded animal, while singing with a secure vocal authority unsurpassed by any rivals. His is a galvanizing performance. Soprano Mirella Freni has recorded 'Micaela' at least (3) times with notable Carmens (Price/Bumbry/Norman), and filmed it with Von Karajan/Bumbry. She is THE standard for this role, no more so than in this performance, where she lavishes her lovely, creamy, full- bodied lyric on the music of the country girl. While her girlish characterization is sometimes general, her singing always has purpose, and is simply heavenly. Baritone Robert Merrill's dramatic contributions are static as Escamillo, but he too is a veteran in this music, singing with suave assurance, virility, and beautiful tone.
The comprimario roles are all vividly performed, and bring a vital energy to the scenes they appear in. They are well-matched by the gorgeous choral singing of the Vienna State Opera Chorus and Vienna Boy's Choir. This "Carmen" is conducted with all of the atmospheric color, buoyancy, and exquisite musical details that Maestro Herbert Von Karajan is justly famous for, as well as his almost equally renowned idiosyncratic tempi & dynamics.

In sum, this "Carmen" is a sumptuous, sonorous, sonic feast, and "La Splendissima" Leontyne Price is the 'entree Magnifique!!!!

This recording was made in the early '60's, when Leontyne Price was in gorgeous voice. I was skeptical about hearing a soprano in the role of Carmen. I needn't have been; Price does a wonderful job. Her voice is velvety. Franco Corelli also sounds good in this recording. I am not a Corelli fan; nevertheless, I thought he did an excellent job here--and what high notes! The only small negative is Robert Merrill, but he was, at least, OK. This compilation gives you 74 minutes of music. I bought a used copy for a couple dollars. What a great deal!

I have an old vynaBizet: Carmen Highlightsl copy of this CD., and it is because it has become worn and scratched that I decided it shoukd be replaced. In my attempt to move with the times, a CD was sellected. I have been disappointed with my purchase; The lack of richness,the absence of depth to the recording, and 'thiness'of the reproduction have surprised me. She has been a great operatic singer, this reproduction does not do her justice.