Bizet: Carmen / Maazel (1984 film) [highlights] [Soundtrack]

Georges Bizet (Artist), Orchestre National de France (Artist), Lorin Maazel (Artist), Julia Migenes (Artist), Plácido Domingo (Artist), Faith Esham (Artist), Susan Daniel (Artist), François Le Roux (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 22, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Erato
• ASIN: B000009HUZ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,155 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This set of excerpts from Bizet's perennial favorite comes from the soundtrack of what is probably the finest film of an opera ever made, the production by Francesco Rosi. Julia Migenes is a soprano Carmen, not the usual mezzo, but her lustiness and vivid word-painting put her in the top rank of Carmens even if she lacks the correct vocal weight for the part. Domingo's Don José is by now familiar, but this is probably the best of the three times he's recorded the role; indeed, his final act desperation is something to behold. Faith Esham is dreary as Micaela, but Ruggero Raimondi sings a dangerously appealing Escamillo. Lorin Maazel does some very odd, unexpected things with tempi (they didn't seem so odd in the film--maybe you had to have been there), but he still holds the opera together (as well as one can with highlights, that is). All told, this is exciting--and recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definative Carmen, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bizet: Carmen / Maazel (1984 film) [highlights] (Audio CD)

This is the one we have all been waiting for.In my opinion this has the perfect cast,conducter and orchestra. What can one say about Domingos Jose.It seems as if the part was written for him.I don't think there has been a finer exponent of the part.Ever. Bravo!(This is no exception to Domingos other recordings by the way)Raimondis Toreador is magnificent.He has a glorious bass voice and can also put across the characters arrogance perfectly I believe he is one of the greatest basses of his generation.Migenes Carmen is also wonderful,sexy and passionate.A1. Lorin Mazzels conducting is outstanding,perfect tempos all the time.Bravo!This is a must for all fans of this magnificent opera.Get it!!!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Go for the full opera, not the highlights., March 30, 2011

By 

J. K. Oneal "jkon" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bizet: Carmen / Maazel (1984 film) [highlights] (Audio CD)

I adore this opera and especially this performance. I know it inside and out. I was so disappointed to find that the "highlights" didn't include some of the music I love. I tried to round it out by downloading MP3 version of certain pieces. In the end, I think I just need to buy the full soundtrack.