La Boheme

Anna Moffo (Performer), Richard Tucker (Performer), Robert Merrill (Performer), Flavio Tosin (Performer), Philip Maero (Performer), Fernando Corena (Composer), Giorgio Onesti (Conductor), Giorgio Tozzi (Orchestra), Giacomo Puccini (Performer), Erich Leinsdorf (Performer), Rome Opera House Orchestra and Chorus (Artist), Marie Costa (Artist), Adelio Zagonara (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Anna Moffo, Richard Tucker, Robert Merrill, Flavio Tosin, Philip Maero, et al.
• Orchestra: Giorgio Tozzi
• Conductor: Giorgio Onesti
• Composer: Fernando Corena
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000003EMZ
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #324,526 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Questo Mar Rosso

2. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Nei cieli bigi

3. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Già dell' Apocalisse appariscono i segni

4. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Pensier porfondo!

5. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Legna! - Sigari! - Bordò

6. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Si può? - Chi è là? - Benoit!

7. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Timido in gioventù

8. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Chi è là - Scusi. - Una donna!

9. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Oh! sventata!

10. La bohème, opera: Act 1. Che gelida manina

See all 20 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Ohè, la, le guardi! Aprite!

2. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Chi nel ber trovò il piacer

3. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Sa dirmi, scusi, qual' è l' osteria

4. La bohème, opera: Act 3. O buon Marcello, aiuto!

5. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Marcello, finalmente!

6. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Mimì è una civetta

7. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Addio, senza fancor! (Mimì's Farewell)

8. La bohème, opera: Act 3. Che facevi, che dicevi

9. La bohème, opera: Act 4. In un coupè?

10. La bohème, opera: Act 4. O Mimì, tu più non torni

See all 17 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In its day--the early 1960s--this Bohème recording ruled. Now, its appeal lies mainly in two disparate listening camps: Anna Moffo fans and audiophiles. As the sickly flower maker Mimi, Moffo is at her vocal peak and producer Richard Mohr came up with an atmospheric production that remains one of the best Living Stereo efforts in the opera repertoire. The rest is oddly dated. Richard Tucker sounds strangely hoarse and throaty; long known as the king of sobs, he really blubbers through the final scene. Robert Merrill's Marcello ought to be ideal but while being vocally sumptuous, it's dramatically underplayed. Mary Costa is the unexceptional Musetta. Though known for German repertoire, conductor Erich Leinsdorf gives Puccini's score elegance. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good buy, January 21, 2002

By 

Dr. Fartmeister (Vancouver BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: La Boheme (Audio CD)

This La Boheme does not disappoint, although it does not particularly impress either. Richard Tucker's portrayal of Rodolfo is rather good, although he doesn't quite compare to Jussi Bjoerling. Some passages sound a little nasal, but his tone overall is good. Robert Merrill's Marcello is one of the highlights of the recording, as is Giorgio Tozzi's singing of "Vecchia Zimarra." Mary Costa's Musetta is rather good also. It's a relief to hear her pay attention to the written dynamics in "Quando m'en vo" and hit the high B's with great precision and control....unlike some sopranos (*cough* Eva Mei *cough*).

I've always sorta been partial to Leinsdorf so my opinion of the conducting is a little biased, but the orchestra is sounding particularly good.

Overall, it's a good buy, worth adding to your collection.