Customer Reviews

Puccini - Madama Butterfly / Scotto, Bergonzi, Panerai, Di Stasio, Opera di Roma, Barbirolli

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While adoring TOSCA and LA BOHEME for many years, I could never warm to MADAMA BUTTERFLY. But after purchasing this recording, I discovered that the fault may not have been all mine. The Maria Callas version may be fine on its own merits, but this Renata Scotto interpretation simply soars. Conductor Barbirolli has breathed stunning life into this vivid, pulsing work and, with Scotto's heartbreaking soprano, created a definitive version of Puccini's time-honored classic. The recording quality is crisp and brilliant; the entire cast superb. A worthy addition to a classical library which may already have several other versions.

This recording has classic status and wins hands down over the stiff competition. Renata Scotto, a natural Lucia, perhaps was not meant by nature to sing Cio-Cio-San, but by sheer artistry and genius, she makes the role her own, like no other soprano in the Century. Hers is a deeply felt, throughly understood portrayal. The suicide is almost unbearable, it has to be heard to be believed! This is one of the most poignant interpretations ever caught on records. Period. And how lucky she was in having Carlo Bergonzi and Rolando Panerai as her partners, this casting was made in Heaven. And of course, there is the peerless conducting of Sir John Barbirolli, so loving, so passionate. I rate this recording as one of the three greatest Puccini recordings ever, the other 2 being of course, the Callas/Di Stefano/Gobbi/ De Sabata Tosca, and the Beecham La Boheme. It would be utterly ridiculous NOT to own this gem.

I have never been so moved. I have many fine recordings of Butterfly -- Tebaldi, Price, De Los Angelis -- yet none have moved me as this one. They all have their fine points, and moving parts that bring one to tears, but this recording is so much more than the occasional fine moment.

This is a Soprano Opera, and even with the nice love duet with the tenor, or the flower duet, or the presenting of Pinkerton's letter by the US console, Sharpless -- all wonderful moments -- the real star is the soprano. This is a very heavy opera for the voice, and I agree this is not a good choice for Scotto's light instrument, that is if vocal longevity is to be considered. It is a real challenge to be a young girl ( I think Butterfly is supposed to be 15 ) in love with a foreigner, then a mother, then abandoned. Each singer has a strong part and a week part to this characterization -- that is except Scotto, for she masters all aspects of the character. As is her trade mark, the dramatic and personal truth of the character pours out in every note. The end of the opera leaves one not only in tears, but simply limp from emotional distress. If you can only afford one opera this year, buy this one; you won't go wrong.

Madama Butterfly has been one of my favorite operas since I was very young and this recording was among the first that I heard. Of course, I will admit that there have been better sopranos in this role such as Renata Tebaldi or Maria Callas, but Renata Scotto is one of the best and this recording is definitely the finest that she has made during her recording career. In this recording she is supported by Carlo Bergonzi, who is one of the greatest stlylists in opera, as well as by Rolando Panerai, whose Sharpless is without doubt one of his best recordings. It must also be said that this was one of Sir John Barbirolli's only two opera recordings. Barbirolli made this Butterfly toward the end of his long career during which he was a champion of many composers including Elgar. His masterful interpretation is without equal in my opinion. He allows the singers to shine in their respective roles and also allows the chorus to do one "Humming Chorus" that has brought me to tears time and time again. A wonderful recording.

Not often do I write a review for a C.D., but this recording deserved one. I was never really fond of the music in Madama Butterfly, but this recording absolutely changed my mind. I really feel that this is the best Butterfly on disc to date. Renata is truly charming. It's as if the role was written for her. Her final scene will bring tears to your eyes. She really does steal the show. Every opera lover should own a copy of this C.D.

I own four recordings of Madama Butterfly, each with its merits--the old classic with Gigli and Toti dal Monti, Bjoerling and de los Angeles, and Campora with Tabaldi. Then there is this one, in which the orchestra,the singers and the conductor are all on the same page. All of the singers are perfect for their respective roles--Bergonzi is subtle and insightful and even more so is Renata Scotto. There are other elements that bring this together in one of the "Great Recordings of the Century", to which I would add, of any century. In the final analysis, however, the deciding factor in the success of this great work of musical and recording art is Sir John Barbarolli. If you are a lover of Puccini and Madama Butterfly in particular, you should own more than one recording, if only to make comparisons to this one. Each will have its qualities, but none come close to the completeness of this one. Get it before it disappears as so many great ones do.

Amid all the recorings of this Puccini gem floating around, this is a priceless saphire. All of the elements are here; Renata Scotto in her absolute prime, Sir John Barbirolli(through all his moaning)in complete control, Bergonzi in rare form as Pinkerton, and a supporting cast who take the score to the heights it was intended. Renata Scotto, often panned for her sometimes risky vocal choices, creates a Butterfly that is truly a beauty to behold. To date there has not been a Butterfly with as much depth, sensitivity, power, and humanity as this that Scotto created. If ever you pondered Puccini's intention with this score, this is the recording to listen to. Even the oft exaulted interpretations of Callas dim in comparison. Scotto is able to find the human line in the Puccini story that most sopranos either skim over or wreck with Wagnerian gumption. As simple as Puccini can be, in plot only, there is no denying the passion and humanity in his stories and the uncompromising musical line that accompanies the intimate moments of our lives. Scotto captures that with an ease that is breath-taking. From her first Aria, "Spira sul mare..." , to the finale "Con honor muore..." you hear the innocence of young love, and the power of ancient tradition, each phrase melting into the other with a control that is truly awe inspiring. The intelligence with which Scotto approaches each of her roles is refreshing and insightful; Cio-Cio San is no exception. There is also a great deal of humor in the vocal permances of the entire cast, all of which are included in the praise of this recording. This was the first Opera recording I ever owned. Making it the most problematic...why?...nothing can ever compare to it. If you were ever looking for the quintessential Opera/Cast/Conductor this is the one.

Thank you to the knowledgeable reviewers of this CD for their 5 ***** recommendation. Scotto is remarkable and Barbirolli's sensitive interpretation is a joy. I have the De Los Angeles/Santini Butterfly CD, but it pales in comparison.

Renata Scotto, a born "Lucia", perhaps was not a natural Butterfly. It just happens that she sings the role better than anyone else. This is really a great performance, and with Barbirolli conducting, it has no rivals.

Some may prefer other voices, or not like some of these, but this has stood the test of time for me for being one of the all-time most satisfying complete opera albums ever. Kudos kudos kudos to everyone.