Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic

Giacomo Puccini (Artist), Mirella Freni (Artist), Luciano Pavarotti (Artist), Nicola Rescigno (Artist), National Philharmonic (Artist), Sherrill Milnes (Artist), Richard van Allan (Artist), Wandsworth School Boys' Choir (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041PR
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,271 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Freni, Mirella

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Music, September 20, 2011

By 

Michael (Philadelphia, PA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic (Audio CD)

I saw Tosca performed by the Opera Company of Philadelphia so I decided to buy the CDs. I didn't know which CD to buy so I decided upon this one. I am not disappointed at all. I have enjoyed playing this CD at home since. The music is beautiful and the singing is wonderful. I would definitely say it was worthwhile purchase.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most beautifully sung Tosca imaginable, June 30, 2009

By 

Bruce the Flute Player "brucethefluteplayer" (Spokane WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic (Audio CD)

I have to agree with those above who say that this recording is "lyrical" rather than "dramatic;" but I find myself unable to enjoy Puccini without beautiful singing. To me, it sounds like Maria Callas and Renata Scotto (two of the most dramatically intense singers of the 20th century) actually reduce their expressiveness by putting stress on their voices. When the emotions get intense, the voice becomes strained and one-dimensional, whereas Freni adds pathos by simply adding depth and coloring to her already beautiful sound. This approach doesn't do it for everyone, but it certainly works for me.

Pavarotti is, well, Pavarotti. You listen to his recordings for the glorious sound of his voice. He was also a very fine musician, especially in Italian opera. It's no secret that if you want a dramatically convincing interpretation, there is a long list of other tenors you should listen to first; but if you want glorious singing, Pavarotti in his prime had no equal.

Milnes is one of the great interpreters of Scarpia, AND has a glorious voice. His way of conveying Scarpia's malevolence, thinly disguised under a veneer of polite manners, is perfect. In my opinion he is even better in this recording than in his earlier one (1973, with Leontyne Price).

Rescigno paces the music (and the drama) in a very natural and logical way. The music never seems rushed or dragged. He avoids doing anything extreme, but he has Puccini in his blood.

All in all a very authentically Italian performance with some of the most glorious singing imaginable. If the singing is the most important thing to you, then this is the recording you should have.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Puccini sung by Frenin Milnes and Pavarotti? What could be better?, May 12, 2007

By 

Top Hat (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic (Audio CD)

I own several recordings of Tosca, but this is still the reigning favorite, featuring a stellar cast at the height of their collective powers. Don't let the 1978 recording date deter you - the sound quality is excellent, and the performance sumptuous from beginning to end.