Puccini: La Bohème / Pavarotti, Freni; Schippers

Giacomo Puccini (Artist), Thomas Schippers (Artist), Luciano Pavarotti (Artist), Mirella Freni (Artist), Franco Calabrese (Artist), Sesto Bruscantin (Artist), Mario Frosini (Artist), Nicola Ghiuselev (Artist), Alessandro Maddalena (Artist), Rome Italian Radio Orchestra & Chorus (Artist), Rita Talarico (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Opera D'oro
• ASIN: B000000UOE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #241,305 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #55 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( P ) > Pavarotti, Luciano
  #58 in	Music > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Freni, Mirella

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Taped in Rome in 1969 and led handsomely and with great sensitivity by the lamented Thomas Schippers, this set is extraordinary. Both Pavarotti and Freni were in their daisy-fresh 30s at the time, and they sing with ease, commitment, and true love. Sesto Bruscantini is a sympathetic Marcello, while Nicolai Ghiuselev impresses as Colline. Even if you own another Bohème (or two), at this price, this one is a must. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest recordings Opera d'Oro has ever produced, May 18, 2003

By	Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

Opera d'Oro is a quirky label. One day, they issue an historic, live recording of Meyerbeer's LA PROPHETE remastered so poorly that it sounds as though the singers and orchestra were singing in an orange juice can.

And then...they issue an absolute jewel such as this ravishing recording of LA BOHEME. Make no mistake about it. If you love Beecham's reading on EMI or Von Karajan's, you will not be disappointed. I daresay this may become your favorite.

Schippers never had the chance to show the world all he could do, but in this instance we see what a marvelous Puccini conductor he was. Mimi's and Rudolfo's solos, Musetta's great solo and all of the ensemble pieces are consistently thoughtful, deeply heartfelt and surprisingly well-recorded.

It's been a long, long time since I wept listening to any recording of this work, but I wept at this grand performance by the Rome Opera and RAI.

There is a moment at which the informed listener hears a performance which seems to reflect all of the shades of meaning, the musical values and emotions which color all the best recordings. And they all come together here on this super, super budget issue -- which has become my favorite Boheme.

Go for it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Freni and Pavarotti exceed their studio version--amazing, February 23, 2007

By	Santa Fe listener - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

The classic Boheme on CD is the Decca set under Karajan, where Pavarotti and Freni make an unmatched pair of lovers. Their only competition could be themselves, and here in 1969, their younger selves are that much more tender, ardent, and vocally sublime. Because this live performance was made for Italian Radio, there are no stage or audience noises, and the stereo sound is excellent--quite up to studio standards. Just for the two lovers, this is an indispensable recording.

I must admit to never hearing of Rita Talarico before, but she is a good, rather old-fashioned Musetta, who sings carefully, if not with great sparkle or abandon. She's really a Mimi in disguise. Sesto Buscantini can be a little rough as Marcello, but he's a veteran and in fine voice (this must have come at the end of his admired career). In any event, to hear an all-Italian cast in Boheme is very welcome. Schippers had conducted Freni's first Boheme for EMI a few years previously, and as before, he shows himself to be attentive and lyrical, if not the last word in excitement and style.

In sum, I agree with the reviewer who calls this one of Opera d'Oro's best releases.

P.S. -- In the embarrassment of riches department, Opera d'Oro has another great La Boheme, this time from the Vienna State Opera in 1963. It features a very young Freni, this time opposite Gianni Raimondi rather than Pavarotti. Karajan conducts sublimely -- miles ahead of Schippers -- and if you can tolerate very good mono sound, the excitement of a staged performance makes this recording electric.

1 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mimi, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

Pavarotti is superb as usual. He and Freni blend well in this performance.