Tosca / Maria Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi; De Sabata

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Little can be added to what's been written about this landmark recording, except that Walter Legge's 1953 mono production yields nothing to modern Tosca recordings for vivacity and theatrical impact--especially Maria Callas's. The miraculous Victor de Sabata conjures up a vibrant, inspiring orchestral canvas that enables Callas and her stellar cohorts to work their magic. Tito Gobbi and Callas spur each other on to heights in which the characters take over from the singers in the listener's mind. Giuseppe Di Stefano is on his best behavior, and in fresher voice than on his fine Leontyne Price-Herbert von Karajan remake. On this set, EMI includes texts, translations, and notes that discuss this recording in the context of Callas's mercurial career. --Jed Distler

Tosca / Maria Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi; De Sabata, Music, Giacomo Puccini, Victor De Sabata, Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala, Classical, Classical Music, Italian Romantic Opera, Opera, Opera / Operetta / Oratorio, Opera/Operetta

Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata
Average customer rating:

Why 5... Find Out!

Outstanding De Sabata! Most famous and controversial Tosca!

The Tosca of the century

Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow!!!!

Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tullio Serafin

Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana & Leoncavallo: Pagliacci (complete operas) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

Bizet: Carmen (Complete Opera); Mirella Freni; Jon Vickers; Grace Bumbry

Rossini: The Barber of Seville (Complete opera); Beverly Sills; Nicolai Gedda; James Levine; London Symphony Orchestra

ASIN: B0000E3HM3
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

Ah! Finalmente!
E Sempre Lava!
Sante Ampolle! Il Suo Ritratto!
Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia
Gente La Dentro!
Mario!...Mario!...Mario!...Son Qui!
Ora Stammi A Sentir
Or Lasciami Al Lavoro
Ah, Quegli Occhi...Quale Occhio Al Mondo
Mia Gelosa!
E Buona La Mia Tosca
Sommo Giubilo, Eccellenza!
Un Tal Baccano In Chiesa!
Tosca? Che Non Mi Veda
Ed Io Venivo A Lui Tutta Dogliosa
Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza

Tracks:

Tosca E Un Buon Falco!
Ha Piu Forte Sapore
O Galantuomo, Come Ando La Caccia?
Meno Male!
Ov'E Angelotti?
Ed Or Fra Noi Parliam Da Buoni Amici
Sciarrone, Che Dice Il Cavalier?
Orsu, Tosca, Parlate
Floria!...Amore
Salvatelo!...Lo?...Voi!
Se La Giurata Fede Debbo Tradir...Gia Mi Struggea L'Amor
Come Tu Mi Odi!
Vissi D'Arte
Vedi, Le Man Giunte Io Stendo A Te!
Lo Tenni La Promessa
Tosca, Finalmente Mia!
Or Gli Perdono!
Andante Sostenuto
Lento (Le Campane Suonano Mattutino)
Largo - Mario Cavaradossi? A voi... - Meno
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Moderato Con Moto
O Dolci Mani Mansuete E Pure
Senti, I'Ora E Vicina
Amaro Sol Per Te M'Era Il Moire
E Non Giungono
Come E Lunga I'Attesa!
Presto! Su, Mario!

Customer Reviews:

Why 5... Find Out!.......2006-10-13

When I first got this recording, it was my first Tosca. As such, I didn't know what to listen to (or what to listen for) and really at the time the only other soprano I had heard was Cecilia Bartoli in La Cenerentola. So bascially it was my first Tosca with my only soprano. Even so, I knew after listening to the second act that this would be the best Tosca I had ever heard. Callas gives an amazingly intuitive dramatic performance of Tosca, with di Stefano matching her wonderfully as Cavaradossi. Tito Gobbi, of course, is Scarpia and gives the role an extremely insightful flair. Spoletta is played by Angelo Mercuriali, who gives, if not the most dramatic, certainly a precise interpretation of the role. As with all of Callas's Tosca recordings, the second act (i.e. from "Tosca e un buon falco!" to "E qual via scegliete?") is perhaps the best interpretation of the music and the donna Tosca that I have heard. Behind the baton is Victor de Sabata, who provides a unique insight into the music. He brings out, as Toscanini says, "what Puccini intended for the audience to hear". 5 stars.

Outstanding De Sabata! Most famous and controversial Tosca! .......2004-08-07

This is one of the few recordings in which the conductor attracted my attention more than the singers. This is not to dismiss the singers but De Sabata's conducting makes this the most idiomatic Tosca recording I've ever heard.

All three protagonists are heard here in their short-lived prime. Callas in firm voice is a capricious, nervous and furious Tosca. Many accuse her of overacting but here she controls herself and most outbreaks sound sincere. You won't hear the grandness, dignity and beauty of Tebaldi's Tosca but Callas' Tosca is a unique creation. No need to argue which one is better, they both are legendary and besides, tastes differ.

Di Stefano is all ardour and tenderness in this most beloved tenor role. I can already hear the manners that eventually ruined his instrument but he nevertheless is a memorable Mario. Gobbi's Scarpia frightens Tosca not because of what he is but because of what he can do. Gobbi doesn't have the huge voice that made Bastianini or London so scary but he uses his to great effect and creates a sinister Baron Scarpia. Luise's Sagristano is most convincing.

One of the greatest virtues of this old Tosca recording is its vitality and chemistry between the performers. No wonder that since its release it's impossible to make and accurate historical evaluation of Puccini's Tosca without taking it into account. Finally released at budget price!

The Tosca of the century.......2004-05-17

This recording has been showered with accolades and praise by critics, operafans, reviewers etc. etc. And listening to it a whole world comes to life. In a time when Puccini's masterpieces are destroyed by arrogant "directors" this golden age recording is like a breath of fresh air. Callas is in her prime, sounding fresh, loving, passionate and fascinating. She became Tosca, all her jealousies, passions, moods, fears are so real, so sublime and natural that you'll forget that you're listening to a recording. She cleared Tosca of those veristic, fish-wife tears after "Egli ved ch'io piango!" and her tears and agony are heard through her voice alone. Listen to Tosca's ardent "A come la sai bene l'arte di farti amare!" ... She sounds so gorgeous, so lucid and passionate, it'll warm your heart. Then there is act II with the never equalled clash between Tosca and the evil Scarpia sung and acted to perfection by Callas (Whose high Cs will chill you!) and Gobbi. (The only Scarpia) Listen to Callas' tearful, beautiful "Vissi d'arte" sung with exquisite legato, velvety warmth and most tearful colours. Pleading "Why, oh lord dost thou repay me thus?" she will break your heart! The chilling murder of Scarpia with Callas/Tosca ROARING "M'ai assai TORTURATO!!!!!" is too thrilling to describe. And the final duet sung with di Stefano and Tosca's suicide are portrayed hauntingly. Di Stefano, her favourite partner and part of the greatest operatic trio of the century (Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi) sounds sunny, charming and passionate. In short: It's the best Tosca ever recorded.

Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow!!!!.......2004-03-16

This is my first Callas recording. I was curious about her, of course, but I was always put off by descriptions of more or less horrendous audio problems on the famous recordings. Used to modern recordings, I didn't know how I'd react to such bad sound, so I put off trying.

No more! This is a new (12/03) EMI Remaster of the famous de Sabata "Tosca" -- yes, THE definitive "Tosca" starring Callas, Di Stefano, and Gobbi. And I can tell you it sounds WONDERFUL!

Why is this set so affordable, then? I have no idea! There is no libretto included, only a slim booklet with a track list, a short synopsis of the action for each track, and one article about the opera and this performance. There is no cardboard case, and only a simple 2-part jewelcase, not the hefty one often provided with opera CD sets.

But it's enough!! It's more than enough! I'd buy these disks if they were sold loose in a paper bag. I am totally, permanently won over. This performance is simply electrifying! The music leaps out of the speakers and grabs you. Callas as Tosca had me in tears! Scarpia scared me! It's too good to believe it happened several decades ago.

Tracks:

TOSCA: Ah! Finalmente! (Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Dammi i colori...Recondita armonia (Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Gente lentro! (Cavaradossi - Tosca)
TOSCA: Mario! Mario! Mario!
TOSCA: Ah, quegli occhi...Quale occhio al mondo puar di paro (Tosca - Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: buona la mia Tosca (Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Un tal baccano in chiesa! (Scarpia)
TOSCA: Tutto hiaro...Tosca? Che non mi veda...Mario! Mario! (Scarpia - Tosca)
TOSCA: Ed io venivo a lui tutta dogliosa (Tosca - Scarpia)
TOSCA: Tre sbirri, una carrozza (Scarpia)

Tracks:

TOSCA: Tosca n buon falco! (Scarpia)
TOSCA: Ha pite (Scarpia)
TOSCA: Meno male! (Scarpia - Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Dov'unque Angelotti? (Scarpia - Cavaradossi - Tosca)
TOSCA: Ed or fra noi parliam da buoni amici...Scarrione, che dice il Cavalier? (Scarpia - Tosca - Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Orssca, parlate (Scarpia - Tosca - Caravadossi)
TOSCA: Basta, Roberti
TOSCA: Nel pozzo....Del giardino (Scarpia - Tosca - Caravadossi)
TOSCA: Se la giurata fede debbo tradir (Scarpia - Tosca)
TOSCA: Vissi d'arte (Tosca)
TOSCA: Vedi, le man guinte io stendo a te! (Scarpia - Tosca)
TOSCA: E qual via scegliete? (Scarpia - Tosca)
TOSCA: Io de' sospiri
TOSCA: Act III / Mario Cavaradossi? A voi (Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle (Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Ah! Franchigia a Floria Tosca
TOSCA: O dolci mani mansuete e pure (Cavaradossi - Tosca)
TOSCA: E non giungono (Tosca - Cavaradossi)
TOSCA: Com'unga l'attesa! (Tosca)
TOSCA: Presto! Su, Mario! Mario! Su! Presto! Andiam! (Tosca)

Amazon.com essential recording

Little can be added to what's been written about this landmark recording, except that Walter Legge's 1953 mono production yields nothing to modern Tosca recordings for vivacity and theatrical impact--especially Maria Callas's. The miraculous Victor de Sabata conjures up a vibrant, inspiring orchestral canvas that enables Callas and her stellar cohorts to work their magic. Tito Gobbi and Callas spur each other on to heights in which the characters take over from the singers in the listener's mind. Giuseppe Di Stefano is on his best behavior, and in fresher voice than on his fine Leontyne Price-Herbert von Karajan remake. On this set, EMI includes texts, translations, and notes that discuss this recording in the context of Callas's mercurial career. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

The Incomparable Callas .......2007-05-13

She was sui generis (unlike any other) and for any fan of Mme. Callas this CD is a "must have!!! For the younger generation who were not fortunate enough to have ever heard her in person, her voice, although imperfect,portrays the complexity of Floria Tosca, through the delicate shadings of Callas' voice. Tosca is vulnerable, she is jealous, she is loving, she is delicate and tough at the same time. All of this is plain to hear through the marvel of this greatest of singing actresses.

A complete classic among classics.......2007-03-19

This is one of the few opera recordings that can reach immortality. De Sabata conducts superb over orchestra and a trinity of "monsters": Di Stefano, Callas and Gobbi understood not only the music but the drama. Opera as it always must be. What can we say about the climatic experience of Callas and Gobbi together, probably the most talented actors in opera?
At the end, pay attention (it is impossible not to) to Tosca's death... In the voice of Callas, no other soprano in history have achieved such perfection.

Stellar cast - stellar performance.......2007-01-11

What more can be said about this recording that has not already been abundantly elaborated?
Callas at her best with a supporting cast that made this recording stand the test of time. I received two recordings this Christmas as a present so that I can compare and perhaps change my mind (the Alagna - Gheorghiou & the Leontyne Price sets). I listened carefully and although I have to admit that Price's voice has a more melodic sonority Callas was the ultimate performer what little she may have lacked in her voice she more than made with her dramatic qualities, she had a stage presence that can be "heard" without having to watch her.
This is truly a premier performance of an operatic masterpiece. Enjoy it.

A "Regular People" Review.......2006-12-04

Hey I'm an Opera newbie trying to find his way around the maze with the help of Opera 101 (any Opera guru's out there that would like to help me out here?). Thanks to the Books advice I picked up this Opera and WOW! This is great stuff. Don't be intimidated by Opera you'll be missing out on this!

this is not a review.......2006-08-15

Just the fact that this product has gathered 123 reviewers by the time I write my first comment ever in a similar internet site, should tell something per se... I am a singer myself. I could write endless technical comments on the slightest vocal or musical nuance these four legendary musicians have contributed here. Empty words! Just ask yourselves: "Do I really and humbly love Music!?" If the answer is "YES!!!", run and buy this recording.

PS. Listen with the libretto in your hands (translation of it if you dont speak italian). Do it. At least the first time through... a Sunday afternoon. You'll remember me.

Average customer rating:

Great Recording but Flat Reproduction
The Only Recorded Tosca you will ever need
Pricing???

Puccini: Tosca

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Wagner: Tristan und Isolde

ASIN: B0002VEQIE
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

Ah! Finalmente!
E Sempre Lava!
Sante Ampolle! Il Suo Ritratto!
Dammi I Colori....Recondita Armonia
Gente La Dentro!
Mario! Mario! Mario!...Son Qui
Ora Stammi A Sentir
Or Lasciami Al Lavoro
Ah, Quegli Occhi...Quale Occhio Al Mondo
Mia Gelosa!
E Buona La Mia Tosca
Sommo Glubilo, Eccellenza!
Un Tal Baccano In Chiesa!
Tosca? Che Non Mi Veda
Ed Io Venivo A Lui Tutta Dogliosa
Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza

Tracks:

Tosca E Un Buon Falco!
Ha Piu Forte Sapore
O Galantuomo, Come Ando La Caccia?
Meno Male!
Ov'e Angelotti?
Ed Or Fra Noi Parliam Da Buoni Amici
Sciarrone, Che Dice Il Cavalier?
Orsu, Tosca, Parlate
Floria!...Amore
Salvatelo!...Lo?...Voi!
Se La Giurata Fede Debbo Tradir...Gia Mi Struggea L'amor
Come Tu Mi Odi!
Vissi D'arte
Vedi, Le Man Giunte Io Stendo A Te!
Lo Tenni La Promessa
Tosca, Finalmente Mia!
Or Gli Perdono!
Andante Sostenuto.../Lo De' Sospiri
Lento (Le Campane Suonano Mattutino)
Largo.../Mario Cavaradossi? A Voi./Meno
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Moderato Con Moto/Ah! Franchigia A Floria Tosca
O Dolci Mani Mansuete E Pure
Senti, L'ora E Vicina
Amaro Sol Per Te M'era Il Morire
E Non Giungono
Com'e Lunga L'attesa
Presto! Su, Mario!

Customer Reviews:

Great Recording but Flat Reproduction.......2005-09-16

The performance always deserved the highest of ratings but EMI hasn't done this one justice.

This is a much better engineering effort on the part of EMI than the really horrible edition they published to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Callas' death. The slip case is classy, so is the libretto and it comes with two post cards of Callas. But once again EMI has screwed up. The recording is pitched incorrectly coming in a little flat.

I'm so sorry I sold off the original CD edition which contained tape hiss but was much brighter in sound than any of these state-of-the-art reproductions.

The Only Recorded Tosca you will ever need.......2005-08-23

I have listened to about 5 versions of Tosca but nothing comes close to this version. In fact I would agree with what most music critics say ,that this is the best version of Tosca PERIOD. People say so many reasons why this is the best Tosca and all of the facts presented are true. But I just would like to say that The La Divina is known to not just sing the part of the charcters she portrays but she actually transforms in to the character when she sings it. Listening to this recording is the perfect example of my point. When one listens to this record you could actually feel the pain of Tosca not some song bird trying to sound like an angel but lacks the feeling. I actually was so touched by this recording that I cried after listening to it for the first time. What I like about this new release is that it is cheaper than the original black version without sacrificing cover, quality, booklet and packaging. I even like the art work for this one because unlike the black one, this contains the original LP cover from the original LP release in its cd cover design (very nostalgic).

Pricing???.......2004-10-08

OK, EMI loves this recording, as do most all of us. In fact, EMI loves it so much that it's available at three different prices - about $14, $22, and $34. What gives here? I think the lowest priced version doesn't have a libretto, though I'm not positive of that. It's also possible that the highest priced version is simply old stock still available at the old price. Probably the $22 version is the best bet??

Average customer rating:

My First Tosca

Manufacturer: Fono
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000F9RLSK
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Album Description

The album features highlights from Tosca, one of the most famous roles of Maria Callas, as recorded 1950-1953 in various venues, including her very first documents of the part. The 1950 and 1952 recordings are live from Mexico City, then extensive highlights from the classic 1953 studio recording, still considered one of the greatest opera recordings ever made, co-starring Giuseppe di Stefano and Tito Gobbi, with Victor de Sabata conducting. Remastered with the Cedar Sound System. The special feature of this release is the extensive booklet showing color photos of the traveling exhibition Maria Callas & Swarovski on Stage, a must for all Callas collectors. On August 2, 1947 (the date of her successful debut in Italy in La Gioconda at the Arena di Verona), Maria Callas wore for the first time a piece of jewelry made in the Atelier Marangoni using Swarovski crystals. This exhibition consists of a unique collection of ornate jewelry from the period 1947 to 196! 0. Every piece has a close, personal connection with Maria Callas. Callas relied almost exclusively on the craftsmanship of the Atelier Marangoni for her stage jewelry. On the basis of sketches by major directors such as Franco Zeffirelli and Luchino Visconti or famous costume designers such as Lila de Nobili, Marangoni created extraordinary works of art, which, despite having a sparkling life of their own, did not detract from the performances of the great opera singer. Marangoni used only Swarovski crystal gemstones in his jewelry on specific demand of the "Divina". Swarovski acquired the Atelier Marangoni in 1999, and thus prevented the collection of Maria Callas's stage jewelry from being dispersed all around the world.

Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) EMI's Great Recordings of the Century with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Average customer rating:

Grand, classic performance ruined once again by EMI...
Bravo, di Stefano, bravo !!!!!
Treasure that will never lose its value.
Classic recording in a deluxe package
The Supreme Tosca In Its Best Edition Yet

Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) EMI's Great Recordings of the Century with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Maria Callas , Giuseppe di Stefano , Victor de Sabata , and Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro della Scala - Milan
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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OPERA 101: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO LEARNING AND LOVING OPERA

ASIN: B000063UNA
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Act One: Ah! Finalmente! - Franco Calabrese/Melchiorre Luise/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act One: Dammi I Colori...Recondita Armonia - Giuseppe Di Stefano/Melchiorre Luise
Act One: Gente La Dentro! - Giuseppe Di Stefano/Franco Calabrese/Maria Callas
Act One: Mario! Mario! Mario! - Orch E Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano/victor De Sabata
Act One: Ah, Quegli Occhi...Quale Occhio Al Mondo Puo Star Di Paro - Maria Callas/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act One: E Buona La Mia Tosca - Giuseppe Di Stefano/Franco Calabrese/Melchiorre Luise
Act One: Un Tal Baccano In Chiesa - Tito Gobbi/Melchiorre Luise/Angelo Mercuriali
Act One: Tutto E Chairo...Tosca? Che Non Mi Veda...Mario! Mario! - Tito Gobbi/Maria Callas/Melchiorre Luise
Act One: Ed Io Venivo A Lui Tutta Dogliosa - Maria Callas/Tito Gobbi
Act One: Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza - Tito Gobbi/Angelo Mercuriali

Tracks:

Act Two: Tosca E Un Buon Falco! - Tito Gobbi/Dario Caselli
Act Two: Ha Piu Forte - Tito Gobbi/Dario Caselli/Angelo Mercuriali
Act Two: Meno Male! - Tito Gobbi/Angelo Mercuriali/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act Two: Dov'e Dunque Angelotti? - Tito Gobbi/Giuseppe Di Stefano/Angelo Mercuriali/Maria Callas
Act Two: Ed Or Fra Noi Parliam Da Buoni Amici...Sciarrone, Che Dice Il Cavalier? - Tito Gobbi/Maria Callas/Dario Caselli/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act Two: Orsu, Tosca, Parlate - Tito Gobbi/Maria Callas/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act Two: Basta, Roberti - Orch E Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano/victor De Sabata O
Act Two: Nel Pozzo...Del Giardino - Tito Gobbi/Dario Caselli/Maria Callas/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act Two: Se La Giurata Fede Debbo Tradir - Tito Gobbi/Maria Callas
Act Two: Vissi D'Arte - Maria Callas
Act Two: Vedi, Le Man Giunte Io Stendo E Te! - Maria Callas/Tito Gobbi/Angelo Mercuriali
Act Two: E Qual Via Scegliete? - Tito Gobbi/Maria Callas
Act Three: Lo De' Sospiri - Alvaro Cordova
Act Three: Mario Cavaradossi? A Voi - Dario Caselli/Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act Three: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Giuseppe Di Stefano
Act Three: Ah! Franchigia A Floria Tosca - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano/Vittore Veneziani
Act Three: O Dolci Mani Mansuete E Pure - Giuseppe Di Stefano/Maria Callas
Act Three: E Non Giungono - Maria Callas/Giuseppe Di Stefano/Dario Caselli
Act Three: Com'e Lunga L'Attesa! - Maria Callas
Act Three: Presto! Su, Mario! Mario! Su! Presto! Andiam! - Maria Callas/Dario Caselli/Angelo Mercuriali

Amazon. com essential recording

Little can be added to what's been written about this landmark recording, except that Walter Legge's 1953 mono production yields nothing to modern recordings of Tosca in vivacity and theatrical impact--especially that of Maria Callas. All the more so with this marvelously remastered edition. The miraculous Victor de Sabata conjures a vibrant, inspiring orchestral canvas that enables Callas and her stellar cohorts to work their magic. Tito Gobbi and Callas spur each other to such heights that the characters replace the singers in the listener's mind. Giuseppe Di Stefano is on his best behavior and in fresher voice than on his fine Leontyne Price-Herbert von Karajan remake. On this set, EMI includes texts, translations, and notes that discuss this recording in the context of Callas's mercurial career. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Grand, classic performance ruined once again by EMI..........2004-02-19

In order not to repeat the reviews and waste space here, I encourage customers to check this same opera with the same cast under the old version still listed on Amazon (you will recognize it by the black cover and photo of Callas on that version). While the editing errors of which there were a few in the previous incarnation as well as some horrendous noises and overload in the sonics, this version is transferred under pitch. It sounds off throughout the entire work - when you do a side by side the artificially improved sound is immediately noticeable followed by the differences in pitch between the 1992, 1997, 2001 and 2003 versions. When will EMI get it correct? You may want to wait if Naxos issues it from the vinyl to hear sounds closer to the original vinyl. A disappointment from EMI once again.

Bravo, di Stefano, bravo !!!!!.......2002-08-13

There is no doubt that this is one of the truly great performances of Tosca. Despite the shrillness and screechiness at times of her voice, Callas' dramatic performance is quite impressive. The real star of this CD, however, is di Stefano who is often electifying. I can't imagine being without this edition in my opera collection.

Treasure that will never lose its value........2002-07-28

There could be no justification for failing to award five stars or refusing to pay the high prices sometimes required to buy this classic recording of "La Tosca". The opera itself, already more than 100 years old, is one of the best we have, with three-dimensional characters involved in various levels of conflict, and with a great Puccini score.

Walter Legge was in charge of this production. This "studio" recording was made at La Scala, Milan in the early 1950s. The sometimes-ungrateful acoustics of that renowned theatre have never been heard to better advantage. Just listen to the opening orchestral flourish! Giuseppe di Stefano is vocally very much at home in the role of Cavaradossi, the ardent young painter who is sympathetic to an escaped political prisoner. During his first aria, the comments of the sacristan are not allowed to turn it into a duet. In glorious voice for once, Callas immediately establishes the character of Tosca - imperious, suspicious, and jealous, but at the same time vulnerable and full of longing for the time when she and Cavaradossi can be together after her opera performance of that night. Tito Gobbi too, as Scarpia, is well in command of the vocal range of his part, even the difficult high end, and manages to humanize his role as the manipulative, lustful, and ruthless chief of police.

One does not usually go home after a "Tosca" performance full of admiration for the conductor. The success of this recording, however, is very largely due to the superb drive, thrust and textural clarity achieved by the conductor Victor de Sabata. If any one passage is likely to outlast all others in your memory, it is few minutes before the end of the opera. How that "firing squad" theme seems to shriek here! How proud Tosca seems to sound, now that her successful ruse for faking Cavaradossi's death appears to have succeeded!

Unforgettable moment like this, and invaluable recordings like this, make us grateful to be able to treasure them forever.

Classic recording in a deluxe package.......2002-07-11

It's hard to believe this recording is about to reach the half-century mark. The performance might have been recorded yesterday, so clearly do the performers' and producers' intentions leap to the ear. EMI's deluxe new edition has a slipcase, a booklet packed with libretto, vivid photographs and thoughtful essays in multiple languages.

Most important of all, though, an egregious editing error that was made on this recording's previous CD incarnation (involving Callas' cries of "Mario! Mario!" on her first entrance, and discussed thoroughly by Robert Seletsky, who is a reviewer on this site) has been corrected. The mono sound is richer and the voices more vivid than in many more up-to-date CDs I've heard.

In the end, though, there is the performance. If one were to listen with a heart of stone, one might admit that Callas' top even in 1953 can turn strident, and that Tito Gobbi likewise seems pressed in high-lying passages, his tones turning white and sharp in pitch. The fact is, minor vocal flaws are of no consequence when they belong to two performers with such vivid personalities, such theatrical magnetism, such verbal clarity and understanding of the drama of Puccini and Sardou. The clarion voice of di Stefano in his prime is hardly a liability, either.

Here's to fifty more years for this timeless recording masterpiece.

The Supreme Tosca In Its Best Edition Yet.......2002-05-16

This recording has received so much recognition over the years, the best I can offer are details on this latest release. I have gotten all three of them- 1986,1997, and now this. If /when EMI releases another upgraded series of their classic recordings, I'm going bankrupt. Anyway...

Opening the set, the slipcase completely encloses the jewel case, and inside are 3 nice b/w photos of Callas performing and recording Tosca. Inside the jewel case, where libretto books are usually tucked, is a handsome booklet commemorating the first 100 releases in the 'Great Recordings of the Century' Series, and paying tribute to Callas herself. Since the booklet is in English/French/ German, the text is brief but the photos bring great memories.

The actual notes& libretto are in the outer slipcase. The essay 'Callas and Tosca' has been replaced by an interesting new essay by Richard Osborne, 'Victor de Sabata conducts Tosca.' In a set devoted to Callas' legacy, the deletion of the original essay is puzzling.The synposis is new but similiar matching the added cuing in the new addition. Disc one has gone from 10 to 16 tracks, disc two from 20 to 28.

EMI's 'Great Recordings of the Century' releases have brought differing improvements to previous releases. In the Kempe Lohengrin set, for example, the sound is fuller than the first release, but you need to compare closely to really hear the difference. This Tosca, however, has really been moved into a bigger, more resonant, but actually clearer space. The difference over both previous sets is obvious, and, in both the 'Te Deum' and the murder scenes, really striking. I think this edition benefits Gobbi perhaps most of all, his commanding voice seeming more present than ever before. The orchestra projects more tone color also, adding even more power to De Sabata's inspiring conducting.

Given the choice then, buy this newest edition without hesitation, especially if you have not heard this set before.

Tracks:

Norma - Cavatine
Norma - Recit: Fine Al Rito E Il Sacro Bosco. & Cabalette: Ah! Bello A Me Ritorna
Norma - Scene & Duetto: Oh! Rimembranza!...Lo Fui Cosi
Norma - Finale: Oh Non Tremare
Norma - Trio: Oh Di Qual Sei Tu Vittima
Norma - Recit: Me Chiami, O Norma!
Norma - Duetto: Deh! Con Te
Norma - Duetto: Mira, O Norma...Cedi, Deh Cedi
Norma - Duetto: In Mia Man Alfin Tu Sei
Norma - Finale: Norma! Deh! Norma Scolpati!

Tracks: