Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Berlin Phil., Karajan [Highlights]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
These excerpts were taken from the recording that has established itself as the standard by which all others should be measured. Herbert von Karajan's orchestra is no less than perfect, as much a virtuosic performer as the singers, evoking each moment's unique mood. Can there be any doubt that Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni were born to sing Puccini? Their sweet, creamy voices splendidly blend, creating a complete aural portrait of the bohemians' souls. Elizabeth Harwood is a wonderfully high-strung Musetta, with the vocal talent to support her many moods. After hearing these highlights, you won't be able to resist the whole set, which is the greatest recording ever of the world's most beloved opera. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Tracks:

La Boheme, Act 1: Non sono in vena
La Boheme, Act 1: Che gelida manima
La Boheme, Act 1: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi
La Boheme, Act 1: O soave fanciulla
La Boheme, Act ll: La commedia e stupenda.... Quando me'n vo'
La Boheme, Act lll: O mia vita!... Donde lieta usci
La Boheme, Act lll: Dunque e proprio finita
La Boheme, Act IV: In un coupe?... O mimi, tu piu non torni
La Boheme, Act IV: Vecchia zimarra
La Boheme, Act IV: Sono andati
La Boheme, Act IV: Che avvien?

Amazon.com essential recording

These excerpts were taken from the recording that has established itself as the standard by which all others should be measured. Herbert von Karajan's orchestra is no less than perfect, as much a virtuosic performer as the singers, evoking each moment's unique mood. Can there be any doubt that Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni were born to sing Puccini? Their sweet, creamy voices splendidly blend, creating a complete aural portrait of the bohemians' souls. Elizabeth Harwood is a wonderfully high-strung Musetta, with the vocal talent to support her many moods. After hearing these highlights, you won't be able to resist the whole set, which is the greatest recording ever of the world's most beloved opera. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Opera.......2007-07-07

I ordered this after I heard Paul Potts perform a song from this opera on "Britain's Got Talent". He won, by the way, performing it beautifully.

Best All-Around Boheme.......2007-04-11

Karajan's 1973 stereo version is the best all-around Boheme available. It stars his favorite soprano, Mirella Freni, and a young Luciano Pavarotti at his peak (unlike his post-climatic self these last decades). There is no faulting this version and an ideal way to explore Puccini and Italian opera generally.

Tebaldi=95% perfect, Freni=110% perfect!!!.......2003-10-12

I second what Des Greux said, although I own a set of highlights of Tebaldi (with Bergonzi) in Boheme and feel that it is very close to ideal. In my mind Freni will always be the perfect Mimi, with her perfect phrasing, vocal acting, and pure tones. What more the timbre of her voice optimally suggests a character of vulnerability. Tebaldi sings Mimi very well, but one can't help feeling her big, full voice to suggest health rather than tuberculosis. I enjoy both Freni and Tebaldi in the role of Mimi, but Freni is a step higher. As for Beecham/Bjorling/De Los Angeles. I'd say that version is 90% perfect. I like Los Angeles as Mimi, but she really doesn't hold a candle to Freni OR Tebaldi (or even Callas).

Incredible!.......2003-04-06

The reviewer that criticized Freni doesn't know anything about singing. Freni can sing circles around Tebaldi. This is the best Boheme available. However, get the complete recording. You won't want to miss anything!

a great recording, but what about Beecham?.......2001-09-18

there is little doubt that this is a great recording, but don't let the editorial review blind you to the fact that there is considerable dispute over whether this is the "greatest recording ever" of this opera. Beecham's classic 1950s recording with De Los Angeles and Bjorling is very much in contention. Beecham's vocal performances are superior, and even though it is in mono this does not detract from the sheer quality of the recording. I have both sets, and enjoy the differing qualities of each, Karajan's orchestra is better, but then again opera is all about voice....listen to both sets, it will give you more perspectives of this wonderful opera.

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