Puccini - La Boheme / Chailly, Gheorghiu, Alagna (Multichannel Hybrid SACD) [Hybrid SACD] [Hybrid SACD]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Get ready to hear Puccini's star-crossed bohemians as you've never heard them before. To be sure, not only is La Bohème probably the most widely performed opera, but it's one of the most frequently recorded, from the superb account under Thomas Beecham to Karajan's famous Decca version (still a best seller after nearly 30 years). And it's precisely because of the opera's popularity that clichés and overromanticized distortions have settled around performance practice. Riccardo Chailly's goal in making yet another Bohème was to clear these away, using a new critical edition of the score and respecting Puccini's own stated views on how the music should sound, how the drama should unfold. The result is a profoundly moving work of restoration that deserves to join the ranks of its formidable predecessors.

To begin with, this Bohème features a young cast--all in their 30s--of some of today's most characterful singers who together convey the necessary vital sense of ensemble. Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna (the couple first met performing the opera at Covent Garden) bring overwhelming chemistry to Mimì and Rodolfo. For once, we hear the arias of their famous encounter in Act I not as set pieces but as part of a larger momentum in which both are swept up. Alagna, with a thrillingly full sound to his top range, portrays a many-faceted Rodolfo, from dreamy poet and ardent lover to the man broken by loss, while Gheorghiu's radiantly sympathetic Mimì is a study in the use of subtle vocal coloring to dramatic effect. Elisabetta Scano sings an unusually light-voiced Musetta, as transparent as a boy soprano--a fascinating contrast to Simon Keenlyside's robust and charismatic Marcello.

Chailly's urgent, unsentimental approach to the score is, quite simply, a revelation, and the story moves forward briskly. His insight into tempo relation between the "big" numbers and transitional sections highlights Puccini's effect of comic high spirits mingling with intense pathos. Whether it's the aching solo cello in "Mi chiamano Mimì" or the impeccable diminuendo of the final tragic bars, Chailly's well-known mastery of detail foregrounds a lucid variety of colors and dynamics from La Scala's orchestra--its first recording of the opera in more than 30 years--that are often neglected in the music. The result is categorically a Bohème for our time. --Thomas May --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Puccini - La Boheme / Chailly, Gheorghiu, Alagna (Multichannel Hybrid SACD), Music, Puccini, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Lsc, Riccardo Chailly, Classical, Classical Music, Italian Romantic Opera, Opera, Opera/Operetta, Orchestral & Symphonic

Puccini - La Bohème / Alagna · Gheorghiu · Scano · Keenlyside · D'Arcangelo · Di Candia · Chailly
Average customer rating:

just a budding opera listener

Disgusting... what a waste of money.

Better for less

Bets La Boheme. Period.

Not to be missed... This is the future of Boheme!!!

Puccini - La Bohème / Alagna · Gheorghiu · Scano · Keenlyside · D'Arcangelo · Di Candia · Chailly
Giacomo Puccini , Riccardo Chailly , Roberto Alagna , Angela Gheorghiu , Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala di Milano , Simon Keenlyside , Elisabetta Scano , Ildebrando D'Arcangelo , and Roberto Di Candia
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gheorghiu, Angela | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:

Puccini - Tosca / Gheorghiu, Alagna, Raimondi, Antonio Pappano (2001 film)

Verdi - La Traviata / Gheorghiu, Lopardo, Nucci, Covent Garden, Solti

Verdi: Il Trovatore; Roberto Alagna/Angela Gheorghiu

Sempre Libera [Hybrid SACD]

Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00001IVPD
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

La Boheme: Quadro primo: Questo Mar Rosso mi ammollisce e assidera (Marcello)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Pensier profondo! (Colline)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Legna!-Sigari!-BordRodolfo) (Marcello) (Colline)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Si puBenoit)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Io resto per terminar larticolo di fondo (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Chi - Scusi (Rodolfo) (Mimi)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Si sente meglio? (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Che gelida manina (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: Si. Mi chiamano MimMimi)
La Boheme: Quadro primo: O soave fanciulla (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro secondo: Aranci, datteri, caldi i marroni! (Venditori)
La Boheme: Quadro secondo: Chi guardi? (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro secondo: Viva Parpignol! (Museta)
La Boheme: Quadro secondo: Oh! - Essa! - Musetta! (Rodolfo) (Schaunard) (Colline) (Marcello)
La Boheme: Quadro secondo: Quando me nvusetta)
La Boheme: Quadro secondo: Chi lha richiesto? (Colline)

Tracks:

La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Ohlle guardie! Aprite! (Spazzaturai)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Sa dirmi, scusi, qualosteria (Mimi)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Mim- Speravo di trovari qui (Marcello) (Mimi)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Marcello, Finalmente! (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Mim una civetta (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Mim tanto malata (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Donde lieta uscl tuo grido damore (Mimi)
La Boheme: Quadro terzo: Dunque roprio finita! (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: In un coup(Marcello)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: O Mimtu pi torni (Rodolfo)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: Gavotta!-Minuetto!-Pavanella!-Fandango! (Colline) (Marcello) (Rodolfo) (Schaunard)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: Cim(Musetta)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: Vecchia zimarra, senti (Colline)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: Sono andati? 'Fingevo di dormire (Mimi)
La Boheme: Quadro quarto: Che avvien?-Nulla. Sto bene (Schaunard) (Mimi)

Amazon.com

Get ready to hear Puccini's star-crossed bohemians as you've never heard them before. To be sure, not only is La Bohème probably the most widely performed opera, but it's one of the most frequently recorded, from the superb account under Thomas Beecham to Karajan's famous Decca version (still a best seller after nearly 30 years). And it's precisely because of the opera's popularity that clichés and overromanticized distortions have settled around performance practice. Riccardo Chailly's goal in making yet another Bohème was to clear these away, using a new critical edition of the score and respecting Puccini's own stated views on how the music should sound, how the drama should unfold. The result is a profoundly moving work of restoration that deserves to join the ranks of its formidable predecessors.

To begin with, this Bohème features a young cast--all in their 30s--of some of today's most characterful singers who together convey the necessary vital sense of ensemble. Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna (the couple first met performing the opera at Covent Garden) bring overwhelming chemistry to Mimì and Rodolfo. For once, we hear the arias of their famous encounter in Act I not as set pieces but as part of a larger momentum in which both are swept up. Alagna, with a thrillingly full sound to his top range, portrays a many-faceted Rodolfo, from dreamy poet and ardent lover to the man broken by loss, while Gheorghiu's radiantly sympathetic Mimì is a study in the use of subtle vocal coloring to dramatic effect. Elisabetta Scano sings an unusually light-voiced Musetta, as transparent as a boy soprano--a fascinating contrast to Simon Keenlyside's robust and charismatic Marcello.

Customer Reviews:

just a budding opera listener.......2006-09-03

Interesting to read all of the succeeding reviews. I would seem to be exposing my lack of musical judgement by admitting that I find Scano's performance exhilarating -- she radiates a tartness & brashness that I associate with Musetta. I wanted to find more recordings of her after listening to this La Boheme, not Alagna or Georghiu. Perhaps this is a result of my inexperience, or perhaps I haven't been influenced by other's opinions (yet).

Disgusting... what a waste of money........2006-05-31

Chailly is the most incompetent conducter! His Manon Lescaut is just as horrific as this Boheme. Do NOT get it, or this one.

First of all, Scano is simply TERRIBLE. Her singing sounds like a sliding violin and she has a really ugly voice. Keenlyside has this really irritating vibrato that won't ever stop. Musetta/Marcello doesn't make any sense to me here. I don't know why Alagna has this very annoying lisp in his pianissimi.

Chailly's orchestration SUCKS. At times the orchestra drowns the singers, like near the end of Act II. His tempi are all screwed up too.

D'Arcangelo and Di Candia are excellent though. Gheorghiu is the reason I bought this opera, and she sings well enough. Though her spinto isn't as moving as in other recordings.

This CD is so bad. I'd rather listen to Bocelli's Boheme. There are so many other recordings of La Boheme that are a great deal better than this one.

Better for less.......2004-11-17

For half the price you could get Tebaldi/Bergonzi/Bastianini/Siepi/Corena - and Piero De Palma - all conducted by Serafin in perfectly decent sound, also on Decca. Or of course de los Angeles/Bjorling/Beecham. Those two are my favorite recordings, but there are other good ones as well. The point? I don't hear anything on this release that surpasses - or equals - several other good recordings of Boheme. Given that it's on Decca, I suppose we should be thankful we didn't get Charlotte Curch and Josh Groban in the lead roles. Alagna and Gheorghiu are far better than that of course, but compared to the competition, they really are second tier artists.

Bets La Boheme. Period........2004-04-26

This is the best La Boheme ever! Period. Better than Karajan's, better than Beecham's. The Beecham is an outstanding performance but it is marred by poor sonics. The Karajan is sooo slooow. As great as that performance is, the tempi drags and the sonics (although in good Decca analogue) cannot compare with THIS!! THIS has the best sound ever - my goodness the sound itself ravishes your ears and carries you forward. Not to mention that Chailly takes appropriate tempi that DO NOT DRAG. But the glory of this set is the incredible tenor of Alagna and the incredible soprano of Gheorghiu. Alagna's voice is gloriously lyrical and beautiful. So beguiling to listen to and he is dramatically alive. Gheorghiu's voice too is exceptionaly beautiful and she is even better than Alagna!! She is simply magic!!

So what are you waiting for, get the best La Boheme ever!! Now!!

Not to be missed... This is the future of Boheme!!!.......2004-03-26

If you've not yet heard this new critical edition of perhaps the world's most beloved opera, purchase it now! This is the "new critical edition" of one of Puccini's finest moments!

Firstly, the sonics of the recording, the orchestra, and the casting (with the exception of Scano, whom is a terrible choice for the fussy, fickle Musetta) is outstanding. Together with the new score, expert conducting, and upbeat tempi (FINALLY!!!), I listened enthralled for the entire length of the opera. Each character is so incredibly believeable, and by the end of Act 4, you'll feel the desolation of their loss. I took a new interest to the often neglected Act 3 since this cast put their hearts into it. I don't care what anyone says, Pavarotti cannot act or put emotion into his Boheme to save his life!!!

The orchestra is perfect in Act 2, which is unusual to hear even in studio recordings because of the difficulty of this act's orchestration and perpetual motion.

Tracks:

Ebben?...Ne Andro Lontana
Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi
O Soave Fanciulla
Ah, Fors'e Lui...Sempre Libera - Frank Lopardo
Pace, Pace, Mio Dio
O Dieu! Que De Bijoux!...Ah! Je Ris De Me Voir Si Belle (Air Des Bijoux)
Celui Dont La Parole Efface Toutes Peines...
Vive Amour Qui Reve (Aubade)
Chiedi All'aura Lusinghiera
Donde Lieta Usci Al Tuo Grido D'amore
Merce, Dilette Amiche
Come In Quest'ora Bruna
Teneste La Promessa...Addio Del Passato
Tacea La NOtte Placida...Di Tale Amor
Muzica

Customer Reviews:

Not enough.......2006-02-20

This album hardly shows up what this gorgeous coloratura can do. It's slow, has a easy listening feel to it, but totally lacks a moment to remember.

Essentially Crap.......2006-01-15

I don't understand this woman's appeal. Honestly I do not get it. Maybe I was just spoiled by my voice teacher who pointed me in the direction of truly great sopranos (Callas, Sutherland, Pons) but I can not find the "beauty" in this woman's voice that is so amazing to others.

Let me tell you a story. When I was 14, I scooped and swooped my way through songs just like Ms. Gheorghiu loves to do (her Sempre Libera and Jewel Song are nothing but that *shudder*). But my vocal teacher trained that habit out of me real quick because scooping and swooping is simply a mark of bad musical technique. My teacher use to say "If you can only get there by scooping, THEN DON'T GO THERE." Good advice for Ms. Gheorghiu.

Honestly she is one of the most boring, bland singers on the market today and this is a bland, boring cd as well. And that's saying a lot 'cas there are a lot of bad sopranos and bad cds floating around in recent years. Personally I am going to stick with the before-I-was-even-born singers such as Callas, Sutherland, Freni, Pons, our recently departed Nilsson, Horne and if I have to choose a Lyric Soprano of today I will gladly take Fleming over Gheorghiu any day of the week. At least Fleming has the intelligence to stay with her lyric roles instead of foolishly trying to sing roles that are completely out of her range. I mean CARMEN?! Ms Gheorghiu, you are NOT Caballe. Which is probably why Gheorghiu also can not pull off Ebben? with any real conviction. Uuuggghhh!

Please!! Buy Fleming or Freni or Callas. Don't waste your time on a second string soprano like Gheorghiu who will lose be forgotten in a few years. She is not worth the money!!!!

Imprescindible: Lo mejor de Angela!.......2004-06-26

Este recopilatorio que propone DECCA es completisimo (78' de musica) y de compra obligada tanto para los amantes de ANGELA GHEORGHIU como para aquellos que aun no la conozcan. El programa incluye fragmentos de Boheme (las dos arias y el duo, con Alagna) La Wally, La Traviata (las dos arias), Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino, Cherubin, Herodiade, Faust, L'elisir d'amore (un duo, de nuevo con Alagna), y la cancion popular 'Muzica'
Las interpretaciones de Gheorghiu son en todos los casos de primerisima fila, destacandose especialmente en 'La Forza del Destino' (antologico su 'Pace, Pace mio Dio'), 'La Traviata' (alocada en 'Sempre libera' y conmovedora en 'Addio del passato') y 'La Wally' (emotiva y desgarradora)
Los acompañamientos son tambien siempre de primer nivel, e insisto, este disco es de compra obligada para todo amante de la opera.
Las grabaciones provienen todas de albums ya editados antes por Decca, entre 1994 y 2000.

One of the best!.......2004-05-27

This is a wonderfully put together compilation displaying some of her best performances. The selections from Traviata are fine examples of what put her on the map. Her aria from Forza is stunning. And she is a wonderful Mimi. I think this CD explains what all the raves have been about. For those who don't know her work this CD would be a great place to begin. I am a huge fan so I am biased. However I do think she one of the best singers and actress singers working in opera today. I highly recommend this CD!

Puccini - La Boheme / Chailly, Gheorghiu, Alagna (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)

Average customer rating:

just a budding opera listener
Disgusting... what a waste of money.
Better for less
Bets La Boheme. Period.
Not to be missed... This is the future of Boheme!!!

Puccini - La Boheme / Chailly, Gheorghiu, Alagna (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Puccini , Roberto Alagna , Angela Gheorghiu , Lsc , and Riccardo Chailly
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Puccini - Tosca / Gheorghiu, Alagna, Raimondi, Antonio Pappano (2001 film)
Verdi - La Traviata / Gheorghiu, Lopardo, Nucci, Covent Garden, Solti
Verdi: Il Trovatore; Roberto Alagna/Angela Gheorghiu
Sempre Libera [Hybrid SACD]
Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00008RBJE
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Questo Mar Rosso Mi Ammollisce E Assidera - Simon Keenlyside
Pensier Profondo! - Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
Legna! - Sigari! - Bordo! - Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
Si Puo? - Alfredo Mariotti
Lo Resto Per Terminar L'articolo Di Fondo - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Chi E La?! - Scusi - Angela Gheorghiu
Si Sente Meglio? - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Che Gelida Manina - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
O Soave Fanciulla - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Aranci, Datteri, Caldi I Marroni! - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Chi Guardi? - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Viva Parpignol! - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Oh! - Essa! - Musetta! - Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
Quando Me N'vo - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Chi L'ha Richiesto? - Ildebrando D'Arcangelo

Tracks:

Ohe, La, Le Guardie! Aprite! - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Sa Dirmi, Scusi, Qual'e L'osteria - Angela Gheorghiu
Mimi! - Speravo Di Trovarvi Qui - Angela Gheorghiu
Marcello. Finalmente! - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Mimi E Una Civetta - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Mimi E Tanto Malata - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Donde Lieta Usci Al Tuo Grido D'amore - Angela Gheorghiu
Dunque E Proprio Finita! - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
In Un Coupe? - Simon Keenlyside
O Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Gavotta! - Minuetto! - Pavanella! - Fandango! - Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
C'e Mimi! - Coro Del Teatro Alla Scala Di Milano
Vecchia Zimarra, Senti - Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
Sono Andati? Fingevo Di Dormire - Angela Gheorghiu
Che Avvien? - Nulla. Sto Bene - Angela Gheorghiu

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

just a budding opera listener.......2006-09-03

Disgusting... what a waste of money........2006-05-31

Better for less.......2004-11-17

Bets La Boheme. Period........2004-04-26

So what are you waiting for, get the best La Boheme ever!! Now!!

Not to be missed... This is the future of Boheme!!!.......2004-03-26

If you've not yet heard this new critical edition of perhaps the world's most beloved opera, purchase it now! This is the "new critical edition" of one of Puccini's finest moments!

The orchestra is perfect in Act 2, which is unusual to hear even in studio recordings because of the difficulty of this act's orchestration and perpetual motion.

My only qualm is with the casting of Elisabetta Scano. I cringe when I hear Musetta's "Quando me'n vo'" as she is used to singing Mozart, not dramatic, flashy, brash Puccini roles. Other than that, this CD is perfect!

Puccini / Alagna / Gheorghiu / Chailly- La Boheme, 2 Cd's
Average customer rating:
Puccini / Alagna / Gheorghiu / Chailly- La Boheme, 2 Cd's

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Classical
Binding: Audio CD

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000LNVV0O