What Opera Are You Listening to Now?

[Autumn Leaves]

Just purchased this set, starting with: La Boheme.

Good stuff that looks like a nice set (I noticed it may have gone OOP as it is now very expensive..).
Do you think "Webernian" will ask you for a recommendation about this one? (j/k sort of.. ).
I purchased the Stereo version of Tebaldi's La Boheme on Decca earlier in the week - is that the one you are listening to?.
Anyway would love to know what you think of it..

[mc ukrneal]

Good stuff that looks like a nice set (I noticed it may have gone OOP as it is now very expensive..).
Do you think "Webernian" will ask you for a recommendation about this one? (j/k sort of.. ).
I purchased the Stereo version of Tebaldi's La Boheme on Decca earlier in the week - is that the one you are listening to?.
Anyway would love to know what you think of it..

You didn't ask me but it's a very fine version with Tebaldi and Bergonzi. I very much like the contrast of Bergonzi with Pavarotti/Bjorling. Bergonzi has such a sweet voice here. Sound isn't ideal, but Serafin does a wonderful job with the orchestra and crafting the ideal atmosphere. It does have a very Italian feel, full of nuance (something I miss from Pav/Freni/Karajan at times, as beautiful as that one is).

[Autumn Leaves]

You didn't ask me but it's a very fine version with Tebaldi and Bergonzi. I very much like the contrast of Bergonzi with Pavarotti/Bjorling. Bergonzi has such a sweet voice here. Sound isn't ideal, but Serafin does a wonderful job with the orchestra and crafting the ideal atmosphere. It does have a very Italian feel, full of nuance (something I miss from Pav/Freni/Karajan at times, as beautiful as that one is).

Thanks neal I appreciate your response - I have been trawling this section of the forum lately and I remember you responded (or were the OP?) of the thread about the passing of Bergonzi a few years back.
I have a few of his recordings already and think them to be excellent - I am really looking forward to that recording of La Boheme now! .

[Autumn Leaves]

Recent listening:



Listened to Act 1 from this recording for the first time - I loved it! (a predictable response perhaps): At this stage I am saying that it's as good as it's reputation would suggest.

Now playing:



Picking up (from a little bit before) were I left off yesterday..

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

Birtwistle's early operatic masterpiece

[Autumn Leaves]

Now playing:



Giving this work another listen - enjoying it so far (though I suspect it will take me many more listens to get the most out of it).

Later:



Will be listening to this work for the first time (not sure if I will have time for all of it today so possibly to be continued..).

[anothername]

Thanks neal I appreciate your response - I have been trawling this section of the forum lately and I remember you responded (or were the OP?) of the thread about the passing of Bergonzi a few years back.
I have a few of his recordings already and think them to be excellent - I am really looking forward to that recording of La Boheme now! .

As the rest is already be commented  by others, I only can say,buy it, he was one of the best tenors the world ever seen, no matter what anyone else saying.Just remeber one of the Met gala's where he sung in his 70ties, and still as  clears as crystal .

[Autumn Leaves]

As the rest is already be commented  by others, I only can say,buy it, he was one of the best tenors the world ever seen, no matter what anyone else saying.Just remeber one of the Met gala's where he sung in his 70ties, and still as  clears as crystal .

I purchased the recording already - I was just curious to know what you thought about it (as you are endorsing it that would seem to answer my question however so thanks ).

[Jaakko Keskinen]

That Sawallisch recording of Lohengrin was the first one I heard and I'm afraid that it was the reason for my lack of enthusiasm for the opera back then. When I heard Kempe's on the other hand, I fell in love with it.

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

I highly recommend Sir Mark Elder's recording of Lohengrin. The best I've heard, particularly the cast.

[Autumn Leaves]

That Sawallisch recording of Lohengrin was the first one I heard and I'm afraid that it was the reason for my lack of enthusiasm for the opera back then. When I heard Kempe's on the other hand, I fell in love with it.

I highly recommend Sir Mark Elder's recording of Lohengrin. The best I've heard, particularly the cast.

Alright Guys - thanks for your replies and suggestions .
Im finding the Sawallisch acceptable so far - Im a bit wary of getting more Wagner recordings ATM (as I have a lot unlistened to) but yes, I'll keep your recommendations in mind.

[Autumn Leaves]

Now playing:



Continuing with this recording - now listening to Act 3.

[kishnevi]

Found this in the used CD shop for $5.99.
Never heard of this early Rossini (1812).  But Amazon reveals there are four other recordings, plus a DVD.  This apparently was the first recording, on Vanguard, and includes Jose Carreras.
.
Initial impression: If you like Rossini, get one of the recordings, although I doubt you need more than one.

Wikipedia article including plot summary
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_pietra_del_paragone

[anothername]

I am going to sit down and watch this stunning Rusalka.

[Autumn Leaves]

Now playing:



This just arrived a couple of hours ago and now listening for the first time.
Almost finished the first Disc and enjoying it so far - Bergonzi and Tebaldi are great! .

[Tsaraslondon]

Fantastic transfer of this famous performance, a performance which changed the face of operatic history. This is absolutely where the bel canto revival started.

Callas is in fabulous form, and, though the opera is heavily cut, none of the Annas in the various studios sets (Sutherland, Sills, Souliotis, Gruberova) comes within a mile of her vocal and dramatic acumen and her supreme musicality. In the words of Richard Fairman in Opera on Record III, "she alone, of latter-day artists, has the power to grasp the emotional crux of every line and put it across."

Without doubt one of the most thrilling nights in Callas's career.

Review on my blog here https://tsaraslondon.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/anna-bolena-la-scala-milan-april-14-1957/

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

An oldie but a goody



The world premiere recording of Lear. I'll compare with a more recent one soon I hope.

[anothername]

Now playing:



This just arrived a couple of hours ago and now listening for the first time.
Almost finished the first Disc and enjoying it so far - Bergonzi and Tebaldi are great! .

Did you buy the whole Tebaldi box or separated recordings?

[kishnevi]

Gluck as adapted by Wagner.



Just beginning, so it's hard to say what changes Wagner made.

[Autumn Leaves]

Now playing: