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?
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... more » 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« less
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
David N. (ilikeallmusic) from GADSDEN, AL Reviewed on 7/4/2015...
This recording is what all other recordings of "La Boheme" are compared against. Top 5.0 rating at AMG, Recorded in 1972 with a young Pavarotti. Googled this for other top notch reviews of this recording!! - David N.
CD Reviews
This is an extraordinary experience!!!!!!!
Sabad One | 09/17/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is among the top3 recordings in my opera collection. Really a special experience. I have an Erato recording of La Boheme with Carreras, which is not even getting close to this one. Just buy it! It is really a must have!!!!"
One of the best recordings ever of a magnificent voice that
Sabad One | 09/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am writing this review a few days after the death of Luciano Pavarotti. Even if I do not know music, I like opera, and I love Puccini. This recording is one of the most beautiful I ever heard, and will make it clear, if ever there was any doubt, that we just lost one of the most outstanding artists of the 20th century.
Forget about his incursions in pop music, forget about his late years marriage with a younger woman and forget about his frequent cancellations and all that. Just listen to "Che gelida manina" in this recording and weep... Mirella Freni is an amazing co-star, and her Mimi' is as superb as Pavarotti's Rodolfo. Everyone in this recording is superb. Here you will truly hear Pavarotti at his peak. Nothing less than magical. Indeed the full production is well worth its price, and if you can my recommendation is to purchase that rather than this (still beautiful) abridgment.
For another outstanding recording of the best Pavarotti, try the Turandot from the same label, directed by Mehta, and with an amazing Caballe' in the role of Liu'. Then, you will hear the most memorable "Nessun dorma" you will ever hear.
Thanks Mr Pavarotti for having made this world a better place."
Best All-Around Boheme
Il Condottiero | 04/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!!!
Il Condottiero | 10/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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)."
If you enjoy opera, get this.
Barrie Bracken | Daytona Beach, FL | 08/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My critiques of music are clear and subjective. Do you not like opera? Don't waste your money. Do you really like great music and the art of opera? Give this a try. You will enjoy Puccini. I can find no fault with the recording, no fault, obviously with the music or the vocalists, an uplifting experience. Uplifting is the purpose of fine music, unless you have a savage breast to soothe.
Did I enjoy this? Very much. Will you enjoy it? Only you know. To quote the old advertisement, Try it; you'll like it."