Search - Giacomo Puccini, Alberto Erede, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli :: Puccini: La Boheme (Highlights) / Bergonzi, Tebaldi, et al

Essential Recording!

02/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although the complete set is a must and just highlights are not enough to enjoy this jewel, whoever buys this Boheme will experience the unsurpassed performances of Renata Tebaldi and Carlo Bergonzi. Really, who else would you want to hear singing "Mi chiamano Mimi"? She is simply the Mimi to which all others are measured. Mr. Bergonzi, his only studio recording of this role, will bring tears to the most demanding listener. If he was the first to sing "Celeste Aida romantically, imagine what he can do with the role of Rodolfo! But beyond them the supporting cast includes legends such as Ettore Bastianini, Cesare Siepi and the less popular Giana D' Angelo. The conducting is also supreme, handled by a true expert, T. Serafin. After so many years and so many recordings, this Boheme remains my first choice. Get it, and you will see why!"

The Most Beautiful Puccini Recording Ever Made

Joseph Barker | Cincinnati, OH USA | 06/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 1950's gave us the only two possible choices for this much recorded opera. The first is the legendary recording of Sir Thomas Beecham with Jussi Bjoerling and Victoria De Los Angeles. The other is the complete version reviewed here, the most beautifully sung and recorded Puccini performance ever. Bergonzi, as usual, sings with a presence and intelligence that suggests much more than an echo chamber between the ears - unlike so many others. Tullio Serafin, then 78 years old, brings a warmth and beauty to the orchestral playing that is unmatched, and the bit parts contain great singers like Corena and Bastianini. Top all of this off with Renata Tebaldi as Mimi, here making the most beautiful sound ever to come from a human throat. This is a recording that still sounds fresh after more than 40 years, and remains the primary choice over many fine rivals."

One for the Ages

C. C. Newton | Central Coast, California | 09/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to agree with Joseph Barker et al. This is a recording for the ages. I have been listening to it for nearly fifty years now (I think it's the first classical recording I ever bought), and I still thrill with delight (sounds corny but I can't think how else to put it) at the pure physical joy of this perfomance. Renata Tebaldi's Mimi and Carlo Bergonzi's Rudolfo still give me goosebumps, put a lump in my throat, bring tears to my eyes in exactly the way they did in 1959. It soars, man, it soars."