Search - Giacomo Puccini, Erich Leinsdorf, RCA Italiana Orchestra :: Puccini: Madama Butterfly [Hybrid SACD]

Superb Remastering

Mark Hite | Columbus, OH | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of Madama Butterfly is one of my all time favorites. It was one of the first records that I bought myself in the early 1970's. Since then I have acquired original 1963 LP pressings, UK-made LP's, the the original R2R tape, and the old CD issue, all in hopes of finding the best sounding edition. Up till now, the Reel-Reel tape was the best, apparently avoiding the some of the dull Dynagroove equalization that RCA imposed on this and most of its subsequent 1960's releases.



Now here is where the DSD/SACD mastering has proved its worth! This disc reveals a master recording of breadth and subtlety, the equal of any of the "Living Stereo" era recordings. The 3D soundstage is spacious, the orchestra warm and detailed, and the voices exquisitely clear and vivid. All of this is in a sound environment that is never forced or harsh. I think one can safely say that we have never truly heard this beautiful performance in all of its glory until now.



In previous releases that I have heard in this Living Stereo SACD series, I found the sound either to be a little flat compared to the original LP's, or somewhat aggressive and "in-your-face" in a way that the magnificent "Living Stereo" LP's never were. This issue is just the opposite. Compared to these magnificent CD's, the old LP and R2R versions still sound good, but a little flat, two-dimensional, and lacking in detail compared to the SACD. Maybe the RCA/BMG SACD series has found its real value in revealing the true beauty of "Dynagroove"-era recordings that RCA previously offered only in over-equalized versions. I hope to see many more on SACD, including the best recordings that Leinsdorf made with the Boston Symphony. An SACD of the Leinsdorf/Boston "Lohengrin" is something to truly dream for.



Don't hesitate to buy this disc. The sumptious and heart-felt performances of Price and Tucker along with the flexible idiomatic orchestral performance have long made this a classic. Now we can hear it on CD in all its magnificence. For those who don't have SACD capability, the CD layer is also derived from the new DSD master and is very fine, well worth the reasonable price.



The packaging is bare-bones, with links to an online libretto for downloading. The booklet does reprint the original 1962 notes; but there are no photos or new notes regarding the artists, recording, or the remastering. There is just a generic technical essay that is included in all of the SACD releases. Still, at this price, who's complaining? Highest recommendation!"

The SACD reissue of Leontyne Price's "Butterfly"

John D. Truslow | Boston MA | 11/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If your stereo system is sophisticated enough to reveal the differences between CD issues of performances and the SACD reissues of the same material, and if you love Leontyne Price's early performances, then you should rush to get this. (There are 3 other Living Stereo operas now also available as SACDs: "Turandot," "La Boheme," and "La Traviata." These are also perfectly gorgeous.) The improvement made by remastering this opera set (and the other three) brings the sound very, very close to that of really good vinyl - but without the surface noise, ticks, and pops."

Where is the second disc??

pwg421 | Orange, TX. USA | 12/05/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, I got this a while back. I loved it. the sound is incredible and the music, of course as well. Heres the problem. This is a two disc set. Disc one is labeled Act 1 and 2. Disc two is labeled continuation of act 2 and act 3. Disc one is supposed to be 60min and 45 sec. disc 2 is supposed to be 68 min and 44 sec. BOTH DISC ARE THE SAME!!! BOTH READ 60 MIN AND 45 SEC. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE LABELED ONE AND TWO. THEY ARE THE SAME. I discovered this and sent it back and Amazon was great about replacing the disc. I just received the replacement and it's the same deal! Obviously, the problem goes back to the manufacture, so who do I call now? Beware if you get this and check it out when you receive it."