Search - Giacomo Puccini, Erich Leinsdorf, Fernando Corena :: Puccini: Tosca (highlights)

Classic Tosca

Michel | Montreal, Quebec | 06/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those old-fashioned opera recording that I just find irresistable. Jussi Bjorling is in radiant voice and impassioned mood quite simply the best Cavaradossi on record. Zinka Milanov may be a little mature for Tosca but offers long stretches of beautiful and heartfelt singing. Leonard Warren is also in superb voice. His Scarpia is insiduously creepy. The recording is quite good for its age (1957). A very fine set of a great opera with great singers."

Tosca--A Bel Canto Performance?

Earl L. Langguth | Grass Valley, CA USA | 06/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tosca is usually thought of as a soprano's opera, and Milanov sings as well or better here than on any other complete opera recording in which she participates; but the real glory of this recording is in the two male voices. Jussi Bjoerling is at his lyric best, singing with glorious tone and superb artistry. This might indeed have been expected. But Leonard Warren sings the role of Scarpia with astounding power and unrivaled vocal beauty. He is here not "the best baritone since Ruffo" but simply the best which we have ever heard. The recording is well paced and beautifully recorded. Its current number is RCAV 09026-63305."