Search - Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Herbert von Karajan :: Wiener Staatsoper Live - Puccini: La Boheme / von Karajan

This is part of RCA's Wiener Staatsoper Live series, and there's a perverse kick to be had in hearing the Act II ensemble of this opera fall apart under the direction of the usually dour perfectionist Herbert von Karajan. Perhaps he really was human! Surely, there's no question about that on the matter of Mirella Freni, the Mimi of this set. If anyone ever questions her stature in the opera world, this 1963 performance should silence all detractors. Not only is the voice pure velvet, but there's not a warmer-hearted Mimi to be heard in this opera's extensive discography. Also notable is Hilde Guden, the Viennese soubrette who brings a distinctive lilt and great personality to the role of Musetta. For some opera fans, these two could be worth the set's budget price. There's also some luxurious casting in the minor roles, such as Giuseppe Taddei as Schaunard, but the Rodolfo, Gianni Raimondi, is workmanlike (a nice way of saying the high notes sound strangulated). --David Patrick Stearns