0133-2 TOSCA (Puccini)

Those familiar with Birgit Nilsson only in Wagner should sample her Tosca, vocally and interpretively, as good as anyone. Her gleaming silvery voice has ample power and focus to cope with the part, interpretively hers is a passionate, feisty Tosca to be reckoned with. Here she is partnered by a clean-toned, ardent Cavaradossi in Jose Carreras, and Julius Rudel gets a super performance from the orchestra. The sound quality is excellent. Balance favours the orchestra (though Nilsson and Carreras have no difficulty being heard), and every detail is audible. Unfortunately this means the annoying continual throat-clearing in the audience is also audible. (Just as some sitcoms on dvd now have the facility to delete the laugh track, I would love to have these cds with the facility to delete the cough track!) There is no cast list with the cds and though I have found that information it would benefit other collectors. An excellent, most enjoyable performance. Highly recommended!

Those familiar with Birgit Nilsson only in Wagner should sample her Tosca, vocally and interpretively, as good as anyone. Her gleaming silvery voice has ample power and focus to cope with the part, interpretively hers is a passionate, feisty Tosca to be reckoned with. Here she is partnered by a clean-toned, ardent Cavaradossi in Jose Carreras, and Julius Rudel gets a super performance from the orchestra. The sound quality is excellent. Balance favours the orchestra (though Nilsson and Carreras have no difficulty being heard), and every detail is audible. Unfortunately this means the annoying continual throat-clearing in the audience is also audible. (Just as some sitcoms on dvd now have the facility to delete the laugh track, I would love to have these cds with the facility to delete the cough track!) There is no cast list with the cds and though I have found that information it would benefit other collectors. An excellent, most enjoyable performance. Highly recommended!

I was at that performance and indeed it was a memorable evening. And I'm thrilled to be able to experience hearing it again and reliving it in my memory. Thanks to Premiere Opera's service. Bravo!!!!

Stars from two generations meet and make this issue an event for collectors - La Nilsson nicknamed Carreras "my baby Cavaradossi"! Fredricks´ fierce Scarpia rounds up the great line-up - it must have been an evening to remember ... 13th November 1974, NYCO in LA.