Mani Giunte [CD-single] [Import]

1. Con Mani Giunte

2. Verso Casa (Versione Acustica Archi E Piano)

3. Qualcosa Da Fumare

Tracks:

TOSCA: Act I: Ah!...Finalmente!
TOSCA: Act I: E sempre lava!
TOSCA: Act I: Recondita armonia
TOSCA: Act I: Vo! Cavaradossi
TOSCA: Act I: Mario! Mario! Mario!
TOSCA: Act I: Non la sospiri la nostra casetta
TOSCA: Act I: Or lasciami al lavoro
TOSCA: Act I: Ah, quegli occhi!...
TOSCA: Act I: E buona la mia Tosca
TOSCA: Act I: Tutta qui la cantoria!
TOSCA: Act I: Un tal baccano in chiesa
TOSCA: Act I: Tosca? Che non mi veda
TOSCA: Act I: Tre sbirri, una carrozza

Tracks:

TOSCA: Act II: Tosca e buon falco!
TOSCA: Act II: O galantuomo
TOSCA: Act II: Sale, ascende l'uman cantico
TOSCA: Act II: Ov'e Angelotti?
TOSCA: Act II: Ed or fra noi parliam
TOSCA: Act II: Orsu, Tosca, parlate
TOSCA: Act II: Nel pozzo...nel giardino...
TOSCA: Act II: Floria!...Amore...
TOSCA: Act II: Vittoria! Vittoria!...
TOSCA: Act II: Quanto?...Quanto? Il prezzo!...
TOSCA: Act II: Odi? E il tamburo
TOSCA: Act II: Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore
TOSCA: Act II: Vedi...le man giunte io stendo a te
TOSCA: Act II: E qual via scegliete?
TOSCA: Act II: Tosca, finalmente mia!...
TOSCA: Act III: Introduction
TOSCA: Act III: lo de'sospiri...
TOSCA: Act III: Mario Cavaradossi? A voi.
TOSCA: Act III: E lucevan le stelle...
TOSCA: Act III: Ah! Franchigia a Floria Tosca...
TOSCA: Act III: Il tuo sangue o il mio amore volea...
TOSCA: Act III: O dolci mani
TOSCA: Act III: Senti...l'ora e vicina
TOSCA: Act III: Amaro sol per te m'era il morire
TOSCA: Act III: Come e lunga l'attesa!
TOSCA: Act III: Presto, su! Mario! Mario!

Customer Reviews:

Thoroughly enjoyable 'Tosca'.......2000-06-11

A fine performance, with thoroughbred Italian 'gusto' all round. Especially good performances from Miricioiu as Tosca and Carroli's extremely 'physical' Scarpia. At the price, this would make a valuable addition to any operatic collection.

Average customer rating:

Puccini: Tosca (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002924
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

TOSCA: Sante Ampolle! Il Suo Ritratto
TOSCA: Mario! Mario! Mario!
TOSCA: Non La Sospiri
TOSCA: Ah, Quegli Occhi! ... Qual' Occhio Al Mondo
TOSCA: Tre Sbirri ... Una Carrozza
TOSCA: Aprite Le Porte Che N'Oda I Lamenti
TOSCA: Nel Pozzo Del Giardino
TOSCA: Salvatelo! ... Io? ... Vo!
TOSCA: Se La Giurata Fede
TOSCA: Vissi d'Arte
TOSCA: Vedi, le Man Giunte
TOSCA: E Qual Via Scegliete?
TOSCA: Io de' Sospiri
TOSCA: Mario Cavaradossi?
TOSCA: E Lucuvan le Stelle
TOSCA: Ah! Franchigia a Floria Tosca
TOSCA: Oh Dolce Mani
TOSCA: Senti ... l'Ora Vicina
TOSCA: E Non Giungono
TOSCA: COme Lunga l'Attesa!
TOSCA: Presto, Su! Mario! Mario!

Puccini: Tosca (Highlights) (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Average customer rating:

Puccini: Tosca (Highlights) (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000066CQI
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Ah! Finalmente!
E Sempre Lava!
Angelus Domini Nuntiavit Mariae
Dammi I Colori
Recondita Armonia
Ma Con Quei Cani Di Volterriani
Mario! Mario! Mario!...Son Qui
Ora Stammi A Sentir
Non La Sospiri, La Nostra Casetta
Or Lasciami Al Lavoro
Ah, Quehli Occhi...Quale Occhio Al Mondo
Mia Gelosa!
Egli Vedi Ch'io Piango
Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza
Tosca E Un Buon Falco!
Ha Piu Forte Sapore La Conquista Violenta
Orsu, Tosca, Parlate
Floria!...Amore
Nel Pozzo...Del Giardino. Va, Spoletta!
L'alba Vindice Appar
La Povera Mia Cena Fu Interotta
Quanto?...Il Prezzo!
Se La Giurata Fede Debbo Tradir...Dia Mi Struggea L'amor
Come Tu M'odii!
Vissi D'arte
Risolvi?...Vedi, Le Man Giunte Io Stendo A Te!
Chi E La?
Lo Tenni La Promessa...
Tosca, Finalmente Mia!
Or Gli Perdono!
Orchestra
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Ah! Franchigia A Floria Tosca
Il Tuo sangue O Il Mio Amore Volea
O Dolci Mani Mansuete E Pure
Senti, L'ora E Vicina
Amaro Sol Per Te M'era Il Morire
E Non Giungono...
Come E Lunga L'Attesa!
Presto! Su, Mario!

Average customer rating:

Excellent introduction to Tebaldi's art
Wonderfull
Classic Renata

Classic Puccini Recordings
Puccini , and Tebaldi
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Andrea Chenier
The Complete Recordings, 1902-1920 (Box Set)
Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
Puccini: Turandot

ASIN: B00006IU8W
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Album Details

Italian Soprano Renata Tebaldi was One of the Most Important Post-war Sopranos to Tackle a Wide Range of Puccini Roles, and During the 1950s She Recorded Several Complete Opera Recordings. Some of the Operas were Recorded Twice — in Mono and Then in Stereo. Amongst Those which Tebaldi Committed to Disc in the Recording Studio on Two Occasions Must Be Included La Bohème and Madama Butterfly. It is the Earlier, Mono Recordings of These Two Operas which Are Included Here and They Reveal a Fresh-voiced Tebaldi in Recordings Which, Despite the Stereo Remakes, have Stood the Test of Time.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent introduction to Tebaldi's art.......2005-09-29

This set covers the entire productive years of Tebaldi's recording career. Turandot, Butterfly and Boheme are from her earlier career while Tosca is from her later career. Since this Tosca recording is now out of print and is somewhat hard to find, this recording itself almost worth the cost of the set. In Turandot, you will find Tebaldi at her fresher voice, lovely and melting. Eventhough I would still rate Callas' first recorded Tosca as my first choice, this Tosca comes very close. Enjoy.

Wonderfull.......2005-08-19

Fantastic recordings at a very good price. Tebaldi and Del Monaco rule. You should definetely own this set.

Classic Renata.......2005-03-16

To say that these 12 disks contain some of the finest singing ever committed to disk is no exaggeration, but a simple statement of fact. Historical fact. In the 100 years (more or less) that Puccini operas have been around, only a few sopranos in each generation have been the equal of Renata Tebaldi. One cannot objectively say that anyone has surpassed her. Some opera lovers find her peerless in many of these performances. Personal tastes in singers vary, but no one ever sang these roles better. Few anywhere nearly so well. There is not a single note on any of these recordings that is not heartfelt to the core of her being. Like Maria Callas and Franco Corelli, she was luminous, gargantuan in her talent that personified an age. This is one of the great compilations.

Average customer rating:

An Outstanding Performance
A truly sensatinal journey with Puccini

Puccini: Tosca (Highlights)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Verdi: Aida (Highlights)

ASIN: B00004ZDLF
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Act I: Ah! Finalmente! - John Cheek/Renato Capecchi/Placido Domingo
Act I: Dammi I Colori! - Placido Domingo/Renato Capecchi
Act I: Mario! Mario! Mario! - Renata Scotto/Placido Domingo
Act I: Ah, Quegli Occhi! - Placido Domingo/Renata Scotto
Act I: Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza - Renata Bruson/Andrea Velis
Act II: Orsu, Tosca, Parlate - Renato Bruson/Renata Scotto/Placido Domingo
Act II: Floria!...Amore - Placido Domingo/Renata Scotto/Renato Bruson
Act II: Vittoria! Vittoria! - Placido Domingo/Renata Scotto/Renato Bruson
Act II: Se La Giurata Fede - Renato Bruson/Renata Scotto
Act II: Vissi D'Arte - Renata Scotto
Act II: Vedi, La Man Giunte Io Stendo A Te! - Renata Scotto/Renato Bruson/Andrea Velis
Act II: E Qual Via Scegliete? - Renato Bruson/Renata Scotto
Act III: Io De' Sospiri - Dominick Martinez
Act III: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
Act III: Franchigia A Floria Tosca - Placido Domingo/Renata Scotto
Act III: O Dolce Mani - Placido Domingo/Renata Scotto
Act III: E Non Giungono - Renata Scotto/Placido Domingo/Itzhak Perlman
Act III: Com' E Lunga L'attesa! - Renata Scotto
Act III: Presto, Su! Mario! - Renata Scotto/Paul Hudson/Andrea Velis

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Performance.......2001-07-17

I possess the complete version of this recording and I am still astounded by the outstanding singing on this recording. Renata Scotto is considerably well suited to many Puccini roles and this recording proves to be one of her greatest. However, I warn the uniniated that Scotto's has a very large vibrato and if you don't want to hear her sing "Vissi d'arte" with it, then don't buy this.

Alongside her, in the role of her beloved Cavaradossi, Placido Domingo gives an excellent performance. His "E Lucevan e stelle" is one of the most moving that I have heard and stands right along with Giuseppe di Stefano in the classic 1953 recording with Maria Callas and Tito Gobbi.

However, I reserve my praise for the Scarpia on this CD. Renato Bruson gives us an astounding, spine-tingling interpretation of one of the greatest villains in opera. When he sings his great aria at the end of Act I (Tre Sbirri una carozza) one feels one's spine tingling. With all the other interpretations that I have heard over many years on the radio and in the theater, this interpretation still stands out as one of the best and most accurate.

James Levine leads the orchestra with great verve and his insight into the score is undeniable particularly in the many lyric passages of this opera.

An excellent recording of the highest order!

A truly sensatinal journey with Puccini.......2001-01-07

Tosca's premier was held in 1900, that is a century ago. The love story of Tosca and Cavaradossi is still alive in every opera fan's heart. I recommend this CD to every one who loves Opera or just enjoy the story of the young and fair Tosca. One of the best aria performance in ACT II,.

Average customer rating:

Tosca:Corelli,Gordoni, D'Orazi, Morelli

Manufacturer: Bel Canto Society
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Franco Corelli: Voices of the Opera Series

ASIN: B00004YWTK
Release Date: 2000-12-19

Tracks:

Ah! Finalmente! - Silvio Maionica
Che Fai? - Franco Corelli
Dammi I Colori! - Franco Corelli
Recondita Armonia - Franco Corelli
Eccellenza, Vado - VIRGILIO CARBONARI
Mario! Mario! Son Qui! - Franco Corelli
Or Lasciami Al Lavoro - Franco Corelli
Qual Occhio Al Mondo - Franco Corelli
Mia Gelosa - Franco Corelli
E Buona La Mia Tosca - Franco Corelli
Scarpia...La Vita Mi Costasse - Franco Corelli
Sommo Giubilo, Eccellenza - VIRGILIO CARBONARI
Un Tal Baccano In Chiesa - Attilio d'Orazi
Mario! Mario! - Virginia Gordoni
Dio Mi Perdona - Virginia Gordoni
Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza - Attilio d'Orazi
Tosca E Un Buon Falco - Attilio d'Orazi
Tal Violenza! - Franco Corelli
Dunque Per Compiacervi - Virginia Gordoni
Orsu, Tosca, Parlate - Attilio d'Orazi
Vi Sfido! - Franco Corelli
Floria - Franco Corelli
Vittoria! Vittoria! - Franco Corelli
Gia Mi Dicon Venal - Attilio d'Orazi
Come Tu M'odi - Attilio d'Orazi

Tracks:

Vissi D'arte - Virginia Gordoni
Vedi, Le Man Giunte - Virginia Gordoni
Tosca, Finalmente Mia! - Attilio d'Orazi
E Avanti A Lui Tremava - Virginia Gordoni
Io De'sospiri - Walter Giorgi
Mario Cavaradossi? A Voi - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma/Edgardo Eggaddi
No. Ma Un'ultima Grazia - Franco Corelli
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Franco Corelli
O Dolci Baci - Franco Corelli
Le Belle Forme Disciogliea - Franco Corelli
Bis [Encore]! Franco!! (Audience) - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma
Scarpia Che Cede? - Franco Corelli
Dolci Mani - Franco Corelli
Senti, L'ora E Vicina - Virginia Gordoni
Amaro Sol Per Te - Franco Corelli
E Non Giungono - Virginia Gordoni
Parlami Ancor - Franco Corelli
Trionfal - Franco Corelli
L'ora - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma
Come E Lunga L'attesa - Virginia Gordoni
Applause - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma
Bis (Encore)! Franco!! - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma
Core 'Ngrato - Franco Corelli
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma
Core 'Ngrato - Chor Of The Teatro Regio Di Parma

Album Description

(Parma, Jan. 21, 1967, live). Corelli, Gordoni, D'Orazi, Carbonari, Maionica; Morelli; Chor. and Orch. of the Teatro Regio di Parma.

Tracks:

Norma - Cavatine
Norma - Recit: Fine Al Rito E Il Sacro Bosco. & Cabalette: Ah! Bello A Me Ritorna
Norma - Scene & Duetto: Oh! Rimembranza!...Lo Fui Cosi
Norma - Finale: Oh Non Tremare
Norma - Trio: Oh Di Qual Sei Tu Vittima
Norma - Recit: Me Chiami, O Norma!
Norma - Duetto: Deh! Con Te
Norma - Duetto: Mira, O Norma...Cedi, Deh Cedi
Norma - Duetto: In Mia Man Alfin Tu Sei
Norma - Finale: Norma! Deh! Norma Scolpati!

Tracks:

Lucia Di Lammermoor - Cavatine: Regnava Nel Silenzio
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Sulla Tomba Che Rinserra
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Qui Di Sposa Eterna Fede...Ah! Soltanto Il Nostro Foco
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Ah! Verranno A Te Sull'aure
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Recitatif: Appressati, Lucia
Lucia Di Lammermoor - II Pallor Funesto, Orrendo
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Soffriva Ne Pianto...Un Folle T'accese
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Che Fia?... Suonar Di Giubilo
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Se Tradirmi Tu Potrai...Tu Che Vedi Il Pianto Mio
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Dov'e Lucia?...Qui Giungere or La Vedrem
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Piange La Madre Estinta
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Chi Mi Frena In Tal Momento?
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Eccola!
Lucia Di Lammermoor - II Dolce Suono
Lucia Di Lammermoor - Spargi D'amaro Pianto

Tracks:

La Traviata - Brindisi: Libiamo
La Traviata - Duo: Un Di Felice, Eterea
La Traviata - Ebben? Che Diavol Fate?
La Traviata - E Strano! E Strano!
La Traviata - Ah, fors'e Lui
La Traviata - Follie! Follie!
La Traviata - Sempre Libera
La Traviata - Pura Siccome Un Angelo
La Traviata - Non Sapete Quale Affetto
La Traviata - Un Di, Quando Le Veneri
La Traviata - Ah! Dite Alla Giovine
La Traviata - Imponete... Non Amarlo Ditegli
La Traviata - Morro! Morro! La Mia Memoria
La Traviata - Teneste La Promessa
La Traviata - Addio Del Passato
La Traviata - Parigi, O Cara
La Traviata - Ah, Non Piu
La Traviata - Ah! Gran Dio! Morir Si Giovine
La Traviata - Ah, Violetta
La Traviata - Prendi, Quest'e L'immagine
La Traviata - Se Una Pudica Vergine

Tracks:

Madama Butterfly - Viene La Sera
Madama Butterfly - Bimba Dagli Occhi Pieni Di Malia
Madama Butterfly - Vogliatemi Bene
Madama Butterfly - Air: Un Bel Di Vedremo
Madama Butterfly - Ora A Noi
Madama Butterfly - E Questo? E Questo?
Madama Butterfly - Che Tua Madre Dovra
Madama Butterfly - Va Via!
Madama Butterfly - Scuoti Quella Fronda Di Ciliegio
Madama Butterfly - Or Vieni Ad Adornar
Madama Butterfly - Choeur A Bouche Fermee Choeur
Madama Butterfly - Duo: Gia Il Sole!
Madama Butterfly - Air: Con Onor Muore

Tracks:

Tosca - Gente La Dentro!
Tosca - Mario! Mario!
Tosca - Ah, Quegli Occhi... Qual Occhio Al Mondo
Tosca - Floria! Amore!
Tosca - Se La Giurata Fede Debo Tradir
Tosca - Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore
Tosca - Vedi, Ecco, Vedi, Le Man Giunte Io Stendo A Te
Tosca - E Qual Via Scegliete?
Tosca - E Lucevan Le Stelle
Tosca - Ah! Franchigia A Floria Tosca
Tosca - O Dolci Mani
Tosca - E Non Giungono
Tosca - Com' E Lunga L'attesa
Tosca - Presto! Su, Mario! Andiam!

Average customer rating:

Callas & Gobbi...a thrilling team at Covent Garden, 1964
For Callas and Gobbi junkies only. Warning: Cioni alert!

Puccini: Tosca

Manufacturer: Opera D'oro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000UOD
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

TOSCA: Act I: Ah! Finalmente! (Angelotti) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: E sempre lava! (Sagrestano) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Dammi i colori ... Recondita armonia (Cavaradossi) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Voi! Cavaradossi! (Angelotti) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Mario! Mario! Mario! (Tosca) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: E buona la mia Tosca (Cavaradossi) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Sommo giubilo, Eccellenza (Sagrestano) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Un tal baccano in chiesa! (Scarpia) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Or tutto e chiaro (Scarpia) - G. Puccini
TOSCA: Act I: Tre sbirri, una carozza (Scarpia) - G. Puccini

Tracks:

TOSCA: Act II: Tosca e un buon falco (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Ha pui forte sapore (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: O galantuono, come ando la caccia (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Ov'e Angelotti? (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Sciarrone, che dice il Cavalier? (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Orsu, Tosca, parlate (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Floria ... Amore (Cavaradossi, Tosca) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Vittoria! Vittoria!b(Cavaradossi) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Quanto? (Tosca) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Vissi d'arte (Tosca) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Chi e la (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act II: Io tenni la promessa (Scarpia) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: Io de' sospiri (Un pastore) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: Mario Cavaradossi? (Carceriere) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: E lucevan le stelle (Cavaradossi) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: Ah! Franchigia a Floria Tosca (Cavaradossi) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: O dolci mani (Cavaradossi) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: Come e lunga l'attesta! (Tosca) - Puccini
TOSCA: Act III: Presto, su! Mario (Tosca) - Puccini

Amazon.com

This performance--one of several from January 1964--marked Maria Callas's return to the stage after a period of vocal restudy and hard work. To be sure, there are problems. The very highest notes tend to go wildly astray, flapping in the wind like flags, losing and regaining the pitch. But how many of them are there? Ten? Twenty? Taken in context, it's a mere handful (albeit a highly audible handful), and the performance as a whole does not suffer from them. In short, Callas is otherwise brilliant, acting with her voice to beat the band, and presenting us with a great portrait of Tosca the diva and Tosca the woman. Tito Gobbi, her frequent partner in this opera, is stunning as Scarpia, the incarnation of evil. Renato Cioni's Cavaradossi is unsubtle and forgettable, and he mewls enough to make himself a nuisance. Cillario's leadership is tight and sympathetic. This release is welcomed, even if you already own a Callas Tosca with the legend in fresher voice. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Callas & Gobbi...a thrilling team at Covent Garden, 1964.......2007-06-02

Maria Callas' assumption of Floria Tosca combined with Tito Gobbi's Scarpia are the stuff of legend. They made two complete recordings of these roles together, in 1953 and 1964 respectively, though it was only in 1964 and 1965 that they appeared together on stage in this opera. Fortunately, there are recordings of them playing these roles in the theatre that provide a glimpse of what it must have been like to be present on one of these monumental nights in the theatre.

This present recording is from early in the series of Callas/Gobbi/Zeffirelli Tosca's at Covent Garden, dating from Jan 24, 1964. And, to my ears it is a fine recording as it perfectly captures the spirit of those performances. While it is true that both Callas and Gobbi had lost much of their respective vocal splendour by this stage, they are without doubt Tosca and Scarpia and thrillingly bring to light these great characters as set to the music of Puccini. From Callas there are some wobbly high notes but in this particular performance they are kept to a minimum, perhaps 3-4 at most. Throughout, Callas sing excitingly though it is apparent that the power and volume of her voice is reduced. However, it is a fully committed performance from start to finish and her concentration and will power are as evident as is her vocal accomplishments in the role. It's a truly legendary performance. What is interesting is that Callas receives no ovation from the audience on her entrance though there is enthusiastic applause after each act and after her stunning "Vissi d'arte", sung simply and as the prayer that it is.

Some people have well founded concerns about the sound quality of bootleg/private recordings of live performances such as this one. While the sound quality is less that would have been achieved in the studio or even if it had been recorded commercially, it is more than acceptable. Every word and syllable uttered is clear and the orchestra sounds vivid throughout. There are the inevitable sounds of the performers stomping around the stage and plenty of coughing from the audience but you do get a real sense of what it must have been like to be there. Also, the cost is so inexpensive it makes purchasing this set a given as it makes fascinating listening in comparison with the two Callas/Gobbi commercial recordings. True, there is no libretto but most Callas fans will already have at least one copy of the 1953 recording from EMI on CD so they will have a full libretto in a number of languages.

My advice: for Callas and Gobbi fans, grab a copy. It's a fascinating snapshot of a wonderful night in the theatre. For those who want to hear Callas as Tosca, start with the 1953 recording. This one is Callas at the end of her career when the voice was in decline. The first studio recording has her at the very top of her game both vocally and interpretively. This recording is not definitive as that one will always be but it is worth a listen.

For Callas and Gobbi junkies only. Warning: Cioni alert!.......2005-10-02

Source: Live performance from 1964.

Sound: No more than fair.

Documentation: The usual Opera d'Oro offering. No libretto. Short essay on the history of the opera. Short summary of the plot. Track list.

Maria Callas is a very, very great singer who appeared in far too many dismal opera productions.

This is another performance on which I find it difficult to base an objective opinion. I bought it in an attempt to capture Callas in one of her greatest roles in a live setting. Well, that's what I got. Callas is ... Callas, that is to say, she is tremendous. For this particular helping of her greatness, though, you have to give her the benefit of a lot of goodwill. Her mighty conception of Floria Tosca is still present in full force, but in 1964 her execution is not at all what it once had been.

Tito Gobbi is, well ... Gobbi, one of the all-time greats. But 1964 is late for him, too, and behind all his dramatic power and charisma you can all but hear his voice fraying away with each bar.

Then there is Renato Cioni. Ehh, the very thought of that man makes my teeth itch. At some point, Cioni possessed a nice, useful, second-class voice, the sort of thing that is invaluable for a house tenor who eases the load on a star performer. Somewhere along the line, though, he must have become convinced that he, himself, was a star. Now, Pavarotti, born as he was with a tremendous voice, got away on ego and a silly bag of tricks for many years. Cioni, born much lower on the tenorial evolutionary scale, couldn't carry it off for ten seconds. He is the anchor that drags down any performance, even Joan Sutherland's high-flying first recording of "Lucia." Here in "Tosca," Cioni is, alas ... Cioni.

If you want a great "Tosca" with Callas and Gobbi, get the studio recording with diStefano. If you absolutely must have a live Callas/Gobbi "Tosca," this one, at least, is not very expensive and it offers better sound than the live Mexico City version (also on Od'O), although the latter has attractions for those who like audience excitement.

In the normal course of events, I'd give this recording four stars for sub-par Callas and Gobbi, then deduct one or even two stars for the wretched Cioni. However, it appears that, unlikely as it may seem, some people actually have a taste for that man's tenorial whining, so ... four stars.

Puccini: La Bohème; Madama Butterfly; Turandot; Manon Lescaut; Tosca (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

For heaven's sake, don't confuse this with opera!
Buy, buy, buy, absolutely amazing!

Puccini: La Bohème; Madama Butterfly; Turandot; Manon Lescaut; Tosca (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000067FH2
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Acte I Che Gelida Manina - Nicolai Gedda
Acte I Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Mirella Freni
Acte I O Soave Fanciulla - Mirella Freni
Acte II Viva Parpignol - Mirella Freni
Acte II Ch'io Beva Del Tossico - Mirella Freni
Acte II Quando Me'n Vo Soletta - Mirella Freni
Acte III Mimi?... - Mirella Freni
Acte III Marcello. Finalemente - Mirella Freni
Acte III Addio... Donde Lieta Usci Al Tuo Grido - Mirella Freni
Acte III Addio Dolce Svegliare Alla Mattina - Mirella Freni
Acte IV Vecchia Zimarra - Mario Basiola Jr.
Acte IV Sono Andati? Fingevo Di Dormire - Mirella Freni
Acte IV Che Ha Detto Il Medico? - Nicolai Gedda

Tracks:

Acte I Vieni, Amor Mio! - Jussi Bjorling
Acte I Leri Son Salita Tutta Sola - Jussi Bjorling
Acte I Viene La Sera - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte I Bimba Dagli occhi Pieni Di Malia - Jussi Bjorling
Acte I Vogliatemi Bene, Un Bene Piccolino - Jussi Bjorling
Acte II Un Bel Di Vedremo - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Ora A Noi - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II E Questo? E Questo? - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Che Tua Madre Dorva - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Va Via! - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Scuoti Quella Fronda Di Cilegio - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Or Vieni Ad Adornar - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Choeur A Bouche Fermee - Choeur
Acte II Gia Il Sole - Victoria De Los Angeles
Acte II Con Amor Muore - Jussi Bjorling

Tracks:

Gira La Cote, Gira, Gira! Choeur - Renato Bruson
Perche Tarda La Luna? - Renato Bruson
La, Sui Monti Dell'est - Renato Bruson
O Giovinetto! Grazia! Grazia! - Renato Bruson
Signore, Ascolta - Renato Bruson
Non Piangere, Liu! - Renato Bruson
Ah! Per L'ultima Volta! - Renato Bruson
In questa Reggia - Renato Bruson
Straniero Ascolta! - Renato Bruson
Giuzza Al Pari Di Fiamma - Renato Bruson
Gelo Che Ti Da Foco - Renato Bruson
Gloria, O Vincitore! - Renato Bruson
Figlio Del Cielo! - Renato Bruson
Nessun Dorma - Renato Bruson
Tu, Che Di Gel Sei Cinta - Renato Bruson
Liu...Bonta! - Renato Bruson
Diecimila Anni Al Nostro Imperatore! - Renato Bruson

Tracks:

Cortese Damigella, Il Priego Mio Accettate - Placido Domingo
Donna Non Vidi Mai - Placido Domingo
Vedete? Lo Son Fidele Alla Parola Mia - Placido Domingo
In Quelle Trine Morbide - Placido Domingo
Poiche Tu Vuoi Saper - Placido Domingo
Che Ceffi Son Costor? - Placido Domingo
Oh, Saro La Piu Bella! - Placido Domingo
Arrivederci... Liberi, Liberi - Placido Domingo
Ah, Manon, Mi Tradisce - Placido Domingo
Intermezzo - Placido Domingo
Presto In Fila! - Placido Domingo
Ah, Non V'avvicinate!... Come Io Piango Ed Imploro - Placido Domingo
Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata - Placido Domingo

Tracks:

Dammi I Colori - Renato Bruson
Mario! Mario! Mario! - Renato Bruson
Ah, Quegli Occhi! - Renato Bruson
Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza - Renato Bruson
Floria... Amore... - Renato Bruson
Vittoria! Vittoria! - Renato Bruson
Se La Giurata Fede - Renato Bruson
Vissi D'arte - Renato Bruson
Vedi, Le Man Giunte Io Stendo A Te! - Renato Bruson
E Qual Via Scegliete? - Renato Bruson
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Renato Bruson
Franchigia A Floria Tosca - Renato Bruson
O Dolce Mani - Renato Bruson
E Non Giungono - Renato Bruson
Com'e Lunga Lattesa! - Renato Bruson
Mario, Su, Presto! - Renato Bruson

Customer Reviews:

For heaven's sake, don't confuse this with opera!.......2005-11-21

Sheesh, the marketing mavens are at it AGAIN!

With all due respect to the admirable enthusiasm of the previous reviewer, EMI has effectively shortchanged him with this collection of highlights. Let's be absolutely clear about this: an opera is more than an assemblage of bleeding hunks. An opera is (or should be) a large-scale work with both a dramatic and a musical arc. Both of these arcs are undercut and mangled in the process of selecting highlights, thus providing a falsified picture of what the composer, librettist(s), conductor and cast intended.

Buy, buy, buy, absolutely amazing!.......2005-03-01

I had allready seen this box a few times before I bought it and I had always planned to buy it, never having looked at the price, so when I came to the shop yesterday I saw it again and I checked the price aswell: 15 euros only (about fifteen dollars aswell)!!!
So I bought it and I don't regret it! As a beginning Puccini-fan I don't have so many of his operas on CD at home, like this I have pieces of five of his great operas for 15 euros (one hour per opera!!!!)
Now one might think: so much for so little money, it must be bad, unknown singers. They're not!
La Boheme is with beatifull Mirella Freni, Nicolai Gedda and Mario Sereni, and ooooh how well a Mimì is Freni. How sweet, how shy and also how funny!

Madama Butterfly is with Victoria de los Angeles, Jussi Bjorling and Mario Sereni again. And allthough De los Angeles is not such a young Cio-cio-san in the first act (she's still AMAZING!!!) she makes up (and how??!!) in the second act. She is very good! That's the only word. And ofcourse the great Jussi Bjorling with his understanding of the music, the text and his smooth toning is absolutely amazing. In Madama Butterfly there's an aria from Cio-cio-san in the second act called: Che tua madre dovra. Ofcourse I had heard it before, but the way De los Angeles portrays the character here, is from unknown beauty!

Turandot is good. Montserrat Caballé is very good at portraying this character and sings it nice, not as good as Sutherland, but still good. José Carreras is very beautifull in this recording, allthough I'm not a particular fan of his, having Mirella Freni as Líu is pure luxery, but ooh so touching!

Manon Lescaut I had never heard before. So this was a big treat for me. With Montserrat Caballé in the title-role (she's one of my favorite sopranos) and Placido Domingo as De Grieux (I'm not really into Domingo, but he's good in this role). The pure and innocent pianissimos of Caballé are so beatiful that it almost seems inhuman.
There were two parts that I liked particularly: first the famous intermezzo and second the song of the small mezzo part in this opera. Absolutely a great opera from wich I would like to hear more.

The last opera this box containes is Tosca. It's not my first Tosca, but it is my second. The first I heard was with Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna and Ruggero Raimondi. It was good for a while, but I didn't really like the singers (except for Raimondi) so I quit listening to it. Then I heard this and discovered how beautiful Tosca can be.
Renata Scotto sing a Tosca only definable as magnificent. Because that's what it is, with her huge Puccini-voice she tackles the part as if it's nothing. Her acting is great and with a lot of stile.
Domingo as Cavaradossi is nice, but he's not the right tenor for this part. Renato Bruson is great as Scarpia.
From Tosca the parts I like the most are the dialoges between Tosca and Scarpia in the second act and the very end of the opera, when Tosca waits for the executioners to shoot, then discovers Mario is dead and then jumps. The music with that is so gripping!

This box is worth it's five stars, because of the dazzling singers in every opera and the price of the box!!! Buy, you won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

Puccini: Tosca

Manufacturer: Preiser Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008WA6L
Release Date: 2003-09-23

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