Search - Georges Bizet, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Bizet: Carmen [Highlights]

L'amour est un oiseau rebelle

tenor_in_training | 06/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This highlights CD happilly dismisses most of the dialogues and has an hour-plus of great music. The complete version is also available on amazon.com. Maestro Von Karajan achieves his trademark perfection with the Berliners and with the cast of ideal singers for Biset's masterpiece. Greek mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa is simultaneously playful, witty, self-indulgent, and, for all purposes, dangerous Carmen. She has a very long vocal phrase and plenty of power; listen to fiery rendition of "Les tringles des sistres tintailent"! Jose Carreras shows Don Jose's character development extremely well, from ardent and passionate, ready-to-leave-everything young soldier to a man obsessed; gradually you begin to believe Don Jose could kill. His Flower Song is very gentle and tender, as opposed to the war-cries often displayed by others. The final scene is so vividly enacted, I had "tingles down my spine". Katia Ricciarelli is fully "at home" with a role of angel-like Micaela, her 1st Act duet with Carreras is one of the most beautiful things one could ever hear. Van Dam brings out everything we like to see in Escamillo: single-mindedness, arrogance, and swagger. Karajan uses an interesting orchestral arrangement of the Toreador Song before "Tout d'un coup, on fait silence..." making you imagine the pause just before the bull charges. He also slows it down a bit, increasing the tension throughout and the last chords of it are like wineglasses clashing triumphantly together. Supporting roles are taken by some impressive vocal powers, including Jane Barbie and Gino Quilico. Btw, there is a Carmen video featuring Baltsa and Carreras, also from DG, fantastically sang and recorded."

Absolutely the Best Carmen

Gary Glick | Miami, Florida | 12/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is not only for opera lovers, but for anyone with an appreciation of classic voice music. I have seen productions of Carmen the world over, in Paris, in Vienna, multiple times at the Met in New York and many local companies. None has come close to the perfection of the voices on this recording. The emotion and quality of L'amour est un oiseau rebelle, one of the most recognized arias in all of opera, is unsurpassed. The gypsy dance which begins act 2 (Les tringles des sistres tintaient) is rich with fevor and lust. The music leaps off the CD and provides excellent insight into the intensity of this work.



This CD is for everyone, from the novice to the expert, and will be appreciated by all. It is the best opera recording I have heard and has stood the test of time. This should be a required addition to the collection of anyone with an appreciation of fine music."

Silver bells, the slightest pianissimo and magnificent temp

Sissel M. Østdahl | Norway | 09/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favourite "Carmen" recording, not the least since Katia Ricciarelli and José Carreras are likewise my favourite opera singers. Katia Ricciarelli with her pure, clear voice, like silver bells, is totally free from the almost "screaming" which so often happens to sopranos on hitting the highest notes. As Micaëla she plays a rather small part in the performance, but she does it beautifully and her voice is perfect for the role. José Carreras is world known for his lyrical tenor. I love his velvety "voice from the soul" and have always preferred him singing softly rather than with all his strength.



In this recording I am particularly fond of Act 1, scene 5: "Parle-moi de ma mère" between Don José (Carreras) and Micaëla (Ricciarelli). But the finest and most special moment of all is the flower aria, Act 2, scene 11: "La fleur que tu m'avais jeté", sung by Don José (Carreras). Usually, tenors end this aria with a rising crescendo, as a tenor's voice is so often judged by its ability to reach and hold its strength at the highest notes.



However, late conductor Herbert von Karajan, who favoured José Carreras as his preferred tenor, asked Carreras on this occasion if he would do the flower aria differently and finish it not in a strong voice, but softly, tuning out into the slightest pianissimo, a slowly disappearing whisper.



How right he was. Never have I heard this famous aria sung so beautifully. So in accordance with the role of Don José and the mood the song is supposed to be reflecting.



It's these two scenes in particular I always go back to when I listen to this album, but also the rest of the recording is a delight. Agnes Baltsa's strong and full mezzo soprano is perfect for Carmen, but it is her temperament I admire in particular; she is magnificent as the number one temptress of opera and even look perfect for the role. The last duet between Carmen and Don José, Act 3, scene 15: "C'est toi! - C'est moi!", is also a scene I listen to often, although it's far more dramatic than the two previous ones. It all depends on my mood.



This particular recording contains highlights from the opera, including the ones I have emphasized. I have, however, referred to the proper Act and scene numbers in the complete version, which can be bought at Amazon and which I highly recommend.



As for my favourite tenor, José Carreras, whom I have had the pleasure to see performing on several occasions, Don José is one of his most famous opera roles and I dare say this is his finest performance to date."