Search - Puccini, Abell, Rpo :: Puccini: Highlights from La Boheme, Madama Butterfly

Gorgeous

Mike DeStefano | New Berlin PA | 05/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album introduced both of these excellent operas to me for the first time. The orchestra is beautifully conducted, and the singing! Claire Rutter is amazing. Her lovely clear voice doesn't sound strained on high notes, and it doesn't have the thick, heavy quality of some sopranos. Her high D-flat in the "Entrance of Butterfly" is simply astounding, and her Mimi is excellent as well, communicating, especially in the later scenes, that character's growing frailness. The tenor that sings Rodolfo and Lt. Pinkerton is also excellent, with a voice that expresses the tender affection of the former, and the virulnce of the latter. He does not attempt to go where he cannot with his voice and therefore does not sound strained at any point. The baritone bass also sounds both rich and full, something a baritone bass always should. This is a recording to enjoy time after time, and I wonder why these singers havn't been to the Met yet!"