Search - Puccini, Sir Thomas Beecham, R.C.A. Victor Orchestra and Chorus :: Puccini: La Bohème

An undiscovered gem?

John S. Reid | Spokane, WA USA | 05/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this recording before I became familiar with opera performers. I probably would never have considered it now that I am "educated". Let's face it - the principle performers are not the big names that one typically looks for when considering an opera recording. But I thank my lucky stars for my earlier "ignorance". Victoria de los Angeles (Mimi) and Jussi Bjorling (Rodolpho) are perfect (in my humble opinion), particularly under the direction of Sir Thomas. And I was really surprised to find that the original recording was made in 1956. EMI did a great job in remastering it to CD. It sounds like it was made last year! Bjorling's "Che gelida manina" is so wonderful - not showy or ostentatious (unlike Pavorotti or Domingo). And Mimi's response ("Mi chiamano Mimi") is - well, perfect. These two arias, as performed by Bjorling and de los Angeles in succession, make me weep. I am disappointed to find that this recording is no longer available. Apparently this occurred rather recently. I would recommend that anyone who wants a great recording of "La Boheme" hurry to find a copy of this performance before they are all gone."

Bjoerling!

Bartolo | New York City, New York USA | 10/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this to get a fresh version of the first opera LP in my collection. A teacher recommended this version back then, and I now realize the peerless quality of the production, the singers, and especially Bjoerling. If he exists in finer voice AND audio quality on any CD, I haven't found it. De los Angeles is lovely, Merrill and Amara just aces. And withal, a bargain, for Puccini's most winning work!"