Search - Puccini, Milanov, Corelli :: Tosca

Sizzling!

Emma de Soleil | On a holiday In Ibiza, then back to the UK for stu | 05/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This live-performance of Tosca starring Milanov, Corelli and Guelfi was recorded very late in Milanov's career but unlike the studio-recording this is a blazing, vocally stunning Tosca. The queen of pianissimi not only triumphs in the gentle parts of the "Vissi d'arte" but sings absolutely impeccable high Cs in Act II. Her portrayal is vivid, beautiful and engaging. Listen to Corelli and Milanov singing the love-duet of act one and be enchanted. Act II is a thrill, only a few Toscas thrill me as much as this one. Huge-voiced Guelfi and Milanov are BLAZING equally and Scarpia's blood-curdling murder is portrayed with shocking realism. Corelli sings Cavaradossi, one of his best roles, ardently, passionately and charmingly. This Tosca is a highlight in this opera's history, one no true operalover should live without. And this may finally destroy the prejudice that Milanov was boring. Hell, she's as thrilling as the greatest Tosca can be!"

Mario, Mario, Mario? Zinka, Zinka, Zinka!

L. E. Cantrell | Vancouver, British Columbia Canada | 08/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Source: Live performance at Royal Opera House, London.



Sound: Good mono. Stage noises are almost absent. There is some variability in the recorded volume of the singers as they take up positions on the stage nearer to or farther from the microphones. The effect is not excessive and it adds a sense of dimensionality to the procedings. A well-disciplined English audience delivers only a few poorly timed coughs. On the other hand, their applause for "Recondita armonia" and "Vissi d'arte" is tepid and short-lived when by right they should be standing on their seats, cheering, whistling and otherwise tearing the joint apart.



Sometimes you want a performance that touches the sublime. You yearn for a Furtwaengler, a Callas or a Gobbi to reach past the musty conventions and contradictions that define the preposterous and unlikely art of opera to create something better than mere dreary reality and more true.



Sometimes you just want an overweight, middle-aged woman to step forward and SING THAT SUCKER! That's exactly what the magnificent Milanov does here. Floria Tosca is supposed to be a famous opera singer, well, nobody, not even Callas, sounds more like an opera star than Zinka Milanov.



And so it is with Franco Corelli, too. I do not for one second believe that he is a journeyman painter in a bad jam. What he sounds like is a really popular tenor who has far more space in his head for resonance than he has for brains. He's terrific!



Giangiacomo Guelfi turns in a fine performance as Scarpia. His huge voice and confident manner provide the framework from which Milanov and Corelli can soar.



Go to Callas and Gobbi for art. This is the place to wallow in the shabby delights of Puccini's little shocker."

The most beautiful Tosca

Queen Margo | Arlington | 03/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Milanov was one of the greatest Toscas ever. In this live recording, she is more passionate than in her studio recording with Bjoerling. Paired with Corelli, she is just wonderful. If you ever wondered why Milanov kept the Met audinces in thrall for so many years, get this recording and you'll see why. Callas may be the best singing actress, but Milanov has the most beautiful voice. It is good to hear them both."