Puccini: La Bohème - Freni, Raimondi, Panerai, Taddei, Güden; Karajan. Wien, 1963
$16.95
Description:
This historic 1963 La Bohème from Vienna marked a significant milestone in the careers of Mirella Freni and designer Franco Zeffirelli. The German television company Unitel would later produce a film version with some cast changes, but it is unfortunate that this original ensemble was not preserved on screen, as the chemistry - and vocalism - of the cast is as good as it gets.
Hilde Güden brings an opulent and earthy charm to Musetta, while Giuseppe Taddei, in luxury casting as Schaunard, delivers a portrayal that may well be the finest any of us will ever hear.
Freni, still in her twenties, radiates innocence in her opening scenes, later revealing a hidden sensuality in "Sì, mi chiamano Mimì." Gianni Raimondi is an impassioned Rodolfo, bringing both ardor and lyrical elegance to the role. Herbert von Karajan’s approach to Puccini is, at times, unorthodox—ignoring some of the composer's meticulous directions and occasionally attempting to reinvent the wheel. However, his deep understanding of the score’s musical and dramatic richness is undeniable. He imbues the performance with a restrained pathos that ensures La Bohème remains as deeply moving as ever, even for the most cynical listener. The sound quality is excellent.
BONUS:
Mirella Freni sings scenes from La Bohème and Manon
OD 10572-2
Listen to a Sample:
Classic Performance in Excellent Sound!
This is a performance from Karajan's Vienna years and was the basis from which the famous film was derived (the film used some different cast members). Freni is heartbreaking in her sincerity, the voice at its freshest. Raimondi is a fine Rodolfo; he was taken for granted at a time when there were so many great tenors in this repertoire. Panerai and Guden are world-class as Marcello and Musetta. The luxury of having Taddei and Vinco as the other two roommates pays off big time in their individual characterizations. One correction to the above cast list: Siegfried Rudolf Frese sings Alcindoro; Peter Klein sings Benoit. Karajan is less self-indulgent than he would become and the music flows naturally: a classic performance. Would that all live performances were in such excellent sound. If you love Boheme or opera in general, you must hear this recording!
