Listen to a Sample:
Pros:
- Although Teresa Berganza may have lacked the heft of other mezzos who assumed the title part, she creates a fully-realized Carmen who is sensual without letting that become her defining characteristic.
- Placido Domingo's red-hot José nearly sets the stage ablaze in the final scene.
- Leona Mitchell delivers a heart-melting Micaëla.
- Tom Krause is an attractive Escamillo without overdoing the machismo.
- Having a conductor like Claudio Abbado in the pit goes a long way in displaying the understated genius of Bizet's score.
Cons:
- None to mention.
In Stereo
OD 11613-2