{"title":"October 14 New Releases","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"wagner-walkure-hunter-meier-vickers","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Hunter, Shinall, Vickers, Meier; Holt. Philadelphia, 1976","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"font-size: 18px; font-family: Baskerville; font-style: italic; color: #330065; font-weight: normal; text-transform: none;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813 - 1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003ci\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/i\u003e brings together three distinguished Wagnerians whos paths converged by notably different paths. \u003cb\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/b\u003e, fresh from her triumph in the legendary ENO Goodall Ring, here has the opportunity to return to Wagner in the original German. The sheer power of her tone is matched by the exquisite delicacy she brings to the role, particularly in “War es so schmählich,” which carries the vulnerability of a line uttered by a frightened teenager.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJohanna Meier\u003c\/b\u003e had been making the rounds of the American regional circuit, establishing herself as a singer of exceptional dramatic and vocal range. She is paired with \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e, who, although by then in his fifties, still delivers a Siegmund brimming with youthful vitality and soulful nuance. \u003cb\u003eVern Shinall\u003c\/b\u003e gives an admirable account of Wotan, more than holding his own within this formidable cast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe orchestra plays with remarkable accuracy, though at times it is all too apparent that the brass section is reduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJohanna Meier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Wilderman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eVern Shinall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eLouise Pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eLise Carlson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eSusan Leider\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eNancy Jackson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eCarol Shuster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Dodds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eSharon Dworchak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eKay Bates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eMarilyn Found\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eAcademy of Music, Philadelphia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 17, 1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHenry Holt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10138-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":67873236877633,"sku":"10138-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":67873236910401,"sku":"MP3 10138-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":67873236943169,"sku":"FLAC 10138-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10138-3front.jpg?v=1791908697"},{"product_id":"puccini-tosca-price-labo-taddei-kunz-zaccaria-karajan","title":"Puccini: Tosca - Price, Labò, Taddei, Kunz, Zaccaria; Karajan. Wien, 1964","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"font-size: 18px; font-family: Baskerville; font-style: italic; color: #330065; font-weight: normal; text-transform: none;\"\u003eTosca\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiacomo Puccini (1858 - 1924)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOver the years, people have often asked me how I judge whether a recording is worth adding to the catalogue when weighing flaws in the sound quality against the strengths of the performance. The answer is ultimately a personal one: whether I am able to enjoy the performance in spite of those flaws. I mention this because I found this \u003ci\u003eTosca\u003c\/i\u003e challenging to enjoy at times, given the distant miking and the generally tinny character of the sound. Yet the cast is undeniably legendary, and the musical direction of \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e elevates an already formidable ensemble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eKarajan commanded sufficient authority to impose a unified musical philosophy on a work in which such cohesion can be difficult to achieve, particularly when dealing with singers who arrive feeling that they have already mastered their parts and require little additional coaching. One hears the results, for example, in the delicacy with which \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e caresses the lines at the beginning of Scarpia's Act I duet with Tosca. Moments such as this elucidate the score in remarkable ways, making so familiar a work feel surprisingly new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/strong\u003e is at her absolute best, shining from her entrance through the final moments of the opera. One curious aspect of the recording is that the top of her voice can sometimes seem to disappear rather than bloom, though this may well be a consequence of the miking rather than the singing itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlaviano Labò\u003c\/strong\u003e steps into the role of Cavaradossi. I say “steps in” because this performance was clearly a dry-run for the Decca recording with the same principal cast, but with \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Di Stefano\u003c\/strong\u003e as Cavaradossi. If Labò felt somewhat slighted at being denied the opportunity to record the role with them, he would have had reason: he gives a performance of exceptional sweetness and virility that, in my opinion, surpasses Di Stefano's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Floria Tosca – \u003cstrong\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Mario Cavaradossi – \u003cstrong\u003eFlaviano Labò\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Barone Scarpia – \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Cesare Angelotti – \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Zaccaria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Il Sagrestano – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Kunz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Spoletta – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Majkut\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Sciarrone – \u003cstrong\u003eHarald Pröglhöf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Roberti – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Mikura\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Il Carceriere – \u003cstrong\u003eLjubomir Pantscheff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 10, 1964\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12421-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eNOTE\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe sound of this recording is greatly lacking, and the end of Act I and beginning of Act II are missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":67873236484417,"sku":"12421-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":67873236517185,"sku":"MP3 12421-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":67873236549953,"sku":"FLAC 12421-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12421-2front.jpg?v=1791908687"},{"product_id":"rossini-armida-deutekom-gimenez-bottazzo-franci","title":"Rossini: Armida - Deutekom, Gimenez, Bottazzo; Franci. Venezia, 1970","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"font-size: 18px; font-family: Baskerville; font-style: italic; color: #330065; font-weight: normal; text-transform: none;\"\u003eArmida\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGioachino Rossini (1792 - 1868)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eComposed for the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples and first performed in 1817, Rossini’s \u003ci\u003eArmida\u003c\/i\u003e belongs to the remarkable series of serious operas through which the composer expanded both the dramatic and musical ambitions of Italian opera. With its supernatural subject, large-scale theatrical conception, elaborate ensembles, and extraordinarily demanding vocal writing, the work was already moving toward the kind of grand operatic spectacle that would come to dominate much of the later nineteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCristina Deutekom\u003c\/strong\u003e is perfectly cast in the title role, commanding the stage with her oversized soprano and delivering Rossini’s formidable coloratura with almost superhuman accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFor many of Rossini’s operas, his motto might well have been, “Two tenors are better than one.” That philosophy has made programming these works a perennial challenge for opera companies, since finding even one tenor capable of meeting Rossini’s demands can be difficult enough. In this performance, \u003cstrong\u003ePietro Bottazzi\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eEdoardo Gimenez\u003c\/strong\u003e both rise to the challenge. Each possesses a sweet-toned lyrical instrument, and their voices blend remarkably well when they sing together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Armida – \u003cstrong\u003eCristina Deutekom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Goffredo – \u003cstrong\u003eOttavio Garaventa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Carlo – \u003cstrong\u003eOttavio Garaventa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ubaldo – \u003cstrong\u003eEdoardo Gimenez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gernando – \u003cstrong\u003eEdoardo Gimenez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Rinaldo – \u003cstrong\u003ePietro Bottazzo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Eustazio – \u003cstrong\u003eBernardino Trotta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Idraote – \u003cstrong\u003eAlessandro Maddalena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Astarotte – \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni Antonini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eVenezia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 3, 1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eCarlo Franci\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12422-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":67873236582721,"sku":"12422-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":67873236615489,"sku":"MP3 12422-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":67873236648257,"sku":"FLAC 12422-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12422-2front.jpg?v=1791908689"},{"product_id":"mozart-don-giovanni-valdengo-nilsson-jurinac-bruscantini-noni-berry-frick-bohm","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni - Valdengo, Nilsson, Jurinac, Bruscantini, Noni, Berry, Frick; Böhm. Napoli, 1955","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"font-size: 18px; font-family: Baskerville; font-style: italic; color: #330065; font-weight: normal; text-transform: none;\"\u003eDon Giovanni\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt is always a joy to encounter a performance of \u003ci\u003eDon Giovanni\u003c\/i\u003e that boasts eight excellent soloists, and this performance does just that. What is particularly remarkable is that many of them were still relatively unknown at the time, a testament to the discerning taste of the intendant at the Teatro San Carlo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePerhaps the most interesting member of the cast is a young \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e as Donna Anna. \u003cstrong\u003eNilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e's voice is flawless, bringing to Mozart the requisite purity and command while already displaying the steely opulence that would make her Wagner singing so distinctive. \u003cstrong\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/strong\u003e brings an ample tone that nearly matches \u003cstrong\u003eNilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e's in scale, though the contrast provided by her darker, softer vocal color is most welcome. \u003cstrong\u003eSesto Bruscantini\u003c\/strong\u003e is the epitome of elegance as Leporello, while \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Valdengo\u003c\/strong\u003e, in the title role, matches \u003cstrong\u003eBruscantini\u003c\/strong\u003e's refinement with a subtle touch of malevolence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eElegance is also central to \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Dermota\u003c\/strong\u003e's Don Ottavio. He delivers both arias with understated but sincere feeling and exquisite vocalism. \u003cstrong\u003eAlda Noni\u003c\/strong\u003e is a charming Zerlina, although perhaps a little too chirpy for my taste—I have always been partial to a mezzo in the role. As if the cast were not already impressive enough, a young \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e makes a strong impression as Masetto, while \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e's booming bass lends the final scene a genuinely terrifying weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Don Giovanni – \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Valdengo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Il Commendatore – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Donna Anna – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Don Ottavio – \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Dermota\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Donna Elvira – \u003cstrong\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Leporello – \u003cstrong\u003eSesto Bruscantini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Zerlina – \u003cstrong\u003eAlda Noni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Masetto – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eNapoli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 5, 1955\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12423-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eNOTE\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePrevious commercial versions of this recording were pitched incorrectly. We have corrected the issue in this version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":67873236681025,"sku":"12423-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":67873236713793,"sku":"MP3 12423-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":67873236746561,"sku":"FLAC 12423-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12423-3front.jpg?v=1791908691"},{"product_id":"offenbach-les-contes-dhoffmann-scano-rolandip-craig-shade-harris-ramey-rudel","title":"Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Scano, Rolandi, P. Craig, Shade, Harris, Ramey; Rudel. New York, 1975","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"font-size: 18px; font-family: Baskerville; font-style: italic; color: #330065; font-weight: normal; text-transform: none;\"\u003eLes Contes d'Hoffmann\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJacques Offenbach (1819 - 1880)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOf all the performances of \u003ci\u003eLes Contes d'Hoffmann\u003c\/i\u003e I have heard over the years, this recording stands among the very finest. Its most remarkable feature is \u003cstrong\u003eGianna Rolandi\u003c\/strong\u003e as Olympia, who delivers a dazzling display of coloratura precision, coupled with a seductively creamy tone. American soprano \u003cstrong\u003ePatricia Craig\u003c\/strong\u003e sings Antonia with a voice that combines a blooming lyric quality with just a touch of steel, making the act's finale particularly exciting. A young \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Ramey\u003c\/strong\u003e assumes the four villainous roles, his pristine voice conveying both malevolence and swagger. \u003cstrong\u003eGaetano Scano\u003c\/strong\u003e gives an admirable account of the title role, although his performance is somewhat overshadowed by the exceptional caliber of the artists surrounding him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Lindorf – \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Ramey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Andrès – \u003cstrong\u003eJerold Siena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Luther – \u003cstrong\u003ePhilip Steele\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Nathanaël – \u003cstrong\u003eMelvin Lowery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Hermann – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Jamerson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Nicklausse – \u003cstrong\u003eHilda Harris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Hoffmann – \u003cstrong\u003eGaetano Scano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Olympia – \u003cstrong\u003eGianna Rolandi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Spalanzani – \u003cstrong\u003eJames Billings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Cochenille – \u003cstrong\u003eJerold Siena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Coppélius – \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Ramey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Giulietta – \u003cstrong\u003eNancy Shade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Pittichinaccio – \u003cstrong\u003eJerold Siena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Schlémil – \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Ledbetter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Dapertutto – \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Ramey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Antonia – \u003cstrong\u003ePatricia Craig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Crespel – \u003cstrong\u003eIrwin Densen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Frantz – \u003cstrong\u003eJerold Siena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Docteur Miracle – \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Ramey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      La Mère d'Antonia – \u003cstrong\u003eDiane Curry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #330065; font-size: 21px;\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eNew York\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 11, 1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eJulius Rudel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12424-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":67873236779329,"sku":"12424-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":67873236812097,"sku":"MP3 12424-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":67873236844865,"sku":"FLAC 12424-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12424-2front.jpg?v=1791908693"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/ChatGPT_Image_Oct_13_2026_11_37_02_AM-1.png?v=1791909510","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/october-14-new-releases.oembed","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}