Listen to a Sample:

Pros:

• This performance is a bit of an amusing paradox. On one hand you have two leads who are nothing short of sensational, and on the other hand, they are surrounded by a chorus and orchestra that can at best be called "provincial." Such was the case for regional opera in the 70s. What you lacked in refinement you made up for in stellar singing, the likes of which would be the envy of any opera house today.
• Luciano Pavarotti delivers an exquisitely sung and sincerely heart-felt performance of Rodolfo. For anyone out there who had ever accused this singer of being uninvolved, I will refer you to the final moments of this performance. His spoken lines before he realizes Mimì is dead are gut-wrenching.
• Moffo is also in extemely fine form as Mimì. Her sultry soprano gives the sense that despite Mimì's outwards shyness, there lies a passionate woman within. My only critique is that from time to time she tends to scoop (a characteristic that sadly only got worse as she neared the end of her career.)

Cons:

• Carlo Moresco insists on occasionally singing along, but it is more endearing than obtrusive.

In Mono

OD 11715-2