Very good sound quality

It is the first time I listen to "Carmen" sung in Swedish and I can arguably say that Georges Bizet's (opera) masterpiece is equally as fine. Great voices, orchestra and conductor! Highly recommended!

I'll admit I don't speak Swedish, but you don't really need to if you know the dialogue version of Carmen. That's right: this 1954 performance uses the dialogue version of this opera at a time when most opera houses used the traditional recitative version. The singers are excellent actors as well and perform it with great flair. Meyer sings very well and hers is a take-no-prisoners view of the character. She sounds devastatingly sarcastic to Jose once things begin to go sour for them. Arne Hendrikson matches her as Jose; he ends the Flower aria with a beautiful soft B-flat. Soderstrom makes as much as she can out of Micaela and Bjorling is a sexy Escamillo. The supporting cast is very good as is the conducting of Ehrling.The sound is excellent with lots of sound effects to help recreate the opera for a listening experience at home. There are some cuts along the way, but nothing drastic. The third act prelude is missing: whether it was cut or is just missing from the mastertape I can't tell.You've heard Carmen in French many times. Enjoy it again with this fine cast in Swedish!

Carmen in Swedish seems odd but don't be put off by the different language. Kerstin Meyer is wonderful as Carmen and the rest of the cast is fine. The sound is excellent and this is a thoroughly enjoyable performance. Bravo.