Louise is a lovely opera, but its themes have been out of fashion for decades (the last time the Met did it was in 1948). It also needs a huge cast so opera companies are hesitant about reviving it in these financially strained times. The NYCO revived it often back in the late 60s and early 70s (also in 1977 for Beverly Sills). Here we have another in-house recording with Carol Neblett in the title role. She is marvelous in both and around the right age for the part (she was 25, Louise is probably supposed to be 20 or so). Her "Depuis le jour" garners loud bravas from the tapist.The rest of the cast is equally good. Georges Liccioni is a passionate Julien with a beautiful voice. He and Joseph Rouleau were both native French speakers and it shows. Rouleau portrays the Father with strength and benevolence until he is crossed and then he becomes frightening. Bible is very good as the Mother too though I wish her part hadn't been so severely cut. The supporting cast includes such fine singers as Kenneth Riegel and Bernard Fitch, both of whom went on to many performances with other companies. Wilson conducts lyrically and makes the most of Charpentier's melodic score.The sound is good, but whenever the singers are upstage they sound recessed (Julien sounds like he's singing from offstage in the opening scene); most of the time one can hear the voices without too much difficulty. Recommended to fans of the singers and the opera.

It is a pleasure to listen to this broadcast of Louise, a work that doesn't receive many performances these days . Carol Neblett has always been a favourite singer of mine. Her vocal beauty and commitment to the charater are impressive. As Julien she is partnered by Georges Liccioni , a member of the Soloist Troupe of the Paris Opera who had a notable international career. His plangent and ringing tenor is ideal for the role. It is a pleasure to hear such an authentic and characterful performance. Several notable performers in supporting roles attest to the strength of the New York City Opera at this time, as does the playing and conducting.

I love Neblett's voice and was privileged to hear her only once live. I have not ordered this recording. However, based on the excerpt I think a large portion of the audience must have been overtaken by Croup!