This performance of La Bohème is particularly special as it reunites much of the team from the legendary 1963 Vienna State Opera production, including Mirella Freni, Rolando Panerai, and Herbert von Karajan. The relative newcomer here is José Carreras as Rodolfo. Few tenors have ever sung with the exquisite beauty and passion that Carreras brought to his roles in his younger years.

Mirella Freni's voice remains remarkably fresh, with the addition of some darker, richer shades not present in her earlier performances. Credit must also go to Herbert von Karajan, who throughout his career never lost sight of the magic of this opera, returning to it frequently to highlight its enduring brilliance.