Freni and Pavarotti are heard at their best here, their voices and characterizations still fresh, giving us truly beautiful performances. Taddei and Oran are marvelous as the second couple. Taddei brings such a warmth of humanity to Marcello. Oran delivers her "Al pie!" to Alcindoro with such shyness and coquetry I laughed out loud. Arie and Carta are very distinguished as the other Bohemians. Sanzogno leads an efficient, moving performance recorded in (mostly) very clear sound. I'm not quite sure if this was a radio or a television performance. There is enthusiastic applause at the ends of the acts, but none after the arias. The singers sound like they're moving around a stage. This sounds like it may have been cobbled together from a variety of sources. The voices are very clear, sometimes too much so (I had to turn the volume down a few times). Arie's coat aria was definitely spliced in from another source. The pitch is basically correct, but I wish Andy had smoothed out a few places before releasing this. All fans of the lead singers or of the opera in general should get this: despite a few glitches, it's definitely worth hearing.

Oran delivers her "Al pie" to Alcindoro with such slyness and coquetry I laughed outloud.

It's a wonderful performance with a dream cast. Freni and Pavarotti at the age of 34 and 35 give their best. There are a lot of "La Boheme" performances with them but I think this is the best one. Both of them sing with passion and emotion. Oran is an excellent Musette and Taddei is the ice on the cake. Due to Maestro Sanzogno it is one of the best-conducted "La Boheme" performances I have ever heard.