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La Bohème
During a period when regional opera in the United States faces considerable challenges, it is instructive to recall a time when even nascent companies could assemble casts of remarkable stature. The operatic landscape of the 1970s followed a different model—world-class singers might arrive just days before a performance, participate in a minimal number of rehearsals, enjoy the locale, and move on to the next engagement. This approach often yielded results that, while occasionally rough-edged, possessed an undeniable spontaneity. Such is the case when Luciano Pavarotti and Renata Scotto—longtime collaborators—shared the stage once more.
Pavarotti sings with a radiance and finesse that reaffirm the musical intelligence underpinning his ascent to international acclaim. His phrasing is poised and exquisitely shaped, illuminating the lyricism of the role. Renata Scotto, for her part, combines vocal warmth with a surprising degree of weight, offering a Mimì of rare dimensionality—tender yet grounded, her interpretation subtly shaded throughout. Vicente Sardinero proves a worthy counterpart, his full-bodied baritone matching the high caliber of his colleagues.
Track List
Act I
1. Questo Mar Rosso mi ammollisce e assidera
2. Legna!.. Sigarri!... Bordò!
3. Si può?... Chi è là?... Benoît!
4. Chi è là?... Scusi.... Una donna!
5. Che gelida manina!
6. Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì
7. O soave fanciulla
2. Legna!.. Sigarri!... Bordò!
3. Si può?... Chi è là?... Benoît!
4. Chi è là?... Scusi.... Una donna!
5. Che gelida manina!
6. Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì
7. O soave fanciulla
Act II
8. Aranci, datteri! Caldi i marroni!
9. Signorina Mimì, che dono raro le ha fatto il suo Rodolfo?
10. Ch'io beva del tossico!
11. Quando me'n vo'
12. Caro!... Fuori il danaro!
9. Signorina Mimì, che dono raro le ha fatto il suo Rodolfo?
10. Ch'io beva del tossico!
11. Quando me'n vo'
12. Caro!... Fuori il danaro!
Act III
13. Ohè, là, le guardie!... Aprite!...
14. Mimì?!... Speravo di trovarti qui.
15. Marcello. Finalmente! Qui niun ci sente.
16. Donde lieta uscì
17. Dunque è proprio finita?
14. Mimì?!... Speravo di trovarti qui.
15. Marcello. Finalmente! Qui niun ci sente.
16. Donde lieta uscì
17. Dunque è proprio finita?
Act IV
18. In un coupé?
19. O Mimì tu più non torni
20. Che ora sia?
21. Musetta!... C'è Mimì...
22. Vecchia zimarra, senti
23. Sono andati? Fingevo di dormire
24. Dorme?... Riposa
19. O Mimì tu più non torni
20. Che ora sia?
21. Musetta!... C'è Mimì...
22. Vecchia zimarra, senti
23. Sono andati? Fingevo di dormire
24. Dorme?... Riposa
BONUS
25. Che gelida manina – Luciano Pavarotti
La Bohème, Reggio Emilia, 1961 (OD 11630-2)
La Bohème, Reggio Emilia, 1961 (OD 11630-2)
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5.0
Based on 1 review
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Great Performance in Good Sound!
It was so easy to take Pavarotti and Scotto for granted. Here they are in what was probably a one-off performance for the Miami Opera circa 1972. Both singers were still in their 30s, their youthful lyricism developing into more mature artistry. Pavarotti sings gloriously, ascending confidently to the top C in his big aria and holding it with casual ease. More than that though his Rodolfo is heartfelt; he sounds genuinely broken when he discovers Mimi has died. Scotto imbues Mimi with many illuminating details. One can almost hear her thinking "If I can just make it to Spring I'll be all right." She rises to all the musical challenges, but it's the intimate moments that so distinguish her portrayal from others.Sardinero is an excellent Marcello. Sena's soprano is a little shrill on top, but never unpleasantly so. Perhaps she overdoes the laughter in Act 2, yet she's a lot more memorable than other Musettas I've heard. Darrenkamp is a first-rate Schaunard and Smith sings his Coat aria with true distinction. Foldi is a hilarious Benoit/Alcindoro. Buckley keeps his forces together very well and paces the opera with keen musicianship.The first bars of every act are missing, but the overall sound is very listenable, the voices heard clearly over the orchestra. Occasionally the Tapist gets a little fidgety, but settles down pretty quickly. The pitch of the tape is also correct.For all Boheme lovers or fans of the singers.
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