Tosca

Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924)

DESCRIPTION

This performance of Tosca finds Régine Crespin at a point in her career when she had complete command of her upper register, which she employs here with remarkable power to thrilling effect, while maintaining an uncompromised legato and, at times, exquisite delicacy.

Giuseppe Di Stefano is likewise in fine voice on this occasion, bringing his characteristic ardor and instinctive stylistic assurance to the role of Cavaradossi. Otakar Kraus delivers a Scarpia of exceptional menace without allowing the character to descend into a stock villain.

CAST

Tosca – Régine Crespin
Cavaradossi – Giuseppe Di Stefano
Scarpia – Otakar Kraus
Angelotti – David Kelly
Il Sagrestano – Forbes Robinson
Spoletta – Robert Bowman
Sciarrone – Victor Godfrey
Il Carceriere – Rhydwen Davis
Un Pastore – John Pyle

DETAILS

Location: London
Date: May 26, 1961
Conductor: Edward Downes
Catalogue Number: OD 12392-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono