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Tosca
It is remarkable to consider that in the 1970s, performances of Tosca featuring the likes of Gwyneth Jones were more or less routine throughout Europe. By the time of this performance, Jones was well-established in Wagnerian roles, and she fully embraces the dramatic power required by the role of Tosca, unleashing her Wagnerian-sized voice whenever the drama demands it—something that occurs frequently throughout the opera. What is even more impressive, however, is her ability to scale back her voice for a beautifully controlled and impeccably sung "Vissi d'arte," showcasing a level of vocal finesse that contrasts with the sheer power of her other moments.
Wiesław Ochman brings a Germanic lyricism to the role of Cavaradossi, offering a finely nuanced interpretation that complements Jones's Tosca perfectly. The balance of vocal strength and expressiveness between the two creates an electrifying partnership, making this recording a memorable experience for any opera enthusiast.
Track List
Act I
1. Recondita armonia
2. Mario! Mario!... Son qui
3. Qual'occhio al mondo
2. Mario! Mario!... Son qui
3. Qual'occhio al mondo
Act II
4. Vissi d'arte
5. Vedi, le man giunte
5. Vedi, le man giunte
Act III
6. Mario Cavaradossi?... A voi!
7. E lucevan le stelle
8. Ah! franchigia a Floria Tosca
9. Senti; l'ora è vicina
10. Com'è lunga l'attesa
7. E lucevan le stelle
8. Ah! franchigia a Floria Tosca
9. Senti; l'ora è vicina
10. Com'è lunga l'attesa
BONUS
11. Don Ottavio, son morta.. Or sai chi l'onore
Don Giovanni. London, 1967
12. Tu che le vanità
Don Carlo. Wien, 1967
13. Qui Radamès verrà... O patria mia
Aida. Wien, 1973
Don Giovanni. London, 1967
12. Tu che le vanità
Don Carlo. Wien, 1967
13. Qui Radamès verrà... O patria mia
Aida. Wien, 1973
Customer Reviews
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4.0
Based on 2 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Too Bad the Entire Performance Isn't Here!
This disc of 40+ minutes of excerpts is very enjoyable although frustrating because one wants to hear the entire performance. We get:Act 1 - "Recondita armonia" and the following duet with Tosca Act 2 - "Vissi d'arte" through Spoletta's entrance (no murder scene)Act 3 - from the Jailor's "Mario Cavaradossi?" to the end of the operaAndy has filled the disc up with selections sung by Jones from Don Giovanni ("Don Ottavio, son morta!" through the end of "Or sai chi l'onore"), Don Carlos ("Tu che le vanita"), and Aida ("Qui Radames verra...O patria mia"). In all of them Dame Gwyneth shows her tremendous gifts. Many critics complained that her voice became squally after 1970 or so, but she proves them wrong here. "O patria mia" is sung with ease with an especially lovely rise to the treacherous top C, the final A floated with heavenly grace. Jones skills as a Verdi soprano are often forgotten because of her success in the leading Wagner and Strauss roles.The sound is very listenable. All Jones or Ochman fans should indulge!
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✓ Verified Buyer
TOSCA for collectors
We had already appreciated the couple Jones / Ochman at the Hamburg State Opera in the live DG of SALOME dating back to November 4, 1970. Here, mutatis mutandis, they reappear in excellent shape. Weikert's direction is attentive to the instrumental and harmonic details of the score. Mittelmann makes a very brief appearance after "Vissi d'arte". Soft and round sound recording (perhaps from the row of the boxes). Unavailable elsewhere. Thank you!
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