Puccini

Tosca

Rysanek, Domingo, Adam; Erede
Wien, 1977

Regular price $17.95
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Tosca

Although slightly past her prime, Leonie Rysanek delivers a ferocious and deeply committed Tosca, refusing to hold back vocally or dramatically. Plácido Domingo, captured here in his absolute prime, is magnificent as Cavaradossi—his rendition of "E lucevan le stelle" so moving that even the typically reserved Viennese audience demanded an encore.

Theo Adam may seem an unusual choice for Scarpia, but he brings a surprising gravitas and a sinister nobility to the role that proves effective.

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3.5 Based on 2 reviews
5 ★ 0
4 ★ 1
3 ★ 1
2 ★ 0
1 ★ 0
Martin R.✓ Top Reviewer

Slovenia

Overall rating

Nice Tosca

Domingo is excellent (one of reasons for four stars). Rysanek ok, but nothing special. It is interesting to hear Adam as Scarpia. I liked conducting of Erede.
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Exciting Performance, Muddy Sound

I was a bit disappointed in this performance. Rysanek gives her all as usual, but doesn't sound like she was in her best voice the night this was recorded. The top C's are there, but just (I don't think she sings the one in the offstage cantata). Elsewhere she sounds short of breath. She unleashes a fine volley of drama in the final scene and gets off a great "O Scarpia, avanti a Dio!". But she's heard to better overall effect elsewhere (there's a 1983 Australian Tosca that's much better).At this stage of his career, Domingo still sings like he cares and is asked for an encore of "E lucevan". Adam isn't usually heard in this repertoire and he betrays his lack of familiarity with the score a few times, but generally he's quite imposing. He clearly wants a faster tempo for the end of Act One than Erede does. The supporting cast is very good, made up of Vienna State Opera regulars. Erede keeps thing moving.The sound is listenable and pitched correctly, but is a trifle muffled. Twice the sound veers disconcertingly into the right or left channel for a few minutes. Never is it stereo as listed above.For fans of the three principals.
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