Bizet: Carmen (Complete Opera recorded in 1958 & 1959)

Bizet: Carmen (Complete Opera recorded in 1958 & 1959) cover $80.00 Low Stock add to cart

GEORGES BIZET
Bizet: Carmen (Complete Opera recorded in 1958 & 1959)
Victoria de los Angeles, Nicolai Gedda, Janine Micheau / French National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham

[ Warner Classics Legendary Opera Recordings / 3 CD Box Set ]

Release Date: Friday 23 September 2016

This item is only available to us via Special Import.

"This classic Beecham set was originally welcomed in Gramophone with a glowing review from Philip Hope Wallace: 'I send up a loud "Ole".' It certainly stands the test of time, sparkling, swaggering and seducing in a way that is uniquely Beecham's. It now comes with brightened, freshened and clarified sound. Beecham's sensuous way with the orchestra is well matched by the soloists here...a spacious recording in which the atmospheric off-stage effects are vividly caught. What is so individual is the way that Beecham points rhythms to captivate the ear, as well as his persuasive moulding of phrases. I think, for example, of the sensuous way he coaxes the string phrase leading into the second half of the Don Jose/Micaela duet in Act 2, 'Parle-moi de ma mere!' In those qualities Beecham is delectably matched by Victoria de los Angeles in the title-role." (Gramophone)

The British conductor Sir Thomas Beecham was renowned for his interpretations of French repertoire. This Carmen was recorded in France with a Spanish singer - Victoria de los Angeles - as Bizet's gypsy; she exudes both charm and seduction.