BaL 15.02.25 - Puccini: La bohème

[Roger Webb]

There are passages in the first act of Die Walkure where, no matter how many years go by and how many times I hear it in the original German, I still hear Andrew Porter’s translation in my head - every time. It never goes away and never loses its power.

Not only The Valkyrie (sic!) but from Woglinde's 'Weia! Waga!, wandering waters, lulling our cradle!' to Hagan's 'Give back the Ring!' I hear Porter's translation inside my head too! In spite of getting to know the Solti first, but studying ENO/Goodall in preparation for seeing WNO/Armstrong's wonderful Ring...first in separate parts and then the complete Ring in 10 days. One of the Valkyries was conducted in Cardiff's New Theatre by Goodall. Bernard Levin enthused about this performance as one of the greatest he'd ever witnessed....and he'd seen a few!!

[Master Jacques]

I fear that I'd be thinking of Anna Russell instead.

Inevitably so!

[Barbirollians]

I find I have two others which to my shame I had forgotten about as some less played operas sets live in the attic - both the Pappano and Chailly sets which share Alagna.

The Chailly is interesting - his tempi are a bit quick for me but he justifies them in the booklet . Despite fine singing it just lacks a bit of heart for me .

must listen to Pappano again.

[Pulcinella]

Bumping in preparation for this afternoon's edition.
Which Rodolfo is best suited to warm Mimi's frozen hand?

[Cockney Sparrow]

Bumping in preparation for this afternoon's edition.
Which Rodolfo is best suited to warm Mimi's frozen hand?

I've read this thread with interest. I remember in my twenties listening to the Beecham vinyl discs with the libretto/translation; I cannot imagine Jussi Bjorling ever being supplanted in my estimation in this role (or as an tenor, generally, in his repertoire). Since then I have collected recordings of him, and latterly joined the J_B_Society (US).

Of course, I will to listen to other recordings. At present the occasional refresher in the opera house largely (including the final run of the Copley production at the ROH) fulfils my need to enjoy this work.

[Roger Webb]

I've read this thread with interest. I remember in my twenties listening to the Beecham vinyl discs with the libretto/translation; I cannot imagine Jussi Bjorling ever being supplanted in my estimation in this role (or as an tenor, generally, in his repertoire). Since then I have collected recordings of him, and latterly joined the J_B_Society (US).

Of course, I will to listen to other recordings. At present the occasional refresher in the opera house largely (including the final run of the Copley production at the ROH) fulfils my need to enjoy this work.

My thoughts on the Bjorling...it was my first recording on SLS 896 and I still have it. But.....I have a lot of time for Pavarotti/Freni/Karajan 421 049 2 - I didn't have to look up the number of this as it was a best-seller, especially at Xmas!

Wasn't Pavarotti in the early runs of the Copley production?...in fact I think he lodged in the Copley household whilst in London.

[Alison]

And I suspect Flora is one of Andrew’s favourites.

[Pulcinella]

And I suspect Flora is one of Andrew’s favourites.

Well at least he's not interrupting her with his own agenda (so far).

[Ein Heldenleben]

Inevitable it would come down to Pappano v Beecham. Got a problem with Pappano in that the two times I tried to see Georghiu in Boheme she cancelled. Also there is no comparison with Bjorling…

[Wolfram]

Inevitable it would come down to Pappano v Beecham. Got a problem with Pappano in that the two times I tried to see Georghiu in Boheme she cancelled. Also there is no comparison with Bjorling…

I agree with all you say here. But I do like Pappano for just the reasons that FW chose it: Pappano does treat it as an ensemble piece and it really benefits from being played that way. I really enjoyed this BaL.

As for Georghui, she didn’t cancel on the evening that I went. However, the performance nearly came a cropper; as the opening refrain started, the curtain began to rise, only to get stuck half way. It took 15 minutes for the ROH technical staff to sort it out. It was most amusing to watch Alagna and the Marcello - I forget who the singer was - fooling about in their garret under a half raised curtain, waiting for it to get resolved. Which, thankfully, it did.

[Ein Heldenleben]

I agree with all you say here. But I do like Pappano for just the reasons that FW chose it: Pappano does treat it as an ensemble piece and it really benefits from being played that way. I really enjoyed this BaL.

As for Georghui, she didn’t cancel on the evening that I went. However, the performance nearly came a cropper; as the opening refrain started, the curtain began to rise, only to get stuck half way. It took 15 minutes for the ROH technical staff to sort it out. It was most amusing to watch Alagna and the Marcello - I forget who the singer was - fooling about in their garret under a half raised curtain, waiting for it to get resolved. Which, thankfully, it did.

In fifty years I’ve never seen that happen at Covent Garden. Not sure it was even mentioned but I’m a big fan of the Serafin EMI La Boheme with the utterly magnificent Ettore Bastianini as Marcello. I think he had one of the greatest baritone voices of the 20th century. Greater even than Milnes and that’s saying something . The set also has the very considerable merit of Tebaldi and Bergonzi .
I think I’ve got all three plus Karajan and weirdly a Colin Davis set on Philips .

[Barbirollians]

Inevitable it would come down to Pappano v Beecham. Got a problem with Pappano in that the two times I tried to see Georghiu in Boheme she cancelled. Also there is no comparison with Bjorling…

Vaduva not Gheorghiu is the soprano in the Pappano - AG made a version with Chailly shortly after .

If it was your only version Pappano would be fine but it’s no match for Beecham or HVK .

Willson has chosen some shockers in the past - her dreadful Das Lied and magic Flute BALs in particular .At least it seems she chose a reasonably good version this time.

I would, however, struggle with a version as first choice where the soprano is nowhere near a match for de Los Angeles. Freni, Tebaldi or Callas or indeed Gheorghiu.

[Barbirollians]

In fifty years I’ve never seen that happen at Covent Garden. Not sure it was even mentioned but I’m a big fan of the Serafin EMI La Boheme with the utterly magnificent Ettore Bastianini as Marcello. I think he had one of the greatest baritone voices of the 20th century. Greater even than Milnes and that’s saying something . The set also has the very considerable merit of Tebaldi and Bergonzi .
I think I’ve got all three plus Karajan and weirdly a Colin Davis set on Philips .

Serafin’s La Boheme was Decca surely not EMI ?

[Pulcinella]

Recommended version:
Roberto Alagna (Rodolfo)
Leontina Vaduva (Mimi)
Thomas Hampson (Marcello)
Simon Keenlyside (Schaunard)
Samuel Ramey (Colline)
Ruth Ann Swenson (Musetta)
Philharmonia Orchestra
Antonio Pappano (conductor)
Warner Classics 9029573751

[Wolfram]

In fifty years I’ve never seen that happen at Covent Garden. Not sure it was even mentioned but I’m a big fan of the Serafin EMI La Boheme with the utterly magnificent Ettore Bastianini as Marcello. I think he had one of the greatest baritone voices of the 20th century. Greater even than Milnes and that’s saying something . The set also has the very considerable merit of Tebaldi and Bergonzi .
I think I’ve got all three plus Karajan and weirdly a Colin Davis set on Philips .

Isn’t the Serafin a Decca recording. I think it was Jeremy Sam’s top choice back in the late 90’s. A great version that didn’t get a mention yesterday.

Sorry - just seen that Barbirollians has got there before me.