Bergonzi

Advantages Dark, deep, emotion
Disadvantages Italian libretto

...reminds the listener that actors play a part and that they have real emotions and passions. He sings that the opera will present a "slice of life" with real laughter and tears. He shouts for the curtain to rise and the action to start. The leader of the travelling troupe, Canio (Carlo Bergonzi – tenor) announces that a play is to be performed that evening. After the show, the villagers invite Canio for a drink but teasingly warn him not to leave his wife, Nedda, alone with Tonio saying that he may seduce her in real life just like his character did in the play. Canio replies that his role in the play as a jealous husband was comedy but in real life this would result in tragedy. Thinking she is alone, his wife Nedda (Joan Carlyle – Soprano) reflects on her husband's jealousy and the possible risks rejoicing in the freedom enjoyed by wild... Read review

Advantages Zoe gets to rant about music
Disadvantages Zoe gets to rant about music

...only have to listen to the way that eloquent, intelligent woman delivers something like “Miss Otis Regrets” and I know that she (and the composer) have been touched by something higher. ONE YOU MOST REGRET BUYING That overhyped, brattish, spoilt so-called diva Angela Gheorghiu’s “Verdi Heroines” disc. Angela dear, you are not Maria Callas. You will never be touched by that kind of once a century gift. I’m ashamed to say I was ever taken in – there’s no HEART in your singing, for all your brilliance of tone and solid technique. I’m trying to sell it at present, but can’t seem to give it away, so it’s not just me. ONE YOU’VE BORROWED, BUT KEEP FORGETTING TO GIVE BACK My singing teacher before last’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” with Elena Suliotis and Carlo Bergonzi. I really should post it to him, I’ve had it for four years now... Read review

Advantages Classic Tebaldi, fine Bergonzi, wonderful Bastianini
Disadvantages perhaps a little slow

...This is one of the classic Puccini recordings. Renata Tebaldi recorded the role of Mimi twice in the studio. This, her second recording made in the lae 1950s with stereo sound is one of her best records. Her Mimi may not give us the insights of Maria Callas (who is less consistent vocally) or the charming Victoria de los Angeles (that soprano's voice being far smaller and less powerful than Tebaldi) but Tebaldi's assumption of the role is probably the finest sung on record. Her velvet voice can strike the high notes with huge power and next be breathtakingly sweet and soft. Her "Si, mi chiamino Mimi" is a classic of the gramophone. Carlo Bergonzi is her Rodolfo. His voice seems rather less focussed than say Pavarotti and Di Stefano but it is sweet and powerful and he is a fine stylist. Ettore Bastianini gives a warm voiced and powerful... Read review