Puccini - Madama Butterfly / Freni, Pavarotti, Ludwig, Wiener Phil., Karajan
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Free Music Notes for Puccini - Madama Butterfly / Freni, Pavarotti, Ludwig, Wiener Phil., Karajan
Free Music Review: Overblown and obvious
Hit: 1 Stars
After a "test drive" of some famous Butterflies (forgive the spelling), I see Callas and Scotto as the meaningful choices. I was nearly heartbroken during "Un bel di"---a good sign, to be sure. "Che tua madre" was very nicely done, as well. But by "Tu, tu, tu, piccolo iddio", I was heartbroken for yet another reason: I could barely HEAR Mirella Freni over the bombast.Please note that I do not blame the always-lovely, always moving Mirella Freni for this imbalance. Herbert von Karajan, once the master of balance, of taste, and of meaning, has at this point entered his "vielliard terrible" phase; and he ruthlessly, crudely drowns out his soprano in what should be the peak of the opera.
A major disappointment---so much so that I gave my set to a charity after owning it for only several days.
I continue to treasure my Scotto---straight through---and my Callas, from some point AFTER the duet with Gedda. My take is that Scotto declines slightly over the course of the opera in her mastery of it---while Callas builds to the point of utter hearbreak.
And I am still angry that Karajan did not let us hear what Freni might have accomplished in the final act, were she not swamped by his orchestral excess.
Free Music Review: The Only one to get
Hit: 5 Stars
I'll say it again. Like their Boheme, this is Freni/Pav in their prime, and the definitive version, IMHO. I, too, have been brought to tears many times, even though I could sing the score by heart. Especially the Sharpless/Suzuki/Pinkerton trio, "Io son..." You want to just grip your heart and sob, it's that visceral. Ok, I'm being a bit dramatic, but it's a great version. Pav is hot, Freni is gorgeous, and the orchestra, albeit a bit overwhelming in Boheme, hits the right tone in Butterfly. Listen to it straight through with your eyes closed.Free Music Review: Simply fabulous
Hit: 5 Stars
As other listeners have noted, this is an opera that stands or falls on its heroine. With this in mind, Karajan's recording must be ranked among the best. Pavarotti's Pinkerton, recorded during his prime, is fresh and youthful, and Christa Ludwig's Suzuki brings a lieder-singer's attention to the text (although Teresa Berganza on the Sinopoli recording outdoes her). But the reason for hearing this set is the magnificently sung Butterfly of Mirella Freni. While she may not have the sharpness or intensity of Renata Scotto, this is, bar none, the best-sung Butterfly on records. Butterfly's Entrance will never be better done than it is here (that high D-flat at the end is a little slice of paradise), and there are other moments that make the heart stand still. The recorded sound is ravishing, and Karajan conducts with soul and passion. Don't hesitate about the extra cost of this set -- it would still be a bargain at twice the price.Free Music Review: Wonderfully moving
Hit: 5 Stars
Madama Butterfly is the burst-into-tears opera par excellance, and often the better a recording is, the more you cry. I don't cry very often, but it happened after I heard this beautiful performance of this great opera. I thank Herbert von Karajan, Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti for making me cry and want to cry again.Free Music Review: A STUDY IN DETAIL
Hit: 5 Stars
The success of Madama Butterfly rests on the shouders of the soprano, more so than any other opera. While a well-sung Pinkerton, Suzuki or Sharpless are appreciated, it is the title role that people think of first. In this aspect, Mirella Freni has excelled. Her performance of Cio Cio San is almost legendary and this recording is a summation of her understanding and interpretation of the role and character. From the passion and love in the duet with Pinkerton to the wrath and despair of the finale, Freni shows us how plaiable her voice can be. Light and dreamy for one, and heavy and dramatic for another. Her "Dormi amor mio" sends chills down spines with its paralysing beauty. Pavarotti sings with ardent brilliance and splendour. His tone as always bright and ringing creates a Pinkerton that does not seem at at that heartless. Ludwig's sensitively potrayed Suzuki complete with the "voice" lend to the work an asset. Karajan, more so than for his recording with Callas, takes a leisurely and unhurried stroll down the trial and tribulations of Cio Cio San, giving a most beautifully performed Butterfly. One point to note however, is that the CD is on three discs and thereby, is dearer. However with such a recording, the extra disc is worth every cent.